The Complete Guide to the Spirit of Tasmania: Everything You Need to Know for 2026 and Beyond

This Spirit of Tasmania ferry guide covers everything you need for towing a caravan across Bass Strait in the 2026 – 2027 season. We’ve detailed the transition to the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels (launching 31st October 2026), including the Geelong to Devonport boarding process, vehicle dimension limits and biosecurity rules.

Whether you’re navigating the ramps for the first time or booking a cabin for an overnight crossing, this “no-fluff” guide gets your rig to the Apple Isle without any nasty surprises.

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned Tassie regular, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service. We focus particularly on the transition to the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels, which begin commercial service on the 31st of October 2026.

Last updated: September 2026. Stage 2 bookings for the new vessels officially opened on 16 September 2026, releasing high-demand pet-friendly cabins, family suites, and business recliners across a full 12-month advance booking window.

Since you are planning a visit to Tasmania, you may be interested in itineraries that cover the island. If so, we have everything you need on the Tasmania Road Trips page.

Spirit of Tasmania at a Glance

New to the Spirit? Here are the key basics:

The October 2026 Milestone: Old Fleet vs. New Fleet

This is the biggest change to Bass Strait travel in over two decades:

	Before 23 October 2026	From 31 October 2026
Vessels	Spirit of Tasmania I & II	Spirit of Tasmania IV & V (new fleet)
Departure Port (VIC)	Spirit of Tasmania Quay, Geelong	Spirit of Tasmania Quay, Geelong
Arrival Port (TAS)	East Devonport terminal	New Terminal 3, East Devonport
Passenger Capacity	~1,400 per sailing	1,800 per sailing
Vehicle Capacity	2,565 lane metres	4,098 lane metres

Note: A scheduled service gap is planned between 23 and 31 October 2026 to support the decommissioning of the old vessels and the handover to the new fleet. Bookings are closed across this changeover window.

The New Ships: Spirit of Tasmania IV & V Features

Summer 2026/27 is the inaugural season for the new fleet. Here’s what the Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V bring to Bass Strait:

Feature	Detail	Benefit for Travellers
Increased Capacity	1,800 passengers per sailing	Easier to secure bookings during peak periods
Larger Hull	212 metres in length	More stability for a smoother Bass Strait crossing
Greater Vehicle Space	4,098 lane metres	More room for caravans, motorhomes and oversized vehicles
Dual-Fuel LNG Engines	Liquefied natural gas capability	Reduced emissions and improved environmental performance
Modern Stabilisers	Advanced stabilisation systems	Less motion and more comfort, especially in rough weather
Upgraded Facilities	New cabins, dining venues and entertainment	A more comfortable and enjoyable journey

What the increased capacity means for you: While the new ships carry roughly three times more caravans, peak holiday sailings still fill almost immediately.

Summer 2026/27: Schedule, Pricing & Booking Windows

Planning a Tasmanian adventure for the new fleet’s first summer season? Here’s what you need to know.

The Schedule: Evening Departures Only

For Summer 2026/27, the Spirit of Tasmania operates a fixed evening schedule:

Detail	Information
Departure Point (Victoria)	Spirit of Tasmania Quay, Geelong
Arrival Point (Tasmania)	Terminal 3, East Devonport
Departure Time	18:45 (both directions)
Crossing Duration	Approximately 9 – 10 hours

Important: No daytime or late-night sailings are scheduled. The 18:45 departure is the new standard for the new fleet. Every crossing departs early evening, arriving the following morning. Plan your driving day accordingly.

Example Pricing for Large Vehicles: February 2027

Here’s real-world pricing for a typical family or couple travelling with a car and caravan (or large motorhome). This pricing was checked in September 2026. Use this as a benchmark when planning your budget:

Price Drop Note (September 2026): Good news for travellers as pricing across the board has dropped for the upcoming season. With the permanent removal of the 15% fuel surcharge on 1 September and the massive injection of capacity from the new vessels, base crossing fares and standard cabin add-ons are noticeably cheaper than earlier estimates.

Base Fares (2 Adults + 11.5 m Vehicle – price will increase with increased length)

Fare Type	Price	Conditions
Spirit Fare	$901 (one way)	Non-refundable; change fees apply
Flex Fare	$1,021 (one way)	Full flexibility for changes and cancellations

Accommodation Add-ons (per crossing)

Accommodation Type	Price	Best For
Recliner Seats	Free (included)	Budget-conscious travellers; light sleepers*
Business Recliner	$99	Extra comfort and dedicated lounge space without booking a full room
Inside Cabin	$175	Private space, comfy bed, ensuite (excellent value)
Porthole Cabin	$235	Natural light and sea views
Deluxe Cabin	$599	Premium experience; larger space, enhanced amenitie

The prices shown are indicative, based on February 2027 bookings and reflect standard base rates. Actual fares vary by date and availability. Stage 2 ticket inventory, including pet cabins, family suites, and business recliners, is now officially live.

