Car & Van Hire - Hobart

The capital of Tasmania, Hobart, offers visitors a warm island welcome. Whether you're looking to stay in the city or you want to explore the rest of the island, this is a fresh and exciting destination. One of the best starting points is Mount Wellington, also known by the Aboriginal name of Kunanyi. This soaring peak offers dramatic views across the city and the surrounding Tasman Peninsula. It's a great spot for hiking or biking, but check the weather forecast before setting out. With its peak at a whopping 1,271 m above sea level, Mount Wellington often sees snow, even in summer.

Tasmania was once a convict colony, and you can learn about this history at Port Arthur. A 90-minute drive from the city, Port Arthur is a World Heritage Site with around 60 buildings to explore. This is a fascinating place to visit, with a strong focus on education. As well as the historical information, Port Arthur has some beautiful natural sights. It's worth taking the time to visit the Remarkable Cave, a well-named natural wonder, and explore the hiking trails around Port Arthur. You can also stop at the Lavender Farm to enjoy the invigorating scent of fresh lavender and pick up some souvenirs.

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, has become one of Hobart's most famous attractions. This wacky museum doesn't have much in common with a traditional art gallery. Its exhibits are quirky and eclectic, and many have been chosen for shock value. Think twice before bringing the kids, as some of the exhibits here may upset sensitive youngsters.

Tasmania has unparalleled air quality, and it's becoming increasingly well-known for its fresh produce. Try some for yourself at one of Hobart's great markets. The Salamanca market runs every Saturday morning from 08:30-14:00 and offers artisan products, crafts and live music as well as food. On Sunday mornings, the Farm Gate Markets are far smaller but have a more distinguished atmosphere. Stalls here are only available to local producers, so you can be sure that the food you're buying is authentically Tasmanian.

Like the Australian mainland, Tasmania is rich in flora and fauna, so animal lovers should rejoice at the freedom available with a car rental in Hobart. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the famous Tasmanian devil, but there are other animals like wombats, platypi and wallabies here. Some of the best places to go wildlife-spotting include the Tarkine region, Narawntapu National Park and Bruny Island. For guaranteed sightings, visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers a great day out for the whole family.

While organising a car or van rental in Hobart is easy, driving there is very different from other Australian capitals. The city centre is known for its network of one-way streets, and right-hand turns are often forbidden. It's best to plan your route with an app or GPS to avoid frustration. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, which have wild, flat streets, Hobart's roads are often narrow and steep. Locals often prefer to drive through the city well below the speed limit, so allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

The roads in and around Hobart are in generally good condition, with clear signposts. There are large multi-level car parks on Argyle Street and Victoria Street, which are excellent options if you would like to visit the CBD. On-street parking is controlled by parking meters. Don't worry if you're not carrying cash. One of the easiest ways to use these meters is by downloading the EasyPark app. This way, you'll be able to pay for your parking with your mobile phone. The EasyPark app is used all over Tasmania, making it ideal if you plan to drive around the state. Be warned that you shouldn't park on Salamanca Place on a Friday night. As the Saturday morning market is set up in the early hours, your car will probably be towed overnight.

Tasmania is very mountainous in places, with narrow, winding roads with many sharp bends. Keep this in mind when planning a route. Journeys may take longer than you expect, as it's often impossible to drive at the maximum speed limit. On the plus side, you'll be rewarded with some truly spectacular views as you drive through the mountains. In winter, snow can create hazards. Roads commonly become icy, even within the city of Hobart itself. In the mountains, roads may be closed due to snow, so check local weather reports before beginning a journey.

Watch out for animals, which can cause hazards on the roads. Unlike on the Australian mainland, Tasmania does not have herds of kangaroos roaming around. However, it still has plenty of wildlife. Keep an eye out for animal crossing signs, and slow down if you are driving at dawn or dusk when most marsupials are at their most active.