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!

I’m sure you’ve got a lot of questions though, and 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. Two new ferries arrived in October 2026, and while this is helping with capacity we are still seeing some dates booking out. I can’t stress this enough – you need to book as far in advance as possible 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 12 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 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.
• 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.

The increased capacity odf the new ferries means that only a ‘night sail’ is currently available, however this will be tested over time and if demand is high enough then ‘day sails’ may recommence.

• Night Sail – The night sail is available year-round in both directions and leaves daily at 6:45pm.

What is the Spirit of Tasmania travel time ?

Quick Answer: Depending on weather conditions, the Spirit of Tasmania travel time varies between 9.5 hours and 11.5 hours from Geelong to Tasmania, and vice versa.

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 extra 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 Spirit 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 2.5 hours prior to departure (~4:15pm) and closes strictly 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, with boarding commencing around 1.5 hours 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 (Lappers receive 20% OFF at Discovery Parks Geelong)
• 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

Spirit of Tasmania prices – how much does the ferry cost?

Quick Answer: Couples in a car can expect to pay between $650 and $1,500 for a return ticket (incl. cabin). Couples towing a caravan can expect to pay between $1,800 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 put 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:

Prices quoted here are for:

• A return trip for both passengers (not per person)
• A inside 4-berth cabin in each direction (prices will be cheaper if you don’t include a cabin)
• Car = Hyundai i30
• Towing vehicle = Nissan Patrol
• 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’ price quoted above is for early January. Prices reduce by around 20% as you get deeper into January – so if you are flexible in dates the it pays to check various sail date options.

As you can see, prices in winter are as much as 66% cheaper than during summer ie. 1/3 the price!

Travelling with a child 3-15 years old? You can add around $50 (return) for a winter sail, or $270 (return) for a summer sail. Children under 3 travel free.

You can also see that bringing a caravan will increase the price by around $800 – however this can vary substantially depending on just how big your caravan is. 

You can find more info about the fare types, cancellation and adjustment policies, refunds, and other T&Cs for the Spirit of Tasmania here.

Ferry Cabins & Recliners

What cabins are available on the Spirit of Tasmania?

There are plenty of onboard accommodation options for every type of traveller and budget.

• Deluxe Porthole Cabin – Queen bed, ensuite, TV, twin windows, table and chairs, plenty of space
• Six Bed Porthole Cabin – One queen, one double, and two single bunks
• Twin Bed Porthole Cabin – Two single beds, ensuite, window
• Four Bed Porthole Cabin – Two bunk beds, ensuite, window
• Four Bed Inside Cabin – Two bunk beds, ensuite
• Three Bed Accessible Cabin – Two accessible cabins are available on the ferry, with each including three beds and an ensuite. You will need to submit an online form 72hrs prior to travel to organise this (I suggest giving them a call to discuss your needs – click here for more information).

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

• Business Recliner (from $49 per recliner) – Lie-flat with window views and a greater level of comfort (infants not permitted)
• Standard Recliner (FREE) – Basic but comfortable recliner (infants not permitted)

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 – Solid option, 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 – Ideal if you have accessibility needs and prefer to have your privacy
• Recliner – 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 ear 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.

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 – 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.

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 three options:

1. Pet-friendly cabin
2. Onboard kennel
3. Keep your pet in your own vehicle

This info page and this checklist have everything you need to prepare yourself and your pet for a sail on the Spirit of Tasmania. 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 pet-friendly cabin on the Spirit

In my opinion, the pet-friendly cabins are the best addition to the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries!

I’ve lost track of how many conversations I’ve had with lappers who really don’t want to use the onboard kennels, and who don’t have room in their vehicle to keep their pup or puss.

Costing around $100 extra compared to a regular cabin, the 18 new climate-controlled pet-friendly cabins are the perfect solution. Not only do they sleep up to four passengers (with ensuite), but you can bring up to two dogs or cats with you for the entire sail to/from Tasmania!

Also allowed in these cabins are rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. Some dog breed restrictions apply – click here for more detail.

Pet cleaning supplies are provided (wipes and antiseptic spray) but you will need to bring your own pet bedding and kitty litter. There is also a pet-friendly outdoor deck so you can take your pets outside for toileting and a bit of fresh air (on-lead of course).

Option 2 – 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 3 – 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.

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) – you may also be asked for photo ID.
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, exercise your pet in the dedicated pet area, 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 – vehicles are boarded according to height/length, NOT time of arrival
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.

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 cover this process in even more detail in my handy eBook A Local’s Guide to Camping & Caravanning Tasmania.

“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 – Discount 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

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
• Abel Tasman Caravan Park – Check availability
• Mersey Bluff Caravan Park – Check availability

B&Bs and Hotels in Devonport

• 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

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.