Insider Tips

The total cost of travelling with your car to Tasmania can be high.  You are already saving money with our Cit-In discount.  You can save more money on the journey on the Spirit of Tasmania by using the Ocean View recliners which are like economy class airline seats.  However they are not as restful as the cabins.  Save even more by only one person having a restless night in the recliners and taking the car while all the others fly to Launceston Airport. Another option is to take a day sailing before 25th March which is very cheap.

Location of the Spirit of Tasmania Berths – Devonport and Melbourne

Note that travellers embarking or disembarking via Melbourne should also be aware of recent changes being made to the Westgate Freeway. TT Line also provides more information about these changes to make your trip easier.

Sleeping Well on the Cheap
Ocean View Recliners are not as restful as the cabins, but if you do decide to use them take your own pillow and a footrest (like a sturdy travel bag) to supplement the recliners’ rather short ones.

Food on the Spirit of Tasmania
There are two restaurants on the Spirit of Tasmania, the Waves Eatery and Seasons Restaurant.  Waves Eatery is buffet style and serves good value food.  For just a few dollars more have a really great meal at Seasons. Remember to book early for your table.

Disembarkation and Hydraulics
Expect to frustrate your fellow travellers and ship’s crew, a little.  When the boat berths at your destination you will be requested to move to the car decks (try very hard to remember where you left the car, it is very easy to get confused).  You will be instructed not to start your engine until the car in front moves off.  See the problem?  Tell the person behind you, before all this starts because they will be impatient once the doors are open, that your special car will take about a minute to rise elegantly from its slumbers and proceed off the boat.  Looking on, the ship’s crewperson supervising your departure will wave you off, they will wait a moment, get agitated about you not leaving and then start to walk towards you, all the time waving you off furiously.  They tend to reach you just as your Cit rises to ask you if there is a problem, give them a friendly wave as you leave, they have greater frustrations such as the 4WD and trailer that won’t start or the car without a driver holding everyone back.