travel from tasmania to melbourne

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Geelong to Devonport (GEX to DPO)

Devonport to geelong (dpo to gex).

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Journey to Bass Strait

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One of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences, Spirit of Tasmania makes travelling across Bass Strait flexible, convenient and easy. Our twin ships depart both ports nightly as well as daily in peak season. On board, you’ll find excellent facilities, comfortable cabins and plenty of space. On the decks, plenty of fresh air and unparalleled views await. Experience it all today.

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Travelling to Victoria or Tasmania? Whether you are searching for remote destinations, exciting things to do, unique experiences or adventures, here you’ll find all the inspiration you need to organise your dream escape. So go ahead and start exploring: your next adventure awaits at sea.

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How to Travel from Melbourne to Tasmania by Ferry and Plane

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The 150 mile-wide Bass Strait is what separates Australia 's only island state from the mainland. Tasmania is known for its rugged wilderness, pristine national parks, high-caliber cuisine, and abundance of breweries. Four-wheel driving and "overlanding"—exploring remote places in a self-reliant vehicle—are popular pastimes in this adventure capital, which explains why so many of Tasmania's visitors travel by ferry. The Spirit of Tasmania allows passengers to bring their rigs and campers aboard. This pseudo cruise ship takes about 10 hours to traverse Bass Strait from the nearest port in Melbourne. Otherwise, Hobart—the capital of Tasmania—is a quick hour-and-16-minute flight away.

How to Get from Melbourne to Tasmania

• Ferry: 9 to 11 hours, from $99
• Flight: 1 hour, 16 minutes, from $60

The Spirit of Tasmania departs from Port Melbourne and arrives at the Esplanade in East Devonport, on the north side of the island, after nine to 11 hours. It sometimes only does night journeys, but between September and May (Australia's warm season), it leaves once between 9 and 11 a.m. and once between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Be sure to check the online timetable or consult with a travel agent before booking as times do fluctuate.

Passengers without cars may only pay $99 for a ticket, whereas taking a vehicle costs double that price. Alternatively, you can rent a car after flying to Hobart or take coaches to some of the national parks. However, public tours won't allow you to do long hikes or see some of the more off-the-beaten-track sites.

Booking accommodation on the ferry also costs an additional fee and is required on overnight trips. A $39 recliner will offer you budget-friendly comfort, but the more high-end cabins come with private bathrooms, showers, and televisions. If you're traveling during the day, you can settle into one of the many chairs and sofas scattered throughout the trip for free. There are many vantage points perfect for kicking back with a latte and a book, but you can also pass the time by exploring the ship's restaurants, bars, cinemas, spas, casinos, shops, swimming pools, kids' play areas, and even nightclubs.

Boarding begins 2 hours, 30 minutes prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before the ship sails. Passengers who bring vehicles must adhere to certain rules as to what not to bring and all passengers must show a form of ID before boarding the ship.

Those who are traveling by plane will likely find Hobart to be the easiest and cheapest entry point. The capital city, located on the southeastern side of the island, is a 1-hour-16-minute flight from Melbourne, Victoria, according to Skyscanner , and there are six airlines (with Jetstar being the most popular) that make the direct trip.

The cheapest time to fly is March through May, August, and October, when flights can be found for about $60. In January and February—peak Australian summer—the cost of flights can skyrocket to $125 or more each way.

Hobart is the biggest and most populated city in Tasmania, but there are also airports in Burnie and Devonport (where the ferry docks) on the north coast, and Launceston more inland. North coast destinations, however, range more in the $200 to $300 range for a one-way ticket, and offer less in the way of rental cars and tourist amenities than Hobart.

What to See in Tasmania

Tasmania is an isolated island known for its vast, rugged wilderness, which is largely protected within national parks and reserves. There are 19 national parks throughout the state, with the most famed being the mountainous Ben Lomond and Cradle Mountain National Parks, Freycinet National Park with its beachy coves and picturesque Wineglass Bay, the eucalyptus rainforest that makes up Mount Field National Park, and the coastal Tasman National Park.

Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania docks, is popular for penguin spotting and Hobart is full of art, craft beer, quality chocolate and cheese, and markets. Salamanca Place's Georgian warehouses are home to galleries and boutiques that you can peruse for hours. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is an eccentric underground museum and wine bar with a contemporary edge. On the Tasman Peninsula, the 19th-century Port Arthur penal settlement is now an open-air museum and the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is worth stopping by for a picture.

It takes nine to 11 hours to get to Tasmania from Melbourne by ferry.

Melbourne is 277 miles (446 kilometers) north of Devonport, Tasmania.

Ferry rides start at AU$127 ($99), though you can expect to pay double that if you're taking a car.

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Melbourne, Victoria

Guide to Melbourne

Aboriginal name:  Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)

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• Getting to Melbourne
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Melbourne is Australia's mecca for all things trendy and tasty. The city offers up exquisite dining, exhilarating sport and abundant opportunities to experience art.

