8 reasons to catch Spirit of Tasmania and road trip Tassie

Thanks to Spirit of Tasmania’s year-round ferry service between Geelong and Devonport, taking that idyllic road trip around Tasmania has never been easier.

Tasmania seems to be designed for driving holidays. It’s small enough to navigate easily and the ever-changing land and seascapes mean you never get bored of the view. Uncrowded roads wind through deep forests and pretty villages, over mountains and along dramatically varied coastlines.

This picturesque island state offers a multitude of choices for self-drive trips. Whichever route you choose around Tasmania, you’ll find boutique hotels, farm stays and historic properties along the way.

Sisters Beach tasmania near bass strait — See Tasmania’s dramatic coastline from the water. (Image: Andrew McIntosh)

And sure, you could hire a car when you get there, or you could save money, time and hassle by bringing your own vehicle aboard the iconic Spirit of Tasmania ferries. Conveniently, the ferries travel between Geelong and Devonport, year-round.

In 2024 and 2025 the ferry service will be getting a makeover, with two new ships replacing the current fleet. They’ll have 60 per cent more vehicle space and capacity for 1800 passengers – accommodating 400 more people than the current ships – so it’s easier than ever to catch a ride. Here are eight reasons why you should.

Spirit Of Tasmania at Don Heads — It’s easier than ever to catch Spirit Of Tasmania. (Image: Jess Bonde)

1. A Spirit of Tasmania crossing is an adventure

A trip with Spirit of Tasmania is one of Australia’s quintessential tourism experiences, crossing Bass Strait an adventure in itself. Besides the natural beauty of the ocean and Tasmania’s jaggard cliff faces reaching out to you as you get close to the island state, there are many activities onboard to keep guests entertained.

Two cinemas screen the latest movies, while local musicians and storytellers rove around the ship, entertaining passengers of all ages with songs, artistic creations and tales about Tasmania. There are kids’ game zones, face painters and circus performers that add a theatrical touch during school holidays.

TMK (Tasmanian Market Kitchen) on deck seven serves up a great selection of dishes featuring fresh Tassie produce for lunch and dinner, while The Pantry provides a range of grab-and-go snacks. Guests can also sample Tasmanian beer, cider, wines and spirits at three bars.

Spirit Of Tasmania bar — Sample Tasmanian beer, cider, wines and spirits at the bar.

2. Save time, money and hassle

Public transport isn’t much of an option for a thrilling, independent road trip, especially in Tasmania where services are sparse. And hiring a car can be expensive, especially when demand is high. Then you have to fork out for insurance, and you’re limited as to what luggage you can take if you’re flying to Tasmania. Travelling with your own vehicle removes these obstacles, leaving you to simply enjoy your journey.

Spirit Of Tasmania exterior — Save time, money and hassle.

3. No baggage limits on Spirit of Tasmania

Pack as much as your car can carry on a Spirit of Tasmania ferry. With no baggage limits, you can come prepared for camping, bring as many books as you want to read in peace, pack your favourite ocean gear or anything else that your trip calls for.

Adult fares start at $69, while fares for children aged three to 15 start at $35 and kids under three travel free. Car fares start from $179, depending on vehicle size and the season you’re sailing in. Motorbikes and bicycle fares start at $90 and $19, respectively, each way.

Your ticket price then depends on what type of accommodation you choose for night sailings. You’re automatically booked into a recliner, with the option to upgrade to a cabin.

car preparing to go on Spirit Of Tasmania — Pack as much as your car can carry.

4. Drive off the beaten track in Tasmania

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring Tasmania by car. A limited public transport system and many smaller trails and roads means your car will get you where buses simply can’t.

Plus, you can curate a trip to suit you. History buffs can head straight for the Convict Trail , Heritage Highway or Highlands Power Trail . Five wine trails take you to cellar doors all over the island, while you can visit more than 70 whisky distilleries on the Whisky and Spirits Trail .

Then there are Tasmanian beer and cider trails, the Tasting Trail that takes in almost 40 gastronomic stops across the north coast, and plenty more inspiring drive ideas.

Bradshaw Brisge, tasmania — Discover why a road trip in Tasmania is so magical. (Image: She Who Explores)

5. Pet-friendly travel

Spirit of Tasmania welcomes dogs, cats, pet rabbits and even some birds. They stay in kennels and specialised cages on ventilated decks. The crew check on them and supply fresh water regularly. Don’t forget to pack your pet’s favourite bedding for the journey.

dog running through cape tulip farm — Bring your animals along for the ride. (Image: Tourism Australia)

6. Enjoy a good night’s sleep – or a day sail

The journey between Geelong and Devonport takes between nine and 11 hours. Onboard accommodation includes twin-bed, four-bed and deluxe cabins, as well as recliners for the budget-conscious.

Day sailings operate between September and April and during high-demand periods. When travelling on a day ticket, you can wander around the ship without a specific seat allocation.

Spirit Of Tasmania window booth at restaurant — Nab a window seat and snacks during your day sailing.

7. Stargaze without light pollution

A Bass Strait crossing brings the unique chance to stargaze with no light pollution. This is particularly enticing over winter, when crisp, clear skies allow the best opportunity to spot the famous Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) .

Aurora Australias over Cradle Mountain — Spot the famous Aurora Australis. (Image: Pierre Destribats)

8. Avoid the stress of a flight

Taking your own car to Tasmania cuts out all the inconvenience that goes with catching a plane. By the time you’ve packed to within a milligram of your luggage allowance, driven to your nearest airport, queued for security, and paid a fortune for parking or taxis, stress levels are sky high. Not to mention flight delays and cancellations.

Jumping into the car – with as much luggage as you like and the family pet – for a relaxed start to your Tasmanian road trip is a dream come true.

man at airport — Avoid airports. (Image: Artur Tumasjan)

Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts — Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

Finding the flavours of Freycinet

aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts — Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts — Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

Slow down in Strahan Village

aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania — Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

Delve into history in Port Arthur

interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts — Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.

8 reasons to bring your own car for a Tasmanian road trip