After having your sports car rental Tasmania d elivered to your hotel by a local staff member from Overdrive car hire,head across the Tasman Bridge, following the signs to the Hobart InternationalAirport and on to Sorell. From Sorell, the A3 winding road heads north taking you overland through typical Tasmanian countryside to the small coastal town of Orford. Continue on to the Visitor Centre in Triabunna to purchase your ticket for the 30-minute passenger ferry ride to Maria Island National Park. The ferry departs Triabunna daily. The Visitor Centre can advise the ferry schedule (contact (03) 6257 4772). Pack carefully, as you will have to carry all your belongings for the day: there are no cars on Maria, and food and drink are unavailable for purchase – part of the charm of island life. Native animals roam free in this rugged wildlife paradise. Cape Barren Geese, possums, wallabies and rare birds are especially prolific. Near the ferry terminal, visit the remains of the Darlington convict settlement dating back to 1825. Wander among the ruins of the messroom, miller’s cottage, barn, hop kiln, chapel, prison cells and religious instructor’s house. Of particular note are the remnants of the private enterprise endeavours of 19th century Italian entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi. While you are here, be sure to take a short walk to view the spectacular Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs. Return to mainland Tasmania by ferry.

The road from Orford towards the Freycinet Peninsula is indisputably one of Australia’s best stretches of coastal road for drivers. Feel like a driver in Tasmania’s Targa rally as you drive long stretchesof the event’s course in a sports car rental Tasmania from Overdrive.  Take your time and savour the stunning view across the long curve of Great Oyster Bay, encompassing Maria Island and the rugged Freycinet Peninsula tipped by remote Schouten Island. The absence of man-made structures between the beach and the road adds to the unforgettable appeal of this magnificent shoreline. Heritage is never far away in Tasmania – right beside the highway is the convict-built Spikey Bridge (c 1841), famed for its unusual construction. Sample strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and youngberries at Kate’s Berry Farm near Swansea. In addition to fresh fruit, you’ll find a range of preserves and icecream, as well as berry andgrape table wines and Devonshire teas – all served accompanied by a great view. Glamorgan is the oldest rural municipality in Australia, and the seaside town of Swansea is its heart. Within a few kilometres of Swansea you can sample award-winning cool-climate wines at the cellar doors of wineries such as Spring Vale, Freycinet, Craigie Knowe, Apsley Gorge and Coombend. The Swansea Bark Mill and Tavern is Australia’s only restored black wattle bark mill. Once upon a time there were mills like this around Australia providing the ingredients for tanning. You can also learn about the local history in their museum, and enjoy a nice lunch.
Gallery One Nine has a range of art and craft including limited edition prints, textiles and foreign fabric, ceramics, furniture, antiques and jewellery. The Banc restaurant nearby serves dinner and The Ebb, right in the centre of town overlooking the ocean, is open daily for coffee, lunch and dinner.

Freycinet National Park is a spectacular natural coastal region. Follow the main highway turn-off to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. The Freycinet Marine Farm, 10 minutes from Coles Bay, is a great place to sample oysters in the raw. Take an on-shore tour of the farm complete with a tasting or watch from the deck of a boat as the oysters are harvested. Either way you’re in for a superb oyster experience. Bookings are essential. Once you arrive at Freycinet National Park (park fees apply) in your Overdrive prestige vehicle, walk to a choice of magnificent locations. First stop is the Visitor and Interpretation Centre at the park entrance for guidance. Climb the steep trail to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, with its picture-postcard view of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s top 10 beaches. If you feel adventurous, climb over the top of the Hazards (mountains) to Hazards Beach itself (2.5 hours return). Great sites in the national park include Sleepy Bay on the eastern side of the Peninsula, Cape Tourville Lighthouse (breathtaking view) and Friendly Beaches. If walking is not your preferred pastime, there are other exciting activities you may wish to do instead.

Freycinet Air provides a range of magic scenic flights taking off from the region of Freycinet and Wineglass Bay – some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Australia has to offer. The east coast is about experiencing Tasmania’s unspoiled coastline and the pleasure of driving.  You may choose to kayak with Freycinet Adventures located in Coles Bay, or take a four-day guided walk with Freycinet Experience.  Simply relaxing on the deck of Freycinet Lodge and enjoying the fine food and wine of the region is also a great way to experience this beautiful part of the world.

Journey north to Bicheno; where beautiful coastal scenery is again the order of the day. Explore the Gulch at Bicheno, where fishing boats traditionally shelter from the wild seas. Take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat for a dolphin’s eye view of protected marine life. Keen scuba divers are devoted to this acclaimed marine park. Visit the Sea Life Centre. The East Coast Natureworld 8km north of Bicheno is a great place to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, snakes, and birdlife, many in a natural environment. Bicheno Penguin Tours takes you to see these delightful fairy penguins parading around their beachside burrows of an evening. You really get up close and personal on these well-run tours. En route north detour to the Apsley River Waterhole for a refreshing dip, or just an enjoyable walk at the edge of Douglas Apsley National Park. Enjoy more scenic coastal vistas on the drive to Chain of Lagoons, where an inland turn-off via the winding Elephant Pass (don’t miss the renowned stopover for pancakes on this route) takes you through the rural township of St Marys before looping back to the coast. The beachside townships of Scamander and Beaumaris are perfect excuse to take time out of the car to simply stretch out on an expanse of pristine white sand and lose yourself for a while…or catch that elusive surfing break if you want to be more active! Drop a line into the Scamander River if you fancy some of the best bream and trout fishing in Tasmania. Further north is St Helens, a pretty fishing village located on the shores of Georges Bay inlet that is a great base for serious fishing out in deeper waters past the notorious sand bar. The ‘game fishing capital of Tasmania’, St Helens regularly has charter boats fishing its waters for tuna and other game fish. Family fishing is also popular in the sheltered estuaries, bays and rivers, and boats are available for hire.

St Helens History Room showcases the region’s tin-mining history and Aboriginal and Chinese heritage. Travelling just north of St Helens, take the short (12km) detour to Binalong Bay. Humbug Point Reserve boasts exceptional views, walks, white beaches, swimming, fishing, diving and estuarine bird watching. Explore the world renown Bay of Fires Conservation area, stretching from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point in the north, an idyllically beautiful part of Tasmania’s coastlineIts brilliant white beaches, emerald coloured waters, lagoons, wildflowers and lichen-covered granite rocks will dazzle your eye and soothe your soul!

Continue on to Launceston by joining the North East Trail at St Helens and heading inland. Call into the St Columbia Falls Hotel (the Pub in The Paddock) and see the beer swilling pig! Continue on to Launceston through the historic tin mining district of Derby, and the scenic rural farming area of Scottsdale. This drive in a sports car rental Tasmania Porsche, Audi or BMW rental is sure to delight your senses.