A perfect blend of rich cultural history and new age trends is waiting for you in Melbourne. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life with a vibrant dining scene as well as events and exhibitions. Explore its bustling laneways, trendy neighbourhoods and sophisticated foodie scene to get a taste of what Melbourne is all about.

Melbourne stands on the ancient grounds of the Kulin Nation of the Wurundjeri people. For the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance. Experience the culture through a range of heritage walks, cultural tours and galleries.

• Traditional name of Central Melbourne: Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)
• Indigenous Peoples of Central Melbourne: Wurundjeri people
• Traditional lands of Greater Melbourne: Kulin Nation
• Traditional languages: There are four traditional languages in Narrm. Bunurong (Bun-wurrung), Taungurung (Tung-ger-rung), Wathaurong (Wadha-wurrung) and Dja Dja Wurrung (Jar-Jar-Wur-rung).
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Getting to Melbourne is easy with flights arriving direct to two airports. 

• Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine (MEL) is 22km (14mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
• Avalon Airport (AVV) is 55km (34mi) from the city and services international and domestic flights 
• Hire cars, taxis, rideshares and a shuttle service are available from both airports

Getting around  is just as easy as finding a great cup of coffee in Melbourne. The city offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services. There is even a free City Circle tram line with historical commentary.

Despite having four distinct seasons,  Melbourne's weather  is known for being a bit unpredictable. Summers are generally warm and winters cold, but just ask a local and they’ll tell you that it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. So whenever you decide to visit, be sure to pack layers and carry an umbrella in your day bag. 

• High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: Melbourne’s world-class festivals and events

Melbourne is a dynamic city with plenty of accessible options for accommodation, attractions , restaurants , cafés and shopping . 

• Arrival: Disability assistance is available at Melbourne Airport, including for those with hidden disabilities .
• Getting around: Most Melbourne buses and trains have accessible options – check the Public Transport Victoria website  for information on using public transport.
• Accessible experience highlights: Several cultural institutions cater to travellers with accessibility and sensory needs, including the National Gallery of Victoria and Scienceworks .
• Helpful resources: Travellers Aid Australia provides mobility equipment hire and recharge points, while the City of Melbourne’s mobility map makes it easy to locate accessible facilities.

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Amazing Tasmania with a Touch of Melbourne

Revel in Australia's Wildlife, Ancient Forests, and Beaches

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Home » Trips » Custom Travel » Amazing Tasmania with a Touch of Melbourne

Custom Travel | 14 Days

• A private Tasmania & Melbourne tour tailored to you
• Dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and sparkling highland lakes
• Explore Cradle Mountain’s dolerite columns and Freycinet’s beaches
• Watch for Bruny Island’s wallabies, quolls, and Tasmanian devils
• Excellent food and wine in Yarra Valley, Australia’s best-known wine region

Separated from Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania long ago seceded—not politically, but geologically—from the island continent. More than a third of Tasmania is a savage, beautiful network of national parks and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals. Its European heritage dates to the early 1800s, while Tasmanian Aborigines first arrived 40,000 years ago. On this two-week completely customizable Tasmania tour, experienced guides share passionate stories about the island and its sometimes tumultuous history, both natural and human.

ELEVATE YOUR ADVENTURE WITH HELICOPTERS

Helicopters can whisk you to remote corners, provide sensational and unique vantage points, and offer wonderful exclusivity.  To learn more about how helicopters can be woven into your next custom adventure, call GeoEx's destination experts at 888-570-7108.

Trip Overview

1 – 3.

After alighting in Launceston, spend time in Trowunna Wildlife Park and Cradle Mountain for rare wildlife, walks among ancient rain-forest species, and possible sightings of wombats and the endemic black currawong.

4 – 5

Travel to Freycinet Peninsula, a mosaic of human history, abundant fauna, and rambunctious geology   Stroll Wineglass Bay and the sandy beaches of Cape Tourville.

6 – 7

Excursions in Tasmania Wilderness West World Heritage Area reveal some of the world's largest trees  Watch for nocturnal animals in Mount Field National Park.

8 – 9

Ferry to Bruny Island for a wildlife cruise and nature walks, where deserted beaches and a temperate rain forest are home to short-tailed shearwaters, penguins, wallabies, and little carnivorous marsupials.

10 – 11

Visits to Hobart’s waterfront and museums provide insight into the island’s history and contemporary culture   Meet art and produce vendors at Salamanca Market.

12 – 14

Taste wine in the acclaimed Yarra Valley after flying to Melbourne   Spend a full day getting acquainted with this artsy city before returning home.

MARIA ISLAND WALK

An optional 4-day extension.

For a little more active exploring, tie your Australia trip in with one of the world's great walks on Maria Island, a national park located off Tasmania's eastern coast. Enjoy gentle, guided ambles amid wonderful wildlife, beautiful beaches, and fascinating history.

Dates & Prices

Custom Trips offered year-round  (best time to visit: September–April)

From $16,425 per person (Custom Trip) (above price based on two travelers sharing a room)

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• Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance

A Journey Built Just For You

Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.

