Why the Ferry Changes Everything About a Tasmania Campervan Trip
Flying to Tasmania is easy. But flying means hiring a campervan in Hobart or Devonport and starting from scratch with whatever's available locally. Taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne's Station Pier changes the equation entirely — you drive on in Melbourne, you drive off in Devonport, and your home-on-wheels is with you the whole time. No depot scramble, no unfamiliar vehicle, no wondering whether the fridge was pre-stocked.
The catch? The Spirit of Tasmania campervan ferry cost is a real line item in your budget, operator permission isn't automatic, and there are a few practical gotchas that catch first-timers out. This guide covers all of it.
If you're still deciding on your overall Tasmania itinerary, the Tasmania Road Trip by Campervan: The Complete 2026 Guide is a good place to start before you get into the ferry logistics.
The Route: Melbourne to Devonport
The Spirit of Tasmania operates between Station Pier in Port Melbourne and the Devonport terminal on Tasmania's north coast. The crossing is roughly 450 kilometres across Bass Strait and takes approximately 9 to 11 hours depending on the sailing — overnight crossings are the most popular, departing around 7:30 pm and arriving early morning, though day sailings also run during peak periods.
Devonport is a practical arrival point. It puts you within 85 kilometres of Cradle Mountain, about 280 kilometres from Hobart, and roughly 100 kilometres from Launceston. From the moment you drive off the ramp, you're in Tasmania and moving. The Devonport to Cradle Mountain by Campervan: Ferry-to-Wilderness Guide maps out exactly what to do in those first hours after you disembark.
Spirit of Tasmania Campervan Ferry Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
The Spirit of Tasmania charges separately for passengers and vehicles. Your campervan is priced by length, and this is where costs climb quickly compared to a standard car.
Vehicle fares are dynamic — they shift with demand, season, and how far in advance you book. The figures below are indicative ranges based on typical pricing; always check the Spirit of Tasmania website for live fares before budgeting.
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Length | One-Way Vehicle Fare (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Small campervan (2-berth) | Up to 5.5 m | $250 – $420 |
| Mid-size campervan (4-berth) | 5.5 m – 7 m | $380 – $580 |
| Large motorhome / A-class | 7 m – 9 m+ | $520 – $800+ |
| Passenger fare (per adult) | — | $90 – $200 per person |
| Cabin (overnight, per cabin) | — | $80 – $280 depending on type |
For a couple in a mid-size 4-berth campervan on an overnight sailing, you're realistically looking at $600 to $1,000 return for the vehicle and passengers combined, before cabins. Add a cabin for the overnight crossing — and you should, because sleeping in your vehicle on the car deck is not permitted — and the total climbs further. Budget $800 to $1,300 return for two people as a working figure, and adjust from there.
Peak periods (December through February, Easter, and school holidays) push fares toward the top of those ranges. Book early — ideally three to six months ahead for summer crossings — and you'll pay significantly less than someone booking six weeks out.
Height Restrictions: The Detail That Catches People Out
The Spirit of Tasmania has a vehicle deck height restriction of 4.5 metres. Most hire campervans — including the popular 2-berth and 4-berth models from Apollo, Britz, Maui, Jucy, Travellers Autobarn, Camperman, Mighty, and Cheapa Campa — sit well under this. However, larger A-class motorhomes from operators like Star RV or Lets Go can push toward or beyond this limit, so always confirm the exact roof height of your specific vehicle before booking.
Length matters too. Measure your vehicle accurately (including any rear bike racks or spare tyre carriers) and book the correct length category. Arriving at the terminal in a vehicle longer than booked can result in a surcharge or, in extreme cases, being turned away.
Do Hire Campervan Operators Allow the Ferry?
This is the question most people forget to ask — and it's critical. Not every operator permits their vehicles to be taken on the Spirit of Tasmania, and those that do may have specific conditions.
Here's a general picture of where major operators typically stand. Policies change, so always confirm in writing before booking your ferry ticket.
| Operator | Ferry Generally Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo | Yes | Tasmania is a standard one-way route; confirm at booking |
| Britz | Yes | Melbourne pick-up, Hobart or Devonport drop-off available |
| Maui | Yes | Premium fleet; confirm vehicle height for larger models |
| Jucy | Yes | Compact fleet suits the ferry well; popular for solo travellers |
| Travellers Autobarn | Yes (check) | Confirm current Tasmania policy; older fleet varies |
| Camperman | Yes (check) | Budget-friendly; verify one-way fees and ferry permission |
| Mighty | Yes | Mid-range fleet; Tasmania routes well established |
| Cheapa Campa | Yes (check) | Budget arm of Apollo group; confirm Tasmania availability |
| Star RV | Yes (check) | Larger vehicles — confirm height and operator approval |
| Lets Go | Yes (check) | Confirm vehicle specs and Tasmania routing at time of hire |
The key phrase to use when calling or emailing an operator is: "Is this vehicle approved for the Spirit of Tasmania crossing, and is a one-way Melbourne to Devonport routing available?" Get the answer in writing. Some operators also charge a one-way relocation fee if you're picking up in Melbourne and dropping off in Hobart or Devonport — factor that into your total cost comparison.
