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Guide to travelling on Spirit of Tasmania
Here's everything to know about the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, from where it departs to what you can do on board.
Spirit of Tasmania transfers thousands of holidaymakers between Tasmania and mainland Australia each year and is one of Australia’s most famous travel experiences. If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, read about this iconic red and white ferry so that you’re fully prepared. Best of all, RACV Members can save 10 per cent off Spirit of Tasmania passenger fares.*
Spirit of Tasmania: all you need to know
What is Spirit of Tasmania?
Spirit of Tasmania operates passenger and vehicle ferries between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
There are currently two ships: Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. Each ship is longer than the length of the MCG and able to carry 1,400 passengers along with 500 vehicles. Two new ships – Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V – are expected to arrive in Devonport, Tasmania, in early 2027. These bigger ships will hold 1,800 passengers and have 3,700m of lanes for vehicles.
Where does Spirit of Tasmania depart from and arrive at?
Spirit of Tasmania ferries travel between Devonport in Tasmania and Geelong in Victoria.
Spirit of Tasmania has been running between Victoria and Tasmania since 1985.
Why did Spirit of Tasmania move to Geelong?
The new Spirit of Tasmania Quay terminal in Geelong features easy vehicle access, with dedicated drop off/pick up zones and ample undercover parking. If you arrive before check in, you can enjoy the boardwalk looking over Corio Quay or relax in the comfortable lounge areas with free-Wi-Fi and a drink from the café.
How can I get to Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne?
The Geelong Spirit of Tasmania Quay is located at 136 Corio Quay Road, North Geelong. It is approximately 70km from Melbourne - use the arevo app to plan your drive to the quay.
The quay can also be access by VLine train to either North Geelong or Geelong station. A shuttle bus is available to the quay from Geelong station, fees and a minimum passenger requirment applies. The shuttle bus also runs transfers between the quay and Avalon Airport, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.
How much are Spirit of Tasmania ticket fares?
There are a range of ticket options available for the Spirit of Tasmania.
Prices depend on whether you're travelling at day or night, the seasonal popularity, what you are travelling with (e.g. a car, motorhome, campervan, motorbike, bicycle, pet), and whether you're booking a cabin or a recliner.
RACV Members can save 10 per cent off Spirit of Tasmania passenger fares when booking through RACV.*
How long does Spirit of Tasmania take?
Sailing between Victoria and Tasmania on Spirit of Tasmania takes between 9.5 to 11.5 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
How often does Spirit of Tasmania run?
The Spirit of Tasmania offers overnight sailings throughout the year. Daytime sailings run only between September and April. In total, there are around 800 sailings made by Spirit of Tasmania every year.
Vehicles, including EVs, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes can board the Spirit of Tasmania.
Is Spirit of Tasmania a rough journey?
Bass Strait is known for its open, choppy waters, but thanks to the ship's stabilisers, most passengers on the Spirit of Tasmania will only feel a gentle rocking. In the event of a storm, Spirit of Tasmania ships are designed to handle rough weather.
If you're prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to take motion sickness tablets before the journey as per the packet instructions.
When should I check in for Spirit of Tasmania trips?
You can check in for your Spirit of Tasmania ferry 2.5 hours prior to departure. Bring your driver's licence or passport, as photo ID is required at check-in.
Check-in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive and check in. If you have special needs, allow at least two hours.
Boarding begins 1.5 hours prior to departure, allowing you to get settled in your cabin or a lounge before you set sail.
Day sailings are available during peak season, with entertainment on board. Image: Jess Bonde.
What can I bring on Spirit of Tasmania?
If you are a passenger travelling without a vehicle, you can check in two carry-on bags or suitcases and take one of them on the passenger decks with you.
If you are a passenger travelling with a vehicle, you can load up your vehicle with no weight restrictions. You can then take one carry-on bag or suitcase on the passenger decks. You won’t be able to return to your vehicle, so make sure to take any medications and necessities with you.
The accepted carry-on baggage dimensions are 66cm x 46.5cm x 27.5cm or smaller. No weight restrictions apply.
Please note that you cannot bring anything that contravenes Tasmanian biosecurity laws. Fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, honeycomb and soil are some items that can’t be brought into Tasmania.
Can you sleep on Spirit of Tasmania?
Many passengers book overnight sails with Spirit of Tasmania and sleep overnight. Options for those booking overnight journeys include:
- Recliners
- Deluxe cabins (sleeps two)
- Twin-bed private cabins
- Four-bed porthole private cabins
- Four-bed inside private cabins
- Three-bed private accessible cabin
A wakeup call is provided to passengers 45 minutes before the scheduled disembarking time on the overnight ferry.
