What is the Spirit of Tasmania?
The Spirit of Tasmania is the passenger and vehicle ferry service that crosses Bass Strait between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania. Crossings take around nine to eleven hours, often overnight.
The ferries are run by TT-Line, a company owned by the Tasmanian Government. They carry cars, caravans, motorbikes, trucks and passengers, making them an important link for tourism and freight.
For many years the Victorian terminal was at Station Pier in Port Melbourne. In 2022 the service moved to a new terminal at Corio Quay in Geelong, which offers easier access for vehicles.
On board
Passengers can book cabins, recliners or seats, and the ships have restaurants, bars, cinemas and lounges. Day sailings run in peak seasons, while overnight crossings are common.
Bass Strait can be rough, so some passengers experience seasickness, especially in winter. Sailings may be delayed during severe weather.
New, larger ships for the service were built in Finland to replace the older vessels. Taking a car on the ferry lets visitors explore Tasmania on a road trip.
Did You Know?
Fruit, vegetables and plants are restricted when entering Tasmania to protect the state's farms from pests.