How to Get from Hobart to Mainland Australia Cheaply

Finished exploring Tasmania and ready for your next Australian adventure? Whether you're heading to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or further north to Queensland, there are several ways to get from Hobart to mainland Australia without spending a fortune.

As Tasmania is an island, you'll need to fly or travel by sea to reach the mainland if you're arranging your own transport. But there's another option worth considering if you want to continue your travels on the road.

Imoova offers vehicle relocation deals from Hobart and Launceston to mainland destinations, with routes that can include Adelaide, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Darwin and Melbourne. Relocations are available from just $1 per day, giving you the opportunity to travel between destinations while helping rental companies move their vehicles.

Here's how to get from Hobart to mainland Australia cheaply, with the pros and cons of each option and tips for finding a relocation deal that suits your plans.

1. Find a cheap vehicle relocation with Imoova

If you're looking for an affordable way to travel from Tasmania to mainland Australia, an Imoova vehicle relocation could be a great option.

Imoova connects travellers with rental companies that need vehicles moved between locations. Rather than paying the full price of a conventional rental, you can book selected relocations at heavily discounted daily rates, typically from just $1 per day.

For travellers finishing their time in Tasmania, this creates an opportunity to combine transport with a road trip across mainland Australia.

Where can you travel?

Depending on current availability, Imoova relocations from Hobart or Launceston can include mainland destinations such as:

• Melbourne: Continue your Australian adventure in Victoria, explore the city or head along the Great Ocean Road.

• Adelaide: Discover South Australia's coastline, wineries and spectacular coastal drives.

• Sydney: Explore Australia's famous harbour city and its surrounding beaches.

• The Gold Coast: Head north for surf beaches, theme parks and Queensland's sunny coastline.

• Darwin: Start an adventure in Australia's tropical Top End, with access to national parks and dramatic landscapes.

Routes, dates, vehicle types and availability vary, so check the current listings to see which destinations you can travel to.

Why choose an Imoova relocation?

Low daily rates: Relocations are available from $1 per day, potentially leaving more money for accommodation, food and activities. Often, ferry costs will be reimbursed too!

A way to continue your road trip: Instead of arriving on the mainland and arranging another vehicle, you may be able to travel directly to your next destination with a suitable relocation.

Different vehicle types: Depending on the listing, available vehicles may include cars, campervans and motorhomes.

The opportunity to explore along the way: Some relocations allow time for sightseeing, while others have tighter schedules. Choose one that suits the kind of trip you want.

What should you know before booking?

Vehicle relocations have specific conditions, so always check the permitted travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, insurance arrangements, kilometre allowance and any additional charges.

Some listings offer extra days or fuel allowances, but these inclusions vary. Make sure you understand the terms before booking and plan your route around the time you're given.

Ready to see what's available? Browse Imoova's Australian vehicle relocation deals and look for departures from Hobart or Launceston to your preferred mainland destination.

2. Fly from Hobart to mainland Australia

Flying is often the quickest and most straightforward way to get from Hobart to the mainland, especially if you don't need a vehicle at your destination.

Hobart Airport has flights connecting Tasmania with mainland Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. Routes and frequencies vary, so check your preferred dates before booking.

How to find cheap flights

• Be flexible with dates: Flying midweek or outside school holidays may offer better fares.

• Compare airports: Depending on where you're heading, flying into Melbourne, Sydney or another mainland city could offer different prices.

• Travel light: Check baggage allowances before booking, as extra luggage can increase the total cost.

• Book ahead where possible: Popular travel periods can be more expensive, particularly during school holidays and summer.

Flying can be the best choice if you want to reach the mainland quickly. However, if you also need transport for a road trip, you'll need to factor in the cost of hiring a vehicle separately.

3. Take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry

If you'd prefer to travel with your own vehicle, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry connects Devonport in northern Tasmania with Geelong in Victoria.

This is a useful option if you've been travelling around Tasmania in your own car or campervan and want to continue your road trip on the mainland.