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Melbourne to Tasmania (& Back)

5-NIGHT ROUND-TRIP SAILING FROM MELBOURNE

Burnie: Bountiful bush-walks, iridescent waters & a penchant for penguins.

This 5-night Melbourne experience begins in one of our most exciting port cities where you can explore Federation Square, get lost in its sprawling botanical gardens, or grab a pint and a bite to eat from its eclectic food scene before spending a day of reinvigorating comfort on board on your way to the capital city of Tasmania. Then enjoy one more self-care sea day on your way back to Melbourne.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

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Melbourne round trip

Start your vacation early or stretch your time off — with a round-trip voyage, you have another reason to explore Melbourne before or after sailing.

Quick trip to Tasmania

Explore Tasmania's stunning landscapes, meet its unique wildlife, and discover its rich history — all in one quick (and exclusively adult) getaway.

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

With funky cafes, Aussie Football, and world-class wineries, this is a city to indulge all your favorite interests.

Tasmania’s most exciting western destination features a thriving art, food, and wildlife scene unlike any other in the world.

With its unique culture and wildlife, Tasmania is a fascinating destination to visitors from afar, or just across the sea.

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An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

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We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage.   Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

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You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

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These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

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Over $1000 in luxurious value included — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

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Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

Group Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

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Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows.

Tasmania Explorer

Ferry To Tasmania⛴️: Everything You Need To Know

Note: The Spirit of Tasmania was a Melbourne ferry to Tasmania departing from Port Melbourne. However, as of October 2022, this ferry now departs from Geelong. This is the only option to catch a ferry to Tasmania .

One of our favourite trips is the Geelong ferry to Tasmania. It’s such an exciting trip for the whole family.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of driving onboard a big ship and starting your adventure. We all love exploring the facilities onboard and making the most of the journey at sea. Plus, taking your own car on the car ferry to Tasmania is just so convenient – especially with young kids.

If you’re planning to travel to Tasmania by ferry and want to know more information, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve included everything you need to know to plan your ferry crossing to Tasmania – from booking your trip, departing Geelong, the facilities onboard, the journey itself and disembarking in Tasmania. We’ve tried to make this guide as thorough as possible.

We’ve also included information if you’re taking the Devonport to Geelong ferry, and information about Tasmania ferry prices.

We hope this article leaves you with no questions about taking the ferry to Tasmania with a car and has you excited to start your adventure!

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip! Wan t help with your itinerary? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

Why Take A Car Ferry To Tasmania?

When it comes to visiting Tasmania from the mainland you have two options – you can fly or you can take the Spirit of Tasmania.

Before I had kids, I always flew. It’s quick (takes under an hour), cheap and convenient as my family could pick me up or I could simply hire a car from the airport. With kids, however, the Tasmania boat trip is just so much more convenient.

Bringing car seats and excess luggage adds up on a plane, not to mention the cost of a hire car in Tasmania has skyrocketed. Travelling to Tasmania by ferry offers you the comfort and convenience of having your own car and taking excess luggage with you without a fee.

When it comes to getting around Tasmania, you really do need a car if you want to get outside of Hobart. If you fly, this means you’ll need to hire one.

The downside of the Geelong to Tasmania ferry is that it doesn’t arrive in Hobart.

Where does the ferry dock in Tasmania?

It arrives in Devonport, a small city on the North West Coast of Tasmania, approximately a three-hour drive from Hobart. It is a better option for longer trips and people who want to get outside of Hobart.

We usually visit for up to a week. For us, the cost of travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania is cheaper than flying, plus the convenience makes it totally worth it.

Besides convenience, it’s also just a fun way to travel! The vehicle ferry to Tasmania offers both night and day sailings, and there are lots of facilities onboard to keep you (and the kids) entertained!

An Introduction To The Spirit Of Tasmania Ferry

The Geelong to Tasmania ferry service has always been a popular route, especially with the introduction of RORO (roll-on/roll-off) ships – meaning you can drive your car on one side and drive off the other. I’m sure the ferry now departing from Geelong won’t affect this popularity.

Many ships have operated on this route in the past, but none of the car ferry ships have been as fast and comfortable as the current ones departing from Geelong.

The route is operated by two boats – the Spirit of Tasmania I and the Spirit of Tasmania II. These ships are virtually identical, both weighing over 28,000 tonnes and measuring over 194 metres long, with room for 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

Fast and reliable, these two ships offer day and night sailings at peak periods. The ships also had major renovations in 2015 which has resulted in fresh modern décor, increased passenger comfort and improved onboard facilities.

How Does The Spirit of Tasmania Check-In Work?

Check-in for the Tasmania ferry from Geelong is very easy. If you’re taking the ferry from Geelong to Devonport from the Spirit of Tasmania Quay, you simply follow the signs directing you to the check-in point in North Geelong. There is usually a big line-up of cars.

We usually arrive 90 minutes before sailing, but check-in opens 2.5 hours before sailing. Note that it closes strictly 45 minutes before sailing.

