top of page
255053603_1784422421756254_7805419353579008325_n.jpg

Discover Tasmania the way it was meant to be explored — behind the wheel, at your own pace.

 

A self-drive journey gives you the freedom to uncover the island’s spectacular landscapes, charming towns, and hidden gems whenever inspiration strikes. With short driving distances, well-maintained roads, and breathtaking scenery around every corner, Tasmania is one of the world’s most rewarding road-trip destinations.

From the moment you leave the city, the adventure begins. Follow winding coastal roads to pristine white-sand beaches, drive through ancient rainforests, or climb into dramatic mountain landscapes where fresh air and sweeping views await. Along the way, you can pause in welcoming country towns, sample fresh local produce, meet passionate artisans, and experience Tasmania’s renowned food and wine culture.

A self-drive holiday also allows you to discover places many travellers miss. Stop at scenic lookouts, wander along quiet walking trails, or watch for native wildlife that often appears beside the road. With so much diversity packed into one island, every day’s drive brings something new.

john & anna.jpg

Meet The Team - 

Say G'Day to Anna and John Donovan. The father and daughter team behind Drive Car Hire. The company was founded by John, a former mechanic and car salesman who, in 1983, recognised a unique opportunity for an independent car rental service in Tasmania. To this day, John channels his love of motoring and passion for the island into curating a diverse fleet that caters to every kind of traveller exploring Tasmania. He believes Tasmania boasts some of the world’s most scenic driving routes and takes great pleasure in helping visitors discover them. 

  

Anna returned to Tasmania in 2017 after a decade in London, intending a "short stint" in the family business. However, the chance to showcase Tasmania to the world each day ignited a deep passion. Now as General Manager, Anna leads the company’s growth, driven by her enthusiasm for promoting road trips around this remarkable island. She is committed to ensuring that Drive Car Hire delivers exceptional service to enhance each visitor’s experience of Tasmania. 

Driving In Tasmania - 

Tasmania is a drivers destination.  Whilst comparatively smaller than other Australian states, our island's varied terrain and landscapes make for the perfect driving holiday. There are very few freeways, our roads are well-maintained and traffic is relatively light.

As with all driving trips allow plenty of time. You'll never be covering vast distances but frequent photos stops will all ways add to the journey!

Tasmanian roads can be winding and steep, especially on the east and west coasts.  Besides this, you will find many tempting spots to stop and explore along the way!

When planning your itinerary you will see roads categorised as A,  B or C:

·      A roads are major sealed highways

·      B roads are secondary sealed roads

·      C roads are often unsealed

Unseland roads, of course require extra care.  Be aware that rental agreements contain special conditions in relation to unsealed roads.  

 

During the winter months, and occasionally spring, highland roads may become icy and snow is possible.  Please take the usual safety precautions and, if in doubt, discuss the driving conditions with us.

For information on driving times check the Tourism Tasmania website, here. 

Road Trip Suggestions - 

Tasmania is home to some truly great road trips. Quiet roads, stunning scenery, dramatic mountain passes and our relatively small size make road tripping in Tasmanian an excellent option to see the very best of our state. Our friends at Tourism Tasmania have produced the itineraries below to help visitors experience Tasmanian on their own terms. 

For those wanting to plan a completely carbon-neutral trip, see Tasmania's extensive network of hydroelectric powered charging stations, here. 

alexia-francois-gfa0hnlke_q-unsplash.jpg

Heartlands

131014-56 (1).jpg

Southern

Edge

dsc04420.jpg

Western

Wilds

423777601_899157395543245_3465643958852971332_n.jpg
sgi_6616.jpg

compact vehicles - 4pax

Styling-B-1536-x-1086-2-1-768x543.webp

4 Pax

Apple/Andriod

2 x Small

Auto Transmission

Sat Nav Included

Petrol/Hybrid

Suzuki Swift Hybrid Hatch AUTO

0jq38u916n3qk5svgn0w9cwrb.jpg

4 Pax

Apple Car Play

2 x Small

Auto Transmission

No Sat Nav

Petrol

MG3 Core Hatchback AUTO

*Vehicle photos for illustrative purposes only. Exact vehicle may differ on collection

img_7276 copy.jpg

medium vehicles - 5 pax

hyundai-kona-base-23.webp

5 Pax

Apple/Andriod

1 Large, 2 Small

Auto Transmission

No Sat Nav

Petrol

Hyundai Kona

231124_Toyota-Rav4-XSE-Hybrid_Still-6.webp

5 Pax

Apple/Andriod

3 Large, 2 Small

Auto Transmission

No Sat Nav

Petrol/Hybrid

Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid

neci_tas_drivetasvanbone_db_all-168.jpeg

5 Pax

No Apple/Android

2 large, 2 small

Auto Transmission

Sat Nav

Fully Electric

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

*Vehicle photos for illustrative purposes only. Exact vehicle may differ on collection

toyota rav4.jpg

large vehicles - 7-8 pax

Nissan-X-Trail-ST-L-HERO-16x9-1.webp

7 Pax

Apple/Andriod

2 Large, 2 Small

Auto Transmission

No Sat Nav

Petrol

Nissan X-Trail ST

KiaSorentoPHEV_02.jpg

7 Pax

Apple/Andriod

2 Large, 2 Small

Auto Transmission

No Sat Nav

Diesel

Kia Sorento

Kia-Carnival-Platinum-Diesel-HERO-16x9-1.webp

8 Pax

Apple/Android

4 large, 2 small

Auto Transmission

Sat Nav

Diesel

Kia Grand Carnival

*Vehicle photos for illustrative purposes only. Exact vehicle may differ on collection

contact - admin@thetasmaniantrip.com
               +44 7826 348 964 (Inc WhatsApp) 


 

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their unbroken custodianship of lutruwita (Tasmania).

We honour the uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these lands and waterways, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement.

we are truly grateful to call this land - unceded land - our home and acknowledge our responsibility to present to our visitors Tasmania's deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Photography courtesy of Tourism Tasmania, Rob Burnett, Andrew Wilson, Poon Wai Nang, Mitch Osborne, Luke Tscharke, Adam Gibson ,Dearna Bond

Jasper Da Seymour, Oscar Sloane, Dearna Bond, Chris Rerar, Sean Scott, Pete Harmsen, Stu Gibson, Jason Charles Hill, Emilie Ristevski, 

bottom of page