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.

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry to Tasmania - Melbourne

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.

Camping vs Road Trip Planner - eBook Comparison

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.

Spirit of Tasmania Route Map - Geelong to Devonport

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.

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

  • More time to enjoy the cruise
  • More time to enjoy the entertainment options
  • More time to try food/drink options
  • More time to book tours
  • More to enjoy onboard during daylight hours
  • Good for light sleepers
  • It’s a long time to keep the kids occupied
  • Earlier start to the day, so less time to prepare
  • May need to stay the night before in Geelong
  • You may arrive in Tasmania in the dark
  • It’s one less day you could be exploring Tasmania

Night Sail

  • More time to prepare for the ferry and arrive on time
  • Save on accommodation costs
  • Wake up refreshed and ready to start your road trip
  • More accommodation options will be open on arrival
  • Don’t need to entertain the children for as long
  • You can sleep through potential sea sickness
  • Less time to enjoy the facilities and dining options on board
  • Early wake up before disembarking
  • Less things to see from on deck due to the dark
  • Not good for light sleepers

“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

Winter

Summer

Summer Price Variation

Couple + Car

$958

$1,567

$1,320 – $1,814

Couple + Caravan

$1,986

$2,805

$2,565 – $3,045

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.

Passenger prices on the Spirit of Tasmania

Passenger prices underpin every Spirit of Tasmania ticket price.

While most people choose to bring a vehicle, this isn’t always the case, with some travellers picking up their rental car on arrival in Devonport.

As you can imagine, the passenger-only fare is the cheapest Spirit of Tasmania price option.

Spirit of Tasmania passenger prices are typically around

  • Adults – $660 per person for a return ticket in summer, and around $380 in winter
  • Children – $232 for a return ticket in summer, and around $84 in winter
  • Pensioners – $390 for a return ticket in summer, and $190 in winter

These walk-on fares are sometimes placed on sale (particularly during off-peak times), and I have also noticed that ‘last minute walk-on‘ fare reductions are occasionally made available – so it’s definitely worth checking the Spirit of Tasmania website and signing up to the newsletter to keep abreast of special offers!

Pet Prices on the Spirit of Tasmania

If you love travelling with your furry friend then you’ll be pleased to hear that you can take your dog on the Spirit of Tasmania!

There are two options – using a kennel, or keeping your dog in your own vehicle. 

A kennel will cost you around $22 each way.

Leaving your pet inside your vehicle is free, but there is a specific process you must follow. I provide more information about this below.

Vehicle Prices on the Spirit of Tasmania

Passenger and cabin prices are all pretty easy to understand, but where things get more complicated is your vehicle price. The reason for this is because there are only so many vehicles that can fit on the Spirit of Tasmania, and space – especially for large vehicles – is at a premium.

When making your booking online it will ask you for the make and model of your car/van/motorhome, and the details of any vehicles you might be towing.

The critical pieces of information you need to provide here are the length and height of your vehicle(s).

When calculating the length make sure you include the drawbar and anything attached to the rear of your caravan, such as bike racks or a jerry can. They will then add the length of your caravan to the length of your vehicle to work out your total parking space.

When calculating the height, don’t forget to include anything on your roof rack as well. If you find that you are just over the 2.1m height threshold, you may want to reduce your tyre pressure to get you under – but please only consider this if it can be done safely.

I’d love to provide you with specific $s, however there are far too many combinations for me to give you all the prices, and you will need to create fake bookings to check for yourself. 

For a quick guide, check the table I provide above, where I show you prices for a standard 4WD towing a caravan in summer and in winter. This page on the Spirit of Tasmania website is also useful as a rough guide.

Important: Spirit of Tasmania staff check these heights/lengths, and if you under-report your vehicle dimensions you may need to pay more, or in the worst case scenario you may not be allowed to travel due to a lack of sufficiently large berths.

Cabin and Recliner Prices

Whether it is a day sail or a night sail, there are numerous cabin options available to you:

  • Deluxe Cabin (from $550) – Queen bed, ensuite, TV, twin windows, table and chairs, plenty of space
  • Twin Bed Porthole Cabin (from $209) – Two single beds, ensuite, window
  • Four Bed Porthole Cabin (from $209) – Two bunk beds, ensuite, window
  • Four Bed Inside Cabin (from $157) – Two bunk beds, ensuite
  • Three Bed Accessible Cabin – One single and a bunk bed, wheelchair accessible ensuite, alarm button (you won’t see these on their website, but they are available if you call direct)

If you don’t need a full cabin, the Spirit of Tasmania also provide the option of a recliner:

  • Night Sail – FREE
  • Day Sail – From $39 each direction

For more information about these cabins, and the recliner option, scroll down to the next section!

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.

  1. Take advantage of their regular specials
  2. 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.

Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Tasmania - Pets

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:

  1. During the online booking process select ‘0’ pets
  2. 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
  3. 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.

Entertainment Options

  • Cinema – There are two cinemas on board, showing latest release movies for both adults and children at multiple times throughout the cruise. It isn’t free, but it’s a great way to spend the time.

Want to watch a movie at the cinema?

Buy your tickets as soon as you board the ferry. The cinema is very popular and seats book out fast!

  • Live Music – Throughout the sail you’ll find musicians popping up to keep your toes tapping.
  • Reading Room – Want to get away from it all? The reading room is the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
  • Public TV – Chill out with some light TV entertainment at one of the many public TVs scattered throughout the ship.
  • Playground – This colourful and safe play space will be a magnet for the littl’uns. There’s slippery slides, a jungle gym and plenty of other fun things to keep them occupied.
  • Free Digital Magazines – In the 48 hours prior to boarding you can download as many premium magazines and newspapers as you like using the PressReader app, for later offline reading on your cruise or as you travel around Tasmania.
  • Kids Game Zone – Filled with arcade games and plenty of comfy lounges, your kids will have hours of fun.
  • School Holiday Entertainment – From December to April the Spirit of Tasmania makes things really special for the children on board, with musicians, face painters, entertainers and other exciting activities.

