Tasmania is made for a campervan. The beaches of Freycinet and the Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, the wild west coast and plenty of food and wine stops are all within a few hours' drive of each other. Pick up a campervan or motorhome in Hobart or Launceston, or bring a van across on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Pick up in Hobart or Launceston
Campervan hire Hobart
Tasmania's harbour capital, in the south
- Best for
- Starting a full loop, the east coast, Port Arthur and Mount Wellington
- Popular trips
- Tasmania loop (7 to 10 days), Hobart to Freycinet and Launceston (4 to 5 days), Hobart to Queenstown on the Lyell Highway (2 days)
Campervan hire Launceston
The north, close to Cradle Mountain
- Best for
- Cradle Mountain, the Tamar Valley and the Bay of Fires
- Popular trips
- Launceston to Cradle Mountain, Launceston to Hobart via Freycinet, Launceston to the Bay of Fires
A Tasmania loop by campervan
Seven to ten days takes in the east coast, Launceston, Cradle Mountain and the west coast. Tasmania's roads are winding, so allow more time than the distances suggest.
1. Hobart to Freycinet
About 2.5 to 3 hours, around 190 km
North up the east coast to Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay.
2. Freycinet to the Bay of Fires
About 2 to 2.5 hours, around 170 km
White sand and orange lichen-covered granite near St Helens.
3. Bay of Fires to Launceston
About 2.5 hours, around 160 km
Inland through farmland to the Tamar Valley.
4. Launceston to Cradle Mountain
About 2.5 hours, around 150 km
Dove Lake and some of Tasmania's best walks.
5. Cradle Mountain to Strahan
About 3 hours, around 150 km
The wild west coast and the Gordon River.
6. Strahan to Hobart
About 4.5 hours, around 300 km
Back via Queenstown, Nelson Falls and the Lyell Highway.
Read the full Tasmania loop itinerary
Ferry or fly in?
Fly in and hire in Tasmania
The simplest option for most trips
- How
- Fly to Hobart or Launceston and pick up your van there
- Good for
- Trips of up to two or three weeks, and travellers from interstate or overseas
- Watch for
- One-way fees if you drop off in the other city
Bring a van on the Spirit of Tasmania
Geelong to Devonport
- How
- Book a vehicle space on the ferry from Geelong, near Melbourne, to Devonport
- Good for
- Longer trips that start on the mainland
- Watch for
- Most hire companies need written permission before a van goes on a ferry, and some don't allow it. Gas bottles must be turned off for the crossing. Book early for summer.
What does campervan hire in Tasmania cost?
Prices change daily, so search your dates above for today's price. As a guide, the season makes the biggest difference:
Summer: December to February
Highest prices
The best weather and the busiest time, especially in school holidays. Book early.
Autumn and spring
Lower prices
March to May and September to November: milder weather, autumn colours and fewer crowds.
Winter: June to August
Lowest prices
Cold nights and snow in the high country. Choose a van with heating.
Also budget for fuel, campsites and a Tasmanian national parks pass, and the ferry fare if you bring a van across.
Tasmania campervan hire questions
Where can I hire a campervan in Tasmania?
You can pick up a campervan or motorhome in Hobart or Launceston. Compare what's available for your dates in the search above.
How many days do you need to drive around Tasmania?
Seven to ten days covers a loop of the east coast, Launceston, Cradle Mountain and the west coast. Four or five days suits one region, such as Hobart to Freycinet and Launceston.
Is it cheaper to fly to Tasmania and hire a campervan there?
For most trips of up to two or three weeks, flying in and hiring in Hobart or Launceston is simpler and usually cheaper than bringing a van on the ferry. For longer trips that start on the mainland, the ferry can make sense.
Can I take a hire campervan on the Spirit of Tasmania?
It depends on the company. Most need written permission before a van goes on a ferry, and some don't allow it, so check before you book the crossing.
When is the best time for a Tasmania campervan trip?
December to March has the warmest weather. Autumn and spring are quieter and cheaper. Winter is cold, with snow in the high country.