You can’t beat the freedom and flexibility of a motorhome – but who to choose for the best motorhome hire in Tasmania?
In this guide I use my experience as a local Tasmanian and keen road tripper to show you all the options, and to help you choose the perfect motorhome for you and your family!
This page contains affiliate links. If you book a vehicle rental through one of these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Diving down into the many different companies providing motorhome hire in Tasmania, it made me realise just how many options there are for travellers.
On one hand, this is fantastic because it means you’re guaranteed to find a motorhome rental in Tasmania that perfectly suits your budget and style of travel.
But the downside is getting easily overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information… prices, sizes, locations, and so many other factors…
It has taken me a lot of time and effort to create this guide, and I am confident that it provides a balanced view of all the options. Not only does it reflect the hard data, but it also relies on my own experience as a Tassie local to show you the best ways of saving money on what is easily one of the most expensive parts of your holiday budget.
📝 Tassie Road Trip Resources
- Free Self-drive Itineraries – Click here
- Tasmania Campervan Comparison – Click here
- 20% OFF at Discovery Parks – Click here
- Bring your car? Rent a motorhome? My cost calculator helps you decide – Click here
- eBook ‘How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip‘ – Click here
As you can imagine, motorhome companies regularly change their pricing structures and fleets. I will keep this guide updated as frequently as possible, but for the latest information I recommend double-checking their websites, just to be 100% sure.
Let’s get started!
My Top 3 – Motorhome Hire in Tasmania
At the time of writing I found that there were 10 companies providing motorhome hire in Tasmania, with 4 of these companies being Tassie-owned. Talk about punching above our weight 💪
Tasmania excels at providing the ultimate in tourism experiences, so after weighing up the pros and cons of each company it wasn’t surprising to find all four Tassie companies sitting at the top of my list, and I’m sure you will love them just as much as I do.
The table below provides a quick overview of all the options, including links where you can check prices and availability.
Company | Summary | Score | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Cruisin Motorhomes | Best balance of quality and cost SAVE 5% with LAPOFTAS | 5 | Check |
LeisureRent | Good value – especially winter SAVE 5% with LAPOFTAS | 4.5 | Check |
GoCheap | Best cheap rental option SAVE 5% with LAPOFTAS | 4 | Check |
AutoRent | Best for Devonport | 4 | Check |
Star RV | Super luxe, but expensive | 4 | Check |
Maui | Quality, but pricey | 4 | Check |
Apollo | Solid all-rounder | 3.5 | Check |
Mighty | Pet-friendly on a budget | 3.5 | Check |
CheapaCampa | Good cheap rental option | 3 | Check |
Camplify | Good for flexibility | 3 | Check |
Keep reading for more detailed information for each company, explaining why I have ranked some higher or lower on the list and also showing you how to save a packet on your motorhome rental here in Tasmania!
1. Cruisin Motorhomes
Perfect for: Couples and families seeking the ultimate balance of comfort, convenience, and customer service.
Cruisin Motorhomes are such a fantastic Tasmanian success story, starting from humble beginnings here in Hobart before branching out across Australia with their extensive range of spacious and beautifully appointed motorhomes.
In a marketplace full of global acquisitions and mergers it is rare find a motorhome business owned and operated by the same family for 25 years – but that is exactly what you get with Cruisin Motorhomes.
When you speak with their friendly customer service team and read the reviews from fellow travellers you quickly realise why they are such a favourite, and how, in my opinion, they set the standard for motorhome rentals – not just in Tasmania but across Australia 😍
There are plenty of different motorhome models to suit different budgets and styles of travel – so it doesn’t matter whether you are travelling as a solo, couple, or as a family of up to 6 people, because I can guarantee they’ll have an option with your name on it.
- Couples or Solos – The 2-berth ‘Sandpiper‘ is an absolute dream. Like the perfect game of Tetris, I will never know how they fit so many nifty features into such a compact motorhome, including the convenience of both a toilet and shower.
- Families or couples seeking more space – They have a few 4-berth motorhome options, but my fave is their ‘Adventurer‘ motorhome. It isn’t their most luxurious option – that would be the 4-berth ‘Deluxe‘ – but it does represent the ideal balance of price, functionality and comfort – very important for families these days.
- Families wanting the ultimate – You simply can’t go wrong with their 6-berth ‘Deluxe‘ motorhome. The quality of the fitout is simply incredible, and I can’t see how you could possibly find a more comfortable way of exploring Tasmania.