Rob’s Tip: If you’re a couple in a motorhome towing a car, check the maths on making two separate bookings. The Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES) provides a rebate for each eligible vehicle. By booking the motorhome and the car separately (one under each driver) and driving them onto the ship independently, you get the rebate twice, saving more than you would with a single “combination” booking. The scheme is reflected in the prices quoted for the journey.

Taking a Caravan to Tasmania: Why Flex Is the Smart Choice

Travelling with a caravan, camper trailer, or motorhome? This comparison is for you.

The price difference between Spirit and Flex fares is just $84. For a booking worth over $1,100, that’s a modest premium for complete peace of mind.

The $120 Question: Spirit vs. Flex

	Spirit Fare ($901)	Flex Fare ($1,021)
Change dates	Amendment fees apply + fare difference	No amendment fees online (fare difference may apply)
Cancel booking	Non-refundable	Full refund available
Peace of mind	Limited	Complete flexibility

Why Flex often makes sense for caravanners:

• Changing Timelines: Travel dates can shift due to mainland weather, road closures, mechanical hiccups, or itinerary changes.
• Planning Buffer: Helpful if you are new to long-distance towing and want flexibility while finalising your route.
• Long Lead Times: You are booking months in advance, when personal or family circumstances could easily change.
• Grabbing Open Slots: Gives you the freedom to switch to a preferred sailing or day slot fee-free if extra space opens up.

The bottom line: The price difference between Spirit and Flex fares is $120. For a booking worth over $900, that’s a modest premium for complete peace of mind.

Vehicle measurement reminder: Your fare is based on the total combined length. Measure accurately before booking as incorrect measurements at check-in may result in additional charges or denied boarding.

Our Experience: On our first visit, we lost two and a half weeks due to having to return to Perth for a family emergency. We requested a date change to extend our stay. We were put on a wait list, but could not change the date. Hopefully, the extra space on the new ferries will improve this situation. The upside is that the following summer we used it as an excuse to return for nine and a half weeks.

Booking Strategy: Navigating the Stage 2 Release

Spirit of Tasmania operates a rolling 12-month booking window. With the Stage 2 inventory release now officially open, you can book the full suite of accommodation types, including the new pet-friendly cabins, 6-berth family suites, and premium business recliners.

What you need to know:

• 12-Month Horizon: You can now lock in your crossing up to a full year in advance.
• Evening Sailings Only: For the initial launch timetable starting 31 October 2026, Spirit IV and V are scheduled for 18:45 night crossings only.
• High Demand on Specific Spaces: While overall passenger capacity is up by 40% and caravan lane metres have tripled, vehicle deck configurations for high-clearance rigs and pet allocations still move rapidly during peak holiday periods.

Pet Cabin Alert: The new ships have just 18 dedicated pet-friendly cabins per vessel (accommodating up to two pets). Because demand for these has been building for months, they sell out almost immediately during school holidays and peak summer weeks. If keeping your dog or cat in your cabin is a must, book those specific dates as early as your plans allow.

The Night Crossing Experience: Your Hotel on the Water

With all summer sailings departing at 18:45, the Spirit of Tasmania is essentially your floating hotel for the night. You’ll board in the early evening, enjoy dinner and the ship’s facilities, sleep as you cross Bass Strait and wake up in Tasmania (or Victoria) ready to start your day.

Inside Cabin vs. Deluxe: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For a 9 – 10 hour overnight crossing, here’s the honest comparison:

The Inside Cabin ($175) provides everything most travellers need: a private room, comfortable beds, your own ensuite and a quiet space away from public areas. You board, settle in, sleep well and wake refreshed. For the practical traveller, this is outstanding value.

The Deluxe Cabin ($599) is about the experience as much as the sleep. Expect a larger room, better furnishings and premium touches throughout. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, prefer extra space, or simply want to start your Tasmanian holiday in style, the Deluxe delivers.

Our take: For most travellers focused on a good night’s sleep before a big driving day, the Inside Cabin hits the sweet spot. The Deluxe is a treat rather than a necessity — lovely if the budget allows, but you won’t feel short-changed in a standard cabin.

Onboard Dining, Bars & Entertainment

The Spirit of Tasmania is designed to make your crossing enjoyable, not just functional.