Check-in has always been smooth for us. Everything is done from the car where you drive up to a window, show them your documentation and get cabin or ocean recliner keycards (if you have one).

If you are departing from Geelong, you’ll then drive up to a quarantine check to make sure you aren’t travelling with any fruit and vegetables or any other prohibited items. This has always been very quick and easy, although they often ask to check the contents of eskis so have them easily accessible.

You’re then directed to where to park while you wait to board. When it’s your turn, you make your way onto the vehicle deck. There are always people to direct you and it has never taken us longer than 30 minutes to board.

After you park, head to the nearest stairwell. I’d recommend paying attention to the colour of the stairwell and what level you are parked on so you can easily find your car when it’s time to depart.

How Long Is The Geelong To Tasmania Ferry?

The time the ferry to Tasmania takes depends on when you go. Generally, when the ferry to Tasmania timetable operates on schedule, summer crossings take around 10 hours and winter crossings take closer to 11.25 hours.

Between September and April, the Spirit of Tasmania also operates day sailings from Geelong to Tasmania. The advantage of these are that you don’t need to purchase a cabin or seat, thus saving a bit of money.

If I were alone, I’d find the day sailings quite boring. However with kids, I actually prefer it. There is plenty for them to do and enough time for me to relax.

The night sailings during summer are more challenging as the excitement makes it hard for the kids to sleep. The ferry usually departs from the dock around 9pm (this does fluctuate depending on the day you travel) and the wakeup call comes around at 5:45am, which means grumpy kids the next day!

Don’t be deterred when thinking about how long the ferry to Tasmania takes as it’s nice to have enough time to roam and explore, but I recommend avoiding night sailings in summer if you want plenty of sleep.

Ferry From Geelong To Tasmania Timetable

Between September and April, the Spirit of Tasmania usually operates day and night sailings, with the ferry departing at 10am and arriving in Devonport at 8pm for day sailings, and departing at 9pm and arriving at 7am for night sailings – although these vary a bit day-to-day so always check.

The Tasmania ferry timetable for the remainder of the year departs at 6:45pm, with both the ferry to Geelong from Tasmania and the ferry to Tasmania from Geelong each arriving at 6am the next morning.

Disembarking The Spirit Of Tasmania

Disembarking the ferry from Victoria to Tasmania is probably the easiest part of the trip. There is a wakeup call about 45 minutes before arrival into Tasmania. Certain vehicle decks are called to their cars first, and then the next round of calls are made.

When you make it to your car, you simply wait until you are instructed to drive off. When arriving in Tasmania, you do need to pass through a biosecurity checkpoint where you will be asked to declare anything banned from entering the state (fresh fruits/vegetables etc) much like you are in Geelong before departure.

If you didn’t take a car, you simply walk off once the boat arrives.

Onboard The Spirit Of Tasmania

One of the most exciting parts of the journey is exploring the Spirit of Tasmania’s facilities. While there’s limited time to explore on a night crossing, there’s still a lot on offer and plenty to do on day crossings.

The Spirit of Tasmania offers a range of facilities including two cinemas, a kids’ play area and game zone, a reading room, a tourist centre, pokies, activities and live music.

The two cinemas are located on deck 7, with each showing different recently released movies. The cinema is a great way to pass time on the ferry, with kids and adult movies playing, and while you do need to purchase a ticket, they are cheap ($10 for adults, $5 for kids).

The tourist centre is also located on deck 7. We love visiting this spot as there are so many brochures on things to do in Tasmania. There’s also a reading room located on this deck which is a comfortable area to sit with a book or iPad and relax.

On the upper decks you’ll find more seating areas, as well as a game zone for kids on deck 9 with arcade style games, and live music in the Terrace Lounge Bar.

The Top Deck Lounge on deck 10 is our favourite spot to relax. Located near the kids’ play area with a relaxing beach style décor, we loved it here and it was one of our favourite parts of the ship. You’ll find deck chairs with a view looking out to sea and plenty of drink options.

The deck chairs are super popular during busy day sailings so get in quick if you want to secure one! There’s also a gaming station nearby with Xbox games for kids.

The summer period offers kids more activities on day sailings with face painting and entertainers roaming the ship.

If you want to make the most of the facilities, book a daytime crossing. We have been disappointed during the short night crossings as we boarded so late that it was time to get the kids to bed, and were already disembarking early in the morning. Also, not everything is open when you catch a late night crossing.

You won’t go hungry on the Spirit of Tasmania and while food is not included in the fare to Tasmania by ferry, there are options.

On night sailings, we eat beforehand if we can. There’s just not enough time to enjoy a meal when you’ve got kids that need to sleep and you need to be up early the next morning. However during day sailings, there’s plenty of time to sample the food!

TMK (Tasmanian Market Kitchen)

The TMK or Tasmanian Market Kitchen is the main restaurant onboard located on deck 7. This is a self serve buffet where you can fill up a plate from a selection of mains and salads. You also get a dinner roll and drink included. The food is good quality and tasty. There’s also a range of desserts which cost extra.

