Spirit Of Tasmania Devonport
Spirit Of Tasmania Devonport
4
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
About
Spirit of Tasmania is one of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences, operating sailings across Bass Strait between Melbourne and Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast. Spirit of Tasmania provides travellers with flexibility and convenience when planning a holiday. Our twin ships depart from both ports at 7.30pm and arrive the following morning at 6.00am. During peak season, we also operate day sailings departing from each port at 9.00am and arriving the same day at 6.00pm. On board, you can experience spectacular views, delicious food, great entertainment, relaxation and so much more! Experience the allure of sea travel. It’s fun, relaxing and stress-free. Simply drive on board for a holiday where half the fun is getting there. Embrace the ocean views, stroll the decks and breathe in the sea breeze - there’s nothing quite like it!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Ian WPerth, Australia3 contributionsHappy aboard the SOTAlways a comfortable and stress free experience from making booking to disembarking. Staff in all areas are pleasant, helpful and informative which is appreciated. We sail a couple of times a year to visit family.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- 50chopsSydney, Australia50 contributionsSpirits staff make the trip!From onboarding to the lovely staff, the ships cleanliness, and the fact the weather was beautiful for our day trip we were really surprised. Not sure what we were expecting but it was a really enjoyable trip, the 10 hours flew by. We booked recliners and I think I slept for two to three hours! We also went to the theatre and had an old school really hard frozen choctop! I think it’s the friendly staff that made it special.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2024
- J JStawell, Australia230 contributionsLove the Big Red Boat - Spirit of Tasmania.Fabulous trip! The crew were great, we enjoyed perfect weather both on the journey over and the return. We were fortunate to be with a family group so we had a very enjoyable time. They provide games and a children's play area if you are taking young ones. There are video games, a souvenir shop and cafe/bars. The cafe food isn't great, but edible. It's a great little ship and there is plenty of room to move around.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 March 2024
- Christine B4 contributionsExcellent trip, absolutely recommend.Very smooth and stress free from the time we arrived with our car and caravan until we off loaded. We had a cabin on the day trip and it was well worth the money, having an ensuite was wonderful. The eating and relaxing areas were neat, clean and spaciousVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
- Suzanne IBrisbane, Australia4 contributionsI comfortable overnight trip with vehicle.A very comfortable trip with the vehicle. Very streamlined access to get the vehicle on board. Beds were comfortable. Meals were OK, suggest bring own snacks to reduce cost. Bathrooms quite small but serviceable. we had a smooth journeyVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- Philip B1 contributionReasonable accommodation but noisy.The accommodation on board The Spirit of Tasmania is comfortable enough but as the ship approaches the destination, the crew begin to un-shackle the heavy cargo in the lower decks. The noise from the steel chains dropping to the steel decks reverberates through the ship up to the cabins numerous decks above. This is annoying as you pay a reasonable amount to get a cabin,but your sleep is disturbed an hour or more before the ship docks.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 7 March 2024
- H M WMelbourne, Australia11 contributionsSmooth sailingWe found the trip comfortable, the cabins clean. We found the step into/out of the bathroom a bit dangerous, particularly at night. The food was pretty average, the bar well-stocked. Staff were always helpful & friendly. Dis/embarcation was unchanged (i.e. no more efficient) from Melbourne to the new facility at Geelong. The "waiting area" was terrific, especially on a hot day.T he signs in Geelong needed to be at all intersections, we became lost at one stage. Apart from having to drive to Geelong from Melb, all went well.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- Stay35232510847Melbourne, Australia2 contributionsUnacceptable cabin noise.We stayed in a deluxe cabin 7005 which was very spacious and had a great view. Unfortunately the engine noise in our cabin was unbearable and made sleep very difficult and almost impossible.The amenities and onboard staff were very satisfactory. Due to the lack of sleep, we were unable to enjoy travel the next day.uVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 March 2024
- CC S4 contributionsSmooth trip.Smooth trip. No seasickness. Booked a deluxe room; cabin was comfy and private bathroom a bonus. Took our car; boarding was easy and well organised. Downside: no wifi in cabins. Good: decent for those who don’t have any dietary restrictions. With a gluten intolerance we were unable to get a snack, pizza or sandwich. Buffet had meat, salad & veg for $30. (Take your own food/snacks).Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- Uncle DougPenshurst, Australia198 contributionsLONG JOURNEY BUT WORTHWHILELong trip sadly delayed by 1 hour. Communication / logistics excellent. Recliner ok albeit most struggled with footrest and limited view. Plenty of options on other decks. Surprised they still charge for wi-fi albeit modest. Food options limited but buffet was nice 👍 . Up to 2m swell manageable with no visible sickness!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2024
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MAXINE B
Gisborne, Australia358 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This was the first time of going to Tasmania by the Spirit of Tasmania, taking the car was so easy. As it was an overnight trip, we booked a deluxe cabin with queen size bed, it had bathrobes, water bottles, bottle of wine, chocolates and a fridge.
