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You have arrived, now where to go and how to get there quickly and easily!
Tasmania is deceptively big and getting around the island takes time and planning. Travelling to Tasmania, many come with the expectation of easy accessibility due to the 'small island' that we are. While we may be small on size we pack a big punch with the range of activities and sights around every corner that you will want to stop and see. Our wild and natural landscapes make for your most memorable driving experiences, and the breadth and scope of the natural environment will have you wanting to slow down and take your time to stop and smell the freshest air in the world... Seriously!
Driving is perhaps the best and certainly the most efficient way of getting around Tasmania. Cars, Caravans and Motorbikes can be brought over on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service from Melbourne or can be hired before your arrival and picked up from the airport and in city centres.
Hire cars and campervans do book out early for peak tourist seasons; the summer school holiday period between December and February, and during the Dark Mofo winter festival, so it is a good idea to book in advance.
Please contact us to arrange a quote.
Driving is a great way to experience the changing landscape and rich variety of Tasmania's natural wonders. Remember that Tasmania is a state full of natural wonders, scenic coastlines and beautiful vistas so you won’t run out of destinations, diversions and things to see and do.
While taking the time to slow down and enjoy the passing scenery, care should be taken while navigating our mountain regions and our winter period due to icy roads and should be driven with extra care.
If you are travelling between dusk and dawn please be cautious of our local wildlife as the unfortunate truth is sometimes trying to avoid an animal while driving isn’t safe.
Tasmania is home to many off-road forestry roads – these should only be attempted by experienced drivers in an appropriate vehicle and always ask for local advice before using them. Find out more on the Department of State Growth website.
Be aware that dusk and dawn is when many of our native animals such as quolls and devils are more active, therefore there is more risk of hitting a wild animal if travelling in remote areas during these times. Many of our native animals are nocturnal, which means that they come out at night and are more at risk of death on our roads.
If driving during this time, especially during sunset, or sunrise, slow down and stay aware. If you do see an animal on the road, don’t swerve, but brake carefully if it is safe to do so. For information for what to do for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, go here.
You can fly over Tasmania for a unique birds-eye view of our spectacular wilderness. Whether you're flying from Hobart to Strahan, or over to King Island, on a clear day you can see how our landscape was formed by ice age glaciers and twisting rock formations. Small planes are also popular with walkers of the south-west track, flying into Melaleuca on a regular service with Par Avion and walking the six-day trek back to Cockle Creek in the state's south.
Helicopters are also regular sight across the state, providing a myriad of holiday options. From a 15 minute flight over Port Arthur and Tasman Island or dropping you at your luxury accommodation or remote islands off the east coast of Tasmania, there is a flight suited to your ideal holiday. Finally, Hobart's seaplane service, Above and Beyond, can take you to several coastal locations as well as to Lake St Clair.
Search here, or contact us for a range of accredited tour and charter flight operators to help plan your visit to Tasmania.
Metro Tasmania offers regular bus services in Tasmania’s major centres, including Hobart, Burnie and Launceston. To find out more, download the bus timetables and route maps on the Metro Tasmania website or download the free Metro Tas App at:
App Store (for iOs devices)
Google Play (for Android devices).
The network of bus services throughout Tasmania including Tassielink, Redline and Area Connect coach services offer the most extensive services throughout Tasmania and are our only forms of public transport. Transport to and around Tasmania's regional and rural areas, including our iconic tourist destinations, can be organised providing you have some flexibility in your schedule and be prepared to stay overnight to make connections to regional areas. If you have an idea of what you would like to include in your itinerary but need assistance mapping it out, contact us or visit the Tassielink and Redline websites for more information.
Cycling is an increasingly popular way to see some parts of Tasmania. Popular routes include the east coast, Tasman Peninsula, Huon Valley, Bruny Island or the Tasmanian Trail. Bicycles can also be hired to sightsee around the major cities. Visit the Bicycle Network Tasmania website for more information.
Image credits: Flow Mountain Bike (Touring – Queenstown), Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman (Echidna Tachyglossus Aculeatus - Flinders Island), Tourism Australia and Grahan Freeman (Melaleuca airstrip - Par Avion Wilderness Tours: South West Half Day Tour)