Food and Drink

Tasmania is renowned for its amazingly fresh and delicious dining, and you will get your first taste of this incredible cuisine onboard at either the Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK) or The Pantry.

Antipasto plates, roast dinners, dessert platters, massive buffet, and heaps of options for the kids – they’ve got every base covered.

Still feeling hungry? The Spirit of Tasmania run a fantastic program called the ‘Flavours of Tassie‘, where you can taste a range of gourmet Tasmanian products like creamy cheeses and handcrafted chocolate, or sip on boutique gin and cider, all while chatting with the producers themselves!

And when it’s time for a beverage or two you’ll love the extensive selection of premium Tasmanian beers, wines, ciders, spirits, and non-alcoholic options available at the many bars on all decks.

Internet and Phone Services

I recommend using your cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania to do a digital detox, but if you need to get online you’ll find paid WiFi is available in all public spaces.

Travellers tell me that Telstra has the best coverage for the crossing, with just a small section in the middle of Bass Strait where you will lose signal.

What to Wear on the Ferry?

In Tasmania the best way to dress for comfort is in layers – and this works just as well on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Feeling warm? Simply remove a layer. Feeling cold? Throw on an extra layer from your day bag.

Read More: Click here for my Road Trip Packing List, designed just for Tasmania

Climate control is excellent in all public spaces during the day and you won’t need anything particularly heavy to stay warm.

If you’re in a recliner for the Night Sail you’ll also be provided with a blanket which should be enough to keep you warm.

If you plan on getting some fresh salty air on deck then I strongly recommend taking a warm jacket, as it’s going to be brisk – especially in winter.

All cabins have adjustable climate control, and can take up to an hour for the new settings to take effect.

National Parks Pass / Fishing Licences

If you plan on visiting Tasmania’s National Parks then a ‘Parks Pass’ is essential.

It’s easy to register online before you leave, but if you’ve forgotten or would rather do it face-to-face then you can sort it all out at the onboard Tourist Hub.

At the same time you can also organise any fishing licences you may need.

Tour Bookings

At the Tourism Hub you can continue your holiday planning or get some last-minute inspiration for places to see or things to do while on the island.

Staff can even make tour or accommodation bookings for you, so it’s all ready to go when you arrive in Tasmania!

Baby-Changing Facilities

Baby-changing facilities are available at multiple locations across multiple decks.

Special Needs Passengers

Just because you have special needs does not mean a cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania is off limits.

They have the people and the equipment to help you embark and disembark safely, and the ship layout has been designed to cater for all passengers with special needs.

Let them know at the time of booking so they can provide you with all the information you need for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.

Smoking on the Spirit of Tasmania

Smoking is not permitted indoors, however there a number of designated smoking areas on outside decks.


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.

  1. Enter Geelong terminal in your vehicle and head to the ‘Passenger vehicles’ entrance.
  2. 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)
  3. 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).
  4. Follow their instructions and drive to the marshalling yard
  5. 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
  6. Commence boarding, following instructions provided to you by staff
  7. 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.
  8. If you have a dog you will then follow the instructions of staff to kennel your dog
  9. 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).

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  • 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

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

Special Offer – The Grand on Macfie (Devonport)

The Grand on Macfie is your best B&B accommodation option for your first night in Tasmania!

Use the LAPOFTAS10 code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania on the phone when booking your sumptuous king or queen suite at The Grand on Macfie and receive:

  • a generous 10% OFF room rates; and
  • FREE cooked breakfast

Spirit of Tasmania Pre-Sail Checklist

Check these items 2-3 weeks before departure!

  • Buy your sea sickness medicationTravacalm or Kwells are popular over-the-counter medications. Ginger tablets or acupressure bands have also been found to help some travellers.
  • Allow enough time to check in and board the ferry – The terminal gates open for quarantine checks 2.5 hours prior to departure, while boarding commences 1.5hrs prior to departure. Final check-in is 45 minutes prior to departure.
  • Plan your meals – There are plenty of meal options on the Spirit of Tasmania, but to save money you might prefer to pack your own. Remember that Tasmania has strict quarantine laws that are enforced before you get on the ferry, so don’t pack something that is only going to get thrown out by the quarantine officers.
  • Worm your dog – All dogs travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania must be Hydatid wormed within 14 days of travel. At the quarantine checkpoint they will ask for evidence (eg. dated receipt, or vet’s note).
  • Mild sedation for your pet (if necessary) – If you are worried about how your dog will handle the crossing, see your vet and ask whether mild sedation will help.
  • Plan your day bag – Every traveller on the ferry is allowed to take one bag on board (66cm x 46.5cm x 27.5cm, and no weight restrictions apply). I would be including things like medications, sea sickness tablets, toiletries, food, camera, games for the kids, books, warm jacket, favourite pillow (for a night sail)
  • Prepare for the quarantine and security check -Check your fridge, esky and/or bags and remove any prohibited food, wash down your fishing and/or boating gear, and also wash your vehicle/caravan if they are muddy, make sure your gas bottles are turned off, and fully secured (as long as your seals are in good condition, your fridge/freezer will be fine without power for the crossing)
  • Make sure your tickets are easily accessible – You will be asked to present your tickets prior to boarding – this can be either an e-ticket on your electronic device, or a paper copy.
Spirit of Tasmania Ferry to Tasmania - Check list

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!

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!
Camping vs Road Trip Planner - eBook Comparison