The food is not super cheap here but the value is fair. Adults cost $27.50, kids under 15 cost $15, under 10’s cost $10 and under 5’s eat free. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This does not always open for dinner when you have a late night crossing. On day crossings, like when we recently departed Geelong at 10:30am, it opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Also located on deck 7 is Bar 7. This is a lively bar with a wide range of drinks available for purchase with many Tasmanian wines, beers and spirits on the menu. They also have non-alcoholic options like coffee, tea and juice. There are places to sit comfortably and the Admirals Gaming Lounge is also nearby.

Terrace Lounge Bar

The Terrace Lounge Bar is located on deck 9 and is another comfortable place to sit. On day sailings they serve pizzas, burgers and paninis. They also have a wide range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, available for purchase.

Top Deck Lounge

As mentioned, the Top Deck Lounge is our favourite part of the ship with comfortable deck chairs and positioned close to the kids play area. Again, there’s a range of drinks on offer here including wine, beer, spirits, non-alcoholic options like soft drink and juice, and snacks like pizza, ice-cream and toasties.

If you want to purchase something quick and easy, The Pantry is the onboard shop with lots of drinks, sandwiches, snacks, souvenirs and more available for purchase.

Cabins are not included in the ferry from Geelong to Tasmania cost and it’s not necessary to purchase one. However, I highly recommend one, even on a day crossing. They don’t cost much more and it’s really nice to have somewhere private to relax during the day.

There are many seating areas on the ship but these quickly become full on a day crossing.

On night sailings you will need either a cabin or recliner. The options are listed below.

Deluxe Cabins

These are the top cabins on the ship with a queen bed, nicely sized ensuite, sitting area, TV and fridge. These cabins are spacious and offer lots of room to relax, have 2 portholes and space for 2 cots. Toiletries are included as well as towels, linen and pillows. They’re also the priciest cabins onboard but are the most comfortable option.

This would actually be my preferred option for a day sailing if it were possible to book for a family of 5 due to the extra space which, in my opinion, is more beneficial than having extra beds.

Porthole Cabins

Porthole cabins come as either 2 or 4 birth cabins. They are simple but comfortable with a desk, a small ensuite and a porthole for watching the ocean. You can also fit one cot in here but it is a tight fit.

I would suggest a porthole cabin for day sailings when its nice to watch the ocean. There’s near to no room for extra luggage however. Linen, pillows and towels are included.

Inside Cabins

Inside cabins lack a porthole but they can be more spacious and sleep up to 4 people. These rooms can also fit up to 2 cots.

This is my preferred option for a night sailing where it’s too dark to see anything out the porthole anyway. Again, they include a desk, ensuite and towels, linen and pillows.

There are also shared male/female cabins available if you’re travelling solo.

Ocean Recliners

Ocean recliners are the most affordable accommodation option. They are fairly comfortable and located in a private area at the back of the ship overlooking the sea. Chairs recline and have USB ports and tray tables, and blankets are provided on night sailings.

However they don’t recline fully and they can be difficult to sleep in. The lights at night are also dimmed but not fully switched off.

Taking Your Car

Taking your car on the Spirit of Tasmania is very easy. You add it to your booking when making your reservation.

When embarking, you simply drive onto one of the colour coded vehicle decks as directed.

Take note of the colour of the vehicle deck and door so you can remember where to return to your car! You wont get to return to your car during the journey so it’s important to bring everything with you that you might need.

Before arrival, passengers on certain vehicle decks will be directed to return to their cars and drive off first so it’s important to take note which one your car is on.

Taking The Ferry Tasmania To Geelong With Kids

It’s quite straighforward and a lot of fun to take the Geelong Tasmania ferry with kids. I have done it many times with my three and we’ve had a good time.

The only downside for me is that when it’s an overnight crossing, it’s impossible for younger kids to get enough sleep to be truly rested. If they are like mine, they’ll be hyper when they get onboard and it’ll be hard to get them to sleep and then they need to get up early.

There are many facilities onboard to help with kids like the games areas, playground area and cinema. They love just roaming the ship and exploring too. Despite having taken the boat many times, the novelty does not wear off. It’s fun.

I definitely recommend getting a cabin whether you are travelling at night or during the day. On a day crossing, the boat can feel crowded in public areas and kids (and you!) need somewhere to rest and regroup. At night, you’ll need it to know your kids are right there with you so you can relax and sleep.

At night, there is no point getting an outside cabin in my opinion with kids. During day crossings, I highly recommend one though.

If you are travelling at a time when day crossings are available, I recommend doing one Geelong to Devonport ferry crossing at day and one at night. That’s what we always do and it works out well to give different experiences.

You can also get cots for younger kids – more info on that below. The good part about this is that we have always been given a bigger inside cabin when we have needed a cot with more space for everyone.

My only other comment is that last time we took the Spirit at night, a staff member actually told me off for having the kids in their pyjamas as we walked to our cabin from the car. I was shocked!! This hasn’t been a typical experience for us, and hopefully it doesn’t represent your experience.

