Driving Safety
Tasmania is easy to explore - the Island is compact, the roads uncrowded and the scenery varied.
- Vehicle hire
- Driving times and distances
Tasmania's network of highways allows you to loop around the Island discovering an ever-changing landscape.
Most of all, it's important to take time to stop and explore on foot - we want you to see more of Tasmania than the white line on the highway!
Bring your car on the Spirit of Tasmania or hire a vehicle when you arrive. You will find most major car rental companies in Tasmania along with local companies.
The Tasmanian Holiday Planner offers loads of ideas.
A range of maps is available on this website. A printable map of Tasmania shows roads, touring routes, national parks and reserves, visitor information centres, airports and many other features, while the map of Devonport shows routes from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal to the main highway to Deloraine, Launceston and Hobart.
Fuel
Remote locations and stunning wilderness make Tasmania a remarkable destination to explore by car. Remember to fill up your tank if you are travelling long distances off the main routes, to or from the west coast, or to the far south - particularly if you are driving after about 6pm. In the north-west, no fuel is available on the Western Explorer between Marrawah and Zeehan.
Road Types and Conditions
Throughout itineraries provided on this website, and on many road maps, you will see letters from A to C ascribed to Tasmanian roads.
- A roads are major sealed highways.
- B roads are secondary sealed roads.
- C roads are often unsealed. For example, Cockle Creek in the far south, or the Western Explorer road in the far north-west. Take extra care on these roads, and be aware that some car hire contracts have special conditions in relation to unsealed roads.
When estimating driving distances and times, you should always allow extra time for your journey. Roads can be winding and steep, especially on the west coast. And wherever you travel, you'll be tempted to stop and explore along the way.
Tasmania's bushland is rich in wildlife. Unfortunately, native animals have no road sense. Be very careful when driving in the early morning and at dusk.
Safe Travelling
Tips for a great holiday
- Plan your trip. Find out how long it will take to drive between destinations.
- Be well-prepared for travelling in remote areas.
- Avoid driving after a long flight.
- Get to know the road rules.
- Have a good night’s sleep before the trip.
- Ask about weather and road conditions.
- Note where fuel stations are on your route.
On your trip
- In Australia we drive on the left side of the road.
- Wear a seat belt – it’s the law.
- Take regular rest breaks.
- If you’ve been drinking alcohol – don’t drive. Strict drink/driving laws apply.
- Speed limits are enforced more strictly in Australia than in many countries.
- Take extra care on dirt roads.
- Our animals come out at dawn and dusk, so watch out when driving.
- In an emergency, stay with your vehicle.
- Before you cross the road, look right, look left, look right again and cross only when safe to do so.
- Check your mobile/cell phone coverage as some areas within Australia are only accessible using satellite phones.
- Mobile/cell phones are not for use while driving – it’s the law.
- Hitchhiking or picking up hitchhikers is strongly discouraged.
- Look for the yellow “i” on the blue square for visitor information.
In the water
- At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Read and obey warning signs on beaches, beach access points and at waterways.
- Avoid contact with any sea creatures you might find at the beach. They look harmless but some sting or bite.
- Always swim with others, and children should always be accompanied by an adult who can swim.
- The sun in Australia is very strong, use SPF 30+ sunscreen, and always wear a hat.
Enjoying nature
