Getting to and around Tasmania
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Tasmania is the southern most state in Australia and is an island. Being an island brings many advantages including uncrowded trails, but one disadvantage is getting here! The two main ways people get here are by plane or boat.
You therefore have the option of flying into Tasmania's three main airports (Hobart, Launceston or Devonport) or via the passenger and car ferry, Spirit of Tasmania. Once here, you will either need to hire a car / van, try and get around via very limited shuttle type services or use a MTB tour guide company. |
By Air
Virgin Australian and Jetstar are the main airlines into Tasmania, with a few Qantas flights. There is a range of flights most days. I will update the arrangement about bike box storage at the airport asap.
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By Sea
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Spirit of Tasmania operates sailings across Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania. Those wishing to bring their bike can do so for just $5 per bike each way.
The twin ships depart from both ports at 7:30pm, arriving at 6:00am the following morning. During periods of high demand, Spirit of Tasmania also operates day sailings, departing from each port at 9:00am and arriving the same day at 6:00pm. Vehicles, including those with trailers and caravans, are accommodated. Passengers can load their cars full of luggage and holiday gear, kennels can be booked for pets, and, of course, cyclists can bring their bikes! There are a variety of accommodation options available including Deluxe Cabins, Twin/Four Berth Cabins, and Ocean Recliners. All cabins come equipped with a private ensuite, air conditioning/heating, bedding, towels, soap, and a 220-volt socket. Once you get here, you may like to hire a trailer. See below note on trailer hire. |
Image Nathan Se
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Hire Cars and Commercials
Traveling with bikes can be a real pain, but with some lateral thinking, it's not too bad. What vehicle you hire all depends on how many there are in your group. We'll give you some ideas here, so you can work out what vehicle/s may suit your needs.
Hire cars will normally be your first option, although you will need to look into how you will carry your bikes. Commercial vehicles could be your better choice for a number of reasons including; they are often available at a reduced rate and easy of carrying your bikes. The two main commercial options would to be hire a ute or dual cab ute or you may prefer to keep your bikes locked up. In this case, a van type vehicle may be a better option for you.
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Bike Trailer Hire Please Note - Most hired commercial vehicles in Tasmania have a towbar fitted. This means you can hire a MTB equipped trailer from our main trailer rental provider. Details at this link. |
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If there is 5 or more of you, you would be better to hire a 12 seater. Most of these 12 seaters have towbars, which will allow you to put your equipment in the back of the bus and bikes in the trailer. If you hire a trailer from the 12 seater rental company, just be sure your bikes fit and will be secure whilst traveling.
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Bargain Car Rentals
Launceston Airport Hobart Airport Hobart CBD 1300 729 230 bargaincarrentals.com.au 173 Harrington Street, Hobart TAS 7000 All customers who book direct on Bargain's website at bargaincarrentals.com.au receive a 10% discount off of the daily rate of all passenger vehicles, not just Dual Cab Utes. Use the discount code RIDETASSIE to receive 10% off. Bike rack hire is available at a fixed $100 for the whole rental and can only be used with their Dual Cab Utes. These come pre-installed for you. |
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Drive, Ride, Explore
https://www.driverideexplore.com.au/ 4 bike racks seat 5 one way hires available PH: 0455 135 558 Drive Ride Explore offer a custom set up 4X4 ute, carrying 4 fully assembled bikes on a hard lid whilst having full tray storage that is both waterproof and lockable underneath. We store your bike boxes while you travel! Yakima Front Loader Racks cater for 20"-29" wheels and secure the bike with no frame contact. Their is 2 locking options for the bikes on the hard lid. We also include an Eski and a UHF. We have depots in Launceston and Hobart, offering the option of different pickup/drop off locations. A Tasmanian Family owned and operated business we aim to make your trip as easy as possible, with airport pick up and drop off included in the service.
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This is an example of what Europcar has for rent in Tassie. It is a 2 seater with room in the back for two bikes and all your gear. Great if you want to keep your bikes lock away and out of sight. |
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Tray back ute in either 2 or 4WD. A bit of an issue with how you secure your bikes and store your gear, but these are cheap to hire! |
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If you want a little bit of comfort, you could put all the rear seats forward (or ask to have them taken out) and use a vehicle like a Kia Carnival. These do not have towbars, o you need to put everything inside.
You may even be able to squeeze 3 of you in one of these and still get our bikes in. Just! Send us a photo if you do! |
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Commercial vans are normally 2/3 seater. As well as transporting bikes, they could also double as a cheap camping option! Most don't have a towbar. Bet ask! |
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Campers could also be an option for you. These smaller van types are generally 2 birth, but you always put up a small tent! Not sure how you would get three bikes in there though!
Don't forget you can get these in 'backpacker' versions! Please note - ALL AutoRent Hertz campervans in Tasmania will be available with bike carriers. Also see https://leisurerent.com.au/ |
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Travelling with 3
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A dual cab could be an option for three, but would be a squeeze for 4. Not sure what would be the best way to transport your bikes but this device could help.Don't forget you may need at 15 or 20 mm adapter. Ride Tasmania is investigating bike adapter options. Please keep an eye out for updates.
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Commercial vans are normally 2/3 seater. As well as transporting bikes, back could also double as a cheap camping option! Note - Most of these type of vans don't have towbars! |
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3/4 berth campers are an option as well, but could be a squeeze with 4 adults. Sleeping could be tight for 4 adults as well, unless one goes in a tent!
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White Knuckle MTB
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter, customised by riders, for riders. Tasmania is home to some of the greatest Mountain Bike Trails, and our MTB Camper is custom made to help you navigate your way around Tasmania. Seats 3. https://www.whiteknucklemtb.com.au/ Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0477 640 866 |
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Travelling with 4
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Travelling with four is a bit of a problem unless you can hire a 4 or 5 seater commercial vehicle with a tow bar. This will allow you to hire a trailer. Budget have utes with tail gate mats for hire. Check out at this link. |
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A 4 Berth campervan gives you added flexibility.
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Drive, Ride, Explore
Drive Ride Explore offer a custom set up 4X4 ute, carrying 4 fully assembled bikes on a hard lid whilst having full tray storage that is both waterproof and lockable underneath. We store your bike boxes while you travel! Yakima Front Loader Racks cater for 20"-29" wheels and secure the bike with no frame contact. Their is 2 locking options for the bikes on the hard lid. We also include an Eski and a UHF. We have depots in Launceston and Hobart, offering the option of different pickup/drop off locations. A Tasmanian Family owned and operated business we aim to make your trip as easy as possible, with airport pick up and drop off included in the service.
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Travelling with 6 or more
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With 5 or more mates, you have two options really. First one is to hire a 4 door car or people mover and a commercial van for 2 of you and all your bikes. The second option is to hire a mini van and trailer.
Be aware that the luggage trailer can only probably carrier 6 bikes are NOT bike rack equipped. |
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Bike Trailer Hire
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Ride Tassie.com has worked with Lex at Trailer Hire Tasmania, to design bike trailers that hold either 5 bike or 13 bikes. Most commercial hire vehicles in Tasmania come with tow bars, so simply visit this page to get all the info on hiring one of these trailers. |
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PLEASE NOTE - Sometimes commercial fleets in Tasmania differ from what's on their corporate website booking page. It may be best to ring them directly to see what they have got and double check if it's got a towbar. Also check to see if its got a tarp!
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MTB Guides & Tours
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