Island road trip
Tasmania road-trip car rental
The short answer
Tasmania is made for a road trip - compact, wildly scenic, and easy to loop in a week. Rent a car in Hobart and circle the island's wilderness, historic towns and coastline at your own pace.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould2 sources ↓
Distance834 km (518 mi) loop
Driving time10 h 30 minest., no stops
Allow7-10 days
Right carAny car, sealed roads
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Drive times
| Leg | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Hobart → Port Arthur | est. 92 km | about 1 h 20 min |
| Hobart → Freycinet (Coles Bay) | est. 193 km | about 2 h 30 min |
| Launceston → Cradle Mountain | est. 142 km | about 2 h |
| Hobart → Kettering (Bruny Island ferry) | est. 32 km | about 30 min |
| Main loop Hobart → Freycinet → Launceston → Cradle Mountain → Hobart | est. 834 km | about 10 h 30 min |
Google Maps, no stops. The full loop including the west coast is roughly 1,200-1,400 km.
The drive
- The full loop from Hobart, including the west coast, is roughly 1,200–1,400 km, very doable over 7 to 10 days, with short daily drives between very different landscapes.
- Roads are sealed and quiet but often winding through hills and forest, so distances take longer than the map suggests - plan relaxed days, not big ones.
- Pick up (and return) in Hobart for a simple loop. The car and Tasmania stay on the island - our cars aren't taken across to the mainland.
Highlights along the way
- Freycinet and Wineglass Bay - the east coast's signature beaches and granite peaks.
- Cradle Mountain - the alpine heart of the island, a few hours north-west of Hobart.
- Port Arthur - the convict-era historic site on the Tasman Peninsula, close to Hobart.
- Launceston and the Tamar Valley - the north's city, gorge and wine country.
Related questions
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Quick answers
How long do you need for a Tasmania road trip?
Seven to ten days loops the island comfortably from Hobart - roughly 1,200–1,400 km for the full loop including the west coast, with short, scenic daily drives.
Do I need a 4WD to drive around Tasmania?
No - the main touring roads are sealed, so a comfortable mid-size car or small SUV is fine. Rental cars stay on sealed roads; gravel tracks aren't allowed in any rental car, 4WD included.
Can I take my rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
No: rental cars can't cross Bass Strait. Fly in and pick up in Hobart or Launceston; a one-way from Hobart to Launceston is offered.
Can I take my rental car to Bruny Island?
Yes. Damage while the car's on the ferry isn't covered.
Where's the best place to rent a car in Tasmania?
Hobart is the usual start and end of an island loop. Set Hobart as pickup and return when you search.
Sources
1Google MapsDistance and drive time, no stops, rounded to 15 minutes.maps · checked Oct 21, 2026
2Rental company termsRoads, ferries, one-way fees, night driving and kilometers, as shown on each booking.rental terms · checked Oct 21, 2026
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