The ‘Spirit of Tasmania’
Ferry to Tasmania
Everything you need to know for the perfect cruise!
Catching the ferry to Tasmania is a fun and exciting way to start your Tassie road trip, and in this guide I answer all the questions you might have, helping you experience the best ferry crossing ever.
Spirit of Tasmania prices and discounts, cabins and onboard entertainment, ferry timetables, how to travel with pets – and plenty more!
This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Read my full disclosure policy here.
It makes a lot of sense to start your Tasmania road trip with a sail on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
No excess baggage fees, your own vehicle that you know and love, no need to pay for hire car or campervan insurance, and you can even bring your pet pooch!
At the same time I know the options can be a little confusing, and I get a lot of questions about how it all works and what you can expect on the ferry to Tasmania.
That’s why I’ve created this guide – to use my experience as a local Tasmanian to help answer all your questions and to get your road trip started in the best way possible!
I must thank the Lap of Tas community for helping me create this guide. If you have any extra tips or advice, or any questions that I don’t answer, please let me know here and I’ll ensure it gets included in future updates!
If you find this free guide to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry helpful, then there’s a good chance you will also love my two eBooks. Practical, comprehensive information, and tips and advice that only a Tassie local can provide – these eBooks put all the planning information you need right at your fingertips. No wasted time trawling the internet!
The image below will help you choose the best one for your needs and style of travel – click here to learn more about each eBook and the valuable information they provide.
That’s enough chit-chat, let’s get your Spirit of Tasmania ferry planning started, and your Tassie holiday plans one step closer to completion!
Ferry Essentials
How far ahead do I need to book the Spirit of Tasmania ferry?
Quick Answer: If you are driving a car then you should book the Spirit of Tasmania ferry at least 6 months ahead. But if you are towing a caravan or your vehicle is >2.1m tall, then you should book your return ticket at least 9 months ahead.
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Tasmania is very popular with road trippers, and it is critical that you start planning your Geelong to Devonport ferry crossing as early as possible.
Tickets for the ferry are most in demand at these times of the year:
- Mid-December to March, and at Easter – Both directions are busy due to this being peak season.
- April and May – The return journey from Tasmania to Victoria is incredibly busy, as this is when many travellers and locals head to the mainland to escape the cool conditions of winter.
Every year demand for the ferry continues to increase. The arrival of two new ferries for the 2026-27 summer season will expand capacity, but until then you need to book a long way ahead of your holiday or you risk not getting a spot on the ferry at all, especially if you have a long or tall vehicle that needs to be allocated a larger bay.
If you’re planning on returning from Tasmania by ferry between January and May – especially if you are towing a caravan – I strongly recommend booking a return ticket up front. Many travellers only book one-way and leave their return booking too late, resulting in being stranded in Tasmania for months waiting for a slot to become available – I am not exaggerating when I say this.
The two most important factors impacting on how early you book your Spirit of Tasmania ticket are your vehicle type/size, and the time of year you want to visit and return from Tasmania.
In summary:
- Cars and campervans – If you are driving a car or small campervan then I recommend booking at least 6 months ahead
- Caravans and motorhomes – If you are towing a caravan or driving a tall vehicle such as a motorhome then you should aim to book your ferry tickets at least 9 months in advance, but ideally 11 months (this is the earliest the online booking system will allow).
Of course, the bonus of booking early is that you can often secure cheaper rates, and that’s always a good thing!
Spirit of Tasmania route and map
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry sails in both directions between Geelong in the Australian state of Victoria, and Devonport in the state of Tasmania.
Geelong is a large city on the southern Victorian coastline, about a 1.5 hour drive from central Melbourne (75km).
Devonport is a small city on the northern coastline of Tasmania, about a 1.5 hour drive from Launceston or 4hrs from Hobart.
The ferry crosses Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, with a total route measuring 415km (224 nautical miles).
For our international travellers, you will be pleased to know that you don’t need to worry about visas or passports when transiting between Victoria and Tasmania, and vice versa.
When is the best time of year to sail on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Quick Answer: While it is more expensive, the best time of year to sail on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry is between December and May when temperatures are warmer and the waters are calmer, with less swell that might cause sea sickness.
Demand for the Spirit of Tasmania varies greatly throughout the year – pick your dates wisely and you can save a lot of money! (but there’s also a catch)
- Summer (December to February) – Warmer temperatures, and the seas are starting to calm down after the windy conditions of spring. Tickets are a lot more expensive at this time of year, but that doesn’t stop it being the most popular time for visiting Tasmania, and berths book out early. A second ship sails during these times to provide greater capacity.
