Tassie Motor Shacks

Tassie Motor Shacks is a family-run campervan hire business, owned by Tasmanian locals with over a decade of experience and based out of Hobart. Also trading under the name Tasmania Campervan Rentals, they offer vehicles ranging from 2 to 3 berths for travellers on all budgets.

The company puts a real emphasis on providing vehicles fitted with all the mod-cons, as well as on strong customer service—there are German speakers among their staff, and they also operate an essentially identical German-language service (under the name Campervan Vermietungen Tasmanien). Rigorous quality control and maintenance of the vehicles in their fleet is a point of pride, too.

Although they offer no true ‘motorhome’ models, Tassie has a varied fleet of 2-berth and 3-berth vehicles, ranging from the truly compact Hitop Toyota camper to self-contained and luxurious Mercedes Sprinter. Unusually for a campervan rental company, they also provide side awnings free of charge with all models—as well as including free tables and chairs with each vehicle, which is a cut above other firms’ often exorbitant hiring rates for camping furniture. Every model features air conditioning, which is a real plus point if you’re planning a trip for the summer months.  Most of the vehicles in the fleet have more kilometres on the clock than you’d expect to see from other campervan hire companies, but by all accounts, they live up to the high quality of maintenance that Tassie promise. Some have 80k to 220k for motorhomes, while Toyota Hitop (2006 to 2012) range from 120k to 260k. All vehicles come equipped with appropriately stocked crockery and cutlery, and an outside barbecue. 

The 2/3-berth Toyota Hi-Top (manual transmission with unleaded fuel) is best for a couple with or without a child accompanying them. It features three belted seats in the front cabin, along with a convertible dinette-to-double-bed, and a single bed in the overhead compartment. Although portable hot plates are not provided, it comes fitted with a microwave, together with the 2-burner gas stove and 55-litre fridge-freezer. Because of the modifiable living room/ sleeping area, there's good storage capacity for all your belongings. So, if you’re looking to spend a little more for a more comfortable journey, this model is the ticket. But even if you’re planning on a trip for two only, you may want to shell out for a travelling experience that’s actually comfortable rather than simply adequate—in which case, the 2/3-berth Hi-Top is a truly good bet.

Featuring an automatic transmission, this 2011-2015 Mercedes Sprinter is the ultimate choice for optimum comfort and a touch of luxury. A 2 berth camper, it has a convertible bed setup, a small kitchen, and a bathroom. It is the only model that has this onboard toilet and shower facilities, which means no hygiene breaks and freedom camping in almost all of Tasmania’s national parks. The living area converts into a single queen-sized bed or two twin bunks, while the campervan also features luxuries like a 3-burner gas stove, fridge/freezer, a slide-out barbecue, and 2-burner exterior cooker, pressurised hot and cold water and interior heating.

Upon arrival, the company requires the full excess and security bond of $500 to be charged to your credit card. Depending on the driver's age, there are different reduction options being offered. Take note that accidents caused on any unsealed roads except national parks are not insured. 

For drivers between the ages of 21 and 26 renting a campervan, the standard liability is $4,000. By choosing Option 1 with windscreen cover, liability can be reduced to $1,500 with $25 payable per day. Option 2 is at $45 per day and comes with NIL. This option already includes windscreen & tyre cover, as well as linen for 2 and full gas bottle.

For drivers older than 26, who are able to drive any Tassie vehicle, the accident liability on motorhomes is $5,500. As with drivers between 21 and 26, Option 1 provides windscreen cover with a liability of $2,000 by paying $25 per day; Option 2 is as above with windscreen and tyre cover and amenities provided, reducing the liability to $0 at $45 per day. For campervans, the standard liability is $4,000, with both options available the same as for the drivers between 21 to 26. 

Reputation

Glowing reviews of Tassie Motor Shacks abound—from well-maintained vehicles to the staff’s flexible, accommodating nature, they are praised across the board. Their affordable pricing and great customer service, even during peak season, is particularly admired; free transfer from the airport is a bonus. Extensive equipment, from kettles to cookers, can also be supplied at no charge. Vehicles have been reported once or twice as being dirty or poorly maintained, but this is far from a common occurrence for Tassie customers. All in all, they are tagged as a reputable company beaming with positive reviews. So, if you want to rent their unit, just make sure to book ahead because they easily book out. Simply choose among their fleet of self-contained Mercedes ranging from 2011 to 2016. Take note these campervans aren't for large groups. 

This small company in Hobart clearly go out of their way and do everything in their power to ensure high-quality service and maximum comfort. Even with their limited fleet, they have carved a name in the campervan industry in Tasmania.