I’ve been to Tasmania a few times, mostly for a quick weekend to see my favourite AFL team, Hawthorn Hawks play. I have flown each time however, wanting to drive the ‘big lap of Tasmania’ I decided to sail aboard the Spirit of Tasmania so I could take my vehicle. That in itself is a travel experience. So here’s my guide to sailing aboard Spirit of Tasmania.
I answers all the questions you might have, questions I had before I sailed across The Bass Strait. Questions including where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs from and arrives to, what you can do on board and what facilities are available when you get off.
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Spirit of Tasmania Key Facts
- Spirit of Tasmania is a passenger and vehicle ship linking mainland Australia to the state of Tasmania.
- Terminals are in Geelong, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania.
- The journey takes from around 9.5 hours to 11.5 hours.
- Most sailings are overnight, with a few day sailings during the busy period of the summer months.
- If you want to bring your own vehicle, van or tow a caravan, sailing aboard the Spirit of Tasmania is your only option.
Spirit of Tasmania: all you need to know for your journey
If you are planning a trip to Tasmania, read about this iconic ferry trip so you are fully prepared. I have answered the most asked questions of sailing onboard the Spirit of Tasmania.
What is the Spirit of Tasmania?
The Spirit of Tasmania is the passenger and vehicle ferries operating between Tasmania and mainland Australia. There are currently two ships: Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. Services have been sailing since 1985.
How Big are the Ships?
Both ships are longer in length than the length of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). That is close to 200m in length – so big! They carry 1,400 passengers along with 500 vehicles. New boats are on order and when they arrive they will cary some 1,800 passengers.
How Many Sailings does the Spirit of Tasmania do?
The Spirit of Tasmania sails over night. During the peak season from September to April, there are daily overnight sailings plus extra day sailings. During the off-peak season, which are the winter months of June, July and August, there are at least one sailing per day.
What time does the Spirit of Tasmania depart and arrive?
The Spirit of Tasmania usually departs Geelong (Corio Quay) at 6.45pm for nightly sailings, arriving in Devonport at 6:00 am. During the peak season (September to April), additional day sailings are often scheduled, typically departing at 8:30 am or 10:00 pm. And the Spirit of Tasmania usually departs Devonport at 6.45pm arriving in Geelong around 6.00am.
How long does it take to sail across Bass Strait?
The journey on the Spirit of Tasmania between Geelong and Davenport takes around 9 hours and 30 minutes to 11 hours and 30 minutes. The sail can be influenced by sailing conditions.
Where does Spirit of Tasmania depart from and arrive at?
The Spirit of Tasmania ferries depart from Devonport in Tasmania and Geelong in Victoria.
The Geelong Terminal has modern facilities, comfortable lounges, ample parking, dedicated drop off/pick up zones with plenty of undercover parking, seamless boarding and free Wi-Fi. If there early, you can explore the scenic boardwalk.
The Devonport Terminal is similar, but without the boardwalk.
How to get to Spirit of Tasmania in Geelong from Melbourne?
The Geelong Spirit of Tasmania Quay is located at 136 Corio Quay Road, North Geelong. It is about 70km from Melbourne CBD. It is easily reached by road and there is also access by Line train to either North Geelong or Geelong train stations. A shuttle bus is available to the quay from Geelong station.
If like me, you drove because you are in a car, van or towing a caravan you can park at the terminal awaiting boarding. Check-in opens 2.5 hours and closes 45 minutes before departure.
How to get to Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport in Tasmania? And into Devonport when you arrive?
The Spirit of Tasmania terminal is located on the Esplanade in East Devonport, Tasmania. It is easily accessed by driving north on National Highway 1, following signs to East Devonport/Spirit of Tasmania. If you are a foot passenger you can reach the terminal via local taxi/ride-share from Devonport city centre. This takes about 5-10 minutes.
Getting from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in East Devonport to the city centre (~3km) is easy via taxi, Uber, or a short walk. Taxis are generally available at the terminal (approx. $16–$20, 7-min drive). A 30-40 minute walk is also feasible, or you can use local bus services (Line 178).
If you arriving in Devonport without a vehicle, Devonport city centre is about 3km away. You could walk to the city centre taking you about 40 minutes, depending on how fast you walk and how many bags you are carrying. Or, you could take a taxi or uber only taking about 7-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
When is Check In and Boarding for Spirit of Tasmania trips?
Check in for Spirit of Tasmania begins 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Boarding begins 1.5 hours prior to departure.
How much are Spirit of Tasmania ticket fares?
There are a range of ticket options available to sail aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. Prices depend on different factors such as whether you are travelling during the day or night sailing. Also, the season and what you are travelling with such as driving a tow, motorhome, motorbike or towing a caravan. There is a fare also for pets who are making the journey. And on board, will you be booking a recliner chair or a cabin.
