Campervan Hire in Devonport

Devonport is a small, semi-industrial port city straddling the Bass Strait on the north coast of Tasmania. In travel circles, the city is best known as the home of the Spirit of Tasmania, the primary vehicle ferry from mainland Australia.

But not everyone sails into the city with their own motorhome. Thanks to its strategic location, easy-to-access airport, and competitive campervan rental companies, Devonport is a great base to hire a ride and explore the state.

Tasmania is a dream campervan destination, chock full of cragged mountains, river-cut valleys, and sopping-wet rainforest. With excellent RV infrastructure (water refills, dump points, etc.) and fabulous free camps, travelling around Tassie in a motorhome is a breeze.

The cheapest months for hiring a campervan in Devonport are in the winter - from May to August. October and November are usually also reasonably priced. However, December and January have the most expensive rates in the year.

Most campervan rental companies are based at or near Hobart Airport, so there are limited options available at Devonport Airport. There are two companies to hire from – Bargain and Leisure Rent.

Yes, you can. Leisure Rent provides a depot at the Spirit of Tasmania cruise terminal located at the terminal car park in Devonport.

Following these thrifty money-saving tips will let you reduce expenses even further.

• Book ahead: Reserving your campervan early gives you a better rate.
• Avoid peak seasons: Tasmania receives hordes of visitors during busy travel seasons like Christmas, New Year, and school holidays. Arrive off-peak to save.
• Compare prices: Use Camper Champ to compare RV rental agencies in Devonport.
• Go small: A modest, budget-friendly campervan costs much less to rent than a flashy motorhome.
• Stick to one region: Saving the east coast for the next trip means you’ll spend less on fuel.
• Avoid backtracking: Although distances are small, Tassie’s rugged terrain can entail long drive times. Plan an efficient circular route to minimise backtracking.
• Return to Devonport: Bringing your motorhome back to Devonport sees you avoid pricey one-way drop-off fees.
• Refuel strategically: Download the PetrolSpy app to find the cheapest service stations in your area.
• Free camp: Take advantage of the many free and low-cost campsites.
• Get a national park pass: Single-entry passes are expensive in Tasmania. Most travellers will get a better deal with a two-month holiday pass.
• Hit the trails: Tasmania is a hiking paradise, and this healthy hobby won’t cost you a dime.

While every season has its charm, some say autumn (March-May) is the best season in Tasmania with its cool, dry days and crisp nights. Followed closely is spring (September-November), when the land wakes up after winter, and the flowers blossom beautifully. Finally, in the shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov and Apr-May), you should get decent weather, fewer crowds and off-peak prices.

The average maximum temperature in January is 21 degrees Celsius, and the average minimum in July is 7 degrees Celsius. Rainfall can occur throughout the year but is more common in winter and spring. Snowfall is possible at higher elevations but rare in low-lying areas.

• Autumn/fall (Mar-May): Ideal if you're keen on soaking up the local scenery and the great outdoors. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Chilly, but some folks love it. If that’s you, bring your warmest gear.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Colours bloom in great beauty. Spring is a season of winds and frequent weather changes, with snowfall in the mountains likely throughout October.
• Summer (Dec-Feb): Great for time on the coast, as it’s warmer and better for swimming and hiking. It’s also the peak tourist season, so availability goes down, and prices go up. Still, this is Tassie, and you’ll love the place!

The ideal length for a motorhome holiday around Northwest Tasmania is one to two weeks. While you could spend a month or more exploring the region (especially if you’re a hiker), a week or two gives you time to check out the highlights at a leisurely pace.

Given its small stature, it’s viable to explore other areas of Tasmania, too. However, if you plan to focus on the south or east, consider hiring a campervan in Hobart or in Launceston instead.

As a small, uncrowded city, parking is easy to find in Devonport.

If you’re in a large motorhome, the most convenient place to park is at one of the city’s three dedicated RV parking lots:

• Fenton Way RV Parking
• Victoria Parade Boat Ramp Car Park
• Murray Street Car Park

On-street parking and council-run car parks are free everywhere except for a small section of the city centre. In this zone, you must pay $1.50 per hour via cash or card at the ticket machine or the EasyPark app.

Most free and paid parking bays have time restrictions.

The Devonport Council has a by-law prohibiting free camping inside the city.