The cabin was at the front, the staff said it could be a 'lumpy' crossing. 6m swell for 4 hours but ginger tablets helped and neither of us were physically sick. Disembarked at 6am and getting the car off was as easy as getting it on. We did the return overnight trip 13 nights later and the crossing was calmer.
All staff everywhere (ground and at sea) were fantastic and we would recommend this way to get to and from Tassie, with your own mode of transport.
The cabin was at the front, the staff said it could be a 'lumpy' crossing. 6m swell for 4 hours but ginger tablets helped and neither of us were physically sick. Disembarked at 6am and getting the car off was as easy as getting it on. We did the return overnight trip 13 nights later and the crossing was calmer.
All staff everywhere (ground and at sea) were fantastic and we would recommend this way to get to and from Tassie, with your own mode of transport.
Written 14 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl109
Melbourne, Australia27 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We travelled on the Spirit for a week's family holiday in Tasmania this January.
Let me get the grumbles out of the way first; if you've ever thought that getting through check in and security at major airports is painful and poorly organised, then the team at SoT have said "hold my beer!".
You'll arrive at Geelong or Devonport terminal and join a 2-car wide queue and sit there for an eternity. Eventually things move and you'll "Check in", which is basically pulling up to a cabin to get your boarding passes. Security will check your car for anything naughty (fruit, gas bottles, petrol cans etc). You then sit in another queue for hours. Yes, we sat in our car both ends for at least two hours. And don't think getting there early wins you brownie points - on the return trip, we were amongst the first 10 cars, but after check in, the queue fans out to about 10 cars wide, which are then taken onto the ship in a seemingly random order, but only after all the freight trucks get on first (why??). Maybe the new ships will fix this, but boarding with a car is real lowlight. Our trip to Tassie left Geelong very late because of how long loading took. I watched the boat then depart that night back to Geelong about 50 minutes late, and then our return night sailing left Tassie an hour late, all due to delays loading cars and trucks. Getting off the boat with your car isn't any more streamlined but was quicker than boarding.
Now the better bits... The boat itself is fine; despite refurbishment, it's clearly in need of some work (built in the late 90's) but was generally comfortable. There was ample seating (with tables) around the boat, several TV areas, video games for kids, two cinemas showing current movies ($10 adult) and a couple of bars. The Pantry shop had basics (a good coffee machine, sandwiches, salads, snacks), along with souvenirs. The bar on deck 10 also had good bar snacks (toasted veggie focaccia was very good). The main restaurant (TMK) was hit and miss; breakfast options were limited but fine, and reasonably priced. Dinner on the other hand was a $30 per head buffet, which is no good for anyone with significant dietary restriction as there's no a la carte options. The key here is to bring your own food if you can. Thankfully water is free and plentiful. Bar prices weren't excessive, and a soy latte was $4.50 which is good value.
Our return journey was overnight in an internal cabin, which was surprisingly enjoyable. The bunk beds (4) are narrow but comfy, the aircon was effective and the bathroom clean and well appointed. I snuck a peek inside on of the outer cabins (porthole, two beds) which looked even better.
I love travelling by boat and enjoyed the trip overall, and if it weren't for the car loading mess I'd have no hesitation recommending the Spirit. Perhaps the new ships will solve this, but if you're only using the boat to have a car on your trip, I'd seriously weigh up the cost of a rental on arrival.
