Getting to Tasmania
As an island, Tasmania is reached by air or sea — a quick flight from the mainland, or the Spirit of Tasmania ferry across Bass Strait if you want your own vehicle along. Here's how to get to the wild south, and how to choose between flying and sailing.
Flying to Hobart or Launceston
Flying is how most visitors arrive. Hobart and Launceston (plus Devonport and Burnie) have frequent services from the mainland capitals — about 1 hour from Melbourne, 2 hours from Sydney or Brisbane. Choose Hobart for the south (city, MONA, Port Arthur) and Launceston for the north (Cradle Mountain, the Tamar, the east coast); flying into one and out of the other lets you loop the island without backtracking. Hire a car on arrival. See our Tasmania tours.
The Spirit of Tasmania
The Spirit of Tasmania vehicle-and-passenger ferry crosses Bass Strait between Geelong, Victoria and Devonport on the north coast, a voyage of about 9–11 hours on day or overnight sailings (cabins available). Larger new ships are being introduced. It's the choice for travellers bringing a car or campervan or a lot of gear, and a memorable way to arrive — many road-trippers sail one way and fly the other. Book vehicle spaces well ahead, especially in summer and school holidays.
Fly, sail — or both
For most, flying is quicker and cheaper, with a hire car sorted on arrival. The ferry wins if you want your own vehicle, campervan or extra gear, or simply love a sea voyage. Whichever you pick, you'll want wheels once you're on the island, as public transport is limited beyond the cities. We can arrange flights, ferry, car hire and guided touring as part of a tailored trip. See our getting around and where to stay guides.
Getting to Tasmania: your questions
By air or sea. Frequent flights connect Hobart and Launceston (and Devonport and Burnie) with the mainland capitals — about 1 hour from Melbourne and 2 hours from Sydney or Brisbane. Or bring your own vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which crosses Bass Strait between Geelong (Victoria) and Devonport. Most visitors fly and hire a car on arrival. See our getting around guide.
The Spirit of Tasmania vehicle-and-passenger ferry sails across Bass Strait between Geelong, Victoria (about an hour from Melbourne) and Devonport on Tasmania's north coast. The crossing takes roughly 9 to 11 hours, with both day and overnight sailings. Larger new ships (Spirit of Tasmania IV and V) are being introduced. It's the way to go if you want your own car or campervan on the island — book vehicle spots well ahead, especially in summer.
It depends on your plans. Flying is far quicker (about an hour from Melbourne) and cheaper for most, then you hire a car in Hobart or Launceston. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry suits those who want to bring their own vehicle, campervan or a lot of gear, or who enjoy the Bass Strait voyage. Many road-trippers take the ferry one way. Either way, you'll want a vehicle once you're there. See our Tasmania tours.
Both are well connected, so choose by your itinerary. Hobart suits the south — the city, MONA, Port Arthur and the south-east. Launceston suits the north — Cradle Mountain, the Tamar Valley and the east coast. A popular approach is to fly into one and out of the other, looping the island in between so you never backtrack. Devonport and Burnie airports also serve the north-west. See our getting around guide.
The Spirit of Tasmania crossing between Geelong and Devonport takes about 9 to 11 hours across Bass Strait, on either a day sailing or an overnight sailing (cabins available). Bass Strait can be choppy, so consider that if you're prone to seasickness. Arrive at the terminal well before departure with your vehicle, and book ahead — vehicle spaces sell out fast in peak periods and school holidays.