Spirit of Tasmania’s insider top tips

Did you know there are cinemas, live music and a variety of cabins on board Spirit of Tasmania? Have you found our latest fares and offers, and nine themed itineraries so smiles continue after you arrive in Tasmania? We’re famously generous about luggage, but what can’t you bring aboard? Read all about it!

Our top tip for trips to Tasmania is give yourself enough time to enjoy it. Although it’s Australia’s smallest state there are wonders and pleasures everywhere – which is why many visitors return again and again.

If you’re travelling at peak times like summer and school holidays, book important aspects of your trip well ahead, including Spirit of Tasmania. That way you can be sure to sail on your preferred date. We have Deluxe, Twin and Four Bed Cabins with our without portholes and Wheelchair Accessible Cabins (plus cots for infants when required), as well as comfortable Recliners for budget travellers.

Other ways to save include sailing at off-peak times, and watching for our latest fares and offers. 

Our number-one tip for departure day: allow plenty of time to arrive and board before check-in closes – 45 minutes prior to the departure time on your ticket.

Flying usually means packing light to avoid fees, but feel free to pack your car with everything you need. Walk-on passengers can check in two large suitcases and take one small carry-on bag aboard, while vehicles can be loaded with nearly anything – including bulky gear like kayaks. Got a caravan? Fill that up too!

Be sure to pack a carry-on bag of essentials for the voyage as there’s no access to checked luggage or vehicles. Consider personal toiletries, medication, water bottle (there is an onboard refill station), device chargers and, if you’re sailing overnight, pyjamas and a change of clothes.

Gas cylinders secured to vehicles are okay if switched off before boarding, but please note requirements for other hazardous items such as jerrycans of fuel and scuba-diving tanks. Biosecurity regulations mean you can’t bring any fruit, vegetables, plants, honey or fish products with you when entering Tasmania.

Note where you’re parked (handy parking reminder flyers are at each vehicle deck lift/stairwell), grab that carry-on bag, and start enjoying your holiday. Wave goodbye to the mainland from outdoor deck areas, or celebrate at one of three bars proudly serving Tasmanian wine, beer, cider and spirits.

The bars on decks nine and ten also have simple treats like pizzas and ice-creams, or get grab-and-go snacks at The Pantry. Want something more substantial? Showcasing Tasmanian ingredients, TMK offers cafeteria-style breakfast, lunch and dinner (depending on sail times). Find out more about Spirit of Tasmania’s bars and dining here.

Enjoy live music, new-release movies at two cinemas, or choose your own adventure with free streaming of free to air TV in the public areas. There’s a beach-themed play area for little kids, and an arcade-style game zone for older ones – plus family entertainment and face-painting during school-holiday day sailings.

Need something else? Ask at the onboard reception desk, and get holiday advice, brochures, National Parks passes and fishing permits at the Tourism Hub.

As regular readers of Spirit of Tasmania’s blog know, we offer a treasure trove of ideas about what to do on the island. From bucket-list experiences to hidden gems, the inspiring posts keep coming, helping both regular visitors and first-timers find experiences they love.

Have you discovered our nine themed five-day itineraries? There’s a road trip for every kind of spirited traveller, including nature lovers, culture buffs and families.

Find out more about Spirit of Tasmania's new Victorian home, Spirit of Tasmania Quay.

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