Let me get the grumbles out of the way first; if you've ever thought that getting through check in and security at major airports is painful and poorly organised, then the team at SoT have said "hold my beer!".
You'll arrive at Geelong or Devonport terminal and join a 2-car wide queue and sit there for an eternity. Eventually things move and you'll "Check in", which is basically pulling up to a cabin to get your boarding passes. Security will check your car for anything naughty (fruit, gas bottles, petrol cans etc). You then sit in another queue for hours. Yes, we sat in our car both ends for at least two hours. And don't think getting there early wins you brownie points - on the return trip, we were amongst the first 10 cars, but after check in, the queue fans out to about 10 cars wide, which are then taken onto the ship in a seemingly random order, but only after all the freight trucks get on first (why??). Maybe the new ships will fix this, but boarding with a car is real lowlight. Our trip to Tassie left Geelong very late because of how long loading took. I watched the boat then depart that night back to Geelong about 50 minutes late, and then our return night sailing left Tassie an hour late, all due to delays loading cars and trucks. Getting off the boat with your car isn't any more streamlined but was quicker than boarding.
Now the better bits... The boat itself is fine; despite refurbishment, it's clearly in need of some work (built in the late 90's) but was generally comfortable. There was ample seating (with tables) around the boat, several TV areas, video games for kids, two cinemas showing current movies ($10 adult) and a couple of bars. The Pantry shop had basics (a good coffee machine, sandwiches, salads, snacks), along with souvenirs. The bar on deck 10 also had good bar snacks (toasted veggie focaccia was very good). The main restaurant (TMK) was hit and miss; breakfast options were limited but fine, and reasonably priced. Dinner on the other hand was a $30 per head buffet, which is no good for anyone with significant dietary restriction as there's no a la carte options. The key here is to bring your own food if you can. Thankfully water is free and plentiful. Bar prices weren't excessive, and a soy latte was $4.50 which is good value.
Our return journey was overnight in an internal cabin, which was surprisingly enjoyable. The bunk beds (4) are narrow but comfy, the aircon was effective and the bathroom clean and well appointed. I snuck a peek inside on of the outer cabins (porthole, two beds) which looked even better.
I love travelling by boat and enjoyed the trip overall, and if it weren't for the car loading mess I'd have no hesitation recommending the Spirit. Perhaps the new ships will solve this, but if you're only using the boat to have a car on your trip, I'd seriously weigh up the cost of a rental on arrival.
Written 23 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred H
51 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Be aware if travelling with a car, caravan, trailer or overheight vehicle you will need to book well in advance to secure a place on these ferries. Both ferries are always very full especially so during school holidays and the Christmas period.
Also be aware you will be charged extra if you change your booking. If you are travelling without a car or on a motorcycle then bookings are easier to find.
Both ferries are relatively old and are overdue for replacement. Do not expect a nice modern vessel. There are limited facilities on board. Food and drink is very expensive. The Tasmanian Market Kitchen is $30 for one plate of pretty low quality food. It is not a buffet and you are not permitted to return for seconds so load your plate up. There is no wifi on board unless you pay the ridiculously expensive prices TTLine charge. Shore based wifi doesn't work below decks or out of coastal range.
Most of the nicer lounge areas are taken up by people sleeping. We usually just pay for a private cabin because this is relatively cheap when compared to the total cost of the trip. Waiting to embark and disembark is a fairly unpleasant process. If you want a driving holiday in Tasmania the ferry or vehicle hire is your only choice.
Also be aware you will be charged extra if you change your booking. If you are travelling without a car or on a motorcycle then bookings are easier to find.
Both ferries are relatively old and are overdue for replacement. Do not expect a nice modern vessel. There are limited facilities on board. Food and drink is very expensive. The Tasmanian Market Kitchen is $30 for one plate of pretty low quality food. It is not a buffet and you are not permitted to return for seconds so load your plate up. There is no wifi on board unless you pay the ridiculously expensive prices TTLine charge. Shore based wifi doesn't work below decks or out of coastal range.
