Festivals in Tasmania Worth Hiring a Car For
Festivals in Tasmania Worth Hiring a Car For
Explore Tassie’s Most Memorable Events with the Freedom of a YesDrive Rental
Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, but it packs a punch when it comes to festivals and cultural events. From cutting-edge art shows to gourmet food and drink celebrations, there’s always something happening on the Apple Isle. And while Hobart and Launceston host many headline acts, some of the most unique experiences are tucked away in Tasmania’s countryside or coastal towns—making a hire car essential.
Whether you’re flying in from Sydney or planning a local road trip, YesDrive offers flexible car hire in Hobart that lets you chase the festival vibes wherever they take you.
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Why Hire a Car for Tasmania’s Festivals?
While some festivals take place in city centres, many of Tassie’s best events are located in regional areas or across multiple venues. Hiring a car gives you:
Freedom to explore surrounding towns and nature
Flexible schedules that don’t rely on limited public transport
Room for festival gear, picnic supplies, or wine purchases
Comfort and convenience, especially when travelling in groups
YesDrive makes it easy to pick up a rental car in Hobart (or Sydney if you’re planning a multi-state trip), so you can experience Tasmania’s festivals your way.
🎶 MONA FOMA – Music, Art & Cultural Mayhem
Where: Hobart and Launceston
When: January
Curated by the team behind the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), MONA FOMA is Tasmania’s boldest summer festival. Expect experimental music, live art, installations, and pop-up performances across Hobart and Launceston. A hire car is perfect for shuttling between city venues and discovering quirky roadside exhibitions or rural satellite events.
Must-do: Combine MONA FOMA with a scenic drive up the East Coast or a day trip to the Huon Valley.
🔥 Dark Mofo – Winter Solstice with a Twist
Where: Hobart
When: June
Dark Mofo is Tasmania’s most talked-about festival, turning Hobart into a moody, glowing hub of art, performance, music, and fire during the depths of winter. Brave the Nude Solstice Swim, attend nighttime feasts, and explore eerie light installations scattered across the city.
Why hire a car? Accommodation during Dark Mofo can be booked out early—so a rental car makes it easy to stay in nearby towns like Richmond, New Norfolk, or even Bruny Island.
Pro tip: Choose a YesDrive SUV with winter tyres for rural travel and chilly night drives.
🍏 Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival – Wassailing & Firelight
Where: Huon Valley (30–45 mins from Hobart)
When: July
Celebrate the ancient pagan tradition of wassailing—where locals sing to apple trees to ensure a bountiful harvest. The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival features folk music, storytelling, cider, bonfires, and costumes. It’s a family-friendly event that embraces Tasmania’s rural roots.
Why drive? Public transport doesn’t run to the event site, so a hire car is your best (and only) option to join in the fun.
Tip: YesDrive vehicles have spacious boots for camping chairs, blankets, and gumboots.
🧀 Taste of Summer – Hobart’s Foodie Celebration
Where: Hobart waterfront
When: Late December to early January
Replacing the iconic Taste of Tasmania, Taste of Summer is a week-long feast featuring Tasmania’s best food, wine, beer, and music. With views of the Derwent River and Sydney to Hobart yacht arrivals, it’s a great way to start your Tassie trip.
Drive bonus: Use your YesDrive car to head to Salamanca Market during the day, or explore the Coal River Valley wineries in between festival sessions.
🍷 Festivale – Launceston’s Gourmet Weekend
Where: Launceston City Park
When: February
Festivale is one of Tasmania’s premier food and wine events. Held in Launceston’s heritage parklands, it’s a weekend of tastings, chef demos, live music, and local produce.
Road trip idea: Fly into Hobart, rent your YesDrive car, and enjoy a scenic drive up the Midland Highway with a stop in historic towns like Oatlands and Ross on your way to Festivale.
Travel Tips for Festival Road Trips in Tasmania
Book early: Cars and accommodation go quickly around festival dates.
Pack layers: Tassie’s weather can change fast—especially in winter festivals.
Bring a charger: Some regional events don’t have charging stations, so stay powered up.
Use offline maps: Many rural festival sites have limited signal.
Designate a driver: Especially for food and drink festivals—YesDrive’s range of vehicles makes group travel easy.
Book Your Festival Car Hire with YesDrive
Tasmania’s festivals are unforgettable—but they’re even better with the freedom to explore on your own terms. With YesDrive, you can choose from a range of clean, comfortable vehicles that are ready for any adventure, from wintry solstice swims to gourmet summer tastings.
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Airport pickup in Hobart or Sydney
✅ Options for all group sizes
✅ Local tips and road trip advice
Ready to hit the road for your next Tassie festival?
👉 Book your rental car today at YesDrive.com.au and experience Tasmania like a local—behind the wheel.
