Tasmania Transportation

Tasmania has three principal gateways: the Hobart Airport, the Launceston Airport , and the Devonport Airport. Take a flight or, if you want an adventure, take the Spirit of Tasmania overnight ferry to Devonport or the Devilcat ferry to George Town Port in Launceston. Flying is certainly cheaper, but taking the ferry is a unique experience, complete with pubs on board the ship.

Getting around the island on a budget is a bit of a challenge. There is no rail network, and the main bus lines—Redline and TWT’s Tassielink—are expensive, limited, and infrequent. Tassielink offers Explorer Passes, which are worth the investment when using their buses as a touring service (7 days $189, 10 days $225, 14 days $260, 21 days $299). On the bright side, many hostel managers offer reasonably priced shuttles and tours on a call-and-request basis. Seek local recommendations and check out hostel information boards.

The most popular way to travel in Tasmania is by car. Gateway cities host major national chains and many small companies offering cheaper, older cars, but they are often fully booked during the summer. Visitors unaccustomed to Tassie’s narrow, winding roads should drive cautiously. Check with the rental company on its policy regarding unsealed roads; some prohibit driving on them altogether, others increase the liability excess. Four-wheel-drive vehicles, necessary for some of Tassie’s backroads, come with better insurance policies on unsealed roads. Be aware that hidden speed cameras line roads. Petrol is rare outside towns, and even in urban areas petrol stations tend to close around 5pm. It’s advisable to take spare containers of petrol to avoid getting stranded, as well as extra water in case you can’t avoid getting stranded.

Biking is a satisfying alternative in Tasmania, especially on the more accessible east coast of the island. Attempting to cycle the west is only for the strong-hearted and iron-thighed, as serious hills, unsealed roads, and cloudy, chilly weather will deter everyone else. The three major gateway cities have bike-rental outfits catering to touring, but gear will rarely be found elsewhere.

Hiking is the reason many travelers come to Tasmania, but it will not get you around the island unless you’re planning on taking to the wilderness for many months. Some trailheads are serviced by public buses, but for most hikes you’ll need a rental car or a tour bus to drop you off.

Tours also make seeing Tassie easy and enjoyable, allowing travel to places otherwise inaccessible. Adventure Tours (☎03 4124 9943; www.ozhorizons.com.au/tas/hobart/adventure/tour.htm; 3-day $440, 6-day $795, 7-day $810) and Under Down Under Tours (☎1800 064 726; www.underdownunder.com.au; 1-day $95-110, 3-day $410, 5-day $645, 8-day $925) offer touring options that include bookings for accommodations and meals, are geared toward a party crowd, and focus on ecotourism. Most tours leave from Hobart.