Tasmania | Self-Drive Road Trip & Car Rental Guide.
When traveling to Australia's southernmost island state, renting a car for a road trip is by far the most recommended way to get around. Tasmania is renowned for its breathtaking natural wilderness, where scenic sights are often far apart. Aside from public transit within Hobart or Launceston, exploring the island without your own vehicle is nearly impossible.
The good news is that renting a car in Tasmania is generally straightforward. You can easily compare and book vehicles through platforms like Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars, which compile offers from major rental operators including Hertz, Budget, AVIS, Europcar, National, Alamo, Thrifty, and more.
So why did I write this specific guide?
Because the legal minimum age to obtain a driver's license varies from country to country—for instance, in Taiwan you can get a license at 18. In Australia, however, many car rental companies explicitly refuse drivers under 20, or place strict young driver restrictions and hefty surcharges on those aged 21–24. Most major rental brands set their base minimum rental age at 25, offering much cheaper rates and comprehensive insurance packages only to drivers 25 and older.
Therefore, I wrote this post especially for younger road-trippers (like myself at the time!) to highlight car rental companies that welcome drivers under 25, and even those under 21. Of course, even if you meet the standard age requirements, this firsthand rental breakdown will give you valuable insights into driving in Tasmania.
(Directly opposite the arrival exit at Hobart Airport, you will spot service counters for various car rental agencies. They are very well organized and super convenient for arriving passengers.)
◎ Apex Car Rentals Australia
To begin with, standard international brands usually do not accept drivers under 25, meaning younger travelers need to turn to smaller or regional companies. While Apex Car Rentals isn't a global mega-brand, it is a well-established and reputable rental operator across Australia and New Zealand that rents to drivers aged 21 and above (18–20 are not accepted). They offer a solid fleet and attentive customer service.
♁ Address: Holyman Ave, Cambridge, Hobart, TAS 7170, Australia
♁ Phone: 1800 121 029 / (03) 6248 4958
♁ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00 AM - 04:59 PM
♁ Official Website: Apex Car Rentals Australia
(You can book directly on their official website and receive an instant email confirmation. We booked without any promotional discount, paying AUD 464 for an 8-day rental including insurance. This was standard market pricing, but options are inherently limited for drivers under 25, as you can see when browsing Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars.)
(As mentioned in my comprehensive Australia Car Rental Guide, local Australian rental companies rarely have counters inside the airport terminal compared to international brands. Apex Car Rentals is an example: their pick-up counter is situated in a container-style office in a nearby parking area. It might be tricky to spot on your first arrival, but you can call them upon landing and wait at the airport bus shelter for their dedicated shuttle transfer.)
◎ AAA Car Rentals Hobart
This is a local independent car rental outfit located in Hobart, Tasmania's capital. Their standout advantage is that they accept drivers aged 18 to 21! Finding a car rental company in Australia willing to accept drivers in this age group is exceptionally rare. This serves as a true lifeline for young tourists, working holidaymakers, and international students alike.
♁ Address: 73 Warwick Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
♁ Phone: (03) 62 313 313 / 0437 313 314
♁ Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM (Sunday rentals by prior arrangement)
♁ Official Website: AAA Car Rentals Hobart
(This rental firm also doubles as an auto repair shop. It is a modest local family-style business, but the owner is incredibly welcoming, and it remains one of the very few companies that rent to drivers under 21.)
◎ What Are Fuel Prices Like in Tasmania?
Much like staying connected with Australian SIM cards & mobile data, fuel costs are a top budget concern for visitors. However, it's hard to state an exact price because fuel rates fluctuate continuously throughout the year. Here, I'd like to share an indispensable tool: a handy fuel-tracking website that displays real-time petrol prices and petrol station locations across Tasmania—a true lifesaver on the road!
♁ Website: PetrolSpy Australia
(Locating petrol stations is something every self-drive traveler in Tasmania must plan for. This site not only maps fuel stations across regional routes but also continuously updates recent retail fuel prices. If you're unfamiliar with refueling etiquette Down Under, check out my step-by-step Australia Petrol Station & Refueling Guide.)
◎ Essential Car Rental Tips & Documents
Regardless of your age, the required documents at pick-up remain essentially the same. You must present your original domestic driver's license alongside an official International Driving Permit (IDP) (or accredited English translation if required). Taiwanese travelers can apply at local Motor Vehicles Offices with NT$250, national ID, original driver's license, passport, and two 2-inch ID photos.
Furthermore, as highlighted in my Australia Car Rental Guide, I strongly advise taking out comprehensive rental insurance coverage unless you have standalone travel car rental insurance. While Tasmania has comparatively light traffic and decent road surfaces, outback wildlife, remote stretches, and emergency repair costs can be exorbitant in the event of an accident. Buying peace of mind is well worth every dollar!
That wraps up my Tasmania car rental experience and guide. I hope this proves helpful for all self-drive travelers, especially younger drivers navigating age limitations. Cruising through Tasmania's breathtaking countryside is an absolute joy. Looking back, that road trip remains one of my fondest travel memories—and I wish you an unforgettable adventure behind the wheel!