Fly Drive Tasmania Solo: A Wilderness & Wildlife Adventure

A fly drive Tasmania holiday is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Australia’s beautiful island state. If you’re wondering how to visit Tasmania alone and get around safely and confidently, this guide is for you.

Flying from mainland Australia and hiring a car is the best way to see Tasmania. On a fly drive Tasmania holiday, I drove through UNESCO-world heritage wilderness, visited stunning National Parks, saw pademelons, wallabies and wombats in the wild and stayed in charming, out-of-the-way places that would have been hard to reach without a car.

As an Australian who has travelled solo around the country, I’ve enjoyed four amazing trips to Tasmania. I’ve caught buses around the island, and I even took my own car across on the ferry from the mainland for a solo road trip.

But on my most recent visit, I flew into Hobart, hired a car, and enjoyed a seamless fly drive Tasmania holiday that was surprisingly affordable and easy to plan. My direct flight from Sydney took just two hours (compared to 9 hours or more on the ferry).

A fly drive Tasmania itinerary is the most flexible and enjoyable way to see the island. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to plan your trip, weigh up the different travel options and explain why a driving holiday in Tasmania is the best way to go.

at the ;lookout point at Cape Hauy on the 3 capes track — Hiking to Cape Hauy on the stunning Tasman Peninsula Tasmania

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I used Discover Cars to book my hire car in Tasmania. It’s a comparison website for hiring cars around the world and I found the perfect car at a great price for my fly drive Tasmania holiday.

Table of Contents

Is It Worth Hiring a Car in Tasmania?

If you’re wondering whether to hire a car for your solo trip to Tasmania, the answer depends on how long you’re staying and what kind of experience you want to have. Setting off on a self drive holiday in Tasmania, is a good option for solo travellers in Australia.

But you can also base yourself in Hobart or Launceston and take day trips outside the city. This works best if you’re planning a short stay of less than a week.

I’ve stayed in Hobart without a car and if it’s your first visit there’s plenty to see without needing your own vehicle. I enjoyed several fun day tours from Hobart by bus, including memorable trips to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island.

That said, I prefer the flexibility and freedom of hiring a car, especially on longer trip of a week or more. On my most recent fly drive Tasmania holiday, I flew into Hobart, picked up a hire car, and set off to explore the west coast at my own pace.

For solo travellers, car hire can be a significant expense, but in Tasmania, I think it’s worth it. Being able to go where you like, stop for photos, detour to a hidden beach, or spend a little longer in a National Park is a huge part of what makes a Tasmania self drive holiday so enjoyable.

I paid around A$550 (US$350) to hire a car for week including insurance at a peak time during the Easter school holidays.

If you plan to travel beyond the cities, especially to the island’s spectacular National Parks, hiring a car is the best option. You’ll save time, see more, and get to those beautiful off-the-beaten-track places that public transport or tours just can’t reach.

I booked my hire car through Discover Cars and had a smooth and enjoyable experience. My solo road trip to Tasmania’s west coast was affordable, comfortable and stress-free.

boats at the waterfront in Hobart Tasmania — Hobart Waterfront Tasmania

How to Get There

Once you’ve decided on a self drive holiday in Tasmania, the next question is: should you take your own car across on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, or opt for a fly drive Tasmania holiday?

I’ve done both, and while each option has its advantages, flying in and hiring a car was by far the easiest, fastest and most convenient choice for my solo travels.

Fly and Drive in Tasmania

After my first solo road trip with my own car, I chose to try a Tasmania fly drive experience for my next visit. I booked a return flight from Sydney to Hobart and arranged a hire car in advance through Discovercars.com, a comparison site that connected me with “Safe Drive”, a local hire car company I hadn’t heard of before.

It cost less than I expected, the flight was short and affordable, and hiring a small car was faster and cheaper than bringing my own vehicle on the ferry.

Pros of a Fly Drive Tasmania Holiday

There are Frequent, affordable flights to Hobart and Launceston from major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. I paid around A$450 (US$290) for return flights from Sydney to Hobart at a peak time over Easter.