Check out fares for the Spirit of Tasmania to get the fare that suits your circumstance and budget.
What is the Journey Like on the Spirit of Tasmania?
The two things influencing your journey aboard the Spirit of Tasmania are:
- What the ocean crossing is like. Bass Strait is known for choppy waters and there can be some rough crossings. Thankfully, the ship’s stabilisers are designed to handle rough weather. I had a smooth crossing x 2 and only felt a little gentle rocking. I have heard stories of rough crossings.
- The second thing that can influence your journey is what you decide to do while onboard. For a night sailing you may just want to find your cabin or recliner and sleep the trip away. Or, if sailing during the day you may want to partake in a meal in the restaurant, have a drink in the bar or see a movie in the theatre. Perhaps a walk around the deck is on the cards or play games in the arcade!
What to bring on Spirit of Tasmania?
What to bring will depend on what you are doing in Tasmania and how long you will be spending in Tasmania. If you are driving a vehicle you can load your vehicle and leave your luggage there. However, you should have a carry-on bag for the crossing with everything you will need as you cannot return to your vehicle once sailing.
The accepted carry-on baggage dimensions for the Spirit of Tasmania are 66cm x 46.5cm x 27.5cm or smaller, with no weight restrictions. Ensure you have what you need including medications, toiletries, etc.
What are toilet facilities like on Spirit of Tasmania?
If you don’t book into a cabin for your sailing, there are toilet facilities available including baby change facilities and accessible toilets.
Can Dogs and Cats Sail with You Aboard Spirit of Tasmania?
Yep, you can bring your pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, some birds, chickens and ducks.
Assistance animals may stay with you throughout the journey however, all other pets must be booked into a kennel and may not stay in cabins. Pets will have access to fresh water and staff regularly check on them during the sailing. In the future when new boats are introduced, it is expected their will be pet-friendly cabins available.
What dining and drinks are available on Spirit of Tasmania?
There are a number of food and beverage options available on Spirit of Tasmania sailings. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK). If only feeling peckish, The Pantry is a good place to grab some snacks and sandwiches.
Feeling like a drink there are three bars on board serving Tasmanian wines, beers and ciders. There is the modern Bar 7, The Terrace Lounge Bar or you could find a deck chair in the Top Deck Lounge.
What entertainment options are on Spirit of Tasmania?
Keeping entertained during the sailing is quite easy as there are plenty of things to see and on Spirit of Tasmania ships. They include:
- Catching a moving in one of the cinemas
- Catch some live music sessions
- Get some reading in in the Reading Room
- Check out the Tourism Hub to discover what things you can see and do during your Tasmanian visit.
- Kids of all ages will love the arcade-style Game Zone and there’s also a kids play area during school holidays and the busy time of December to April sailings.
- Maybe get some work done or just stay in contact with the Wi-Fi available onboard for a small charge in certain areas of the ship.
What to do in Tasmania
Once you’ve disembarked the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, there’s plenty to see and do. Explore the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, ride the heritage Don River Railway, or watch Little Penguins come ashore after dark at Lillico Beach. You might also want to stock up with groceries in Devonport for your Tassie adventures. From Devonport you can go wherever you like in Tasmania and there are some fabulous places to see and visit.
What to do in Victoria
If sailing from Tasmania to Victoria, Victoria has some great places to visit. Check out my Melbourne and Victoria posts for some inspiration.
Enjoy your sail aboard the Spirit of Tasmania
I have experienced this journey to Tassie on the Spirit of Tasmania, and it’s such a memorable way to travel. There’s something special about being out on the water, watching the coastline slowly fade behind you, and feeling that sense of anticipation as you approach Tassie.
Yes, I felt that too! Sounds romantic – unless you find yourself on a rough sail!
This is quite informative. I like the idea of taking a daytime sail, having a meal, maybe a drink and playing some card games during the journey.
Yes, day time sails are great. But there is only so much time you can spend outside watching the ocean! So it is good there are activities on board.
That’s really cool that this is an option to bring your vehicle to Tasmania! It’s a long ship ride, but it sounds like there’s plenty to do onboard.
Yeah, I think so too. Saves a lot by taking your own vehicle and caravan to explore Tasmania. Many visit as part of their big lap of Australia.
I am surprised at the number of things to do onboard. I would never have thought of visiting a movie theatre while on a ferry! If you don’t get a cabin where do you sleep? your car?
If you don’t get a cabin their are sleeper seats. There are things to do on board because there are a lot of day sailings and many families make this journey, so it’s good to have activities.
I have only been to Australia and the Oceania region once in depth. I absolutely loved it and have been yearning to return. I love taking ferries – and this is the first I’m hearing about this one – from you. It’s awesome that pets are allowed on board, too!
A lot of people miss travelling to Tasmania – but sailing is only one of the two ways to get there. The other is to fly. I hope you get to Tassie one day.