Ferries in Australia
Ferries in Australia
All major ferry routes to, from, and within Australia
Australia’s ferry network may be coastal – but it’s far from small. Whether you're heading out to a tropical island in the Whitsundays, crossing between peninsulas in Victoria, or sailing to Tasmania overnight, ferries in Australia are an important and scenic part of getting around.
You’ll find ferries operating:
- Between mainland Australia and its major islands (like Tasmania and Kangaroo Island)
- Across shorter bay crossings that help avoid long road detours
- On tourist routes to popular destinations like Rottnest Island, Fraser Island, and Green Island
- Within cities like Sydney and Brisbane, where ferry travel is part of public transport
While there are no international ferry routes to or from Australia, the domestic ferry network offers both convenience and incredible views along the way.
Map: ferry routes and crossings in Australia
Use our interactive ferry map of Australia to explore all crossings.
About the crossings & Islands in Australia
Australia’s ferry network covers a wide range of scenic and practical routes—from overnight vehicle ferries like the Spirit of Tasmania, to fast catamarans serving tropical islands like Hamilton, Fraser, and Rottnest.
Many crossings offer more than transport: they’re part of the experience, with opportunities to spot wildlife, explore national parks, or skip long drives (like Queenscliff–Sorrento or Wallaroo–Lucky Bay). Routes to islands such as Kangaroo Island or Tasmania are popular with self-drive travelers, while others like Moreton Island and Daydream Island cater more to day trippers and resort guests.
We recommend booking ahead during school holidays and checking schedules seasonally. Where available, we’re also adding tips for ferry–airport links, accessibility, and eco-friendly operators.
🏝️ Popular Island Destinations in Australia
- Rottnest Island 🔗– Famous for its friendly quokkas, bike paths, and beautiful beaches near Perth.
- Moreton Island 🔗 – Adventure-friendly island near Brisbane, home to shipwreck snorkelling and sand dunes.
- Tasmania 🔗– Australia’s largest island, offering wilderness, wildlife, and the iconic Overland Track.
- Fraser Island (K’gari) 🔗 – The world’s largest sand island, ideal for 4WD trips and freshwater lakes.
- Hamilton Island 🔗– A luxury getaway in the Whitsundays, with reef access and high-end resorts.
- Green Island ➡️ Small coral cay near Cairns, popular for reef snorkeling and day trips.
- Fitzroy Island ➡️ – A relaxed tropical island near Cairns with hiking trails and family-friendly beaches.
- Daydream Island – Known for resorts and its Living Reef, part of the Whitsunday Islands.
- Kangaroo Island 🔗 – Nature-focused island off South Australia, with wildlife, wineries, and rugged coastlines.
- Stradbroke Island 🔗 – Close to Brisbane, this island offers surfing, dolphin spotting, and chill coastal towns.
Some of the most popular ferry crossings in Australia.
| Route/crossing | Region | Sailing time | Sailing | Price pp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong ↔ Devonport | VIC ⇔ TAS (Spirit of Tasmania) | ~10 hours | Up to 2× per day | ~$65 |
| Brisbane ↔ Tangalooma | QLD / Moreton Island | ~1h 20m | Up to 5× per day | ~$84 |
| Airlie Beach ↔ Hamilton Island | QLD / Whitsundays | ~1 hour | Up to 9× per day | ~$40 |
| Queenscliff ↔ Sorrento | VIC / Port Phillip Bay | ~48 minutes | Up to 7× per day | ~$10 |
| Gold Coast ↔ South Stradbroke | QLD / South Coast | ~30 minutes | Up to 5× per day | ~$19 |
| Wallaroo ↔ Lucky Bay | SA / Spenser Gulf | ~2h 30m | Up to 2× per day | ~$26 |
All ferry crossings in Australia
Good to know for ferry travel in Australia
- 🚗 Vehicle ferries: Available on routes like Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, Queenscliff–Sorrento, and Wallaroo–Lucky Bay
- Tickets: Can be booked online through ferry operators or comparison platforms
- Schedules: Some routes run year-round; others (like island ferries) may vary seasonally
- ✈️ Many island ferries depart close to major airports (Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne)
On board, vessels & route maps
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- The Maiden Voyage of the Ship the Southern Cross in 1955 was actually from the UK to Australia and New Zealand.
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
You can compare prices, timetables, and availability using the online booking system with just a few clicks. Enter your travel dates and select the crossing that best suits your needs. It’s simple and saves time.
Pro Tip: During peak seasons, ferries can book up quickly. Secure your tickets early, especially if traveling with a vehicle.
Unique features of ferry travel in Australia
- Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania is one of the only overnight car ferries in the Southern Hemisphere
- Whitsunday ferries offer world-class sailing through reef waters, often paired with snorkel/day tours
- City ferries in Sydney and Brisbane function as public transport—and some of the most scenic in the world
- Ferry + self-drive holidays are common on Kangaroo Island and Tasmania
Are you also going to add the ferries to Thursday Island?
I want to go Tasmania, can you help me book this trip? I want to go with a car in October. (2 Persons)
How accessible are these ferry routes for both tourists and local commuters, and are there any particular tips or recommendations for tourists using these services?