You can drive to the Australian Island of Tasmania, but only with the aid of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Running between the port in Geelong on the mainland and Devonport in Tasmania, it crosses the Bass Strait in 9 to 11 hours. Even at its closest point, Tasmania still lies almost 200 km south of the Australian mainland, a distance too great for a bridge or tunnel. Therefore, the only way to get to Tasmania by driving and with your vehicle in tow is by using the Spirit of Tasmania vehicle ferry.
Tasmania is located south of the Australian mainland, almost directly due south of Melbourne. It has a similar latitude to New Zealand’s South Island. The island is separated from the mainland and the Australian State of Victoria by the Bass Strait. To the east of Tasmania lies the Tasman Sea, while the Southern Ocean lies to the west and the south.
In a country characterized by huge distances between places, Tasmania is a relatively short hop across the Bass Strait. With a population of over half a million and covering an area of over 68,000 km², it’s not a small island. This means it has some efficient and long-established travel connections, which you can utilize.
Road – Located 200 km or more offshore, there’s no direct road route between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. It is possible to take your own vehicle to Tasmania as the Spirit of Tasmania ferry is able to carry vehicles of all sizes.
Sea – Tasmania is served by the Spirit of Tasmania ferry company. It operates 2 large ferries that sail between the Spirit of Tasmania Quay in Geelong on the mainland and Devonport in Tasmania. It takes between 9 and 11 hours to complete the sailing across the Bass Straits.
There are daily sailings in both directions during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. In the winter months, there are only 4-5 sailings per week on average. Standard vehicle fares vary between $99 and $179 each way based on when you’re sailing and how far in advance you book. Passenger fares start at $99 and go up to $300 each way during peak season.
Air – There are two airports in Tasmania located in Hobart and Launceston. The main airport is Hobart Airport, located 17km north-east of the capital. It offers domestic and international flights to the surrounding State Capitals and Auckland in New Zealand. There are also services to the small nearby Flinders Island and King Island.
The ferry arrives in Devonport, Tasmania, on the island’s north side. From here, many passengers travel to the capital, Hobart, which is 256 km away by road. This is a popular road trip, and there are several routes you can take and some excellent attractions on the way. Check out our Devonport to Hobart Road Trip guide for further details. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can catch a bus once you have disembarked from the ferry. Redline buses depart 3 times daily, including a morning departure that enables you to connect directly from the ferry. There’s also a lunchtime and an afternoon departure if you want to check out Devonport first.
You can drive around Tasmania, and it’s a popular route for road trippers. Known as the Lap of Tasmania, it covers over 1500 km of coastal roads around the island. While some like to try and accomplish this feat in as quickly as possible, you should allow 7-14 days to see the sights and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
The best time to visit Tasmania is during the summer season of December through to February. During this time you’ll get to enjoy the warmest temperatures the island has to offer, and you’ll find all the local restaurants, hotels, and attractions are open. These months fall over the Australian School Holidays and are the peak tourism months, so expect travel and hotel costs to be higher. For alternative times to travel and further details, check out our best time to visit Tasmania guide.
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