Inside This Week’s Tasmanian Auction Market – 4 Upcoming Sales inc Plant & Equipment, Vehicles
This week we list 4 auctions happening in Tasmania. Updated weekly, this page covers upcoming public auctions across Hobart, Launceston, and regional Tasmania. Pickles Auctions has a regular presence in Hobart for vehicle, salvage, and general goods sales. Grays online platform lists Tasmanian lots continuously. For interstate buyers, note that Bass Strait freight costs are a real factor with a vehicle ro-ro from Devonport to Melbourne typically adding $400–$700 to your total cost. Tasmanian estate sales can surface genuinely old colonial and federation-era pieces, given the state’s long family ownership cycles and cooler storage conditions.
FAQ
Which auction houses operate in Tasmania?
Grays and Pickles run national sales that include Tasmanian lots. Local houses such as Elders and PGG Wrightson cover rural and agricultural sales, while general clearance runs through regional auctioneers.
Can interstate buyers participate in Tasmanian auctions?
Yes. Online bidding is available through most major platforms. Factor in the Bass Strait freight cost, which as mentioned, adds meaningfully to the total for vehicles and large equipment.
What is the standard buyer’s premium in Tasmania?
Typically 15–18% plus GST for commercial houses. Some smaller clearance sales charge less. Always check terms before bidding.
Are Tasmanian farm and rural equipment auctions worthwhile?
Yes, as competition is often lower than mainland sales, and equipment tends to be in fair condition given cooler, drier storage.
Trends & Insights
Real estate clearance rates for Tasmania and Hobart settled at 50% for the week ending June 14, based on preliminary results updated on the 13th (realestate.com.au, Jun 13). While that figure pertains to property, it provides a useful temperature check for the broader auction environment. When the residential market hits a 50% clearance rate, it typically signals a cautious buyer mood that often carries over into the goods and collectables space. We saw that play out this week with limited urgency in the general auction rooms.
Gowans Auctions in Moonah held its regular Friday live sale on June 12, moving a mixed roster of household items, antiques, and collectables (Gowans Auctions, Jun 12). No major price surges were reported, which aligns with the subdued tone across the state. The operator is also running ongoing online results from a recent antique and fine art sale, with finalisation expected around June 23 (Gowans Auctions, Jun 13). That catalogue leans heavily on Tasmanian estate material and collectables, making it the primary channel for secondary market activity in the region right now.
Industrial and vehicle auction activity remained conspicuously quiet in the Hobart region over the past week. No dedicated sales for heavy equipment, fleet vehicles, or industrial machinery were reported, with the only movement coming through general weekly mixed-lot events (Market reports, Jun 13). This is a typical mid-June lull, but buyers waiting for specialised industrial or vehicle stock should note that supply has been thin. Watch for Gowans’ June 19 weekly sale to see if any late-month inventory shifts the current pattern.
Last updated: 14 June 2026
Rod’s Tips
Bass Strait freight can make or break the deal on large items. A vehicle ferry from Devonport to Melbourne typically costs $400–$700 for a car. Larger plant needs a ro-ro or flat-rack service. Get quotes before you bid.
Tasmanian estate sales often include genuinely old pieces. Long family ownership cycles mean colonial and early federation furniture, silver, and art comes to market less worn than mainland equivalents.
Agricultural auctions follow the seasonal calendar. Spring and autumn are peak periods for farm equipment and livestock-related lots. Timing your search around these periods can surface better quality.
Local knowledge matters. Tasmanian buyers often know provenance and history. If you’re buying from the mainland, do your research on the seller and the lot before committing.
Pickles
Pickles Auctions Hobart is the major vehicle and equipment auctioneer in Tasmania, running regular sales from their Hobart facility.
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Tasmanian Gov & Other Vehicle Auction
Pickles Tasmanian Gov & Other Vehicle Auction in Hobart.
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Hobart Salvage Vehicles
Pickles Hobart Salvage Vehicles in Hobart.
Manheim
Manheim does not operate in Tasmania. Tasmanian buyers seeking automotive auction stock can access their online listings.
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3500m2 Lysaght shed kit – NEW
Manheim Industrial auction — Bid Now.
Slattery Auctions
Slattery Auctions does not operate a dedicated Tasmanian facility – online bidding is available on all their mainland sales.
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