- Late summer and autumn (February to May) – Very popular for the return sail from Devonport to Geelong, as this is when many ‘grey nomads’ and other long term travellers head north and leave Tasmania for warmer weather. Weather conditions at this time of year mean the seas are very calm, and a smoother sail is more likely.
- Winter (June to August) – The least popular time to visit Tasmania due to the cool conditions and the possibility of a rougher sail, but many agree this is when Tasmania is at its most beautiful. Tickets for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry can be a lot cheaper at this time of year due to lower demand.
Read More: The Best Time to Visit Tasmania
What is the Spirit of Tasmania timetable?
The Spirit of Tasmania timetable is surprisingly consistent throughout the year, making it easy to remember what your sailing times are.
There are two types of journey – a ‘Night Sail’ and a ‘Day Sail’.
- Night Sail – The night sail is available year-round in both directions and leaves daily at either 6:45pm or 10:00pm.
- Day Sail – The day sail operates in both directions every couple of days during the busy period (November through to early May), normally leaving at 8:30am. From late May through to October you will most likely find there are no day sailings.
Which is better – a day sail or a night sail?
Quick Answer: There are pros and cons to a day sail and a night sail, but the time you save by doing a night sail makes this the better option for most travellers.
Day Sail
Night Sail
“During winter, make sure you have a cabin so you get a good night’s sleep before a big drive the next day. In summer, if you are on a day sail still get a cabin so you can rest before you have to drive. I found the cabins to be substantially cheaper on a summer day sail.” – Jacquie
What is the Spirit of Tasmania travel time ?
Quick Answer: Depending on weather conditions, the Spirit of Tasmania travel time varies between 8.5 hours and 11.5 hours from Geelong to Tasmania, and vice versa.
While it is important to know that it takes at least 8.5 hours on the ferry, when working out your schedule don’t forget that you can’t just turn up at your ferry departure time, as you need to allow time to be processed and to board.
The next section helps you plan your day so you get there on time, no stress.
How early should I get to the ferry terminal?
Quick Answer: Plan your day to arrive at the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal around 1.5 hours before departure. If you are a special needs passenger then plan on being there at least 2hrs prior to departure.
The Spirit of Tasmania check-in opens between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours prior to departure and closes strictly 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, with boarding commencing 1.5hrs prior to departure.
You don’t want to leave these things too late, but getting to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal 2.5hrs before your scheduled departure isn’t needed either.
If you have stayed overnight at Geelong and are departing on the ferry at 6:45pm, then I would plan my day like this:
- 4:00pm – Final vehicle and food checks (for biosecurity risks – I discuss this in more detail below)
- 4:30pm – Check Google Maps for traffic jams or road closures
- 4:45pm – Leave your caravan park or campsite
- 5:00pm – Arrive at Geelong ferry terminal and check-in
- 5:15pm – Commence boarding
- 5:45pm – Settle in to your cabin while the ferry isn’t moving, and start exploring
- 6:45pm – You’re on your way to Tassie!
Disembarking from the ferry can take as long as 30 minutes, but in speaking with other travellers it is normally quicker, closer to 15-20mins.
Ferry Prices and Cabins
Spirit of Tasmania prices – how much does the ferry cost?
Quick Answer: Couples in a car can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for a return ticket (incl. cabin). Couples towing a caravan can expect to pay between $1,900 and $2,700 for a return ticket (incl. cabin).
It’s the big question for all travellers – what is the Spirit of Tasmania price and how much money will I need to aside in my budget?
It is also a difficult question to answer, because no two bookings are exactly the same. Vehicle type, time of year, the number of passengers, whether you want a room or not… so many variables!
Despite this, I’ve tested all sorts of combos and I’ve got some good numbers that you can use to estimate the Spirit of Tasmania ferry cost.
A summary is provided below, including approximate prices for popular combinations that will suit most travellers, but if you would like to know more then the expandable sections below provide additional information.
