Tasmania is made for road trips and car camping. From alpine lakes to coastal hideaways, it’s the kind of place where you can wake up beside a beach or beneath a mountain sky. But to make the most of your adventure, it helps to be prepared with the right gear, vehicle, and local knowledge.

Here’s your complete checklist for car camping in Tasmania with a YesDrive rental — built for comfort, safety, and unforgettable views.

Table of Contents

• Choosing the Right Vehicle for Car Camping

• Essential Camping Gear

• Cooking and Food Supplies

• Clothing and Comfort Items

• Safety and Navigation

• Camping Etiquette in Tasmania

• Where YesDrive Fits In

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Car Camping

Not every car is ideal for sleeping or hauling gear. Choose a vehicle that suits your travel style:

• SUV or wagon: Great for those who want space to store camping gear, groceries, and outdoor equipment, with the option to sleep inside if needed.

• Van: Perfect for couples or solo travellers planning to sleep in the vehicle. It offers enough room for bedding and privacy.

• Compact car with a tent: A budget-friendly combo for those planning to stay in official campgrounds. You get the flexibility of a smaller car with the comfort of a tent setup.

YesDrive offers flexible car hire options across Hobart and Tasmania — just tell us your camping style, and we’ll set you up with a reliable, road-trip-ready vehicle.

Essential Camping Gear

Whether you’re planning to camp in national parks or by the coast, this gear is a must:

• Tent (if not sleeping in the car)

• Sleeping bag suited to cold temperatures

• Sleeping mat or inflatable mattress for comfort

• Pillow and an extra blanket (Tasmania can get cold, even in summer)

• Headlamp or torch with spare batteries

• Portable camping chairs

• Foldable table for eating and prepping food

• Lightweight tarp or awning for shade/rain protection

Pro tip: Always test your gear before you leave. Tasmania’s wild weather can challenge even the best equipment.

Cooking and Food Supplies

A solid cooking setup makes the difference between a great meal and snack fatigue:

• Portable gas stove or camp cooker (check fuel availability beforehand)

• Pot, pan, spatula, knife, and stirring spoon

• Reusable plates, bowls, and cutlery

• Dish soap, sponge, and a small basin for washing up

• Cooler or esky with ice bricks for perishables

• Reusable water bottles and a 10L+ water container

• Snacks like trail mix, granola bars, instant noodles, tinned meals, and pasta

• Ziplock bags and containers for leftovers and waste

Clothing and Comfort Items

The key to comfort in Tasmania is being prepared for anything:

• Thermal base layers for cold nights

• Warm fleece or puffer jacket

• Waterproof raincoat or shell

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots

• Flip-flops or slip-ons for around camp

• Beanie, gloves, and scarf (especially in autumn/winter)

• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel for impromptu swims

• Toiletries, eco-friendly soap, and toilet paper

• Insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen

Safety and Navigation

You’ll often be out of phone reception, so plan ahead:

• Well-stocked first aid kit

• Fully charged power bank and car charger

• Offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline areas)

• Printed map as a backup

• Emergency contact list written down

• National Parks Pass (required for many popular parks)

• Rubbish bags for Leave No Trace practices

• Fire safety information — always check restrictions

Camping Etiquette in Tasmania

Camping responsibly helps protect Tasmania’s fragile ecosystems:

• Only camp in designated areas or legal free camping zones

• Take all rubbish with you, including food scraps

• Respect quiet hours at night

• Never feed wildlife or leave food out

• Use public toilets or portable solutions where available

• Follow all signage regarding campfires and fire bans

Where YesDrive Fits In

Whether you’re heading to Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, or the Tarkine, YesDrive helps you get there with confidence:

• Reliable vehicles with roadside assistance and maintenance checks

• Unlimited kilometre hire options for long, scenic detours

• Local advice from staff who know where to camp, where to eat, and how to get the most from your journey

• Simple online booking and flexible pickup/drop-off in Hobart

Ready to hit the road and sleep under the stars? Book your car with YesDrive and start your Tasmanian camping adventure the right way.