However, if you're starting in Hobart, you'll need to drive north to Devonport before boarding the ferry.

What to consider

• Allow time to reach Devonport: The drive from Hobart takes several hours.

• Factor in the crossing: The sea journey takes roughly 9–11 hours, depending on the sailing.

• Compare the full cost: Add up the passenger fare, vehicle fare, cabin or seat options and fuel for the drive to Devonport.

• Book ahead: Check availability and fares for your travel dates, particularly during busy periods.

The ferry is worth considering if bringing your own vehicle is important to you. If you're travelling without a vehicle, flying or taking an Imoova relocation may be more suitable.

4. Travel to Launceston before leaving Tasmania

If you're based in Hobart, it's worth checking both Hobart and Launceston when planning your departure.

Launceston Airport has mainland connections, and Imoova also offers vehicle relocations departing from Launceston. Depending on your dates and destination, comparing both departure points could give you more options.

The drive between Hobart and Launceston takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and conditions, so factor in the additional transport cost and time before deciding whether travelling north is worthwhile.

If you want to explore more of Tasmania before leaving, you could turn the journey into a short road trip and spend time discovering the island's northern towns and attractions.

Which is the cheapest way to get from Hobart to mainland Australia?

The cheapest option depends on your destination, travel dates, luggage and whether you need a vehicle once you arrive.

If your goal is to continue travelling around Australia, an Imoova relocation is particularly worth checking because it combines a heavily discounted vehicle rate with travel to a mainland destination.

If you simply need to get from Tasmania to the mainland as quickly as possible, comparing flight prices is a sensible starting point.

Where should you go after Tasmania?

Once you reach the mainland, there are plenty of destinations to explore. The best option depends on the kind of adventure you're planning next.

Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

Melbourne is a natural next stop for travellers who enjoy food, fashion, culture and coastal adventures. From the city, you can continue along the Great Ocean Road to discover the Twelve Apostles, seaside towns and dramatic coastal scenery.

Adelaide and South Australia

Head to Adelaide for a relaxed city break, beautiful beaches and access to South Australia's wine regions. If you have more time, explore the coastline or plan a road trip towards the Flinders Ranges.

Sydney and the New South Wales coast

Sydney offers iconic harbour views, beaches and a vibrant food scene. It's also a great starting point for a coastal road trip north or south, with national parks and seaside towns along the way.

The Gold Coast and Queensland

If you're ready for sunshine, swimming and tropical adventures, the Gold Coast is a great next stop. Continue north to explore Queensland's beaches, islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Darwin and the Northern Territory

For something completely different, head to Darwin to experience tropical markets, national parks and the landscapes of Australia's Top End. Depending on the season and your itinerary, you could explore places such as Litchfield National Park or Kakadu National Park.

Tips for planning your journey from Tasmania to the mainland

Before booking your transport, keep these tips in mind:

• Compare your total costs: Don't look at the ticket price alone. Include baggage, transfers, fuel, insurance and vehicle hire where relevant.

• Check relocation routes early: The availability of Imoova deals changes, and the route you want may not be available on your preferred date.

• Be flexible with destinations: If you're open to travelling to different mainland cities, you may find a relocation that better suits your plans.

• Plan around your permitted travel days: Make sure the relocation gives you enough time to reach the destination and enjoy any stops you want to make.

• Read the conditions carefully: Confirm mileage, fuel arrangements, insurance and any additional fees before committing.

Leave Tasmania and continue your Australian adventure for less

Getting from Hobart to mainland Australia doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on transport. Flights and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry are useful options, but if you want to keep exploring by road, a vehicle relocation could be an alternative worth considering.

With Imoova, vehicle relocations from Hobart or Launceston can take you towards destinations such as Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Darwin for as little as $1 per day.

Instead of simply arranging your next journey, you could turn it into the start of another Australian road trip.

Explore Imoova's vehicle relocation deals and find an available route from Tasmania to your next destination.