Frequently Asked Questions

Tasmanian Vacations is Tasmania’s own travel company. We only sell Tasmanian holidays and you will benefit from our experience. We have been an active member of the Tasmanian community for over 20 years and during that time we have created holiday dreams for tens of thousands of people. We are based in Tasmania and that gives you the assurance that we have the knowledge and the expertise to provide you with the best value holiday.

As a specialist in Tasmanian travel and self-drive holidays your Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert will provide their local knowledge to create your ultimate holiday including:

• Accommodation
• Car and campervan hire
• Tours and attractions
• Flights to and from King and Flinders Island
• Spirit of Tasmania - passenger & vehicle ferry between Geelong (VIC) and Devonport (TAS)
• Multi-day tours including specialised walking and biking holidays
• Airport transfers and coach transport
• Customised group tours created by a specialised Groups Coordinator
• Self-drive holidays on King and Flinders Island

Most definitely! We specialise in bespoke holiday packages and can tailor any of our popular self-drive holiday packages to suit your own budget and the style of holiday you desire.

Yes, many of the properties we include in our program offer ground floor accessible rooms and walk-in shower options. Please make your Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert aware that you require equal access accommodation and we can ensure the correct room types are booked for your requirements.

The majority of our popular holiday packages are priced based on per person, twin share. If you are travelling alone, you will generally have to double this per person price. The exception is if there are tours or attractions included in the package as you will only need to pay for one ticket per attraction. All our packages can be tailored to solo travel, please just let our travel experts know what package you are interested in and we can provide you with a detailed quote.

Whether you require 2 single beds for 2 travellers or a queen and 2 single beds for a family we can customise your bedding arrangements to suit your needs. Please let our team know of your bedding requests when making an initial enquiry with our team so we can source the best prices and accommodation for you. Additional costs may apply if we are unaware of any bedding requests later on in the booking process.

We would love to assist you in bringing your group to Tasmania. We have a dedicated Group Travel team who specialise in planning for groups of any size of 10 people or more visiting Tasmania. Whether you are planning a short stay or a statewide tour, we can expertly and easily arrange your groups visit to Tasmania. We cater for all types of groups including, but not limited to, corporate groups, conference and incentive groups, friends or large families travelling together, school groups, sporting groups, special event or common interest groups. We also specialise in touring groups bringing their own cars and motorbikes to Tasmania.

You can fly direct to Tasmania from Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth (direct Canberra flights also available with Link Airways) with Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar and Rex Airlines as part of your holiday package. Direct flights to Hobart from Auckland, New Zealand are now available with Air New Zealand. Interconnecting flights are also available from all other capital cities and major metropolitan areas. To get the best deal on airfares we recommend booking your flights directly with the airline. For flights to King and Flinders Island please contact our team for flight prices with Sharp Airlines.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December, January, February, and March. Autumn still has sunny days. Winter runs from May through August. However, because we sit beside the Southern Ocean, the world's weather engine, our climate can vary greatly - on any given day.

The average maximum daily summer temperatures sit between 17 and 23 degrees celsius and winter daily temperatures between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, with an average of 626 millimetres is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while on the West Coast an annual average of 2,400 mm ensures the rainforest thrives.

The Central Highlands and the more mountainous areas often get snowfalls in the winter months. However, snow rarely settles at sea level.

Mount Wellington in Hobart has sporadic snow in the colder months (although it's even been known to have snow in December), and you can drive up the mountain to meet it.

Ben Lomond in the north-east, a 1-hour drive south of Launceston, is the perfect place for downhill and cross-country skiers. Mount Mawson at Mount Field National Park in the south (90-minute drive from Hobart) is also a great spot after heavy snowfall. During the season, ski tows operate at both locations.

Tasmania is a great place to learn about and try fresh produce. You can find it at farmers markets and in local eateries, from pubs to high-end bars and restaurants. You can even stop and buy from roadside stalls – in Tasmania you'll still find honesty boxes all around the state.