There are three ‘base’ components to your ferry ticket:
- Passenger price (and pet price if you’re bringing Fido)
- Vehicle price
- Cabin or recliner price
Other factors that affect your Spirit of Tasmania cost include:
- Time of year and traveller demand
- Number of passengers in your group
- Your vehicle size
To give you an idea of typical prices I created fake bookings for four common scenarios in high season (January) and low season (June), and this what I found:
Travel Style 3822_975401-10> |
Winter 3822_850d24-f9> |
Summer 3822_c4bc31-50> |
Summer Price Variation 3822_ea4658-d2> |
---|---|---|---|
Couple + Car 3822_e3465c-ce> |
$958 3822_ca5626-af> |
$1,567 3822_96353b-c8> |
$1,320 – $1,814 3822_29ea49-6a> |
Couple + Caravan 3822_e60ed0-ae> |
$1,986 3822_316d3b-45> |
$2,805 3822_cfe525-61> |
$2,565 – $3,045 3822_8f3305-14> |
Prices quoted here are for:
- A return trip for both passengers (not per person)
- A ‘Night’ sail in each direction (prices will be cheaper for a day sail)
- A 2-berth cabin in each direction (prices will be cheaper if you don’t include a cabin)
- Car = Hyundai i30
- Towing vehicle = Toyota Landcruiser
- All vehicles are less than 2.1m high (taller vehicles will be more expensive)
- Total length of Car+Caravan is 12m (if your combo is longer then you will pay more)
It is really important to note that the ‘summer’ prices quoted above are averages. They vary a lot depending on the specific day you book, so I have taken the cheapest and most expensive combos in January and then averaged the two to get the numbers in the table above.
As you can see, prices in winter are 30-40% cheaper than during summer.
Travelling with a child 3-15 years old? You can add around $84 (return) for a winter sail, or $232 (return) for a summer sail. Children under 3 travel free.
You can also see that bringing a caravan will increase the price by around $1,000 – however this can vary substantially depending on just how big your caravan is.
You will be pleased to hear that all online bookings have a 48hr ‘cooling off’ period, which means that if you cancel your tickets within 48hrs of purchase then you will receive a full refund of the ticket value (as long as you purchased your ticket more than 7 days before your travel date).
You can find more info about the fare types and T&Cs for the Spirit of Tasmania here.
Do I need to book a Spirit of Tasmania cabin?
Quick Answer: A Spirit of Tasmania cabin is strongly recommended for a night sail. For a day sail, booking a cabin isn’t essential, but it is a good idea if you value your privacy, or you feel you may suffer from seasickness.
Booking a cabin is the most popular option for travellers that value their privacy, and unless you sleep like the dead I would say a cabin is absolutely essential for a night sail – snoring is the #1 complaint from everyone I speak to who didn’t book a cabin for the night!
You’ll be pleased to hear that Spirit of Tasmania cabin prices are also very reasonable!
All cabins include adjustable air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, 230V power point, desk/chair, bedding, towels and soap.
Sailing with children – Which cabin is best?
If you are travelling with children I recommend booking a Four Bed Porthole Cabin (if you would like a window) or a Four Bed Inside Cabin if you prefer to keep your costs down.
On a Day Sail you will find it very useful to retire to your own ‘space’ if needed, and the shower is great for freshening up. If you think sea-sickness might be a possibility, it’s a lot nicer to rest in privacy than out in public.
Which cabin should I book, or should I get a recliner?
There are pros and cons to all the accommodation options on the Spirit of Tasmania, but here are my thoughts…
- Deluxe Cabin – Perfect for couples wanting a luxe start (or finish) to their Tassie road trip – heaps of space, comfy queen-sized bed, table and chairs for chilling out with a glass of bubbles – fantastic!
- Twin Bed Porthole Cabin – A solid value option for couples
- Four Bed Porthole Cabin – Perfect for day sails, but I would only book this on a night sail if the ‘Inside Cabin’ wasn’t available – it’s dark outside so the water views aren’t a big selling point
- Four Bed Inside Cabin – Perfect for families and groups wanting to keep costs as low as possible, but who also value a good night’s sleep and/or their privacy
- Three Bed Accessible Cabin – A great idea if you have accessibility needs and prefer to have your privacy
- Recliner – I wouldn’t bother with a recliner on a day sail, as there is plenty of regular seating around the ferry. Everyone gets a free recliner on a night sail (if you haven’t booked a cabin) but I would only use a recliner if you either sleep very soundly or you have a good pair of plugs, and you can tolerate bodily noises and smells (no joke!). Theft isn’t a big risk, but you do need to exercise caution with your belongings. Accessible recliners are also available.
How can I get Spirit of Tasmania discount tickets?
There are two ways to secure a discount on your Spirit of Tasmania booking.
