Leisure Rent

If you're planning to explore Tasmania by campervan, Leisure Rent should be at the top of your shortlist. This Tasmania-only company has quietly built one of the best reputations in the country since launching in 2017 — and the reviews back it up consistently.

The person behind it spent more than 38 years in the campervan and car rental industry before starting fresh with his own operation. When you have that kind of experience, you know exactly where other companies cut corners. Leisure Rent was built to avoid all of them: modern fleet, simple booking, competitive prices, and a service approach that actually works.

Technology-First Pickup

Leisure Rent doesn't operate traditional depots with staff at the counter. Instead, they've built the whole process around digital check-in and key collection at airport locations — you sign your paperwork online before you arrive, collect the keys from a secure box, and you're on your way. Free shuttle buses run at Hobart and Launceston airports to get you between the terminal and the vehicle.

It sounds unfamiliar if you've only ever dealt with traditional rental companies, but thousands of travellers have found it genuinely more convenient than queuing at a desk. The process is smooth and well-documented — you'll receive detailed instructions well before pickup day.

One thing worth flagging: because there's no staff member walking the vehicle with you, do your own thorough damage inspection before driving off. The company provides an inspection report based on the previous renter's return condition — if you spot damage not on the report, photograph it and note it immediately. Same principle as any rental, just more self-directed. Get the camera out.

The Fleet

Three vehicle types, all automatic, all managed to stay under five years old. High-mileage vehicles are retired early regardless of age, so you're always getting something fresh. For a small operator, that's a genuine commitment to quality.

The 2 Berth Hi-Top Campervan runs on the Toyota Hiace platform with a hi-top conversion. The layout puts the rear seating behind the driver rather than behind the kitchenette — so you can carry passengers in the back if needed, which is useful if you're picking up friends along the way. Inside you've got a fridge, microwave, cooktop, sink and a wardrobe cupboard. No shower or toilet in this one, but the hi-top roof makes a real difference to livability. Being able to stand up straight inside a campervan is one of those things you don't appreciate until you're stuck in one where you can't.

The 4 Berth Easy Drive Motorhome is built on a Toyota HiLux chassis and adds proper shower and toilet facilities — this is a true motorhome. Solar panels, child seat anchor points, full kitchen, and sleeping for four. A solid choice for couples who want the extra space and bathroom, or small families.

The 6 Berth Deluxe Motorhome is the flagship unit. Sleeps up to six adults across multiple beds, with full kitchen, shower and toilet, solar-powered system for off-grid capability, and two child restraint anchor points in the rear. Automatic transmission makes it easy to drive despite the size. This is the unit to book if you're travelling with a larger group and don't want to rough it.

Insurance

Standard liability sits at AU$5,000 — but unlike most companies, Leisure Rent doesn't pull that money off your credit card and sit on it. The liability is in the contract terms rather than a held bond. Your money stays in your account for the duration of the hire, which is meaningfully better for travellers managing a budget.

The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at AU$30/day brings liability down to AU$2,500. The Maximum Protection Waiver (MPW) at AU$45/day reduces it to nil and adds windscreen and tyre cover. The top-tier Stress Free Package (SFP) at AU$55/day includes the full MPW protection plus a set of extras: linen, GPS, table and chairs, extra driver, and child restraints — useful if you're travelling with kids.

Standard exclusions apply across all tiers: overhead damage, underbody damage, unsealed road damage, and water damage. Same rules as the rest of the Australian market.

Our Verdict

Leisure Rent is consistently the highest-rated company in our Tasmania listings. The combination of modern vehicles, a genuinely different and convenient pickup model, and competitive pricing has earned them a loyal following and real recognition — including the Tasplan Business Excellence Award 2019 Startup Category.

They're Tasmania-only, which means if you need mainland Australia you'll need a different company. But if Tasmania is on the itinerary, there's no better choice. One important note: they book out early, especially during peak season. Don't leave it to the last minute.