Tasmania is also home to some of Australia's leading cool climate wines with our pinot noir and sparkling wines attracting the interest of wine makers from around the world. Our clean, green environment is also ideal for producing cider, whisky and gin. You'll find our boutique breweries and distilleries showcasing their wares at cellar doors where you can sample the produce and talk to the maker.

Foodies can learn how to prepare amazing plates at cooking schools, pick fresh produce straight from the source and sample excellent dishes and produce at food festivals and master classes.

Hobart Airport is located in Cambridge, just 17 kilometres or a 15-minute drive from the city of Hobart. A dual-lane highway connects the Airport to the city. We can organise for you to collect your hire car from the airport or alternatively can book coach transfers for you to your accommodation.

The Hobart Airport opens at 4am and closes at 10.30pm. However, these times may be adjusted to suit arriving and departing flights when necessary. The airport is unable to accommodate travellers overnight in the terminal.

Launceston Airport is located 15 kilometres south of Launceston on the Evandale Main Road, 3 kilometres from the Midland Highway Junction and 5 kilometres north of Evandale. We can organise for you to collect your hire car from the airport.

The Launceston Airport opens at 5am and closes at 10.30pm. However, these times may be adjusted to suit arriving and departing flights when necessary. The airport is unable to accommodate travellers overnight in the terminal.

Spirit of Tasmania operates two ships which sail between Geelong and Devonport, departing both locations most nights as well as operating day sailings during peak periods.

Spirit of Tasmania's Geelong terminal is located at:
Spirit of Tasmania Quay
136 Corio Quay Road
North Geelong, VICTORIA, 3215

Spirit of Tasmania's Devonport terminal is located at:
The Esplanade
East Devonport, TASMANIA, 7310

Check-in commences 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before the ship is to set sail. If you have special needs, you must check in at least 2 hours prior to departure. Remember to have a driver’s licence or passport with you, as photo ID is required to check-in.

The Spirit of Tasmania offers accommodation options to suit all budgets. Deluxe Cabins or Twin or Four Bed Cabins come fully equipped with private ensuites, air conditioning/heating and bedding. Cots can be arranged; however, you do need to provide your own bedding for your infant. Recliners are also available as a great low-cost alternative.

Tasmanian schools have 4 terms a year. The Autumn holidays fall in April, the Winter Holidays in July, Spring holidays are September/October and Summer holidays run from December – February.

For a full list of Tasmanian Public Holidays and Australia wide school holiday dates click here.

Tasmania has some of the toughest smoke-free area laws in the country. You cannot smoke in many public areas where people, especially children, gather. You cannot smoke in cafes, bars, restaurants or other public buildings. You also cannot smoke in rental cars or accommodation. For full details on Tasmania’s smoking policy visit this website.

Tasmania has seven-day trading, however not all shops are open on Sundays. Although hours vary between businesses, normal retail hours are approximately Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. There are many great markets held on weekend’s right around the state – ask us for details when booking.

No, due to minimum wage requirements within Australia it is not customary or expected that you provide a tip. However, you can choose to provide a tip if you believe your food or service was exceptional.

The official currency of Tasmania is the Australian Dollar ($).

To be able to drive in Tasmania you need to hold one of the following valid drivers’ licences:

• A driver's licence issued by any state or territory in Australia or New Zealand.
• A driver's licence issued by any United States, territory, or possession.
• A valid driver's licence issued by a country participating in the 1949 Geneva convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.

Any foreign drivers must carry a driver's licence written in English. Anyone carrying a non-English licence must also present an International Driving Permit that is written in English.

International driving permits serve only as a translation and are valid if presented in conjunction with an official driver's licence of the issuing country.

For more information on driving with an Overseas Licence please visit the Department of State Growth Website.

In Tasmania we drive on the left-hand side of the road.

In Tasmania speed limits are generally 50km/h in built-up areas and 100km/h outside cities and towns, unless otherwise sign-posted. On some Tasmanian highways the speed limit may be 110 km/h, this is clearly sign posted on those highways. The maximum speed limit on all gravel roads in Tasmania is 80 km/h unless otherwise signposted.