There is a huge range of standard inclusions, and also a number of optional extras you can include when making your booking. A couple worth drawing your attention to include their 24/7 roadside assistance service and the very handy ability to nominate up to 3 other drivers. I also find the young age of their fleet to be reassuring, with all vehicles being less than 4yrs and their Deluxe range all younger than 2.5yrs!
I’m sure you can see now why I’ve got Cruisin Motorhomes at the top of my list 🏅
I am also very pleased to let you know that Cruisin Motorhomes are a big supporter of the Lap of Tasmania community, providing Lappers a generous 5% discount on the rental rate of all their motorhomes!
Special offer: 5% OFF
Discount Code: LAPOFTAS
2. LeisureRent
Perfect for: Couples and families seeking great value for money, without compromising on comfort – especially during winter
You can probably tell that I love supporting local, because LeisureRent is another awesome Tassie tourism business.
From the very beginning LeisureRent has been a big supporter of the Lap of Tasmania, and judging by the feedback from travellers in the Lap of Tas Facebook Group they are a real favourite with road trippers, especially for their warm and friendly customer service.
They currently have two motorhome options available, with an exciting new new fleet of 6-berth motorhomes arriving very soon:
- 4-berth ‘Easy Drive‘ – A nimble motorhome cleverly designed to maximise space, presenting fantastic value for money for solos, couples, or small families.
- 4-berth ‘Superior‘ – A beautiful motorhome with even more room inside, including an oven, air-conditioning, and a diesel heater (the Easy Drive has an electric heater). The ideal balance of comfort and convenience – such a great way of exploring Tasmania!
- 6-berth – COMING SOON – Your next step up from the 4-berth ‘Superior’. I can’t wait for these new motorhomes to arrive in Tasmania! I was chatting with Ken from LeisureRent and he anticipates rentals starting from December – super exciting 🤩
One big plus for LeisureRent is that they don’t just service Hobart, but they also have a depot near Launceston Airport. A lot of travellers tell me how much they love the convenience of flying into Hobart, spending a week or two travelling from south to north, and then flying out from Launceston (or vice versa) – and LeisureRent is one of the few motorhome hire companies in Tasmania who can make this happen.
A nice little bonus is the provision of a courtesy shuttle during business hours, and the flexibility of after-hours vehicle pickup as well!
It’s also worth pointing out that my research into summer and winter prices across all the Tasmania motorhome hire companies found that LeisureRent offer sensational value during the off-season winter months. You’ll find more information about this further down, but the cost savings are substantial – especially when you use my LAPOFTAS code for a further 5% discount on their rates!
Special offer: 5% OFF
Discount Code: LAPOFTAS
3. GoCheap
Perfect for: Budget-savvy travellers seeking a cheap motorhome rental in Tasmania – especially during peak summer season.
If you’re looking for an ‘under the radar’ recommendation then GoCheap fits the bill perfectly.
Did you know they are owned and operated by exactly the same team as Cruisin Motorhomes?
That’s right! It is a really clever business model that I see many vehicle rental businesses using these days, and it creates some fantastic opportunities for travellers on a budget.
Essentially, Cruisin Motorhomes purchases brand new vehicles, keeping them in operation for no longer than 4 years. But once they hit that limit they get rebadged as GoCheap, together with a very handy reduction in the rental rate.
You are getting exactly the same premium motorhomes you would be provided through Cruisin. The same maintenance regime, the same amazing customer service, the same roadside assistance, the same quality linen, kitchen equipment, and everything else – just with a few extra kilometres on the dial.
That sounds like a brilliant way of finding a cheap motorhome rental and saving money to me!
2, 4 and 6-berth motorhomes are all available – for couples I’d be starting my research with their ‘Tamar‘ motorhome, while the ‘Henty‘ is a good starting point for small families.
Drop by the GoCheap website to learn more about their vehicles, and to check availability.
Special offer: 5% OFF
Discount Code: LAPOFTAS
Best of the Rest
AutoRent
A Tasmanian mainstay for more than 45 years, AutoRent is a wonderful company that would have to receive some of the best customer feedback of all the motorhome companies in Tasmania.
I really like both their motorhome options – a 2-berth compact and a 4-berth Premium motorhome – but where they really shine is in the multitude of additional options that you can book, together with your motorhome:
- National Parks Pass
- Bike racks
- Mountain bikes, including helmets, pump, repair kit
- Gas cooker (for outside use)
- Outdoor table and chairs
Finding a company that also rents out bicycles is so handy, especially in Tasmania, considered by many to be the premium global destination for mountain bike riding. I also love that they are servicing Devonport – a very good option if you’re catching the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
The only downside to AutoRent is their summer pricing. They are the most expensive of all the options during peak season, however in winter we see them come back to the middle of the pack.
