Getting there & Getting around

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World Wild Hearts

World Wild Hearts

Tasmania, Australia

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HOW TO GET TO TASMANIA

FLIGHT

You can fly into Hobart or Launceston from most cities in Australia. International flight do not service Hobart (except for Auckland, NZ) or Launceston so you will most likely have to fly to the mainland and then onto Tasmania. Flight from Sydney take about 2 hours and you can get pretty cheap flights with the likes of Jetstar.

FERRY

You can also catch the ferry over, Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport which takes between 9-11 hours and usually goes overnight. The ferry prices range greatly depending on dates, type of vehicle and number of passengers but it starts at about $300 for a car one way.

HOW TO GET AROUND TASMANIA

Car Hire

Pros:

  • Cost-effective for short trips and hotel stays: If you're only visiting for a week or less and prefer staying in hotels, B&Bs, or other fixed accommodations, a car rental is likely more cost-effective.

  • Wider range of accommodation options: You have the flexibility to choose from various hotels, guesthouses, and self-contained apartments, allowing for more luxurious or unique stays.

  • Easier to navigate smaller roads and city centers: Cars are generally smaller and more agile, making them easier to drive and park in towns, cities, and on some of Tasmania's narrower, winding roads.

Cons:

  • Accommodation costs add up: The biggest drawback is the additional cost of nightly accommodation, which can quickly exceed the cost of a campervan, especially for longer trips.

  • Less flexibility and spontaneity: You need to book accommodation in advance, which can limit your ability to change plans or extend stays in places you particularly enjoy.

Cost Estimate for Car Hire:

  • Daily rates for a compact car can range from AUD $40-100+ per day, with prices varying significantly by season and how far in advance you book.

  • Cheapest months tend to be July (around $51/day) and January being the most expensive (around $116/day).

  • Add AUD $11/day for full insurance coverage.

  • Fuel costs average around AUD $10-12 per 100km.

Campervan Hire in Tasmania

Pros:

  • Accommodation and transport in one: This is the major advantage, as you combine your vehicle and sleeping arrangements as well as your cooking. Buying groceries and cooking your own meals significantly reduce food expenses.

  • Cost-effective for longer trips: For trips of 10 days to two weeks or more, the savings on hotels can make a campervan a more economical choice overall. It's important that you make use of the FREE CAMPSITES (because paid campsites can also add up!!).

  • Ultimate flexibility and spontaneity: You have the freedom to change your itinerary, stop wherever you like (where permitted for camping), and extend stays easily.

Cons:

  • Higher initial rental cost: Campervans generally have a higher daily rental rate than cars.

  • Higher fuel consumption: Due to their larger size and weight, campervans use more fuel (typically 10-15 litres per 100km), leading to higher petrol costs.

  • Campground fees: While you save on hotels, you'll still incur campground fees (unless you find legal free camping spots), which can range from AUD $15 to $75 per night.

  • More challenging to drive and park: Campervans are larger and can be more difficult to maneuver on narrow roads or in crowded car parks, especially in towns.

Cost Estimate for Campervan Hire:

  • Daily rates can start from AUD $150/day going up to AUD $500/day in peak season.

  • Fuel costs average around AUD $15-20 per 100km.

  • Campground fees from AUD $15-$75 per night.

CamperMate is a free mobile App you can download here to find free and paid campsites and all types of facilities such as water, toilets and public showers. Book in advance for campervans especially when coming here in the peak season. We booked ours through Apollo Campervan. We paid about 1500 USD for a nice compact campervan for a total of 11 days (Britz Euro Mini with shower and toilet inside). We only spent 4 nights at paid powered campsites (at Cradle Mountain and Port Arthur). The other nights we found free campsites or basic paid ones that were very cheap. We spent 3 more days in Hobart in a hotel without a car.

Other campervan rentals you can take a look at:

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

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