Lower cost: A 7-day trip with car hire was cheaper than the ferry fare with a car & cabin. I was looking at paying around A$1500 (US$975) for an overnight passage with a cabin for me and my car on the Spirit of Tasmania for an Easter break in Tasmania.

Faster and less stressful than the long 9 hour ferry ride.

Airport transfers included: Safe Drive provided a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport

Quality vehicle: I received a new MG hatchback that was fun and easy to drive

Comprehensive insurance gave me peace of mind at a reasonable price

Unlimited mileage was perfect for a week-long Tasmania self drive holiday with lots of exploring.

Cons of a Fly Drive Tasmania Trip

Driving an unfamiliar car on winding, single-lane roads in a new vehicle required extra focus

Wildlife hazard: Animals on the road can be a danger in rural Tasmania, especially after dark

Unmanned fuel stations: These were new to me, but thankfully, a friendly local helped me navigate the process.

Catching the Ferry with Your Car

On my first self drive holiday in Tasmania, I opted to take my own car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry on a classic Tasmania self drive Holiday.

Arriving in Devonport, I spent two wonderful weeks exploring the island, camping along the stunning east coast, admiring the dramatic landscapes of Cradle Mountain, and soaking up the history of Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula.

I packed all my camping gear, cooking supplies, and a paper map, and hit the road with complete freedom. It was a fantastic way to experience Tasmania, especially for a longer trip.

Pros of Driving Your Own Car to Tasmania

Comfort & familiarity: Enjoy the convenience of your own car.

Freedom to camp: Bring your camping gear and enjoy Tasmania’s many free and low-cost campsites

Self-catering made easy: Pack cooking utensils and supplies for flexible, budget-friendly meals

Ideal for longer stays: taking a car on the ferry makes more sense for holidays lasting several weeks

A Night sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania with a cabin was my preferrence. Book a cabin for a more comfortable crossing on the overnight ferry.

Cons of Taking the Ferry with a Car

It took me two full days to travel from Sydney to Tasmania, compared to a two-hour flight

Long mainland drive: I drove 930 kilometres from Sydney to the ferry terminal in Geelong, Victoria, and spent two nights travelling.

Taking a car on the ferry (especially with a cabin) is more expensive than flying and hiring.

While cheaper, day sailings are long, tiring and less comfortable than flying, especially if seas are rough. My preference is for a night crossing with a cabin

The long drive adds unnecessary kilometres and wear & tear on your vehicle

Fuel costs: Long-distance driving adds up quickly in petrol expenses

Unless you’re based in Victoria or southern New South Wales, driving to the ferry isn’t realistic because of the distances involved.

The Salamanca Market, one of the most fun things to do in Hobart with a 10 days in Tasmania itinerary — The Salamanca Market, one the best things to do in Hobart on a Saturday

Discover Cars Trip Review

For my most recent fly drive Tasmania holiday, I hired a car through Discover Cars and had a very positive experience. As a solo traveller, I value good service, peace of mind, and affordability, and Discover Cars delivered on all three.

If you’re considering a self drive holiday in Tasmania, here’s my honest review of booking and driving with Discover Cars.

Why I Chose Discover Cars

Discover Cars is a global comparison site that lists car hire options across Tasmania and around the world. The website was easy to use and allowed me to:

Compare prices across a wide range of providers, from large brands to trusted local companies
Book in advance with a refundable credit card deposit
Choose specific pickup/drop-off times
Add Full Rental Cover insurance for peace of mind

Although I checked in with the car rental company in Hobart to confirm my booking, I was told it wasn’t necessary; everything was already in place.