Most of the nicer lounge areas are taken up by people sleeping. We usually just pay for a private cabin because this is relatively cheap when compared to the total cost of the trip. Waiting to embark and disembark is a fairly unpleasant process. If you want a driving holiday in Tasmania the ferry or vehicle hire is your only choice.
Written 8 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica S
Cinque Terre, Italy5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Sailing return from Geelong. Took our own car & booked recliners. Tried to swap to cabin a couple of weeks before however were all booked up. Recliners were fine, we are a couple in our late 50s, healthy no aches & pains, for the price difference recliners will continue to be our option. They provide blanket & pillow, & i took a neck pillow, sleeping mask, toiletries for normal night time routine & separate set of loose clothing to sleep in. Also motion sickness tablets. Purchased buffet for dinner, which was delicious. We didn’t actually get settled on ship until about 9.30pm for 10pm sailing. It was an hour late sailing that night. We were lined up at 6pm…far too early. So I recommend not rushing if you have a vehicle as it’s a bit of a slow process, no criticism …just so you know if you are 1st in line you may not be 1st on ship. Also don’t forget quarantine rules…vehicles & vans are checked. Overall our 1st experience was great!!
Written 4 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FifiDZure
Melbourne, Australia128 contributions
Jan 2023
The main benefit for us in taking the ferry to Tassie was being able to take the car. For our family of four, two overnight journey's with a four berth cabin on each was the equivalent cost of just car hire alone for 7 days (then flights would have had to be added).
The sailings themselves were good weatherwise (it was summer), not particularly rough, however the cabins are quite cramped for four (children were 10 and 12) and there isn't a lot of head room for those in the top bunks. Inbound we had a porthole cabin and outbound in internal cabin. I would definitely recommend a porthole cabin for the extra natural light and less engine noise during the night.
I think if it was just two people travelling, the cabins would be far more comfortable.
We ate before boarding on our first sailing (dep. 9.30pm) so had skipped the dinner service but from what we could see it looked good. Our second sailing was delayed by 2 hours and didn't depart until almost midnight, so no dinner service and we skipped breakfast in the morning as the offerings didn't look particularly appealing.
Snacks from The Pantry are quite expensive so I would recommend bringing your own food onboard (aside from fruit etc. which is prohibited).
If you are travelling with children, I would also recommend wording them up in advance about the safety briefing talk/video that is played prior to departure. First time on a ship and our children were old enough to understand it all and young enough to be slightly freaked out about it.
The terminals at both ends are easy to get to (although the Geelong one is in the middle of nowhere and not the most scenic way to enter Victoria).
At either end you could be lined up waiting in your car for some time - if you need to use the bathroom during this time, at Devonport there are bathrooms to one side, however at Geelong, you have to run back to the terminal building (which is quite a distance if you are at the front of the queue) and hope that you can make it back before boarding, so I would recommend going when you are at the quarantine stop right outside the building.
The sailings themselves were good weatherwise (it was summer), not particularly rough, however the cabins are quite cramped for four (children were 10 and 12) and there isn't a lot of head room for those in the top bunks. Inbound we had a porthole cabin and outbound in internal cabin. I would definitely recommend a porthole cabin for the extra natural light and less engine noise during the night.
I think if it was just two people travelling, the cabins would be far more comfortable.
We ate before boarding on our first sailing (dep. 9.30pm) so had skipped the dinner service but from what we could see it looked good. Our second sailing was delayed by 2 hours and didn't depart until almost midnight, so no dinner service and we skipped breakfast in the morning as the offerings didn't look particularly appealing.
Snacks from The Pantry are quite expensive so I would recommend bringing your own food onboard (aside from fruit etc. which is prohibited).
If you are travelling with children, I would also recommend wording them up in advance about the safety briefing talk/video that is played prior to departure. First time on a ship and our children were old enough to understand it all and young enough to be slightly freaked out about it.
The terminals at both ends are easy to get to (although the Geelong one is in the middle of nowhere and not the most scenic way to enter Victoria).
At either end you could be lined up waiting in your car for some time - if you need to use the bathroom during this time, at Devonport there are bathrooms to one side, however at Geelong, you have to run back to the terminal building (which is quite a distance if you are at the front of the queue) and hope that you can make it back before boarding, so I would recommend going when you are at the quarantine stop right outside the building.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob L
Sydney, Australia22 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
This is an excellent way to travel to and from Tasmania and Melbourne.
