Hiring a Car vs Public Transport When Visiting Tasmania

Being the southernmost of the Australian states, Tasmania is a hub for globe-trotters. The island, a treasure trove of untouched wilderness, rocky coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities, has something to offer every type of traveller. But an extremely crucial decision faces you as you organise your Tasmanian trip – do you hire a car or take public transport? Our guide weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative to facilitate a wise decision.

The Case for Renting a Car

The best benefit of Tasmania car rental is probably the unparalleled freedom it affords. To have a car to yourself is to make your own independent travel itinerary, stopping when and where you want. Tasmania is packed with out-of-the-way places—such as Freycinet National Park or Cradle Mountain—most conveniently reached by car. Public transit to these natural wonders doesn’t exist, which makes a drive yourself car your top choice.

In addition, car-ownership removes the constraints of bus or ferry timetables. It’s perfect for last-minute detours, such as an impromptu visit to a nearby winery or an impromptu pause at the Bay of Fires to watch the sun set. If meandering discovery and going off the beaten track are your thing, using Launceston airport car hire is a revelation.

All their benefits notwithstanding, cars have some disadvantages. Renting a car is pricey, at least when adding fuel and insurance to the rental fee. Driving in crowded urban areas like Hobart or Launceston is a hassle and can be pricey too. Coupled with this is the trauma of navigating Tasmania’s curvaceous roads and adapting to left-hand driving that can be traumatic for foreign travellers, particularly.

The Case for Public Transit

Tasmanian public transport is cheaper than hiring a car. Ferries and buses are quite inexpensive, and therefore this mode of transport becomes highly appealing to tourists who would rather keep travel expenses low and spend money on other things like eating out, tours, and accommodation. Public transport also reduces your carbon footprint—a bonus for the eco-friendly tourist who would rather travel in Tasmania in an eco-friendly manner.

Cities such as Hobart and Launceston have good bus networks, so it is easy to get to city-based attractions, cultural attractions, and local restaurants. If your preference is to be in the midst of city life and confine your adventures to city precincts, public transport easily exceeds the requirement.

Yet, public transport has limitations. Trains and bus schedules dictate your route, and the slightest hold-up disrupts your plans. To those holiday-makers attracted by Tasmania’s rugged and off-grid holiday spots, there is yet one more challenge from public transport—it will not service out-of-the-way destinations like Bruny Island or Tarkine Rainforest. Segregated systems complicate travelling to some of the most impressive island destinations on anything but a back-up arrangement.

The second important factor to consider is freedom. Using public transport, rather than driving, is less spontaneous. Being forced to stick to set timetables can also mean cutting down on the amount of time you’d prefer to spend bush walking or discovering a secluded beach.

Your Ideal Tasmanian Travel Mode?

Choosing the best mode of transport is based on your Tasmania travel plan. If your dream holiday involves remote scenery and a personally designed itinerary, car rental is likely your best choice. However, if visiting city sights or being on a budget is your plan, public transport does the trick quite well.

Regardless of your preference, Tasmania guarantees a full trip with nature and indigenous flavour. Want to craft the ultimate travel plan? Combine this guide with your plan to maximise your Tasmanian excursion.