Spirit of Tasmania With a Campervan: Take a Van Across or Hire in Tasmania?

The Spirit of Tasmania crossing

• Route: Geelong in Victoria to Devonport on Tasmania's north-west coast
• Victorian terminal: Geelong, since October 2022. It no longer leaves from Melbourne's Station Pier.
• Crossing time: roughly 9 to 11 hours, usually overnight
• Vehicles: cars, campervans, motorhomes and caravans, priced by length and height

Newer, larger ships are joining the fleet, so check the current sailing schedule on the Spirit of Tasmania website when you book.

Can you take a hire campervan to Tasmania?

Some companies allow it and some don't, so this is the first thing to check. Others may restrict it or charge extra, especially for one way trips. Ask us when you compare campervans and we'll tell you which operators allow the ferry.

If your company does allow it, you book and pay for the ferry yourself. You'll usually need to bring the van back to the mainland unless the company has a depot in Tasmania and allows a one way drop-off there.

Booking the ferry with a campervan

• Enter the correct length and height of your vehicle when you book, as this sets the fare.
• Book early. Space for large vehicles is limited, and summer and school holidays fill up fast.
• Pack an overnight bag. You can't go back to the vehicle during the crossing.
• Turn off gas bottles before boarding. Some cylinders need to be checked in with security.
• Jerry cans can only carry diesel.

Tasmania's biosecurity rules

Tasmania has strict biosecurity rules to protect its farms and environment, and many fresh foods can't be brought in. Spirit of Tasmania suggests leaving your main grocery shop until you arrive. Devonport has supermarkets, so it's easy to stock up once you're off the ship.

Or fly in and hire a campervan in Tasmania

For a lot of travellers, flying to Hobart or Launceston and picking up a campervan there is easier and cheaper. You skip two overnight crossings and get straight into the trip.

Hiring in Tasmania makes sense if:

• You've got a week or two and want every day on the island
• Your mainland campervan company doesn't allow ferry travel
• You want a one way trip, starting in Hobart and finishing in Launceston, or the other way round
• You're travelling in peak season when ferry space is tight

Taking a van across makes sense if:

• Tasmania is one part of a longer mainland road trip
• You're travelling slowly over several weeks
• Your hire company allows it and the ferry fare works out cheaper than a second hire

Plan your Tasmania campervan trip

Our 7 to 10 day Tasmania loop covers Hobart, Freycinet, the Bay of Fires, Launceston and Cradle Mountain, with campsite ideas and a route map.

Frequently Asked Questions