- Take advantage of their regular specials
- Become a member of association that is partnering with the Spirit of Tasmania
Regular Specials
The best way to find out about Spirit of Tasmania discounts and special offers is to:
- Check their website regularly
- Follow them on Facebook
- Sign up for their newsletter
- Join their Sailors Club – You can only apply after you’ve made your return booking, but if you’re thinking of revisiting Tasmania it can save you money on future bookings.
Partners of the Spirit of Tasmania
The following discounts are available when you become a member of one of these organisations:
- RACV – Members can save 10% on passenger fares
- Big4 Holiday Parks – Members can save 5% on passenger fares
- Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) – Members can save 5% on passenger fares
Pets on the Ferry
Can I take my dog or cat on the Spirit of Tasmania?
One of the best things about the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Tasmania is that, unlike a plane, you can bring your pet dog or cat with you!
There are two options – using the Spirit of Tasmania kennels, or keeping your pet in your own vehicle.
If you are bringing a dog you must ensure your pooch has been Hydatid wormed within 14 days of sailing.
Option 1 – Pay for a Spirit of Tasmania pet kennel
During the sail pets are kept in cage kennels on a lower deck with excellent ventilation.
Pet Attendants regularly check all animals staying in the kennels and fresh water is also supplied throughout the journey.
Bedding isn’t provided by the Spirit of Tasmania, and to help your pet settle in and stay warm on the open air deck it’s a good idea to leave their favourite blanket or chew toy in the kennel.
Unfortunately for safety reasons you can’t visit your pet during the sail.
To learn more about bringing your pet on the ferry to Tasmania I found this video by the Spirit of Tasmania to be the best place to start, and for a traveller’s perspective this video by ‘Chasing Dreams‘ is really useful as well.
Option 2 – Use your own vehicle
Keeping your dog inside your vehicle is a great option if you have concerns about keeping your dog in a kennel, and how your dog will handle the sea crossing.
The Spirit of Tasmania neither promotes nor recommends this option, but it is permitted so long as you follow the correct process.
To do this you need to:
- During the online booking process select ‘0’ pets
- When you have completed your booking call the Spirit of Tasmania and tell them that you would like to keep your dog in your vehicle
- They will send you a disclaimer form that you need to fill in and send it back to them (email or post) at least 24hrs prior to sailing
Spirit of Tasmania staff will not be checking on your pet during the sail, so you are responsible for their comfort and safety, ensuring they have adequate ventilation and water to last the trip.
The ship may encounter rough seas, so it is very important that you make sure their water isn’t going to tip over, and toilet training is also recommended.
Dining & Entertainment
Things to do on the Spirit of Tasmania
It’s a full day between Geelong and Devonport, and if you’re doing a day sail you’ll be wanting to enjoy your time onboard as much as possible.
Click on the sections below to read more about each aspect of the cruise.
Boarding & Quarantine
Spirit of Tasmania Boarding and Disembarkation
The Spirit of Tasmania boarding process is simple, quick, and easy to follow.
The team that greet you in Geelong have been helping travellers get their cars, campervans, caravans and motorhomes onto the ferry for decades and they have got the process down to a fine art.
- Enter Geelong terminal in your vehicle and head to the ‘Passenger vehicles’ entrance.
- At the booth, present your e-ticket to receive your boarding pass (if you plan on using the kennels you will also receive a yellow tag)
- Proceed to the security and quarantine check (gas bottle check, inspection inside and outside the car, under-bonnet check, boat and fishing gear check, fridge check, esky check).
- Follow their instructions and drive to the marshalling yard
- Time permitting, in the marshalling yard you have the opportunity to leave your vehicle, stretch the legs, use the toilets or pop into the cafe – a loudspeaker announcement will tell you when you need to return to your vehicle
- Commence boarding, following instructions provided to you by staff
- Park your vehicle. If you have a manual then put it in ‘Neutral’ and apply the handbrake. If you have an automatic then put it in ‘Park’ and apply the handbrake.
- If you have a dog you will then follow the instructions of staff to kennel your dog
- Leave the deck, remembering to pick up a flyer describing your deck number (so you can find your car when it’s time to disembark)
Disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania is super-easy and is a lot quicker than boarding the ferry – it is likely you’ll be on dry land in less than 30 minutes.
Disembarking happens in stages, and they will tell you exactly when your stage is planned to commence.
If you’re on a Night Sail you’ll get a wake-up call about an hour before the disembarking process starts.
If you want to eat breakfast on the ship I recommend getting up early as the kitchen gets very busy with people making coffees and buying snacks etc. the closer you get to arrival.
