Inside This Week’s Tasmanian Auction Market – 8 Upcoming Sales inc Salvage Vehicles, Earthmoving Gear & Industrial Rollers
This week we list 8 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
Gold and silver dominated the Gowans Auctions weekly sale in Moonah on July 10, with a Golding & Sons 15ct/18ct pocket watch leading the day at $4000. An 18ct gold and emerald ring cleared $1360, while a set of Australia’s Prestige gold sovereigns reached $2525. Sterling silver items and Moorcroft pottery also moved steadily through the room (Gowans Auctions, Jul 10). On the decorative arts side, John Campbell Tasmania vases from the same sale ranged from $40 to $410, and a colonial cedar chest of drawers achieved $700. Permitted whalebone items saw competitive bidding, though a birdseye Huon pine chest passed in (Gowans Auctions, Jul 10).
Industrial buyers should circle July 17 on their calendars. Manheim has scheduled an unreserved earthmoving equipment auction in Hobart, with an online simulcast for trucks, trailers, machinery, and attachments at the Bridgewater facility. The sale is specifically targeting commercial operators with heavy plant and industrial gear (Manheim, Jul 7). Meanwhile, Colville Auctions in Hobart is building toward its next fine art and collectables online sale on August 11, which will feature Australian and international works via Invaluable (Colville Auctions, Jul 5).
Residential property auction volumes across Tasmania remained minimal this week, with data showing very low scheduled numbers compared to mainland capitals (realestate.com.au, Jul 5). The action continues to sit squarely in the goods, equipment, and collectables segment. Watch for further listings from Colville as its August fine art sale catalogue firms up in the coming days.
Last updated: 12 July 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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Quarry Retirement Auction Tasmania
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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