Fuel prices change regularly in Tasmania, for an up-to-date fuel price comparison visit the PetrolSpy Australia website or download their app from the App Store or on Google Play.

Self-drive holidays in Tasmania are made easy in Tasmania with good roads, light traffic and short travelling distances between major towns and cities. In some regions of Tasmania roads can be quite windy, so extra time should be allowed for your journey. From dusk to dawn, please slow down to avoid native wildlife. In winter, slow down and be mindful of ice and snow on the roads, particularly in highland areas.

For more information on the location of charge stations in Australia, including Tasmania, please visit https://myelectriccar.com.au/charge-stations-in-australia/

Alternatively, download the Plug Share app onto your phone to refer to whilst travelling around the state.

To hire a vehicle in Tasmania you must have held a valid driver's licence for at least 12 months and must present it at the time of rental. The licence must be valid at the time of rental and remain valid throughout the rental period. All drivers must meet these requirements.

Individuals with Learner’s permits, provisional, probationary, suspended, revoked, expired, cancelled, or surrendered licences cannot hire vehicles.

Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25. Some companies however have a lower minimum age requirement, such as 21-25, which may incur a daily surcharge. These minimum age requirements may also restrict the types of vehicles you will be able to rent. There is no maximum age required to rent a vehicle if you still have a valid drivers’ licence.

Your fully inclusive car hire rental includes daily rental fees with unlimited kilometres, all airport surcharges, reduced liability coverage, administration fees and the vehicle registration fee.

Vehicle liability is the amount shown in the rental agreement that you must pay in the event of damage, theft of the vehicle or third-party loss. All the rental vehicles that Tasmanian Vacations sell include reduced vehicle liability coverage. This cover minimises the amount you are required to pay should anything happen to your hired vehicle. Tasmanian Vacations can access lower daily rental rates if you prefer, but the excess is substantially higher and additional rental fees are also payable on collection of your vehicle.

Yes, the rental companies we work with do allow their vehicles to be taken on the Bruny Island Ferry Service and driven on Bruny Island roads providing that written authorisation is obtained from the rental company prior (in addition to your Terms and Conditions of Standard Rental Agreement and acts). Please note that due to the isolated nature of Bruny Island and its access limitations, breakdowns and accidents can be difficult to attend to and can take up to 24 hours for an agent to attend a call out on Bruny Island.

Under no circumstances will the rental companies or Tasmanian Vacations cover any additional expenses you may incur due to such a delay, including but not limited to costs associated with hotel and airlines arrangements.

Yes, car rental vehicles can be driven on gazetted unsealed roads (those roads marked on a map) in Tasmania. You cannot take rental vehicles off road.

Most rental cars are automatic gearboxes. If you have a specific request for a manual vehicle, please let our team know and we will try our best to accommodate you.

In the event you have an accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police assistance line to report the incident. Next contact the location where the car was rented from to report the accident and obtain further advice.

Our car rental partners provide 24-hour full roadside assistance to all their vehicles. For any vehicle breakdowns contact the roadside assistance number found on the back of your contract folder provided by the rental company. If the contact number is not available contact the location where the car was rented from for further advice.

If you wish you can bring your own child safety seat. Airlines allow guests travelling with a child 1 car seat or booster seat per child as checked baggage free of charge. Alternatively, car rental companies can provide child safety seats at an additional cost. We can reserve a safety seat for you when your car hire is booked and organise for it to be available on collection of your rental if you advise us on booking. The additional cost for the seat is payable direct to the car rental company on collection of your vehicle.

Yes, your spouse or life partner (with the same home address and surname) can drive the vehicle without being signed on as an additional driver.