Where to Eat

Venue	What to Expect
Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK)	Main restaurant on Deck 7. Self-service dining featuring Tasmanian produce as hot meals, pasta, seafood, salads and vegetarian options. Kids under 5 eat free.
The Pantry	Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, pastries, snacks, drinks and specialty Tasmanian products.

Where to Drink

Venue	Vibe
Bar 7	Contemporary bar with Tasmanian wines, craft beers, boutique ciders and local spirits.
The Terrace Lounge Bar	Bright, open space with lounge seating, Bass Strait views and scheduled live entertainment.
Top Deck Lounge	Family-friendly with a summery feel with deck chairs and panoramic windows.

Entertainment & Facilities

• Cinemas: Two onboard cinemas showing newly released and popular films
• Game Zone: Arcade-style gaming machines
• Kids’ Play Area: Beach-themed play space; extras like face painting during school holidays
• Reading Room: Quiet space for books, magazines, or laptops
• Tourism Hub: Maps, brochures, guidebooks and National Parks Passes available for purchase
• Wi-Fi: Available in public areas (not cabins) for a small charge

Quick Reference: Summer 2026/27 Booking Checklist

• Book early: School holiday periods fill fast, even with increased capacity.
• Measure your vehicle: Know your total length (vehicle plus trailer/caravan) before booking.
• Consider Flex: For just $84 more on a caravan setup, you gain complete flexibility.
• Choose your cabin: An Inside Cabin offers excellent value; Deluxe is a premium treat.
• Plan for 18:45: All sailings depart early evening; no daytime options this summer.

Your Sailing Day: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at the terminal until you’re settled onboard. This step-by-step guide applies to all sailings on the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V from November 2026 onwards.

Timing Your Arrival

Milestone	Time Before Departure	What Happens
Terminal Opens	2.5 hours	Vehicle access to Spirit of Tasmania Quay becomes available
Check-in Opens	2.5 hours	You can begin the check-in and security process
Boarding Begins	1.5 hours	Vehicles start driving onto the ship
Check-in Closes	45 minutes	Strict cut-off: late arrivals may be refused boarding and forfeit their fare

Our recommendation: Aim to arrive around 2 hours before the 18:45 departure (approximately 16:45). This gives you plenty of buffer without an excessive wait. If you have accessibility needs, allow at least 2 hours and advise staff at check-in.

The Check-in Process

Once you enter the terminal grounds in your vehicle:

• Proceed to the check-in booth: Have your e-ticket ready (printed or on your phone) along with photo ID (driver’s licence or passport). Staff will verify your booking and vehicle registration.
• Receive your boarding pass — This doubles as your cabin key card. Keep it handy throughout the voyage.
• Pet travellers: If you’ve booked a kennel, you’ll receive a yellow tag with instructions.

Biosecurity & Quarantine Inspection

Tasmania takes biosecurity seriously: it’s why the island remains free from many pests and diseases found on the mainland. After check-in, all vehicles are inspected.

What inspectors will check:

• Inside your vehicle (boot, cabin, storage areas)
• Inside what you are towing
• Under the bonnet
• Eskies and fridges
• Boats, fishing gear and camping equipment
• Gas bottle compliance

Items you CANNOT take into Tasmania:

Prohibited Items	What to Do
Fresh fruit and vegetables (including potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, fresh herbs)	Consume before boarding or dispose of in terminal bins
Certain fresh or frozen fish and seafood	Check the Biosecurity Tasmania restricted fish list
Some honey and honeycomb (unless commercially filtered)	Leave at home or dispose (if it is clear it is OK, raw honey is not permitted)
Live plants, cuttings and seeds	Not permitted
Firewood and fire lighter blocks	Use it or lose it

Items you CAN take: Processed and packaged foods, commercially dried/frozen/canned fruit and vegetables, meat products (Australian origin, for personal consumption), cheese, dairy, nuts, dried goods and freeze-dried camping meals.

Tip: You can take food to eat during the crossing, but just ensure restricted items are consumed or binned before you disembark in Devonport. Random inspections also occur on arrival. Fines apply for non-compliance.

Travelling with a dog? All dogs must be treated for hydatid tapeworm within 14 days of arrival. Present a signed declaration form and evidence of treatment (vet certificate or pill packet with receipt) at check-in.

Rob’s Tip: If you are travelling with camping gas canisters, make sure the plastic cap is on them. If they are not security may take them off you.

Waiting for Boarding

After clearing security and quarantine, you’ll join the vehicle queue. Expect a wait of up to an hour, depending on your arrival time. Toilets are available near the waiting area. If you leave your vehicle, a PA message will inform you that boarding is commencing. Stay with your vehicle after this announcement and when your lane is called, you’ll drive directly onto the ship.