Ferry To Tasmania Cost

While I wouldn’t call the ferry a cheap ferry to Tasmania, a ferry Tasmania fare is cost effective when you compare how much we spend on flights and car hire.

When it comes to the car ferry to Tasmania cost, you need to pay for your tickets (adults are pricier than kids 3-15, and kids under 3 travel free), the vehicle and for a cabin/ocean recliners.

The best ferry fares to Tasmania are generally day sailings during the September to April period. You can also save money by not purchasing a cabin, although they really don’t cost that much more and are great for relaxing (especially with young kids).

How much is the ferry to Tasmania? The cheapest ferry to Tasmania price I have found is comfortably under $1000. This is a return fare for our family of 5 on a day sailing with a car and no cabin. I can easily spend much more than this on flights for 5 as well as a hire car in Tasmania where prices have skyrocketed!

However, with a good cabin and a night sailing at a peak period, I could also double this.

All in all, I think the cost of ferry to Tasmania is affordable for our family especially compared to flying. Prices do jump at peak periods so it’s better to book ahead. I usually book 11 months ahead for December/January for the best price. It sells out and gets quite expensive at this time if you don’t book far ahead.

How To Book The Boat To Tasmania

It’s very easy to making a booking online.

You can make a booking on the Spirit of Tasmania here.

You can book the ferry to Tasmania up to 11 months before travel and you can cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Devonport Ferry Terminal Tasmania

The terminal for the ferry Devonport to Geelong is located in East Devonport.

Free parking can be found on the The Esplanade if you’d like to take a walk around, and there’s a petrol station nearby. Otherwise, there really isn’t much else there.

Geelong Ferry Terminal

While the terminal used to be in Port Melbourne, you can only take the ferry from Geelong now. This is located in North Geelong at the Spirit of Tasmania Quay – 136 Corio Quay Rd, North Geelong.

This is a purpose built ferry terminal in Geelong. It has a passenger seating area, kids play area, café, toilets and undercover parking. It is much better than the squished facilities in Port Melbourne although I do miss the shorter drive.

It’s smaller than I expected though, but you are able to get out of the car after you have checked in and go into the terminal while you are waiting to board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get a cot for my baby/toddler.

It’s easy to get a cot if you need one as they will place one in your cabin when you add an infant (a child aged under 3 years old) to your booking, free of charge. You do need to bring your own linen however.

The Spirit of Tasmania recommends inside cabins for parents that need cots – these are more spacious and can fit up to 2 cots. Deluxe cabins can also fit 2 cots. Porthole cabins can only fit 1 cot at a tighter fit.

How Much Luggage Is Allowed On Board?

There is no clear carry-on luggage restrictions for customers who bring their car, but the carry-on allowance for passengers without a car is one medium suitcase measuring 66 x 46.5 x 27.5 cm with no maximum weight limit.

You shouldn’t need to bring much onboard as cabins and ocean recliners are pretty well equipped and there is plenty of food options onboard.

Is There Somewhere To Secure Luggage If I Don’t Have A Cabin?

It is possible to hire a locker onboard to store valuables. These are located near the entrance to the ocean recliners. The lockers are not huge but there’s enough space to store a bag and a few other items. There is a fee to hire one.

Is There Wifi?

Wifi is available onboard but it’s pricey – up to $20 for a crossing. It’s also not available in the cabins so you can only use it in the public areas. They do offer free streaming Wifi however to watch free to air TV on your devices.

Is It Rough? Will I Get Seasick?

Bass Strait can actually be quite a rough patch of sea. This certainly isn’t always the case but if you are prone to motion sickness I’d bring tablets with you. You can also purchase them onboard however it’s always better to take them prior to travel.

Having said that we have never had any big issues with motion sickness and these modern ships are fairly stable. You can also get an inside cabin to reduce the impact – laying down I just feel I’m being rocked to sleep!

It’s definitely rougher on night crossings than day ones.

Can Pets Travel On The Ferry Geelong To Tasmania?

Note: This is currently subject to change so check the latest rules.

Yes! There are pet kennels available on decks 3 and 5. You can book a kennel for your pet at the time of booking. There are different sizes available. Note that dogs need to be treated for hydatid tape worm at least 24 hours before departure and you need to show evidence of this (just the receipt and used bottle).

You can’t visit pets during the sailing but the staff do check on them and provide water. You will need to bring some bedding too as it is not provided.

Also note that certain wildlife pets are not allowed onboard.

Can I Tow A Trailer Or Caravan?

Yes. This is easy to add when making your booking, just note there is an additional fee.

What Can I Not Take With Me To Tasmania?

Tasmania has very strict biosecurity rules regarding what you can and cannot bring into the state. Basically all fresh fruits and vegetables are banned, as well as fish, seeds, bulbs and anything contaminated with soil.

Note you will be checked at the border. I don’t think there’s ever been a time I haven’t had my car inspected by a sniffer dog trained to detect these items.