We have done this return trip in excess of 10 times and would recommend it every time
We travel with two large dogs and they are very well catered for with large cages in a clean and airy environment and are monitored on a regular basis overnight by the staff and you can put your own blankets and toys in with them if you want to.
Travelling on the Spirit we take our own car so it is a strong cost saving not having to hire a car and we can take as much luggage or goods with us as we can fit in the car.
We try and always do overnight sailing with a cabin and have lovely nights sleep in a very clean and tidy cabin with excellent personal shower and toilet facilities.
The staff are consistently well trained, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and the services on board (food and drink) are excellent and fairly priced.
If you can access the double bed cabins take the option - bit more expensive but so worth it.
Would certainly recommend this means of travelling for ease, price, service and options
We have done this return trip in excess of 10 times and would recommend it every time
We travel with two large dogs and they are very well catered for with large cages in a clean and airy environment and are monitored on a regular basis overnight by the staff and you can put your own blankets and toys in with them if you want to.
Travelling on the Spirit we take our own car so it is a strong cost saving not having to hire a car and we can take as much luggage or goods with us as we can fit in the car.
We try and always do overnight sailing with a cabin and have lovely nights sleep in a very clean and tidy cabin with excellent personal shower and toilet facilities.
The staff are consistently well trained, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and the services on board (food and drink) are excellent and fairly priced.
If you can access the double bed cabins take the option - bit more expensive but so worth it.
Would certainly recommend this means of travelling for ease, price, service and options
Written 2 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherine
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Loved the new set up at Geelong after years of inefficiency and congestion at Port Melbourne. No problems at all about the longer drive from Sydney as we were happy to avoid Melbourne in our Campervan and see Geelong! Thank you for the tip about free camping at the Corio shops which was excellent for the night before our sailing. Staff at the port were cheerful, helpful and efficient in processing us and boarding went like clockwork. Voyage was smooth and comfortable with efficient disembarkation at Devenport allowing us to get to a Xmas ballroom dance in Penguin 45 minutes after we docked! Only complaint was the entertainer! We have to point out the poor quality of the entertainment on this voyage which we were looking forward to having experienced quality artists on our previous 4 trips on the Spirit of Tasmania. Mikayla was billed to entertain us from 1 pm for an hour. She arrived a few minutes before one and of course began late. 25 minutes later she had sung 3 songs as she spent loads of time talking and ended her stint 8 minutes early after a further 3 or 4 songs with plenty of distractions and unnecessary chatter in between. It was the worst bludger of a musician we have experienced as an entertainer anywhere. Pretty sure that Spirit of Tasmania paid her to entertain passengers on this long day voyage and not to promote various aspects of Tasmania (she is from Queensland anyway!) to people who were already on the boat heading there! There are plenty of opportunities for passengers to discover what Tassie has to offer at the Tourist desk or online rather than hear an entertainer waste valuable time just yakking. Was so disgusted that we didn't return for her second stint! We hope we have a better experience of real entertainment on our return trip in January with much less useless chatter! Apart from that top marks for Spirit of Tasmania and their staff.
Written 22 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JannieLou
Tasmania, Australia147 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Love, love, love the Spirit of Tasmania! We look forward to our annual sailing, its so easy to take your own car packed with everything you need.
The process of boarding and disembarking is extremely smooth, and we love the new Geelong facility, it's so much easier than having to navigate through Melbourne traffic, and have nowhere to park while waiting.
We always do a night sail and have an inside cabin which is comfortable and warm. Ensuite bathrooms have a great hot shower, with a fully adjustable shower hose.
Food options are very good. The self serve meal in the restaurant was delicious! Roast pork (highly regarded Scottsdale Pork) with roast veg, steamed greens, gravy, apple sauce and crackling. The also have other meals like fish and chips, chicken, rice, salads and vegetarian options. Meal, bread roll and drink is only $30. You can also get lighter options and snacks from the onboard shop.
Staff are fabulous, always helpful and pleasant, from security on the ground to everyone onboard. Great customer service.