During high demand periods like the summer months, passengers can alternatively book a Day Ticket and enjoy a variety of entertainment options, such as movies and arcade-style games.
What are the toilet facilities like on Spirit of Tasmania?
There are toilet facilities on Deck 7, 9 and 10 of Spirit of Tasmania. Baby change facilities and accessible toilets are also available.
A choice of cabins are available to passengers for overnight sailings.
Can I bring my dog or cat with me on Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes, you can bring dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and some birds, chickens and ducks on board Spirit of Tasmania. Other animals are generally not allowed on board due to Tasmanian biosecurity laws. Tasmania also has additional requirements for those bringing a dog into the state - visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website for more information.
While Assistance Animals may stay with you throughout the journey, all other pets must currently be booked into a kennel and may not stay in cabins. Spirit of Tasmania also strongly discourages keeping pets in your car during the journey.
Pets will instead be housed in kennels on ventilated decks, with fresh water and regular staff checks throughout the sailing. You will not be able to access the kennels during sailing, but you can leave bedding and comfort items with your pet.
The new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V ships will have further pet-friendly facilities. These include 18 pet-friendly cabins per ship, allowing passengers to sail alongside their animals. The ships will also have a climate-controlled secure kennel area with CCTV. Passengers with pets in the kennels will be able to visit them during the sailing and even take them out on a lead to a designated outdoor pet area. The new ships are expected to set sail from 2027.
Are dining and drinks available on Spirit of Tasmania?
There’s plenty of food and beverage options on Spirit of Tasmania.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on board at Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK), with kids under five eating for free. Be sure to turn up at the set meal times, which are listed online. If you’re only feeling peckish, The Pantry offers grab-and-go snacks and sandwiches along with Tasmanian wines and souvenirs.
There are also three bars on board serving Tassie wines, beers and ciders. You can select from the intimate and modern Bar 7, the summery The Terrace Lounge Bar, and the deck chair-strewn Top Deck Lounge. Toasted Turkish rolls or sandwiches and pizzas are available at The Terrace Lounge Bar and Top Deck Lounge.
What entertainment options are on Spirit of Tasmania?
There’s plenty to do on Spirit of Tasmania ships. Catch newly released and popular films at multiple on-board cinemas for low prices, bop along to live music sessions performed by Tasmanian artists or stow away in the Reading Room for some quiet time with your book, magazine or laptop. In the Tourism Hub, passengers can browse tours, activities and attractions on offer around Tasmania and pick up any necessary National Park Passes or fishing licences.
Kids can have a blast in the arcade-style Game Zone or beach-themed Kids Play Area, with extra family entertainment like face painting, roaming circus performers and art carts available during school holidays from December to April.
Is there Wi-Fi on Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available for a small charge on Deck 7, Deck 8 (the Recliner Lounge), Deck 9 and Deck 10. Wi-Fi is not available in cabins. Expect slower speeds than on land, as Wi-Fi is delivered to the ship via satellite.
Hobart, including the spectacular kunanyi/Mount Wellington, is an easy drive from the Spirit of Tasmania berth in Devonport.
Can you take a caravan on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes, caravans and motorhomes are permitted on Spirit of Tasmania.
Can I take my electric vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania?
EVs are welcome on Spirit of Tasmania, however you are not allowed to charge your vehicle while on board. Ensure your EV has enough charge for disembarkation prior to boarding. Visit the Spirit of Tasmania website for further details on EVs.
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.
From Devonport it's not far to Tasmania's wild west coast, a must-visit for intrepid travellers. Explore the area by train on the Lynchford Express or go on a Gordon River cruise to see the pristine wilderness by boat.
Hobart is a great base to explore the rest of Tasmania: it’s home to the famous MONA art gallery, Salamanca Market and the nearby kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Hobart also serves as the departure point for tours to sites like Bruny Island and Tasman Island. Plus, RACV Members save when staying at RACV Hobart Hotel as well as on car and campervan hire. Check out the local’s guide to Hobart and Hobart bucket list for more fun travel ideas.
Beautiful riverside Launceston is another essential stop on your Tassie trip. Explore Cataract Gorge and taste wines from all along the neighbouring Tamar Valley Wine Route.
Check out even more destinations and discounted attractions across Tasmania here.
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer applies to new bookings only. RACV Members must book Spirit or Flexi passenger fares direct with Spirit of Tasmania by using this page. Discount excludes Deluxe Cabins and vehicle fares. To qualify for this discount you must be a current RACV Member. Members of Auto Clubs other than RACV are not eligible. A valid RACV membership card must be presented at the time of check-in. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with another special offer or Red Hot Deal.