**NOTE** I’m under no obligation to write this review. As usual, the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Tasmania fly drive holiday a white MG on the road outside Queenstown — My hire car, a cute MG on the winding roads outside Queenstown in Tasmania

Pros of Booking with Discover Cars

Wide choice of vehicles: Options to suit all budgets, from compact cars to SUVs

Affordable pricing: My fly drive Tasmania trip was within budget thanks to competitive rates

Better-than-expected car: I booked a Suzuki Swift and received a near-new MG with modern features like a reversing camera, sunroof, and push-button start

Discover Cars introduced me to “Safe Drive,” a Hobart-based car hire company I wouldn’t have found on my own

I paid a deposit online and settled the balance at the rental counter

Comprehensive insurance was available at a reasonable rate

The car pickup/drop-off process was quick and easy, even though the company was located outside the airport and an efficient airport shuttle was included.

Cons of Booking with Discover Cars

Third-party platform: Discover Cars is an overseas company, not a local provider

Insurance claims process: In the event of an accident, I would have had to pay up front and claim reimbursement from a European insurer

Last-minute change request: Two days before my flight, I received a call from the car hire company offering a discount to change my pickup time due to a shortage of vehicles. While I declined, it left me a little uncertain (though it all worked out fine)

Wildlife warning: I learned that six rental vehicles from Safe Drive had been damaged in wildlife collisions over the Easter weekend, a good reminder to avoid driving at night in Tasmania.

Would I Book Again?

Absolutely. My Tasmania fly drive holiday went smoothly thanks to Discover Cars. The local team at Safe Drive in Hobart was professional, the car exceeded expectations, and everything was well-organised. I even enjoyed the novelty of using a coin-operated car wash before returning the vehicle with a full tank.

NOTE: Always read the fine print in your rental agreement. Take photos of any damage to the car before driving away, and keep all receipts in case you need them later.

the still ness of the Gordon River surrounded by misty forested mountains — Fly drive Tasmania: Enjoying the stillness of ancient forests on a **Gordon River cruise**

My Fly Drive Tasmania Itinerary

Exploring Tasmania’s Wild West Solo

On my most recent driving holiday in Tasmania, I spent a week exploring the rugged beauty of the island’s remote West Coast. Travelling lalone, I followed the scenic Lyell Highway through World Heritage wilderness areas, iconic National Parks, and some of Tasmania’s most atmospheric towns.

If you’re planning to fly drive in Tasmania and want to experience the island’s dramatic landscapes, rich history, and unique wildlife, I highly recommend this West Coast itinerary.

Highlights of My West Coast Tasmania Driving Holiday

Route: Hobart → Derwent Bridge → Lake St Clair → Queenstown → Cradle Mountain → Strahan → Hobart

Lyell Highway & Derwent Bridge

Departing from Hobart, I drove west on the Lyell Highway, one of Tasmania’s most scenic drives. The road took me deep into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. My first overnight stop was Bronte Park, just outside Derwent Bridge, a peaceful settlement near Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.

Here, I enjoyed connecting with nature and visiting the Wall in the Wilderness, a 100 metre long timber sculpture by Australian artisit Greg Duncan that tells the story of the early settlers in Tasmania.

a log lying near a still lake with the forest reflected in the water near the shore — Peaceful Lake St Clair Tasmania

Lake St Clair National Park

A must-visit for nature lovers, Lake St Clair offers excellent short walks around the still lake and through the old-growth forests to a platypus pond.

TIP: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of seeing a platypus.

Queenstown & the Wilderness Railway

My next stop was the quirky historic mining town of Queenstown, surrounded by lunar-like landscapes, mountains and rainforest.

The heritage Wilderness Railway was a highlight of my visit to Queenstown, and I spent a morning riding into the rainforest on a restored steam train.

Linda standing near a heritage steam train at Lynchford station on the Heritage Wilderness Railway Queenstown Tasmania — Enjoying the Wilderness Railway Steam Train on a fly drive Tasmania holiday

Cradle Mountain National Park

From Queenstown I drove to Cradle Mountain, one of the highlights of my Tasmania fly drive holiday. Unforgettable moments were hiking the Dove Lake Circuit, seeing pademelons and wombats in the wild and being completely alone in the wilderness on the Cradle Valley Boardwalk.

Although I didn’t see a platypus on Cradle Mountain, I did visit Devils@Cradle, a conservation centre dedicated to protecting endangered Tasmanian Devils and spotted quolls. You can visit anytime during the day, but the nighttime feeding sessions are when the devils are most active. They screech and tear at their food…You can see how they got their name….