Regardless, I like that they are doing things differently to the other companies and they are proudly Tasmanian owned and operated!
THL Group – Maui | Apollo | Mighty | CheapaCampa
Something I didn’t realise before starting my research into motorhome rental companies in Tasmania is that there is one parent company that owns four of them.
The THL group are a New Zealand company who also had small beginnings and have expanded to encompass many different campervan and motorhome businesses in NZ, Australia, and around the world. Their most recent acquisition was of Apollo in 2022.
Each motorhome business is marketed separately, and in most instances has a distinct type of traveller and budget that they will appeal to. At the same time, you’ll also notice that there are a lot of similarities in terms of their online booking systems, motorhome inclusions, rental T&Cs, and other aspects.
Here’s an overview of their different options, including links through to Discovery Campervans, an online booking website that let’s you compare the options.
Maui (luxury)
Beautiful interiors, great customer service, more than 35 years of history, extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points per dollar, and all their vehicles are under 2 years of age. They also have an ‘Elite’ range’ that are less than 1 year old.
I see a lot of similarities with Cruisin Motorhomes, but the big downside is that you’ll be paying a lot more for Maui. As you can see in my price comparison further down, Maui are the most expensive of all the Tasmania motorhome options in winter, and 3rd most expensive in summer. Ouch…
If it’s a top-of-the-line premium motorhome that you’re looking for, I’d be making Cruisin Motorhomes my #1 preference, with Maui a solid backup.
Apollo (mid-range)
Until their acquisition by THL, Apollo had a long history in Australia, which is why they are probably the most visible motorhome company across the country (probably also why online criticisms of their customer service is a bit more visible than for other companies).
If I was asked to choose a flavour to describe Apollo, it would be vanilla. The pricing throughout the year is smack-bang in the middle of all the companies – a nice plus. They have the standard range of 2, 4, and 6-berth motorhomes, but nothing that really stands out to me as an exciting point of difference.
Some might call them the goldilocks of the motorhome world, but for me I’d be looking at Cruisin Motorhomes or LeisureRent in the first instance, with Apollo next in line.
Mighty (value)
To be honest, the range of vehicles provided by Mighty leans very strongly towards to the campervan end of town – but they do offer 4-berth and a 6-berth motorhomes.
Putting themselves out there as the ‘value’ option for travellers, it is really good to see this backed up by their very competitive pricing year-round.
How do they keep their prices so low? Just like Cruisin Motorhomes, when Maui Motorhomes get a bit long in the tooth they are handed down and rebadged as Mighty.
One thing I absolutely love about Mighty is that they are one of the only pet-friendly motorhome company in Tasmania! For a fee of $299 you can bring up to 2 well-behaved pooches 🐶 or moggies 🐱 on your travels – how good is that?!
CheapaCampa (budget)
CheapaCampa firmly position themselves as being the best budget option for road trippers – yet I don’t see this being reflected in their rental rates, as they came in at very similar prices to Mighty.
Yes, they are competitive, but given that their vehicles are the Apollo hand-me-downs, I expected to see lower rates (especially winter where LeisureRent is streets ahead in terms of quality and value – and that’s before you use the LAPOFTAS code for a further 5% discount!).
CheapaCampa have some pet-friendly options, which is great to see – but you’ll need to give them a call to check availability in Tasmania for your travel dates.
Star RV
If you’re looking for a luxe motorhome in Tasmania then Star RV has to be in the mix.
Their support and service from start to finish is superb, and the quality of their motorhomes is second to none, with all their motorhomes less than 1 year old.
This is a motorhome company clearly targeting travellers who value comfort and quality far more than price – and this is reflected not only in their very expensive rental rates, but also in the exorbitant bond that they require from you before you start your travels (which can often take as long as 30 days to be refunded to you after finishing your trip). Given their niche approach they also have limited vehicle availability during peak season.
At the same time, the upside is considerable. All their motorhomes are dog-friendly (for a $299 fee) which I absolutely love, and they also provide a free shuttle transfer from the Airport to their depot in Cambridge.
Personally, I feel like Cruisin Motorhomes hit the sweet-spot for a beautifully appointed motorhome without needing to take out a second mortgage – but if you’re prepared to pay for it you can guarantee a sensational road trip with Star RV!
Camplify
Camplify aren’t a traditional motorhome rental company. Instead, they provide an online platform for regular motorhome owners to rent out their motorhome during times when they don’t need it.