We recommend visitors to Tasmania take three or four weeks to see everything on offer in the Apple Isle. Be aware though, that biosecurity is strict in Tassie, check govt website and ask SPOT staff if you're unsure about what can't be taken in.
We'd love the Sydney to Devonport route to be re-established. We sailed that one in 2004 and it was fantastic! Maybe the two new SPOTs will be fast enough for a 24 hour turnaround? 🤞
The process of boarding and disembarking is extremely smooth, and we love the new Geelong facility, it's so much easier than having to navigate through Melbourne traffic, and have nowhere to park while waiting.
We always do a night sail and have an inside cabin which is comfortable and warm. Ensuite bathrooms have a great hot shower, with a fully adjustable shower hose.
Food options are very good. The self serve meal in the restaurant was delicious! Roast pork (highly regarded Scottsdale Pork) with roast veg, steamed greens, gravy, apple sauce and crackling. The also have other meals like fish and chips, chicken, rice, salads and vegetarian options. Meal, bread roll and drink is only $30. You can also get lighter options and snacks from the onboard shop.
Staff are fabulous, always helpful and pleasant, from security on the ground to everyone onboard. Great customer service.
We recommend visitors to Tasmania take three or four weeks to see everything on offer in the Apple Isle. Be aware though, that biosecurity is strict in Tassie, check govt website and ask SPOT staff if you're unsure about what can't be taken in.
We'd love the Sydney to Devonport route to be re-established. We sailed that one in 2004 and it was fantastic! Maybe the two new SPOTs will be fast enough for a 24 hour turnaround? 🤞
Written 27 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birt1964
Melbourne, Australia3,447 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Our Tassie adventure started on the overnight Spirit from Melbourne. The team are very organised from arrival including car & quarantine inspection. The skill of loading the boat is also exceptional. We sat in the bar, read books, knitted and enjoyed the misty view on a cloudy day. The food was ok - pizza & toastie as we didn’t want a big meal. We all slept well with the gentle rhythm of the boat and highly recommend an inside cabin not much to see outside at night!
Written 25 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMOAI76
Tasmania, Australia1,807 contributions
Feb 2022
The Spirit is a workhorse, some travellers use it very regularly for work, regular shopping and/or essential trips (particularly if you're a Tassie), or as is the case for many of us it's an experience that may never be repeated as it's part of a great holiday to Tasmania.
Either way I'd say do your research to find out about accommodation options and costs, the many on board facilities and the nitty gritty of the check in and boarding processes so you know what's involved and that way you can just relax into your journey.
The Spirit website as very informative and I'd recommend planning ahead with your travel times and bookings so as the get the best rates possible.
We splashed out on a Deluxe Cabin it was great, full sized Queen bed, TV, cosy but fully fitted ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet so no need to use any shared facilities.
A nice touch was a 'Welcome card' in our cabin next a complimentary bottle of Devils Corner Pinot Noir.
Was stunned to see from the two windows in the cabin that we literally were at the front of the ship at the pointy end which gave us great views of leaving Melbourne/Port Phillip Bay and out into Bass Strait. ** Word of warning if you do get a bit travel sick, take a tablet, because in this position you do feel the pitch of the ship as it rises and falls out in open water.
Our trip was a few months after Tassie border restrictions for Covid had been relaxed but as a 10 hours plus trip was still very happy to have a private cabin to retreat too. We didn't use any public sit down food facilities but the well stocked shop onboard did offer a selection of snacks other than potato chips and sugary drinks so we were able to keep ourselves fed and watered. Do bare in mind though there are no hot drink making facilities in the cabins but hot drinks are available to buy on board.
The two staff that served me in shop were great, fun to talk to and very helpful.
Vehicle departure as per the boarding was very well managed and organised by the crew. Leaving the port was at a slow steady pace through more than one exit lane at Devonport. Prior to trip had heard this can be a very long experience due to quarantine checks but seemed to go smoothly, plus we were checked when boarding in Melbourne too.
All in all a pleasant experience, I would recommend The Spirit if you are driving your own vehicle for whatever reason you just need to factor in the 9-11 hours the trip may take so just enjoy the experience as part of your whole holiday.
