Sailing through history: The evolution of Spirit of Tasmania

When you think of iconic Australian journeys, Spirit of Tasmania inevitably springs to mind. For decades, this ship has served as a vital link between Australia's mainland and Tasmania, offering more than just transportation—it embodies connection, adventure, and progress for travellers. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of Spirit of Tasmania, from its early beginnings to the modern experience it offers today.

Rewind to the early 1980s. It became evident that a reliable sea link was needed between Victoria and Tasmania. Enter the TT-Line's Abel Tasman, a German-built vessel named after the Dutch explorer who first sighted Tasmania in 1642. Abel Tasman began operations on 1 July 1985 and quickly became a popular choice for freight, passenger, and vehicle transport across the Bass Strait. This pioneering service marked the start of a new era in Australian sea travel.

In 1993, Abel Tasman’s TT-Line was replaced by the launch of Spirit of Tasmania. This was more than a new ship; it was a leap forward in capacity and comfort. Designed to carry over 1,400 passengers, Spirit of Tasmania was more than just a ship—it was a modern marvel aimed at enhancing the travel experience. The name "Spirit of Tasmania" was chosen to capture the essence of the island, reflecting its unique culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

As we approached the new millennium, Spirit of Tasmania underwent significant transformations. In 2002, the original vessel was retired, and two new ships, Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II, were introduced. Built in Finland, these vessels brought a new level of luxury to the Bass Strait journey, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and increased capacity. Each ship could accommodate up to 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles, making them among the largest ferries in the Southern Hemisphere.This was a key moment to reaffirm the service’s commitment to the best travel experience for its passengers.

In 2015, both ships underwent a major refurbishment, further enhancing passenger comfort with new restaurants, bars, lounges, family-friendly amenities, and upgraded cabins. These improvements ensured a top-tier travel experience for passengers making the journey between the mainland and the island.

Spirit of Tasmania underwent plans to move from Port Melbourne to Geelong. Why? To create Spirit of Tasmania Quay — a terminal offering contemporary facilities for an enhanced travel experience. As this vision was unable to come to life at its original port, the move to Geelong offered opportunities for passengers coming from the west, while still being close to the city centre. On 23 October 2022, they opened the doors of this sophisticated, purpose-designed terminal is passenger-centred, featuring:

• Easy access and ample parking
• Undercover areas for vehicles
• Dedicated drop-off/pick-up areas with marshalling area
• A seamless onboarding exercises with safety security processes
• Modern passenger lounge with a cafe, children’s play area, free Wi-fi and charging station
• A boardwalk for sea views

Celebrating 35 years in operation in 2018, Spirit of Tasmania continues to innovate. Plans for 2021 included the introduction of two new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, set to replace their predecessors. These Finnish-built ships will continue Spirit of Tasmania’s legacy with cutting-edge technology, increased capacity, and improved environmental sustainability.

Spirit of Tasmania has sailed a long way since its inception. From the early days of Abel Tasman to today’s modern, luxurious vessels, this service has continually adapted and improved to meet the needs of its passengers. As it sails into the future, Spirit of Tasmania remains a proud symbol of connection, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Tasmania. So hop aboard, here’s to many more journeys across the Bass Strait.

For more information, you can visit the About The Ships page on this website.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.