Ferry to Tasmania
Spirit of Tasmania operates two ships back and forth between Geelong and Devonport. On the map, you can see how this ferry route connects mainland Australia with Tasmania. Departures no longer leave from Melbourne, but from Geelong, where a new terminal with good parking facilities has been built.
Alongside the new terminal, new ships are being introduced. Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are the new vessels on this route, offering more space, modern facilities, and increased passenger capacity.
From Mainland Australia to Tasmania
Travel with your own car or as a foot passenger on these comfortable ferry services. You can choose between a day or overnight crossing. Both are operated by the same company, so there isn’t much choice between them. The main alternative to this crossing is flying.Other ferry connections from and to Tasmania
Besides the main ferry routes from the mainland, Tasmania also has a few smaller local ferry services. These crossings mainly connect nearby islands and coastal areas, and are often short, practical trips rather than long-distance journeys. They can be useful if you want to explore places like Bruny Island or Maria Island.Ferries to Tasmania: What you need to know
The crossing across the Bass Strait is one of the world’s most notorious maritime routes. Since the Spirit of Tasmania relocated its Victorian operations, the “Melbourne Ferry” no longer departs from Melbourne. It departs from Geelong. Understanding this geographic shift is critical to ensuring you don’t drive to the wrong city.
| Terminal Location | City Context | Logistics Score |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Tasmania Quay (Geelong) |
The New Hub: Located in North Geelong, approx. 1 hour drive from Melbourne CBD. | High Efficiency: Purpose-built in 2022 to eliminate the gridlock of the old Station Pier. Features a massive marshalling yard where you can park your caravan and wait comfortably. |
| Devonport Terminal (East Devonport) |
The Tassie Gateway: Located on the Mersey River, approx. 3 hours drive from Hobart. | Strict Bio-Control: The arrival point involves a rigorous biosecurity screening. Sniffer dogs will check every vehicle for fruit, vegetables, and fish. |
| Station Pier (Port Melbourne) |
Legacy / Defunct | DO NOT USE: This terminal is now exclusively for cruise ships. If your GPS directs you here for the Tasmania ferry, it is using outdated maps. |
⚠️Pet Travel Requirement
Bringing a dog to Tasmania is not like crossing state lines on the mainland. You must provide a vet certificate proving your dog was treated for Hydatid Tapeworm within 14 days of travel. If you arrive at the Geelong gates without this paper, Biosecurity Tasmania will deny your pet boarding, and you will miss the ship.
Bringing a dog to Tasmania is not like crossing state lines on the mainland. You must provide a vet certificate proving your dog was treated for Hydatid Tapeworm within 14 days of travel. If you arrive at the Geelong gates without this paper, Biosecurity Tasmania will deny your pet boarding, and you will miss the ship.
Bass Strait crossings advice
- Rough seas: The Bass Strait can be choppy due to its shallow waters. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a day sailing is usually more comfortable, as you can see the horizon. On night crossings, cabins mid-ship on a lower deck tend to be the most stable.
- Gas bottles (caravans): LPG cylinders must be declared before boarding. They need to be turned off, secured upright, and checked by staff. You won’t be able to access them during the crossing.
- Quarantine rules: Fresh fruit, vegetables, and plant products cannot be brought into Tasmania. Any items like this will be removed on arrival, so it’s best to buy supplies after you leave the terminal.
- Rental cars: Most mainland rental cars are not allowed on the ferry. In most cases, you’ll need to rent a vehicle in Tasmania or use a provider that explicitly allows the crossing.
