Launceston Airport (LST) is the gateway to northern Tasmania — an island state of extraordinary natural beauty, with wilderness, wine, and a colonial heritage that is distinct from mainland Australia. Launceston itself is Tasmania’s second-largest city, with a gorge running through the city centre, Victorian architecture, and a food scene that reflects the island’s fresh produce. Hiring a car here lets you explore Cradle Mountain, the wine region of the Tamar Valley, the historic towns of the north, and the wild west coast.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Budget and local operators at Launceston Airport. Compact cars start around €25/day. The airport is 15 kilometres south of the city centre.

Why Hire a Car at Launceston Airport

• Cataract Gorge: 10 minutes from the city centre. A spectacular gorge with walking trails, a swimming pool, a chairlift, and peacocks that wander freely. It is one of the most unusual urban parks in the world.
• Cradle Mountain: 2.5 hours west. The most iconic peak in Tasmania, in a national park of glacial lakes, ancient forests, and alpine heath. The Dove Lake circuit is one of the most popular walks in Australia.
• The Tamar Valley: 30 minutes north. One of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions, with over 30 cellar doors. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the specialities.
• Bay of Fires: 3 hours northeast. A stretch of coastline with white sand, turquoise water, and granite boulders covered in orange lichen. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
• Freycinet National Park: 2.5 hours east. Home to Wineglass Bay, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world. The park has hiking trails, wildlife, and views of the Hazards mountains.
• Hobart: 2.5 hours south. Tasmania’s capital, with Salamanca Market, MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), and the historic waterfront.
• The West Coast: 4 hours west. A wild landscape of rainforests, rivers, and mining towns. Strahan is the gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Driving from Launceston Airport

Australia drives on the left. The Bass Highway connects Launceston to the north coast and Devonport. The Midland Highway runs south to Hobart. The roads in Tasmania are generally good, but rural roads are narrow and winding. Wildlife (wallabies, wombats, and kangaroos) is common at dawn and dusk.

Parking at the airport is directly in front of the terminal. In Launceston, parking is affordable. At national parks, parking is free but fills up in summer.

Booking Tips for Launceston Airport

• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer (December–February), the peak season.
• If visiting Cradle Mountain, book accommodation in advance — it fills up fast.
• Drive carefully at dawn and dusk — wildlife is common on Tasmanian roads.
• If combining with Hobart, the drive is 2.5 hours south.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Launceston Airport

How far is Launceston Airport from the city centre? 15 kilometres — 15 minutes by car.

Is Tasmania worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Australia, with world-class wilderness, wine, and wildlife.

Do I need an SUV? For the city and main roads, a compact car is fine. For unsealed tracks in national parks, an SUV is recommended.