With Britz Campervan Hire your rental includes:

• Daily rental including unlimited kilometres
• Standard vehicle liability coverage with $7,500 damage excess
• All bedding, linen, towels, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and cleaning equipment
• In-vehicle tablet with GPS, camper help and more

• Daily rental including unlimited kilometres
• Maximum Cover Package with full reduced liability coverage with $0 damage excess; GPS navigation system, pre-purchase gas, outdoor table and chairs (chairs per person), baby and or booster seat (if required)
• All bedding, linen, towels, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and cleaning equipment

Drivers must be at least 21 years of age with a full unrestricted Australian drivers licence. The maximum driver age is 79 years.

Britz Campervan Hire vehicles and Cruisin’ Motorhomes can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well-maintained roads. The only exception to this are well-maintained access roads of less than 12km to recognised campgrounds.

Service dogs are permitted to travel in your rented vehicle. Unfortunately, no other animals are permitted in the vehicle.

No, smoking is not allowed. Heavy penalties apply to traces of smoke found in any hired vehicle.

Motorhomes/campervans booked through Tasmanian Vacations offer both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. If you have a preference, please let your consultant know and they will advise you of the vehicle types suitable.

Yes, 24-hour roadside assistance is included in your rental.

Please contact your nearest travel agent, our office in Hobart on 1300 827 822 or contact us via our website to book your self-drive holiday. Please request with your agent that they book through Tasmanian Vacations to ensure that you receive all our offers and bonuses.

Already received a quote with Tasmanian Vacations? Please fill out this form and return to your Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person will be required at time of booking to confirm your itinerary. Final payment of balance due will be required no later than 30 days prior to travel. Products with strict booking conditions which include, yet are not limited refundable. Bookings made within 30 days of travel will require full payment at time of booking. Bookings paid for by credit card will attract a surcharge. Bookings made within 30 days of travel will attract a priority booking fee of $100. In addition, some services booked by Tasmanian Vacations require prepayment priot to vonfirmation. These tours include multi-day walking tours and some other products.

To book with Tasmanian Vacations you will need to complete our Booking Form (once you are happy with your customised quote) and include your payment details.

This form requests the following details:

• All passenger’s full names and dates of birth for any children under 14 years
• Mobile number (preferred), home phone or email address
• Home address including Postcode and STATE
• Vehicle details if travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania
• Car hire pick up/drop off dates, locations and times if known
• Any additional special requests i.e. cot hire or walk-in showers
• Credit card payment authorisation (Direct deposit payments are also available)

Yes, you certainly can book a holiday with Tasmanian Vacations without car hire. If you are choosing to bring your own vehicle to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania we can arrange these travel details for you.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to drive we offer a range of group touring packages with Love Tasmania Coaches.

Tasmanian Redline also offers intercity bus services in Burnie, Devonport, Smithton, Launceston and Hobart. For Tasmanian Redline bookings please visit their website.

Airport transfers can also be arranged via SkyBus between Hobart Airport and the city centre.

We strongly recommend for all intending travellers that you ask us or your Travel Agent for full details regarding travel insurance. Travel insurance covers you for things such as cancellations, medical expenses, rental vehicles insurance excess and lost, stolen or damaged personal effects.

No, your holiday quote does not automatically include travel insurance. Please ask your travel expert to include it in your quote if you intend to take out cover.

Even if you have travel insurance included with your credit card it is a good idea to compare the cover you receive with your credit card to that which you would receive if taking out separate travel insurance.

You should check things like:

• How is the cover activated? – do you need to specifically notify your credit card provider that you are travelling?
• Who is covered? – some policies don’t cover spouse, children or additional cardholders
• What is covered? – does your policy cover things such as rental vehicle insurance excess or medical expenses
• Cover limits – the amount you’ll receive if you successfully make a claim
• Exclusions – what is excluded from claims
• Age restrictions – some insurance policies have age restrictions

You should also be aware that most credit card travel insurance usually only covers you for the trip you have paid for on your credit card and only for overseas travel. If you want travel insurance for trips within Australia (i.e. Tasmania), you should consider taking out separate travel insurance.

No policy is the same, especially when it comes to what's covered and the exclusions. Your friendly Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert will happily provide you with a quote and policy details for separate travel insurance.

