Tasmania is an island that feels as though it were designed specifically for the road tripper. While the mainland offers vast, straight highways, Tasmania provides a sensory experience around every bend, from the scent of ancient Huon pines to the sight of orange-lichen-covered boulders. Most visitors gravitate toward the “big hitters” like Port Arthur or Cradle Mountain, but the true soul of the island is found in the quiet detours. By choosing a Car Hire Sydney Airport service for your connecting flight or securing a local vehicle upon arrival, you gain the ultimate key to the island: the ability to stop where the tour buses don’t.
In this guide, we leave the crowded viewpoints behind to uncover the secret spots that make a Tasmanian self-drive truly unforgettable.
Table of Contents
The Freedom of the Open Road: Why Drive Tasmania?
Public transport in Tasmania is limited, making a vehicle an absolute necessity for anyone wanting to see more than just the city centers of Hobart and Launceston. When you rent a car at Sydney airport before flying south, or pick up a local rental, you aren’t just buying transport; you are buying the right to change your mind.
Tasmania is a place where a “quick detour” often leads to a deserted beach or a farm-gate stall selling the best cherries you’ve ever tasted. Having your own Sydney Airport car rental connection ensures that from the moment you land, your schedule is dictated by your curiosity, not a timetable.
The Far South: Beyond the End of the Road
Most tourists stop at the Huon Valley, but if you continue driving south, you reach Cockle Creek. This is literally the furthest south you can drive in Australia.
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Why it’s a gem: It marks the entrance to the Southwest National Park. There are no shops and no mobile reception—just pristine wilderness and the beginning of the famous South Coast Track.
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The Drive: The road turns to well-maintained gravel toward the end, making a sturdy Car Hire Sydney Airport SUV a great choice for this trek.
The Western Wilds: Mist, Mountains, and Mystery
The West Coast is rugged, rainy, and remarkably beautiful. While Strahan is the main hub, the “hidden” highlight is Lake Burbury. Located just outside Queenstown, this man-made reservoir is flanked by dramatic, jagged peaks that are often shrouded in mist.
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The Experience: It is a hauntingly beautiful spot for photography or trout fishing.
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Corinna: For a true escape, drive to the remote eco-settlement of Corinna. You’ll need to take your car across the Pieman River on a “fatman” barge—a classic Tasmanian experience that most travelers miss.
North East Secrets: Waterfalls and Tall Gums
While the Bay of Fires gets all the glory in the North East, the Evercreech Forest Reserve is a cathedral of nature located just 35km west of St Helens.
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The White Knights: This reserve is home to the world’s tallest white gums, some reaching over 90 meters. Walking beneath these giants is a humbling experience that feels worlds away from the coastal heat.
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St Columba Falls: A short drive away lies one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls. The walk from the car park is a lush, fern-filled journey that takes only 15 minutes but feels like a trip back to the Jurassic period.
Coastal Solitude: Hidden Beaches of the East
Freycinet National Park is iconic, but the crowds at Wineglass Bay can be overwhelming in peak season. For a quieter alternative, use your cheap car hire Sydney Airport savings to fuel a trip to Friendly Beaches.
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The Vibe: Located in the northern part of the same national park, these beaches offer the same turquoise water and white quartz sand but with a fraction of the foot traffic. It’s the perfect spot for a private picnic or a long, solitary walk.
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Bay of Fires (The Gardens): Most people stop at Binalong Bay, but if you continue to the very end of the road at “The Gardens,” the coastal vistas become even more dramatic and the tourists even more sparse.
Practical Tips for Remote Tasmanian Driving
Navigating these hidden gems requires a bit more preparation than a standard city drive.
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Fuel Up: In remote areas like the Tarkine or the Far South, petrol stations can be 100km apart and may close early.
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Wildlife Awareness: Tasmania has a high density of nocturnal wildlife. Avoid driving at dusk or dawn if possible, as wallabies and Tasmanian devils are frequently on the roads.
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Offline Maps: Mobile signal is spotty in the wilderness. Download your maps before leaving your hotel.
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The “Tassie Wave”: On remote backroads, it’s common for drivers to give a small wave or finger-lift from the steering wheel. It’s part of the local charm!
Why YesDrive is Your Key to Discovery
At YesDrive, we believe the best stories come from the roads less traveled. Our Car Hire Sydney Airport service and local partnerships are designed to give you a vehicle that can handle the diversity of the Tasmanian landscape. From fuel-efficient cars for the “Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail” to spacious SUVs for the rugged West Coast, we ensure your vehicle is a reliable partner in your exploration.
We pride ourselves on local knowledge. When you collect your Sydney airport rental cars, our team can often suggest a “local’s only” lookout or a hidden cafe that isn’t on the standard tourist maps. We offer the flexibility you need to chase the sunset down a gravel track or spend an extra day in a town you’ve fallen in love with.
Start Your Journey into the Unknown
Tasmania is a land of secrets, but they are only revealed to those who are willing to drive a little further and stay a little longer. By securing a Car Hire Sydney Airport with YesDrive, you aren’t just renting a car; you are gaining the freedom to discover the Tasmania that the guidebooks leave out.
Whether it’s the towering gums of Evercreech or the silent shores of Cockle Creek, your perfect Tasmanian moment is waiting just around the next bend. Book your vehicle today and prepare to see the island in a way few others ever will. The road is open, and the gems are waiting to be found.