The Council allows self-contained campers to stay overnight at Horsehead Creek. This popular riverside campsite costs $11 per night, which you can pay at the Visitor’s Centre or via the EasyPark app.

Four holiday parks offer sites in town— Mersey Bluff Caravan Park is the cream of the crop. Another top Devonport option is the Abel Tasman Caravan Park.

Don’t want to fork out for a site? The closest free camp is the Forth Valley Recreation Ground, a 10-minute drive away.

A valid park pass is required to visit any of the 19 National Parks in Tasmania.

The Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania charges an exorbitant single-entry day pass fee of $41.20 per vehicle for almost all its national parks. The exception is Cradle Mountain, which costs $25.75 for the day.

But shoe stringers needn’t lament. The price structure is merely a ruse to steer sales towards the national park holiday pass. For $82.40, you can get two months of vehicle entry into every Tasmanian park. Therefore, the holiday pass will pay for itself if you visit at least two protected areas.

Tasmanian park pass options are:

• $41.20 per vehicle for a daily pass valid for up to 24 hrs (excluding Cradle Mountain)
• 82.40 per vehicle for a holiday pass valid for up to 2 months (including Cradle Mountain)

Annual and two-year passes cost slightly more and include discounts for seniors. No discounts are available on the holiday or single-entry passes.

• Pro tip: It’s cheaper for a pensioner to purchase a discounted annual pass than a two-month holiday pass.

Most Tasmanian national park campgrounds are free. The exceptions cost between $7 and $16 per site per night, paid in person with cash upon arrival. Honeymoon Campground in Freycinet is so popular you must enter a ballot system to snag a spot during peak season (Christmas, New Year, and Easter).

The best (and only) place to stay in Boat Harbour, this lovely little holiday park puts you in proximity to the North Coast’s number one beach. Some sites even boast ocean views.

Price: from $30 per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, potable water, powered sites, bins, laundry, Wi-Fi

Just 10 minutes from Devonport, this fabulous little free camp straddles a well-manicured oval and affords picturesque hilly views. Remember to pop a few bucks into the donation box.

Price: gold coin donation

Amenities: toilets, bins

While you won’t find any amenities at this informal campsite, it boasts some of Tasmania’s best waterfront views. Proximity to Cradle Mountain is a plus.

Price: free

Amenities: none

Nestled amid thick eucalypt forest, this gorgeous national park campsite is a tranquil place to stay. What’s more, the top Leven Canyon lookouts are all an easy walk away.

Price: free

Amenities: toilets, bins, bbq, camp kitchen

Demand often outstrips supply at this small scenic campground by the beach, so get in early to secure your spot.

Price: free

Amenities: toilets, showers, bins, bbq

Wedged between a beach and a bluff, this perennially-popular caravan park is the top spot to overnight in Devonport. Excellent amenities and attentive staff complement the splendid scenery.

Price: from $35 per night

Amenities: toilets, shower, potable water, powered sites, bins, bbq, camp kitchen, laundry, dump point

Love exploring underground? This scenic national park camp has an on-site cave you can crawl through. It’s also within spitting distance of the awe-inspiring Moles Creek Caves.

Price: free

Amenities: toilets, non-potable water

It’s far from glamorous, and the amenities are scarce. But this curious campground puts you right alongside Queenstown’s famous gravel football field. So try not to fall over and graze your knees.

Price: $5

Amenities: potable water, dump point

While Smithton isn’t Tasmania’s most scenic town, this leafy free camp is a cracker. Park up among tall shady trees and say “g’day” to ducks as they waddle in from the creek.

Price: free

Amenities: laundry facilites

Nestled underneath the Nut, this popular holiday park offers excellent amenities and breathtaking views. Need something cheaper? The nearby Stanley Rec Site will only cost you $10.

Price: from $35 per site per night

Amenities: toilets, showers, potable water, powered sites, bins, bbq, games, camp kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi, dump point

This 7-day campervan road trip itinerary will take you on a journey through Tasmania's diverse landscapes, from the rugged west coast to the pristine beaches of the east coast. You'll explore ancient rainforests, hike to majestic mountain peaks, wander through charming historic towns, and soak in the beauty of the island's stunning coastlines.

MORE: 7-Day Devonport Itinerary