The Spirit of Tasmania, operated by TT-Line, is the sea link between mainland Australia and Tasmania, and for anyone bringing a car — or simply preferring not to fly — it's a genuine alternative to the short hop across Bass Strait by air. Two ships sail the route between Geelong, on the Victorian mainland, and Devonport, on Tasmania's north coast, carrying both foot passengers and vehicles.
The route: Geelong to Devonport
Sailings run between the Geelong terminal, on Corio Bay south-west of Melbourne, and Devonport, on Tasmania's north coast, a crossing of Bass Strait that typically takes somewhere in the region of nine to eleven hours. Both day and overnight sailings operate, and the exact schedule varies by season, with more frequent sailings in the busier summer months. Because the terminal is in Geelong rather than central Melbourne, it's worth building extra driving time into your plans if you're coming from the city itself.
Cabins vs recliners — choosing how to sleep
On overnight sailings, passengers choose between a range of private cabins — from simple inside cabins up to larger options with windows or extra berths — or a recliner seat in a shared lounge, a cheaper option similar to a long-haul flight seat rather than a bed. Cabins suit families, those wanting real privacy, or anyone who simply sleeps badly upright; recliners suit budget-conscious travellers and those happy to doze rather than sleep properly for one night. Day sailings, where offered, don't require this choice at all, since the crossing is timed to arrive the same day.
Bringing a car (or a campervan)
A large part of the ferry's appeal is that it carries vehicles as well as passengers, making it a popular way to bring a car, campervan or motorbike across to explore Tasmania at your own pace rather than hiring on arrival. Vehicle space is booked separately from passenger fares and is genuinely limited, particularly for larger vehicles and campervans, so it needs reserving well ahead of a summer crossing rather than left until the last minute.
Day sailings vs overnight sailings
Depending on the season, TT-Line runs a mix of overnight sailings, which let you sleep through most of the crossing, and daytime sailings, which use up a chunk of daylight hours but avoid the cabin-or-recliner decision altogether. Overnight sailings suit travellers who'd rather not lose a full day to the crossing; day sailings suit those who prefer to be awake for the passage or whose onward plans work better with a daytime arrival.
Booking and peak season
Fares and availability shift with demand, and the route gets genuinely busy around the Australian summer holiday period from December to February, as well as other school holiday windows — both for passenger cabins and, especially, for vehicle space. Booking well in advance for travel in these periods is strongly advisable; outside peak season there's usually more flexibility to book closer to your travel date.
On board
Both ships carry the usual amenities for a crossing of this length — restaurants and cafés, bars, a cinema, a play area for children, and outdoor deck space, so there's plenty to do through the daylight hours of a day sailing or the early part of an overnight one. It's worth treating the crossing as part of the trip rather than simply time to get through; the Bass Strait crossing itself can be choppy at times, so travellers prone to seasickness may prefer a cabin with a bed to lie down in over a recliner seat.
Fares and costs
Passenger fares and vehicle fares are charged and booked separately, similar to other car ferries, and cabin upgrades add further to the passenger cost. Fares vary by season, sailing time and how far ahead you book, with earlier bookings generally offering better value than late ones on busy sailings. Travellers weighing the ferry against flying should factor in the value of bringing a vehicle, since car hire in Tasmania — a large, sparsely served island for public transport — is otherwise a significant added cost. See our driving in Australia guide for general road rules if you're bringing or hiring a car either way.
Which should you choose?
If you're bringing a vehicle, particularly for an extended Tasmania trip, the ferry is usually the more practical and often better-value choice over flying and hiring separately — just book vehicle space early for peak season. Foot passengers without a car may find flying quicker and, depending on fares, not necessarily more expensive, though the ferry remains a scenic and relaxed alternative for those in less of a hurry. For overnight sailings, choose a cabin if you value real sleep and privacy, or a recliner to keep costs down. Our Ghan Australia guide and Australia by train guide cover the country's other great long-distance journeys if you're planning a wider trip, and our ferries in Australia & New Zealand guide covers the wider regional context.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Spirit of Tasmania ferry depart from?
From Geelong, on the Victorian mainland south-west of Melbourne, sailing to Devonport on Tasmania's north coast. It's worth allowing extra driving time to reach Geelong if you're coming from central Melbourne.
How long is the Spirit of Tasmania crossing?
Roughly nine to eleven hours, depending on the specific sailing, with both day and overnight options running depending on the season.
Should I book vehicle space in advance?
Yes, especially for travel in the peak summer period from December to February or other school holidays, when vehicle deck space — particularly for larger vehicles and campervans — tends to sell out before passenger seats do.
Is it cheaper to fly to Tasmania instead of taking the ferry?
It depends on whether you need a vehicle. Flying can be cheaper for foot passengers, but factoring in the cost of hiring a car in Tasmania often narrows or reverses that gap for travellers who want their own vehicle on the island.
Sources and further reading:
- TT-Line — Spirit of Tasmania routes, fares and booking.
- Tourism Tasmania — visitor information for the island.
- Our guide to Hobart Airport to the city for getting into town on arrival.