Car & Van Hire - Launceston

Getting a car rental in Launceston is a great way to discover this hidden Tasmanian gem of a town. The city of Launceston is often overlooked by travellers, but it has plenty to offer. A top food scene, amazing nature and great outdoor activities are all waiting for you here in Launceston. With stunning scenery on all sides, driving through the wine region of the Tamar Valley is sure to inspire you.

The most famous attraction in Launceston has to be Cataract Gorge Reserve, a slice of true wilderness within the city limits. Enjoy the waterfall views from the Gorge Scenic Chairlift or suspension bridge. Go for a hike through the winding trails and enjoy the sounds of bird songs. Going for a dip in the clear waters of Cataract Gorge is an absolute must-do for visitors to Launceston, and more adventurous travellers can also try a spot of rock climbing.

Launceston has a hippie vibe, best appreciated at Harvest Market, a Saturday morning market. In general, Launceston has a great food scene, but the market stands apart as a real treat. You'll be able to pick up fresh produce from local farmers and try a wide variety of authentic street food delights. This is a laid-back, relaxed market, ideal for a leisurely Saturday morning.

Outside the city limits, your car hire or van rental in Launceston will let you discover some of the best Tasmania offers. The nearby Low Head is home to colonies of Little Penguins, a penguin species with a very fitting name. These tiny birds are absolutely adorable, standing at just 40 cm tall. It's best to book a locally organised penguin-watching tour if you want to see them, which will let you admire them in an environmentally-conscious way.

Nature lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips from Launceston. With zip-lining and high-rope courses, the Hollybank Forest Reserve is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping. Alternatively, try Derby. With more than 120 km of mountain bike trails, this is a great spot if you're feeling sporty — if not, just head for the Floating Sauna Lake Derby, which lets you switch between the heat of the sauna and the cold water of the lake.

The area around the Meander River is also ripe for exploration. You can visit the Great Western Tiers, where the Tasmanian Aboriginal people have a huge collection of artwork. Head to the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary to see wombats, Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife. Try river sledging on the Meander or visit the underground cave network at Mole Creek. In this enchanting underground world, you'll find glow worms, crystalline rock formations and tiny streams. Abseiling in the caves is also available for those who really crave adventure.

Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city, and its CBD attracts commuters from nearby towns. Rush hour traffic flows into Launceston in the morning and out in the evening, so keep this in mind when planning your routes. Be careful if driving around the Harvest Market area on a Saturday morning, as some of the roads may be closed.

With a variety of options, including on-street parking, large multi-storey car parks and more, you'll find no shortage of car parking around the city. It's a good idea to download the EasyPark app, which will let you book parking all over the state of Tasmania, often at special discounted prices.

Tasmania is a mountainous state. As such, many of its roads are narrow and winding, with sharp bends that drivers will need to manoeuvre carefully. When driving in Launceston and other parts of Tasmania, always give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Due to mountain roads, you will probably go more slowly than you expect. The A1 highway, which connects Launceston to Hobart, is an exception. This is a largely straight road, making it easy for visitors to drive along.

Watch out for cyclists when driving. Launceston is a popular city for cyclists, but you can also expect to see groups or individuals out on the mountain roads, particularly on weekends. Take care when sharing the road with them.

Tasmania does not have the large groups of kangaroos you'll frequently see on the Australian mainland. However, it is still home to many different critters, which can be hazardous to drivers. In general, marsupials are most active at night. It is safe to drive in cities at night, but try to keep driving between dusk and dawn outside of the city to a minimum.

If you are visiting Launceston in winter, be aware of potentially adverse weather conditions. The city of Launceston has a very mild climate and rarely sees snow, but if you plan on driving around the state, you should be prepared for snow and ice on the roads. Drive slowly and carefully, and always pay close attention to weather reports.