Driving Onto the Ship

Wharf crew will direct traffic. Follow their signals and the vehicle in front. You’ll drive into the car deck and park where directed.

Critical tip: Remember where you parked! The vehicle decks are large and it’s easy to lose your bearings. As you exit through the stairwell door:

• Take a photo of the deck number and door colour
• Note the colour of the door marker
• Grab a deck map flyer from the stairwell if available

Packing Your Overnight Bag

You cannot access your vehicle during the voyage for safety reasons. Before leaving the car deck, grab everything you’ll need:

• Overnight clothing and toiletries
• Medications
• Phone charger and entertainment
• A jacket or jumper (it can get cool on deck)
• Anything for the kids (don’t forget them either)

Cabins include bedding, linen, towels and soap. If travelling with an infant in a cot-provided cabin, take your own cot linen.

Once Onboard

Head to Deck 7 (Reception) to get oriented. Your boarding pass is your cabin key. Settle in, explore the ship, enjoy dinner and get some rest. You’ll receive a wake-up announcement approximately 45 minutes before arrival.

Other Practical Details

• Payments: Cashless only onboard (credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, etc.).
• Alcohol: You cannot take your own alcohol onto passenger decks. Leave bottles in your vehicle or check them with luggage.
• Mobile phones: Generally work for most of the voyage. On night sailings, you should have phone coverage while you are awake.
• Disembarkation: Happens in stages. Listen for announcements and return to your vehicle when your deck is called. You’ll typically be on dry land within 30 minutes of the process starting.

Ready to Book?

The new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V bring a lot more to Bass Strait travel — greater capacity, better stability, dual-fuel LNG technology and modern facilities across the board. Tasmania is well worth the trip.

Visit the official Spirit of Tasmania website to check availability, compare fares and secure your crossing.

Safe travels and we’ll see you in Tassie!

Note: Information in this guide is current as of September 2026. Spirit of Tasmania schedules, pricing and features are subject to change. Always confirm details directly with Spirit of Tasmania before booking.

Spirit of Tasmania: The “Big Rig” Sailing Day Checklist

1. The Morning of Departure

• [ ] Double-Check Measurements: Ensure your total length (front bumper to tail) matches your booking.
• [ ] Weight Distribution: Ensure your caravan is balanced; the ship’s ramps can be steep.
• [ ] Fuel Check: While there is fuel in Devonport, it’s often cheaper to fill up in Geelong before you hit the terminal.

2. Packing Your “Cabin Bag”

Remember: You cannot return to your vehicle once the ship departs.

• [ ] Toiletries & Meds: Everything you need for at least 12 hours.
• [ ] Tech: Phone chargers (and a power board if you have multiple devices).
• [ ] Layers: Even in summer, the Bass Strait breeze on the observation deck is chilly.
• [ ] Documents: Boarding passes (digital or printed) and Photo ID.

3. At the Geelong Terminal

• [ ] Arrive Early: Aim for 2 hours before the 18:45 departure.
• [ ] Biosecurity Ready: Ensure all fresh fruit, vegetables and unfiltered honey are disposed of.
• [ ] Dog Owners: Have your Hydatid Tapeworm declaration signed and ready for inspection.
• [ ] Gas Bottles: Turn off all cylinders at the valve.
• [ ] Fridge Management: If your fridge runs on gas switch the caravan fridge to OFF. Fridges running on 12V can stay on.

4. On the Vehicle Deck (The “Tetris” Phase)

• [ ] Car Security: * [ ] Handbrake firmly ON.
  • [ ] Vehicle in Gear (or Park).
  • [ ] Disable Motion Sensors: Turn off your car alarm’s internal sensors to prevent it from screaming across the Strait.
• [ ] The “Memory” Shot: Take a photo of your parking deck colour and stairwell door.

Wrapping Up

The Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are the biggest upgrade to Bass Strait travel in over two decades. More capacity, better stability and dual-fuel LNG technology make the crossing more comfortable than it’s ever been — and the “holiday starts here” feeling the Spirit is known for is still very much intact.

For Summer 2026/27, the key is to get in early. Lock in your preferred dates and cabin through the 12-month booking window, especially if you’re after one of those 18 pet cabins. The 18:45 evening departure is the new standard, so lean into the overnight crossing and you’ll wake up in Tassie ready to go.

Whether you’re a first-timer heading to Cradle Mountain or a regular making your annual pilgrimage south, the new Spirit of Tasmania is ready to take you there. Book with confidence, pack your overnight bag and get ready for everything the Apple Isle has to offer.

I guess by this stage you already have some ideas of what you would like to visit in Tasmania. However, just in case you have missed something special, see our 31 Top Attractions in Tasmania.

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