It’s worth checking here for a comprehensive breakdown, but the best advice I can give is to just leave fresh food and produce at home.

Final Words

The Spirit of Tasmania is definitely our preferred way to travel to Tasmania. It is convenient, affordable (compared to flying for us) and fun – especially when you’re travelling as a family. I love that we can pack up the car and arrive in Tasmania basically as we left. Whilst the shorter peak season night crossings can be more challenging due to the lack of sleep, I still love the ferry to Tasmania car option.

If you’re considering going to Tasmania by boat and you’ve got more than a few days to explore, go!! I doubt anyone would regret it 🙂

Now you know how to get to Tasmania, learn what to do while you are there! Find all our planning guides here or click here for our one week itineraries or here for a two week+ itinerary. You can also buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

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By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

• Breaking News

Wild pics capture moment driver pulled from floodwaters as NSW inundated with heavy rain

Rescuers have captured the moment a driver was pulled from her car amid one state’s flood chaos, sparked after a rain bomb dumped hundreds of millimetres across multiple regions.

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A driver has been pulled to safety from raging floodwaters in NSW’s south coast, after hundreds of millimetres of rain fell on swathes of the state overnight.

The flood chaos is unlikely to let up over the coming days, with the rain set to continue over Friday before giving way to a cold front which could leave thousands shivering over the King’s Birthday weekend.

Pictures captured by the Huskisson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade reveal one car was trapped in floodwaters about 11.20am on Thursday, after the town was inundated by floods.

A NSW SES crew successfully removed the driver and released them to ambulance crews, the Fire Brigade posted on Facebook.

“This is a serious reminder to obey all road closures, especially during this period of severe weather,” they warned in the post.

“IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT.”

Warragamba Dam was at 98 per cent capacity as of Thursday morning, which could spill the dam in the Napean River.

It follows heavy rainfall over the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern and Central Tablelands through the day.

Ski season revellers in NSW and parts of Victoria face a small delay to the start of their season as a rainy weather system prepares to move offshore over the coming public holiday break.

Rainfall will continue over Friday but ease over the weekend.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior metrologist Christie Johnson said a dusting of snow could come through with a cold front on Sunday over the Victorian Alps, the NSW Southern Alps and 800m over Tasmania.

She confirmed there wouldn’t be much rain in it at all, but conditions in the snow regions would not be so favourable with not much snow about over the weekend.

Sunday and Monday will be mostly dry with an odd shower or two about the snow and coastal regions.

“If there is going to be a significant amount of snow it will likely be over Tasmania,” Ms Johnson said.

“There is just not that much rainfall expected to get up into the mountains of Victoria and NSW.

“There is a little more chance of snow with a cold front expected mid next week.

“That is where we expect to see more risk of snow, but not unfortunately for the opening of the ski season this weekend.”

While some rainfall will hang around on Saturday in the southeastern parts of NSW and eastern Victoria it should ease by the end of the day.

On Sunday, a weak front will move through Victoria and Tasmania, which will see some showers fall mostly over Tasmania, southern Victoria and potentially the NSW snow regions.

Queensland could also experience chilly mornings over the weekend with lots of fog and frost about.

A cool south-easterly surge will push across inland Queensland and the Northern Territory, which will get some of cooler conditions experienced during the Top End’s dry season.

“They will finally get some maximum temperatures below 30C,” Ms Johnson said.

A series of cold fronts are expected to hit the southwest land division of WA, with the first one crossing the coastline on Thursday night and potentially a stronger one again on the weekend.

“Thursday should be a strongish one but it will be a typical winter front,” Ms Johnson said.

“There is a risk of severe thunderstorms developing on the front, but rain or damaging winds are not expected to come with it.

“The front expected on the weekend has more chance of bringing rainfall over the agricultural district that need it, and it looks a bit stronger.

“With both of these fronts, particularly the one on the weekend there will be some fairly high seas and surf as well.”

In capital cities across the country, wet weather will lash Sydney on Saturday with some showers expected around the coastal areas on Sunday, but should be dry for the remainder of the weekend.

Melbourne will be cold and wet with rain expected to drench the city on Saturday and Sunday, conditions should ease by Monday.

Adelaide will also freeze through a wet weekend with rain forecast on Saturday that will continue into next week.

Brisbane can expect sunnier conditions over the weekend, but the nights will be chilly dipping to a low of 9 degrees.

A cold front on Thursday will bring much needed rain to Perth that will continue throughout the weekend with a stronger front expected to hit the city on Saturday.

Darwin will be warm and sunny all weekend with temperatures sitting around 30 degrees.

Hobart will be cold and cloudy for most of the weekend with some rain expected on Sunday morning.

A researcher has shared the wild moment he witnessed a tiger shark vomit up an iconic Australian animal.

Defence Force officials say the latest survey of personnel has revealed one in 20 have experienced sexual misconduct.

Alastair Clarkson made a couple of big reveals as he publicly addressed his foul language on the bench in Tasmania and the reasons for it.