“I did a Night Sail recently – over and back – and getting the car on and off was easy. The staff are all friendly and very helpful.” – Karen
Tasmania Quarantine
Tasmania has strict biosecurity laws, keeping our native flora and fauna free from diseases or pests. and biosecurity officers are very vigilant in checking all passengers and their vehicle before permitting boarding onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
I provide an overview below of what you can/can’t bring into Tasmania, but click here for a full list.
You can bring…
- Frozen fruit and vegetables
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Meat
- Bread
- Processed food
- Nuts
You are not allowed to bring…
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Potatoes
- Some fish varieties
- Fruit salad mix
- Green salad mix
VIC / TAS Accommodation
Where to stay in Geelong
Lots of travellers tell me they they were so glad they booked a night in Geelong before sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania – especially for a day sail with an early start.
It can make a big difference to not have to worry about traffic jams, and to start the boarding process fresh and without the stresses of a day on the road.
I’ve spoken with many travellers to get their recommendations for the best accommodation options in Geelong that are close to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal and my recommendations are listed below (including distances and drive times to the ferry terminal).
Caravan Parks in Geelong
- Discovery Parks Geelong (15mins / 9km) – Check availability – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
- Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong (15mins / 9km) – Check availability
- Barwon River Holiday Park (15mins / 8km) – Check availability
- Eldorado Tourist Park (10mins / 7km) – Check availability
- Geelong Showground (15mins / 9km) – Bookings essential on 5221 1707 (Mon-Fri, 8am – 4pm)
Hotels and Apartments in Geelong
- Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong (7min / 5km) – Paid Parking (on-street free parking is often available though) – Check Availability
- The White House (9min / 7km) – Free Parking – Check Availability
- Quest Geelong Central (7min / 5km) – Paid Parking – Check Availability
Booking your accommodation
I strongly recommend booking your accommodation in Geelong and Devonport after you have booked your ferry ticket.
The ferry isn’t cheap, and you may need to tweak your sail dates to get the best price. For that reason it’s best to plan your accommodation around the ferry, rather than vice versa.
Where to stay in Devonport
Spending a night in Devonport after your arrival is the perfect way to get your Tasmania road trip started.
Kick back for a day or two, get a feel for your surrounds, and enjoy the laid-back vibes of this seaside city.
Caravan Parks in Devonport
- Discovery Parks Devonport – Check availability – Use the LAPOFTAS code for 20% OFF
- Abel Tasman Caravan Park – Check availability
- Mersey Bluff Caravan Park – Check availability
B&Bs and Hotels in Devonport
- The Grand on Macfie B&B – My favourite place to stay in Devonport. Gorgeous property, delicious cooked breakfasts, and perfect for exploring the region – Use the LAPOFTAS10 code and SAVE 10% – Check availability
- Waterfront Apartments – Perfect for couples wanting spectacular water views on the banks of the Mersey River – Check Availability
- Quality Hotel Gateway Inn – A great all-rounder hotel for couples and families, right in the heart of Devonport – Check Availability
Spirit of Tasmania Pre-Sail Checklist
Check these items 2-3 weeks before departure!
After the ferry to Tasmania… what next?
I hope you’ve found this guide useful in planning and booking your sail on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Tasmania!
Here are some more free guides and articles to help you put the finishing touches on your Tassie trip – plenty of discounts and other special offers for Lappers as well!
- Choose the best vehicle for your road trip:
- Plan the perfect road trip route using one of my comprehensive road-tested itineraries (they have everything you need – route, things to see and do, accommodation and dining)
- From Hobart to Launceston and everywhere in between, use my accommodation guides and reviews to find the best places to stay
- Explore Tasmania’s coasts, rainforests and gourmet food with one of the many incredible tours on offer
- Generous discounts for vehicle rental, tours, accommodation and more!
If you have any questions at all about the planning process, please come and join us over in our Lapper Facebook Group. It is a very friendly community and I have no tolerance for keyboard warriors – we’d love to say g’day!
Happy travels!
Andrew.
ps. Don’t forget to check out my two epic eBooks:
- How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip – Ideal if this is your first time visiting Tasmania, or you are a bit nervous about planning your road trip. It takes you through the whole process in easy-to-follow steps and also includes a free Holiday Planner that you can use for Tasmania and any other holiday you take in the future!
- A Local’s Guide to Camping & Caravanning Tasmania – Practical, relevant advice specifically focused on anyone planning on camping their way around Tasmania. The best free and low-cost campsites, roads to avoid when towing, when and where you can or can’t ‘wing it’, and so much more!