Minibus Hire Across Australia

Launceston Minibus Hire for Tamar Valley and Tasmania Touring

Launceston is a compact river city with a gorge on its doorstep and wine country along the Tamar. It's also the natural starting point for northern Tasmania, from Cradle Mountain to Freycinet.

Cataract Gorge and the city

First Basin at Cataract Gorge is an easy walk from the centre across Kings Bridge, about 15 minutes on foot. If you'd rather ride up, the Basin car park has 12 bays for larger vehicles, plus the chairlift and a free inclinator. The car park gates are locked at 10pm, so keep evening visits early.

Back in town, City Park is a gentle Victorian garden, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery has sites at Inveresk and Royal Park.

White minibus parked at the curb
White minibus parked at the curb

Along the Tamar

Wineries line both banks of the Tamar River, so a tasting day can wander north on one side and come home down the other. In December and January, add Bridestowe Lavender Estate at Nabowla, about 45 minutes north-east, when the fields are in flower.

Flying into Launceston

Places your group will want to see

  • City Park — Victorian-era park in the city centre
  • Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery — Inveresk and Royal Park sites
  • Bridestowe Lavender Estate — 296 Gillespies Road, Nabowla, about 50 km north-east; flowering season December-January
  • Tamar Valley wineries — Wine route along both banks of the Tamar River
  • Cataract Gorge Reserve (First Basin) — Basin Road, West Launceston; 12 oversized-vehicle bays in the Basin car park, chairlift, free inclinator; walkable from the city via Kings Bridge

Where groups usually stay

  • Tamar Valley
  • Cataract Gorge / Trevallyn
  • Seaport and Inveresk
  • City centre (Brisbane Street / Charles Street)

Longer days out

Cradle Mountain is 2 to 2.5 hours' drive, and the park has firm rules. While the shuttle runs, private vehicles go no further than the Visitor Centre. At Dove Lake itself there are only three first-come spaces for tour operators, who have to drive in behind a shuttle escort, and in peak periods they're asked to leave vehicles at the Gateway, so plan on your group riding the shuttle to the lake. Everyone on board needs a Tasmanian parks pass.

Freycinet and the Wineglass Bay lookout are about two and a half hours east. Long days like these must fit the driver's hours where the Heavy Vehicle National Law covers the bus, which it does in Tasmania, so build them into the plan or stay overnight.

Flying or sailing in

Launceston Airport is on Evandale Main Road, about 15 km from the Town Hall, or 15 to 20 minutes. Commercial vehicles, minibuses included, load in the boom-gated Commercial Lane closest to the terminal.

The Spirit of Tasmania ferries come in at Devonport, 1.25 hours up the road. Both the ships and the terminal there are being replaced in late 2026, so check sailing times before booking the transfer, and arrange the pickup ahead: terminal parking is limited and for passengers only.

Your questions

Can we visit Cradle Mountain in a day from Launceston?

Yes, though it's a full one, with 2 to 2.5 hours on the road each way before you start walking. Bring parks passes for everyone and expect to use the shuttle at busy times.

When is the lavender in bloom?

Bridestowe flowers in December and January. Those are the months for the purple fields.

Is Hobart an easy transfer from here?

Hobart is roughly 200 km south by the Midland Highway, a 2.5 to 3 hour drive, so it fits comfortably into a travel day between the two cities.

More trips we can arrange

Vehicles