Car Rental in Launceston

Why rent a car in Launceston?

The second-largest city of Tasmania is home to just 85,000 people but has more than its fair share of delights. These include unique architecture, interesting museums, city festivals, and scenic nature nearby. Launceston can also serve as a hub for exploring the rest of northern Tasmania. 

Top ways to enter Launceston

• Launceston Airport: The main airport of northern Tasmania, it handled nearly 1.4 million travelers in 2019. The airport offers flights to the largest Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as nearby islands like Flinders, King, and Cape Barren. Located 15 km (9.3 miles) southeast of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 15 minutes.
• Devonport Airport: Serving the North Tasmanian city of the same name, Devonport Airport only has flights to and from Melbourne. Located some 100 km (62 miles) from Launceston, the airport can be reached in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Hobart Airport: The largest airport in Tasmania has flights to and from some locations that Launceston Airport doesn’t serve like the national capital Canberra and Perth in Western Australia. Located 190 km (118 miles) south of Launceston, Hobart takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach by car.

Top sights and activities

• Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. The largest museum in Australia that’s not located in a state capital, QVMAG is one of the main attractions of the city. Celebrating its 130th birthday in 2021, this vast museum has collections of everything from European and Australian art to local history and natural history, as well as a planetarium and a fully-preserved Chinese temple that was built by the Chinese miners who worked in the city in the 19th century.
• Cataract Gorge. One of the most famous natural wonders in Tasmania, the Cataract is a scenic river gorge just outside of the center of Launceston. Famous for the Alexandra suspension bridge which crosses it and the longest chairlift in the world, the gorge also has beaches that are good for swimming, walking tracks, playgrounds, and everything else for a pleasant and relaxing day outdoors. 
• Tasmania Zoo. One of the most popular tourist landmarks of Tasmania’s second-largest city, the zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals. Perhaps even more importantly, it runs several critically important conservation programs for the local Australian fauna, including one focused on the preservation of the iconic (but threatened) Tasmanian devil. Other unique local species that visitors can observe and learn more about include koalas, Australian king parrots, and Tasmanian ringtail possums.

Traffic and parking

• One of the largest road hazards in Australia is the wildlife. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather or after dark as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife take place.
• Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in rural areas.
• Another great risk when traveling off of the main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and plan your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies.
• Laws concerning driving under the influence differ from territory to territory in Australia. In Tasmania, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licenses. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver’s license ban.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. There are no toll roads on Tasmania.

Most toll roads in Australia use an open toll system with mainline barrier toll points. All toll roads in Australia use a cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with electronic transponders, the price of which may or may not be included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance. 

Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nation-wide system in place.

Ideas for day trips

• Tamar Valley. Another popular scenic area just a short drive from Launceston, Tamar Valley is best known as a destination for wine. If you’re traveling with a friend who can drive, sampling local beverages is a must; but even if you can’t, visiting the wineries is still a fun experience. The valley is also home to the Tamar River Conservation Area, a wetlands preserve that’s a prime bird-watching spot.

Further destinations

• Bridestowe Lavender Estate. The World’s largest privately owned lavender field, Bridestowe Lavender Estate encompasses an area of 260 acres. The estate is over 100 years old and grows French Lavender used in perfumes and cosmetics, but also food. lavender-flavored ice cream is served in the little coffee shop.
• Bay of Fires. Whilst turquoise white sand beaches are mostly associated with mainland Australia, you will be absolutely amazed at the fine white sand in the Bay of Fires on the East Coast of Tasmania. It squeaks underneath one's feet when walking on it. The Bay of Fires stretches between Binanlong Bay and Eddystone point and is known for its orange-hued granite rocks scattered across the beach.

Car rental prices in Launceston

• SUVs - from $19 per day
• Medium cars - from $17 per day
• Large cars - from $19 per day
• Premium cars - from $54 per day
• Small cars - from $48 per day
• Vans - from $55 per day
• Station wagons - from $78 per day