It makes a lot of sense as well. If you only use your motorhome for 4 weeks every year, then why wouldn’t you want to make an income for the other 48 weeks it isn’t being used?
The upside for travellers is that you can often find a real gem via Camplify, and at a fantastic price that could be a lot less than what you would pay through one of the traditional motorhome companies (not always though, as you will see in the next section).
At the same time, it is important you go into a Camplify rental with open eyes, because there are a number of considerations you need to be aware of.
- Availability – It shouldn’t happen, but I have read numerous reports of vehicle owners making their motorhome unavailable at the last minute, with travellers then needing to find an alternative and often at a much higher price because they need a motorhome ASAP
- Customer Support – Contacting the vehicle owner mid-rental may be more difficult than if you were dealing with a 24/7 call-centre, as provided by most other companies
- Vehicle Condition – Camplify require that all vehicles are registered and in roadworthy condition, however the same standards do not apply to their vehicles that apply to the traditional companies and you are relying on the owner being diligent in their care and maintenance regime. While most vehicles will be completely fine, there is a greater chance of mechanical issues or equipment issues.
- Quoted costs – The daily rates quoted on Camplify exclude any insurance coverage, as this is added to your fee during the booking process and will be a minimum of an extra $15 per day.
Please don’t take this info as being too negative, because regardless of the motorhome company you choose to use there are always going to be pros and cons. In the vast majority of cases Camplify will be a great way of sourcing a motorhome, especially if you are finding vehicles to be scarce on the ground from the more established companies.
Have a look and see what you think!
Motorhome rental prices in Tasmania
As you can imagine, motorhome rental prices in Tasmania can vary a lot depending all sorts of factors, including:
- Demand – Peak tourism season extends from December through to Easter and will always result in higher prices than in winter or spring (June to November).
- Vehicle type and size – Larger or more luxurious vehicles will cost more.
- Rental duration – Naturally, longer rentals comes at greater cost. It’s important to note that at extreme peak times (Christmas/New Years, Easter, and public holidays) you will find that some companies increase the minimum rental duration to 7 or 10 days.
- Vehicle availability – The longer you can book ahead, the cheaper your rental will be. I recommend trying to get this organised at least 3 months ahead – 6 months if possible.
- Insurance – Every company provides a range of insurance options with varying premiums and excesses payable in the event of an accident.
To give you a feel for motorhome rental prices in Tasmania I have created test bookings for all the companies, and the chart below shows how they compare against each other for a summer booking, and a winter booking.
Key assumptions:
- Rental duration – 10 days (13-22 January | 9-18 June)
- Vehicle type – Cheapest 4-berth option
- Insurance – Default option selected
- Discounts – For a level playing field I haven’t applied the LAPOFTAS discount to these prices – meaning Cruisin Motorhomes, LeisureRent and GoCheap Motorhomes prices are actually 5% less than what is shown
Some things that stand out to me when I look at this chart:
- Cruisin Motorhomes doesn’t vary much throughout the year, and considering the exceptional quality of their motorhomes they represent the best all-round option
- LeisureRent represent fantastic value in winter, saving you around $600 on a 10-day rental compared with the other motorhome companies (excl. Camplify)
- Camplify have a reputation for being the best budget option. Yet while their winter pricing is among the best, their summer pricing is surprisingly high
- AutoRent and Star RV are your most expensive summer options
At the end of the day prices aren’t everything – but they are important, and I hope this helps you choose the best option for your circumstances.
📝 Motorhome Tips
- Motorhome companies charge by the day – not per night. Arriving early and leaving late will help you maximise use of your motorhome
- Allow at least 60 minutes to pickup and dropoff your vehicle – important when you arriving/departing by plane
- Before returning your motorhome, don’t forget to top up your fuel, and to empty your toilet and grey water
Hobart Motorhome Hire
Choosing the best Hobart motorhome hire is an easy one, because all the companies service Hobart:
#1 – 🏆 Cruisin Motorhomes – Check availability
#2 – LeisureRent – Check availability
#3 – GoCheap Motorhomes – Check availability
All three businesses are supporters of the Lap of Tasmania as well, which means you will secure a handy 5% discount with the LAPOFTAS code 😍
Launceston Motorhome Hire
If you are flying into Launceston then your options are a lot more limited, with only three companies servicing this city. These are my recommendations for the best Launceston motorhome hire:
#1 – 🏆 LeisureRent – Check availability (Use LAPOFTAS for 5% OFF)
#2 – AutoRent – Check availability
#3 – Camplify – Check availability
Devonport Motorhome Hire
There’s a good chance you might be catching the ferry to Devonport before starting your Lap of Tasmania. If that’s you then these are my recommendations for Devonport motorhome hire:
#1 – 🏆 AutoRent – Check availability
#2 – Camplify – Check availability
Luxury Motorhome Hire
If you are going to be spending days or even weeks in a motorhome it makes sense to spend a little bit extra to ensure a comfortable holiday.
