If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, the spectacular island off the southern coast of Australia, you’ve two options to get there, by ferry from the port of Melbourne on the mainland or by flying into one of the island’s two main airports, Hobart or Launceston.

Hobart Airport, in the island’s capital city, is known as the gateway to Tasmania. With more than 2.8 million passengers passing through each year, it’s the largest and busiest airport on the island with the most international flights. Hobart is also Australia’s most southerly airport and the ninth busiest nationally with a growing number of domestic flights and destinations. Its daily connections to Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand make it a favourite choice for international tourists. The airport is the subject of a major growth programme with investment in new infrastructure including new lounges and an upgrade to its international runway that will further increase capacity.

If you are planning a trip to explore the natural wonders of Tasmania, the best way to see the island is by car and our friendly Avis team at Hobart Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter in the arrivals area within the terminal building at Hobart Airport. The Avis rental car park is easy to find just a short walk from the terminal entrance.

Hobart Airport is located in the suburb of Cambridge, 17.5km from the central business district of the capital city, a trip of around 21min depending on the time of day. From the Avis car park at Hobart Airport, head north west on Holyman Avenue and merge onto the A3 Tasman Highway in the direction of Hobart/Richmond crossing the Tasman Bridge over the River Derwent. After around 14.5km take the right lane turning onto Liverpool Street and head into the heart of the city.

As the capital of Tasmania, you’ll find Hobart a vibrant and dynamic city which combines a rich cultural heritage, art, history and creativity with an inspirational setting and appealing outdoor lifestyle. Set on the banks of the River Derwent and in the shadow of Mount Wellington, you can experience the best of city life one day and be climbing mountains or kayaking the next.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been captivated by the northern lights in the Northern Hemisphere, Hobart is one of the best places to experience the Aurora Australis or southern lights thanks in part to the city’s famously clean air.

While you are in Hobart, check out Battery Point, the historic, colonial era district with its impressive Georgian architecture, head to one of the stunning food markets, experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene at the Saturday art and craft market at Salamanca Place and sample the local seafood in one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants.

For a change of scene, take the ferry out to MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) and catch your breath in the city’s 200-year-old Royal Botanical Garden’s Australia’s leading cool climate garden.

As the capital of Tasmania, you’ll find Hobart a vibrant and dynamic city which combines a rich cultural heritage, art, history and creativity with an inspirational setting and appealing outdoor lifestyle. Set on the banks of the River Derwent and in the shadow of Mount Wellington, you can experience the best of city life one day and be climbing mountains or kayaking the next.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been captivated by the northern lights in the Northern Hemisphere, Hobart is one of the best places to experience the Aurora Australis or southern lights thanks in part to the city’s famously clean air.

While you are in Hobart, check out Battery Point, the historic, colonial era district with its impressive Georgian architecture, head to one of the stunning food markets, experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene at the Saturday art and craft market at Salamanca Place and sample the local seafood in one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants.

For a change of scene, take the ferry out to MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) and catch your breath in the city’s 200-year-old Royal Botanical Garden’s Australia’s leading cool climate garden.

Hobart is on the southern edge of Tasmania straddling the River Derwent estuary as it flows towards the Tasman Sea. Southern Tasmania is a region of remarkable scenic beauty with an abundance of nature and wildlife. It is also the location for some of Australia’s most impressive waterfalls.

Derwent Valley

Head west from Hobart along the B61 to explore the Derwent Valley. Aim for Derwent bridge in the central highlands and include a stop along the way at Mount Wellington. After enjoying the scenic drive along The Lyell Highway through the Wild Rivers National Park, head for a boat trip across the crystal clear waters of Lake St Clair, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The drive to Derwent of around 150km will take around 2.5hr.

Launceston

Drive north from Hobart along the National Highway 1 to Launceston on the north coast of the island and you are in for a treat. The city is home to the famous Cataract Gorge as well as the Queen Victoria Museum, a wealth of historical sites as well as impressive architecture. Along the northern coast, there are beautiful beaches to discover as well as the wineries of the Tamar Valley. The trip to Launceston from Hobart is 240km and will take around 2h50min. Alternatively, check out the Great Eastern Drive, a coastal route that will take you around 5 days.

Port Arthur

A coastal drive south and east of Hobart via the Tasman Highway A3 and Arthur Highway A9, will take you to Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage site albeit bearing the history of the convicts transported to one of Australia’s first penal colonies. This is a scenic drive and there are plenty of interesting sights to see along the way including Pirates Bay Lookout, the Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen, a remarkable rock formation on the coast. The drive of around 90km will take approximately 1hr20min.

If you are staying in the centre of Hobart, you’ll find the centre of the city walkable with a good bus network. However, to explore southern Tasmania and get the most out of your trip, you’ll find hiring a car one of the best ways to travel independently around the island. Hiring a car is also ideal if you are travelling to Hobart on business and need the flexibility and freedom of self-drive.

If you are travelling to Tasmania in the winter, be aware that snowfall in the south of the island is likely during June to August particularly in the Mount Wellington and central Highlands areas. Talk to our Avis rental team for advice and plan your route before you travel using GPS to navigate.

When you leave our location at Hobart Airport, remember that as in the rest of Australia, you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road.

It’s worth checking the driving rules in Australia before you arrive to pick up your hire car. But if you have any questions, you’ll find the rental team at Avis Hobart Airport are experts in the local area and ready to help you get the most from your driving experience with us.

Parking is plentiful in Hobart with a range of options from on-street parking to public and private car parks with short and long stay alternatives available in the centre of the city. For visitors staying in the city, many of the most popular hotels offer free parking but check availability before you travel.