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Information for Visitors

Tasmania is voted one of the world's best islands and we want you to enjoy your stay where the rate of overall crime is the lowest in Australia and where, by world standards, it is extremely safe to travel.

We want you to be able to enjoy a safe and trouble free holiday so that you share your enjoyment with others and tell them about our natural and heritage attractions.

There are a few easy guidelines that will help you to do this.

For more information about Tasmania, please visit Discover Tasmania website.

Need Help or Report a Crime?

You can contact police, fire and ambulance services on the emergency and non emergency numbers

Need Help with English - Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS).

Telstra Mobile Coverage Maps - Search for Mobile Coverage Areas.

Caring for Valuables

While we do have low crime rates, this is not an excuse to be complacent about your valuables.

Most of our visitors tour Tasmania by car and many of our greatest attractions are in remote wilderness areas. Make sure you lock your car at all times, place valuables out of sight and take wallets and purses with you.

Take only sufficient currency for your immediate needs when sightseeing. Leave the rest in a safe place - your hotel safe.

Most hotels and motels provide good room locks and advise you to secure your valuables. This is good advice.

Bushwalking Safely

Tasmania offers unique bushwalking opportunities, and all bushwalkers should ensure they are well prepared for the trip. A comprehensive advice on Bushwalking Safely can be obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.

For weather updates go to Bureau of Meteorology website.

Tourists maps can be purchased from Tasmap eShop.

Road Rules

Here are some of the basis rules applied on Australian roads:

• In Australia we drive on the left side of the road
• Wear a seat belt - it's the law
• If you've been drinking alcohol - don't drive. Strict drink/driving laws apply
• Get familiar with the speed limits as they are enforced more strictly in Australia than in many countries
• Mobile/Cell phones are not for use while driving - it's the law

Also take regular rest breaks - fatigue can cause serious car accidents.

Tasmanian Towns Street Atlas is convenient and essential travelling companion for visitors. The Street Atlas can be purchased from Tasmap eShop.

Drink / Drug Driving Laws

Under no circumstances should you drive while under the influence of alcohol in Australia. Police conduct random tests along major routes, both in cities and in the country. Drunk driving offences are considered serious. Penalties include demerit points, license suspension, hefty fines, and imprisonment.

In Australia, a blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.05% applies in all States and Territories. Special limits may apply to certain driver types, such as learner drivers, public taxi and bus drivers, heavy vehicle/dangerous goods drivers.

Random drug testing is also in place in Tasmania.

For more information on Tasmania's Road Rules, Safety and other Transport related topics please visit Tasmania's Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.

Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol Laws

Tobacco and Smoking Laws

It is illegal to sell, lend, give or supply any tobacco product to, or for the use of, any child. Tobacco can only be sold to person over 18 years of age.

Smoke-free areas in Tasmania were established under the Public Health Act 1997. It is not permitted to smoke in all indoor public places. This includes offices, shopping centres, factories, hospitals, bars, gaming areas, restaurants, corridors, toilets, function rooms and movie theatres.

There are penalties for people who smoke in smoke free areas.

Smoke-free vehicle law - bans smoking in vehicles carrying children under the age of 18. A $120 infringement notice can be issued on the spot for the offence.

Drugs

It is illegal to posses, sell, grow or import cannabis (marijuana). This also applies to amphetamine (speed), heroin, ecstasy, cocaine and opium poppies. The Poisons Act 1971 provides a comprehensive information on restriction, sale supply and possession of poisons and restricted substances.

Alcohol

It is illegal to supply alcohol to those under 18 years of age.

It is illegal to drink or posses an open container of alcohol in a public street. This does not stop you enjoying a picnic in a park or partying on a beach where council by-laws permit. This law is aimed at anti-social behaviour that impinges on the rights of other members of the community.

Firearms

To possess and use firearms in Tasmania, a Tasmanian firearms licence and permits are required. For more information click here. Failure to adhere to firearms legislation could result in firearms being seized by police, followed by prosecution.