More space in which to relax (important if rain is forecast), larger fridges, separate shower and toilet, awning for shade, more external storage space, younger vehicles…. the list goes on!
There are some stunning luxury motorhome options in Tasmania, and these are my favourites:
#1 – 🏆 Cruisin Motorhomes ‘Deluxe’ range – Check availability (Use LAPOFTAS for 5% OFF)
#2 – Maui – Check availability
#3 – Star RV – Check availability
Cheap Motorhome Rental
Finding a cheap motorhome rental for your Tassie road trip is a great way of keeping your costs down, while also potentially freeing up cash to splurge on tours, gourmet food, or souvenirs.
Thankfully there is a really good range of budget motorhome options available to you, and these are my faves:
#1 – 🏆 GoCheap – Check availability
#2 – LeisureRent – Check availability
#3 – Mighty – Check availability
Private Motorhome Hire Tasmania
You might be considering a journey down the rabbit hole that is Facebook Marketplace and finding a private motorhome for hire in Tasmania.
Don’t do it!
You might save a few dollars, but that place is rife with scammers and desperados, and if something goes wrong you are much more likely to find yourself in a world of expensive frustration.
By its nature, any form of private rental comes with greater risk to travellers – but if this is your preferred approach then Camplify is the best way of going about it:
#1 – 🏆 Camplify – Check availability
The range of motorhomes isn’t extensive (campervans are a lot more common), and it will change throughout the year depending on when vehicle owners make them available, but you may find yourself saving on your motorhome rental.
Motorhome depot information
The table below provides a quick overview of the opening hours and other useful information for each of the motorhome businesses here in Tasmania.
Motorhome Company | Depot Location | Hours of Operation |
Cruisin Motorhomes | Cambridge – 5-min drive or Uber/Taxi from Hobart Airport | Monday to Sunday, 8am to 4:30pm (closed on Sundays from 1 May to 31 August – vehicle drop-off is still possible though) |
LeisureRent | Cambridge – 5-min drive in their courtesy shuttle (or catch an Uber/Taxi outside business hours) | Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:40pm – after hours key collection is possible using the PIN number provided with your booking |
GoCheap | Cambridge – 5-min drive or Uber/Taxi from Hobart Airport | Monday to Sunday, 8am to 4:30pm (closed on Sundays from 1 May to 31 August – vehicle drop-off is still possible though) |
Maui | Hobart Airport – A short walk (400m) from the arrivals terminal | Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm (there is no customer parking available at the Maui depot) |
Apollo | Hobart Airport – A short walk (400m) from the arrivals terminal | Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm (there is no customer parking available at the Apollo depot) |
Mighty | Hobart Airport – A short walk (400m) from the arrivals terminal | Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm (there is no customer parking available at the Mighty depot) |
CheapaCampa | Hobart Airport – A short walk (400m) from the arrivals terminal | Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm (there is no customer parking available at the CheapaCampa depot) |
Star RV | Cambridge – 5-min drive in their courtesy shuttle | Monday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm |
AutoRent | Cambridge – 5-min drive or Uber/Taxi from Hobart Airport | Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm (Sat/Sun you need to call them for information) |
Final thoughts on hiring a motorhome in Tasmania
As you can see, there are soooo many options when it comes to choosing the perfect motorhome for your Tassie holiday, and I hope my research has helped you to decide the best way to go.
If you need any more advice, please don’t hesitate to join us over in the Lap of Tasmania FB Group. We’re a very friendly group of likeminded road trippers, and we all love helping out fellow ‘Lappers’ with our tips and advice on planning a holiday in Tasmania.
If you enjoyed this article then I’m sure you will also find these other free guides and articles helpful in planning your adventures here in Tasmania:
- My free self-drive road trip itineraries show you where to go, what to see/do, and where to stay
- Still deciding on your wheels? This guide to car hire and this campervan comparison will be helpful
- This spreadsheet shows you all the exclusive discounts I have negotiated for Lappers 🤩
- I get great feedback on this helpful guide to driving times and distances in Tasmania
- My eBook ‘How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip‘ is your ultimate Tassie travel bible
Best wishes with all the travel planning, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any further advice.
Happy travels!
Andrew.