LST Airport Car Hire

From Launceston Airport to the Tasmanian Wilderness

Launceston - Tasmania’s second-largest city situated at the meeting of the North Esk and South Esk rivers where it becomes the Tamar River (also called kanamaluka) – is a key site of administrative and cultural importance after Hobart, the capital.

Launceston Airport is conveniently located on the outskirts of Launceston city, making it the perfect inlet to Tasmania’s glorious landscapes, award-winning vineyards, untouched wilderness, and fresh gourmet produce and culinary scene.

Renting a car gives you flexibility and control over the itinerary of your Tasmanian adventure like no other. There are 6 rental car agencies located at the airport. Look for them adjacent to the baggage claim area at arrivals. These reliable and trustworthy agencies – Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Redspot and Enterprise - all come with global experience and a solid reputation.

Whether you’re looking for a large SUV like a Chevrolet Tahoe or Nissan Armada for a laid-back traverse through Tasmania’s incredibly scenic roads with your family, or something more rugged like a Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford Ranger to conquer the challenging off-roads with, or maybe even just a comfortable and compact ride like a Subaru Impreza or Ford Fiesta that will take you to your favourite Tasman vineyard, you can be sure of finding the right fit.

Enjoy Travel makes it incredibly easy to find the perfect vehicle for you – just pop your details in the search box, hit the button and you’ll be comparing affordable deals in an instant.

Tasmania is hands down one of the most beautiful picturesque places in the world with a rich history to boot. Let’s take a look at some of the best places around the state where you can encounter unique wildlife, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and some of the freshest air on the planet.

Driving in and around Launceston Airport

As you exit Launceston Airport, hop on National Highway 1 for a short and breezy drive to Launceston. It should only take around 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’ve got a bit of time on your hands and you’re ready to get your first taste of Tasmania’s beauty, keep going on National Highway 1 until you reach Cataract Gorge. Once you’re there, hop on the single-span chairlift or take a stroll on King’s Bridge for panoramic views over the gorge. You can also go zip-lining, rock-climbing, or cliff walking here.

After a frolic in the river, get back on National Highway 1 and join W Tamar Highway (also known as A7) to reach Tamar Island Wetlands. Just a 15-minute ride from Launceston is a biodiverse ecosystem where you can come face-to-face with resident wildlife like black swans, great egrets, swallows and pelicans. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a Tasmanian pademelon, the sole species native to the state.

Like the rest of Tasmania, the areas surrounding Launceston have a speed limit of 50 km/h on urban roads, 100 km/h on sealed rural roads, and 80 km/h on unsealed rural roads.

You can find the full list of Tasmanian road rules here, but here are some of the most important ones to remember:

• All motorists must drive on the left side of the road.
• Unless otherwise signposted, the speed limit on urban streets is 50km/h.
• Unless otherwise signposted, the maximum speed limit is 100km/h state-wide.
• It is mandatory for all drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times.
• If you are driving, you must carry your driver’s license with you and produce it to a police officer if they request it.
• Visitors from overseas should carry an English translation of their licence if their original driver’s licence is in a language other than English.
• Motorcyclists and bicycle riders ought to wear a helmet and they must be approved. They are also advised to wear reflective clothing for increased visibility.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. However, you may use a hands-free device, or park somewhere temporarily to make or receive calls.
• Many Tasmanian roads are narrow and winding, and therefore, driving conditions may be different to what you are used to. Do take utmost care and pay attention to the road, although it may be tempting to gaze at the many wonderful landscapes along the way.
• It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration level above 0.05%.