TIP: Book ahead for the nighttime feeding at Devils@Cradle…I missed out as it was booked out. Luckily I’ve been before…

Strahan & Gordon River Cruise

I finished my road trip in the charming harbour town of Strahan, gateway to the Wild Rivers National Park. From here, I took an unforgettable Gordon River Cruise, drifting silently through ancient rainforest and mirror-like waterways inaccessible by land.

The West Coast is a wonderful place to visit on a Tasmania self drive holiday.

Accommodation Along the Way

Throughout the trip, I stayed in a mix of cosy cabins, heritage hotels, friendly B&Bs and hostels. The accommodation was comfortable and welcoming (but heavily booked because of Easter and school holidays).

For two nights on Cradle Mountain, I stayed in simple dorm-style accommodation, sharing with other solo female travellers. While basic, it was clean, warm, and I enjoyed the company of other solo travellers.

TIP: In in peak periods, book accommodation and car hire well in advance if you’re planning a Tasmania driving holiday. I had to change my itinerary because accommodation on Cradle Mountain was booked out over Easter.

a green restored heritage hotel and yellow post office on Queenstown Tasmania — The Hunters Hotel B&B in Queenstown Tasmania

More Tasmania Self Drive Itineraries

If you need help planning the perfect self drive Tasmania holiday, check out my detailed itineraries below:

man in the ditance on a hiking trail through button grass and gum trees on Cradle Mountain Taslamania — Hiking the Cradle Valley Boardwalk in the Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania

Tips for Driving in Tasmania

A Tasmania self drive holiday is perfect for solo travellers who enjoy peace, nature, and some adventure. But it’s important to prepare. Tasmania’s remote areas can be wild and isolated, and solo travellers should take a few extra precautions to stay safe, especially when venturing into national parks or driving long distances.

If you’re planning a fly drive Tasmania holiday, here are some essential tips to help you stay safe, comfortable, and well-prepared.

Avoid driving after dark – Native wildlife like wallabies, wombats, and possums are more active at night and can unexpectedly dart across the road.

Take care on narrow, winding country roads, especially in remote or mountainous areas.

Put warm clothing and thermal layers on your Tasmania packing list: The weather is unpredictable, and it can snow even in summer, especially at higher elevations like Cradle Mountain.

Shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter can affect your driving schedule, so plan accordingly.

Don’t rely solely on GPS or mobile data as the coverage is unreliable in many parts of regional Tasmania.

Download offline maps or carry a paper map as a backup.

Fill up your petrol tank before heading into National Parks or remote areas. Petrol stations can be few and far between.

Stock up on snacks, water, and basic supplies before a long drive through rural or wilderness areas.

Buy a Tasmanian National Parks Pass in advance. This is required for most park entries and supports conservation efforts.

Look for NRMA, RACV, or Seniors Card discounts on accommodation, attractions, and park entry fees.

Waterfall surrounded by trainforest and lush green vegetation in Tasmania — The hike to lovely Nelson Falls is one of Tasmania’s best short walks.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a week-long escape or a longer road trip, a fly drive Tasmania holiday is a wonderful adventure and a convenient way to get around the island.

Flying into Hobart or Launceston and picking up a hire car is simple and surprisingly affordable, especially when using a comparison platform like Discover Cars, as I did on my most recent trip.

One of the joys of a Tasmania self drive holiday is the freedom it offers. You can wander off the beaten track, discover charming towns, explore national parks, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

As a solo traveller, I loved staying in quirky and cosy accommodation, sampling delicious local produce, and chatting with friendly locals at country pubs.

If you’re looking for time alone or a slower pace of travel, Tasmania is a rewarding and unforgettable destination for a solo trip. From scenic drives like the Great Eastern Drive to rugged wilderness experiences on the West Coast, a self drive Tasmania itinerary gives you access to it all.

Pack your sense of adventure and discover Tasmania, one of Australia’s most rewarding solo travel destinations.