Either way I'd say do your research to find out about accommodation options and costs, the many on board facilities and the nitty gritty of the check in and boarding processes so you know what's involved and that way you can just relax into your journey.
The Spirit website as very informative and I'd recommend planning ahead with your travel times and bookings so as the get the best rates possible.
We splashed out on a Deluxe Cabin it was great, full sized Queen bed, TV, cosy but fully fitted ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet so no need to use any shared facilities.
A nice touch was a 'Welcome card' in our cabin next a complimentary bottle of Devils Corner Pinot Noir.
Was stunned to see from the two windows in the cabin that we literally were at the front of the ship at the pointy end which gave us great views of leaving Melbourne/Port Phillip Bay and out into Bass Strait. ** Word of warning if you do get a bit travel sick, take a tablet, because in this position you do feel the pitch of the ship as it rises and falls out in open water.
Our trip was a few months after Tassie border restrictions for Covid had been relaxed but as a 10 hours plus trip was still very happy to have a private cabin to retreat too. We didn't use any public sit down food facilities but the well stocked shop onboard did offer a selection of snacks other than potato chips and sugary drinks so we were able to keep ourselves fed and watered. Do bare in mind though there are no hot drink making facilities in the cabins but hot drinks are available to buy on board.
The two staff that served me in shop were great, fun to talk to and very helpful.
Vehicle departure as per the boarding was very well managed and organised by the crew. Leaving the port was at a slow steady pace through more than one exit lane at Devonport. Prior to trip had heard this can be a very long experience due to quarantine checks but seemed to go smoothly, plus we were checked when boarding in Melbourne too.
All in all a pleasant experience, I would recommend The Spirit if you are driving your own vehicle for whatever reason you just need to factor in the 9-11 hours the trip may take so just enjoy the experience as part of your whole holiday.
Written 21 July 2022
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Is it worth the extra $ for a cabin with a porthole? I'm wondering if its darker and quieter in the inside cabins anyway?
Written 19 November 2024
You are correct it is quieter and darker in the inside cabins. If you want to sleep suggest the inside cabins. If you are night sailing there is not much to see anyway so pothole kinda wasted. When we want a view we just walk topsides and enjoy the common areas.
Written 25 November 2024
Is the last week in February 2024 a busy time for the night Ferry crossing to Devonport and once booked when do I have to pay. And is there a cancellation policy
Written 28 April 2023
February a great time to travel.. it’s post school holidays weather is so good as well. We just did it this year
February 19th - April 1st (6 weeks )
I rang them , but was wanted more information in regards to travelling with our dog.
I ended up booking it all in that phone conversation.
I would usually book online
Written 28 August 2023
Hi Maureen, sorry this is a late reply...hopefully not too late for you.
It has been a while but I'm pretty sure there are lockers on board also if you opt to book a recliner seat, I think they have luggage racks in the private recliner lounge but that will just be a storage area not a secure locker.
Written 26 October 2022
Travelling to Tasmania in March by the spirit, have booked recliners. When are you advised of your seat allocation? Lets hope borders stay open and we can still travel!
Written 26 December 2021
Hi, we are travelling to Tasmania in July and due to the very very expensive cost of hiring a car we are looking into sending the car over via the Spirit of Tasmania. I want to know how does it work if we can not be at the ship for pick up at Devonport or Melbourne upon return, can someone else pick it up or do they offer to store it for a few hours until we arrive?
Written 15 March 2021
I would like to know Clearly how much it will cost all up for a return trip for my wife & myself ,PLUS my car .on Tasmania Ferry
We are both age pensioners .Thank you .
Written 23 January 2021
Look at the webside of the spirit of Tasmania. Cars are free from March 2021.
Written 26 January 2021
Hi travelling on 5/01/21 with our 2.5 yr old. Any restaurant there? Whats the pros and cons of travelling in SOT. Thanks
Written 3 January 2021
Traveling to Tasmania in early February driving from Qld not sure of arrival date in Melbourne , 6/02/21 --- 8/02/21 .can I book 24 hours before arrival. Car & 1 adult no cabin . Thank you
Written 23 December 2020
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