If you're still deciding which operator suits your trip, compare campervan hire options in Devonport on CamperCompare to see what's available at the other end — useful if you'd rather fly over and hire locally instead.
Booking the Ferry: Step by Step
- Confirm your vehicle dimensions first. Get the exact length and height from your hire operator before touching the Spirit of Tasmania booking system.
- Book the vehicle and passengers together. Go to the Spirit of Tasmania website, select your sailing date and direction, enter your vehicle length, and add passenger numbers. Cabins are booked in the same transaction — don't skip this step for overnight sailings.
- Choose your cabin type. Options range from a basic recliner seat (not recommended for a full overnight crossing) to a private en-suite cabin. For two people, a twin or double cabin is worth the extra cost — you'll arrive in Devonport at 6 am feeling human rather than wrecked.
- Check in online. Spirit of Tasmania requires online check-in before you arrive at the terminal. Do this the day before.
- Arrive early. The terminal recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before departure for vehicles. Station Pier in Port Melbourne can get congested on busy sailings — give yourself time.
What Happens on Board
Once you drive onto the car deck, you lock your campervan and leave it. You cannot access the vehicle deck during the crossing — this is a firm safety rule. Take everything you need for the night (medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, your laptop, anything valuable) before you walk up to the passenger decks.
The ship has a restaurant, a buffet, a bar, a cinema, and a kids' play area. Food and drink on board is priced at a premium — think $25 to $35 for a main meal. Eating before you board or packing snacks in your carry bag is a sensible move.
Bass Strait has a reputation for rough weather, particularly in winter. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before departure rather than waiting until you feel unwell. The crossing in summer is usually calm; in June through August it can be genuinely rough.
One-Way vs Return: Which Makes More Sense?
Most campervan hirers do a one-way trip — Melbourne pick-up, ferry to Devonport, drive around Tasmania, drop off in Hobart or Devonport, fly home. This avoids paying for the return ferry and gives you more time on the ground. The Tasmania Campervan Road Trip: The Complete 10-Day Lap Itinerary is built around exactly this kind of one-way routing.
A return ferry crossing makes sense if you're doing a longer trip (three weeks or more), if you want to bring your own vehicle rather than hire, or if you're combining Tasmania with a broader east coast drive. For most hire campervan trips of 10 to 14 days, one-way is the cleaner option.
If you're starting your trip in Sydney rather than Melbourne, read the Campervan Hire Sydney: Depots, Costs & Leaving the City guide first — you'll need to factor in the drive to Melbourne (roughly 880 kilometres) or a one-way drop-off in Melbourne before boarding.
Costs Beyond the Ferry
The ferry is a significant cost, but it's not the only one to plan for. Once you're in Tasmania, your daily running costs include fuel (Tasmania's roads are slower and more winding than the mainland, so budget for lower fuel efficiency than usual), campsite fees, and food.
Tasmania has a good mix of free camping and paid holiday parks. The Free Camping vs Holiday Parks in Australia: The 2026 Cost & Legality Guide breaks down what's legal and what's realistic — worth reading before you assume you can free camp everywhere on the island.
For a full picture of what a Tasmania campervan trip costs end to end — hire rates, ferry, fuel, sites — the Melbourne to Tasmania: The Complete Campervan Guide pulls it all together in one place.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, yes — for most people. The Spirit of Tasmania campervan ferry cost is real money, but it buys you something that flying can't: continuity. You arrive in Devonport with your kitchen, your bed, your gear, and your route already planned. You don't spend your first morning in Tasmania sorting out a hire depot, loading a strange fridge, or figuring out where the water tank is. You just drive.
For a 10 to 14 day Tasmania trip, the ferry cost typically works out cheaper than hiring locally once you factor in one-way fees, airport transfers, and the premium pricing at smaller Tasmanian depots. Use CamperCompare to run the numbers side by side — it's the fastest way to see whether bringing a vehicle over or hiring in Hobart makes more financial sense for your specific dates.
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