Find cheap flights from Melbourne to Tasmania from $63

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from melbourne to tasmania departing on 5/7. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to tasmania.

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Faqs - booking tasmania flights, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from melbourne to tasmania.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Melbourne to Tasmania.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne to Tasmania?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Tasmania from Melbourne is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Melbourne to Tasmania?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Tasmania with an airline and back to Melbourne with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne to Tasmania?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Tasmania from Melbourne up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

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Tasmania's poultry industry prepares for deadly strain of bird flu

ABC Rural Tasmania's poultry industry prepares for deadly strain of bird flu

Tasmania is entirely bird flu free.

Sandwiched between outbreaks in Victoria to its north and Antarctica to its south, for some it's a matter of when and not if.

"Be alert, but not alarmed, practice good biosecurity to the extent that it's possible, particularly with respect to trying to exclude wild birds contact with your kept birds or your commercial birds," Biosecurity Tasmania's chief veterinary officer Kevin de Witte said. 

He also urged farmers and other bird keepers to monitor their birds for any sickness and deaths.

"We recognise it as a risk," he said. 

While the Victorian outbreak has seen 500,000 commercial chickens euthanised to try to contain the spread, it's the different Antarctic variant, termed the H5N1 strain, that scientists are most worried about.

Uncertainty over movement of Antarctic strain

Dr Michelle Wille, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Pathogenetics at Melbourne University is one of those scientists worried about the Antarctic strain.

"It's found everywhere in the world except Oceania," Dr Wille said.

Scientists believe the immediate risk to Australian birds is more likely to be from the north (Asia) rather than Antarctica.

However, Dr Wille said there was uncertainty about how the Antarctic outbreak would move.

"I think the key thing here is we've identified some potential pathways, but there's a lot of uncertainty around these," she added.

Tasmania's chief vet agrees.

"We're fortunate that in Australia and New Zealand and our associated islands that we are the last place on the globe that has not experienced that virus," said Dr de Witte. 

"It's not really possible to say when it might get here but we are conducting planning and preparation for that event if it does occur."

According to scientists the biggest risk is likely spring migration of infected seabirds from Antarctica to the northern hemisphere.

"Birds are capable of making long distance travel whilst incubating the virus," he said. 

An early warning is likely to be infections on sub–Antarctic Islands in the flyway path, like Macquarie Island.

Local producers told to be 'extra vigilant'

Pure Eggs in Longford has a lot to lose, with 200,000 chickens producing on average 80,000 dozen eggs per week, every week.

"It's a huge concern, the impact on the industry would be significant," Pure Eggs business manager, Dan Ryan said.

The egg producing business already has strict biosecurity measures, but staff have been told to be extra vigilant.

"We sanitise the drinking water for our hens, we make sure we have strict protocols in place around who enters our ranges, and we make sure our team is trained in biosecurity," Mr Ryan said.

Bird flu is commonly transmitted from wild birds and bird droppings, and there's a big emphasis at Pure Eggs on keeping wild birds away from chicken flocks.

The commercial egg producer is counting on tough biosecurity measures to keep avian influenza at bay.

"We put a fair bit of effort to make sure that team are fully aware of what best process and best practice looks like and also what are those identifiable symptoms that we might see if there was an early onset or an onset of avian influenza so that we can act promptly and swiftly if required," he added.

Concerns within poultry industry 

Chicken breeders, like Mark Robertson, are worried.

"We are nervous and quite vigilant and aware of what's going on around us," he said. 

The passionate chicken shower is planning to take his prize birds to the upcoming Royal Canberra Poultry Show in June, but the thought of losing two decades of breeding and genetics has him constantly reassessing the trip.

"There's people coming from all around Australia, to Canberra to show their chickens," he said

It's expected more than 3,500 chickens and ducks with their owners will descend on the national capital.

"It'd be absolutely devastating if we were to have had an outbreak, the thought of losing what you've been a custodian of, would be really, really upsetting.

"We're very much under the direction of the authorities," he added.

Wild outbreak difficult to control

In the meantime, Dr Kevin de Witte said the state is in preparation mode.

If it hits the commercial sector a "stamping out program" will be conducted to try to contain the virus.

But an outbreak in wildlife will be virtually impossible to control and will be difficult to keep the virus from kept birds Dr de Witte said. 

That includes everything from budgies to racing pigeons, backyard chickens and endangered species programs like the Orange Bellied Parrots who are also at risk.

"It leaves us with very little that we can do for kept birds other than to request that people follow biosecurity measures and try and prevent the virus from entering into their birds in the first place," he said.

Prevention will be their saviour.

Dr Wille said in the meantime the consumer would eventually feel the ramifications.

In 2022, more than 100 million chickens were killed across five continents in response to the avian influenza outbreaks.

"It's a huge cost to farmers, it affects consumers and egg prices," she said.

And it has not stopped with poultry.

"This strain of bird flu has actually infected more than 50 species of mammals, it's extraordinary," she said.

"Given it has impacted all these different mammal species, of course, humans are at risk too."

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