Tasmania Local Transportation

Public Transportation: Metro city buses (☎03 13 22 01) run through Hobart and the suburbs daily 6am-10pm. Purchase tickets on board ($2-4, depending on the number of route sectors you plan on traveling through). Exact change is required. The Metro Shop, 9 Elizabeth St., in a corner of the post office, has a complete (and free) timetable, as does www.metrotas.com.au. Open M-F 8:30am-5:15pm.

Busy Buses. Check in with the tourist office before attempting to get anywhere by public bus. Hobart is very well served by local transport, but the many bus lines are confusing, and the timetables change between December and February, when schools are out for the summer holiday. The tourist office can get you on your way and, if you’re going to the Cascade Brewery or Cadbury Factory, can ensure you make your tour on time.

Taxis: City Cabs (24hr. ☎03 13 10 08 or 03 6234 3633). City to airport $35-40.
Car Rental: Car-rental agencies are everywhere in Hobart, particularly along Harrington St., but advance bookings are required in summer. Low season rates run as low as $17 per day. Listed companies rent to ages 21-24 with no surcharge. Autorent Hertz, 122 Harrington St. (☎03 6237 1111). High season $55-85 per day, low season $40-70. Thrifty, 11-17 Argyle St. (☎03 6234 1341). Rentals from $59. Selective Car Rentals, 47 Bathurst St. (☎03 6234 3311 or 1800 300 102). High-season rentals from $55, low-season $25. Range/Lo-Cost, 105 Murray St. (☎03 6231 0300). Rents older cars, including minibuses and campervans, from $35. The tourist office has deals with Budget and Europcar, so if you’re interested in using either of those companies, book through the info center. Rentforless (www.rentforless.com.au) and Bargain Car Rentals (www.bargaincarrentals.com.au) are good websites to check for special deals.

You’Ll Drive Yourself Crazy. If you flattened all of the hills in Tasmania, the island’s area would be the same as that of mainland Australia. The bumpy topography makes for great hiking and challenging biking, but it also adds a certain dread to driving. Be extra careful cresting hills when you can’t see far ahead of the car; Tassie’s ubiquitous wildlife or speeding trucks may be waiting for you on the other side.

Automobile Club: RACT (☎03 6232 6300, 24hr. roadside help 03 13 11 11, insurance queries 03 13 27 22), at the corner of Murray and Patrick St. 1-year coverage $82, plus a $40 joining fee. Open M-F 8:45am-5pm.
Bike Rental: Derwent Bike Hire (☎03 6260 4426). Follow directions to the Botanical Gardens until you get to the Aquatic Centre, then follow the road downhill. Turn right under the underpass and right on the other side of the highway. Rents bikes, tandems, and in-line skates from $7 per hr., $20 per day, and $100 per week. Open Dec.-Mar. daily 10am-4pm; Sept.-May Sa-Su 10am-4pm.