Payments can be made to Tasmanian Vacations via Electronic Funds Transfer; Cheques; International Bank Transfer or Credit Card.

Electronic Funds Transfer
Direct Deposits can be made into the following bank account. When paying via the internet please use your reservation number (e.g.1459) as the payment reference so we can track your payment and ensure it is allocated to the correct booking. You must also advise us when you make the deposit.

Account Name: Tas Vacations Pty Ltd
Branch: ANZ Hobart
BSB: 017 010
Account Number: 26957 4226

Cheques
Cheques can be mailed to our office for payment, but only if there are more than 14 days until commencement date of travel - see address below. Please make them payable to TasVacations Pty Ltd and mark the reservation number on the reverse.

Tasmanian Vacations
GPO Box 1202
HOBART, TAS, 7001

International Bank Transfer
ANZ Swift Code: ANZBAU3M.
An additional $20 fee applies for all International Bank Transfers.

Credit Cards
Transaction Fees: All payments made by Visa and Mastercard will attract a credit card transaction fee of 1.3% and 1.8% for American Express, Diners Club and JCB Card of the total payment value. Debit card (Visa/ Mastercard) fees may not apply. If paying with an international credit card please request our international booking form.

Yes, you can make as many payments as you wish. The balance of your holiday must be paid 30 days prior to departure.

Yes, you can pay for your holiday with as many different credit cards as you like.

Yes, all payments made by Visa and Mastercard will attract a credit card transaction fee of 1.3% and 1.8% for American Express, Diners Club and JCB Card of the total payment value. Debit card (Visa/ Mastercard) fees may not apply. If paying with an international credit card, please request our international booking form.

Plans can change! We know that, and they change for many reasons so we do recommend appropriate travel insurance to protect your holiday investment under certain circumstances. However, when you book with Tasmanian Vacations we will do all reasonably possible to assist you with amendments and cancellations should it become necessary.

Cancellation prior to final payment: No refund of deposit paid. However, your deposit of $100 per person will be retained on file for a further three years from original date of travel for future travel.

Cancellation after final payment: No refund of deposit paid. However, your deposit of $100 per person will be retained on file for a further three years from original date of travel for future travel. Any further refund will be paid less any fees imposed by the suppliers of services within the terms of contracts which may be up to 100% of monies paid, which may include your $100 per person deposit.

Cancellation after commencing travel: No refunds once travel has commenced including unused services.

Amendments: Tasmanian Vacations will assist wherever possible with amendments when due to unforeseen changes in flight or shipping schedules or instances where government travel restrictions may be implemented. Any other client requested (change of mind) amendments will incur a $100 change fee. A second client requested amendment will incur a further $100 change fee. In the event of subsequent amendments, Tasmanian Vacations amendment fee will be $200. This may or may not include specific amendment or cancellation fees levied by the providers of travel services - accommodation, car rental, tours, attractions etc.

Yes, this is possible if you have not confirmed your holiday and paid a deposit. It can also be possible if you have already confirmed your holiday and paid a deposit however cancellation and amendment fees may apply, and your new dates of travel will be subject to availability.

Due to the varying climate, no matter when you come to Tasmania bring a warm jacket. If you are coming in the cooler months, it’s best to bring clothing you can layer because even the winter sun can be quite warm.

Like the rest of Australia, power point voltage is 220-240V AC, 50 Hz. Power plugs have 2 or 3 flat pins. Socket converters can be easily purchased from travel or electrical stores.

Most bookings with Tasmanian Vacations include accommodation, car hire or Spirit of Tasmania fares and pre-booked tours and attractions. Other costs to keep in mind are:

• Airfares (if not included in your package)
• Fuel
• Parking
• Meals
• Car Rental extras such as baby seats or GPS
• Gratuities (although it is not customary, nor expected to provide tips in Tasmania)
• Cot hire, if required (some properties include this in the pre-booked accommodation and some require a payment direct to the property)