Ferry, flights and the road west
Getting to North West Tasmania
There are a few ways into North West Tasmania.
You can sail across Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania and roll off in Devonport Tasmania, fly direct into Devonport or Burnie Wynyard, or land in Launceston or Hobart and drive west. Each is covered below.
Getting here
By ferry
Geelong to Devonport Tasmania
The Spirit of Tasmania sails between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport Tasmania. The crossing takes around 9 to 11 hours depending on conditions, and most people spend it asleep.
Your car, caravan, campervan or motorbike comes with you, which is the main reason the ferry suits a road trip. No hire car on arrival and no repacking.
Sailings leave in the evening and dock in Devonport Tasmania the next morning. The timetable changes with the season, so check the Spirit of Tasmania website for your dates. Book early for summer and school holidays.
Don’t get caught out. The ferry leaves from Geelong, not Melbourne, so allow about an hour to get there from the city.
Arriving in Devonport Tasmania
The ferry terminal is in East Devonport, and the city centre is a few minutes away across the Mersey River.
After an overnight sailing you’ll roll in early. Most accommodation doesn’t check in until the afternoon, so ask about early check-in or bag storage. Dawn is also when wildlife is most active on the roads, so take the first stretch easy. A big breakfast is a reasonable first decision.
Coming without a vehicle? Hire car desks operate at the ferry terminal.
Biosecurity checks
Tasmania takes biosecurity seriously, and inspectors check vehicles at the terminal. Fresh fruit and vegetables can’t come in, including potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and fresh herbs. Food for the crossing is fine, but eat it or bin it on board or at the inspection point as you leave. Caravans, boats and camping or fishing gear need to be clean, and used fishing gear needs declaring.
Check the Tasmanian Government biosecurity page for the full list before you pack.
Getting here
By air
Flying in
Two airports serve the region, about 50 minutes apart by road. Both have direct flights from Melbourne that take about an hour, so the choice comes down to where you want to start. Choose Devonport Airport for easy access to Devonport, Sheffield and Cradle Mountain. Choose Burnie Wynyard Airport for Wynyard, Burnie and the drive west towards Stanley.
Devonport Airport
Devonport Airport is on Airport Road at Wesley Vale, about 10 kilometres from Devonport Tasmania city centre and a short drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal. Booking sites list it as Devonport (DPO).
Qantas flies direct from Melbourne. Hire car desks are in the arrivals hall, and taxis and shuttle buses run into town.
Pick this one if your first night is in Devonport, Sheffield or the Cradle Mountain area.
Burnie Wynyard Airport
Burnie Wynyard Airport sits about 500 metres from the centre of Wynyard, close enough to walk to the main street. Locals call it Wynyard Airport, and booking sites list it as Burnie (BWT).
Qantas and Rex both fly direct from Melbourne. Hire car desks are in the terminal, and taxis meet flights, so book ahead.
Pick this one if you’re starting in Wynyard or Burnie, or heading straight west to Stanley.
Check the schedules before you book, as flight times change with the season. Coming from Sydney or Brisbane? Connect through Melbourne, or fly direct to Launceston and drive west.
Coming from Launceston or Hobart
Launceston Airport is about 100 kilometres from Devonport Tasmania, roughly an hour and 15 minutes by road. Hobart is about 280 kilometres, around three and a half hours. Both routes run along the A1.
Flying into either works well if the flights suit, as long as a hire car is sorted. Getting Around has the detail.
Getting here - quick answers
How do I get to North West Tasmania from Melbourne?
Two ways. Sail from Geelong on the Spirit of Tasmania, which takes about 9 to 11 hours and lets you bring your car, or fly direct to Devonport or Burnie Wynyard in about an hour. The ferry leaves from Geelong, roughly an hour from central Melbourne.
Where does the Spirit of Tasmania dock?
In Devonport Tasmania, on the North West coast. The terminal is in East Devonport, a few minutes from the city centre.
How long is the Spirit of Tasmania crossing?
About 9 to 11 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. Sailings leave in the evening and arrive the next morning.
Can I fly direct to the North West?
Yes. Direct flights from Melbourne land at Devonport Airport and Burnie Wynyard Airport and take about an hour. QantasLink and Rex are the main airlines. Check which flies to which airport on your dates.
Can I get there from Sydney or Brisbane?
Yes. Connect through Melbourne to Devonport or Burnie Wynyard, or fly direct to Launceston and drive about an hour and 15 minutes to Devonport Tasmania.
What can't I bring to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Fresh fruit and vegetables can’t come in, including potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and fresh herbs. You can bring food to eat on the crossing, but eat it or bin it on board or at the inspection point as you leave the terminal. Check the Tasmanian Government biosecurity page for the full list.
Can I bring a caravan, motorhome or dog on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Caravans and motorhomes travel on the ferry, and the new ships have more room for them. Pets can travel too, and the new ships have pet-friendly cabins. Dogs entering Tasmania also have to meet biosecurity entry conditions. Numbers are limited, so book early and check the pet rules on the Spirit of Tasmania website.
Can I bring an electric car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes. Declare it when you book, because electric vehicles travel in a designated area of the ship. Spirit of Tasmania’s electric vehicle page has the current conditions.
Can I charge my electric car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
No. Charging isn’t allowed on board, so arrive with plenty of charge to drive off and reach your first charger in Devonport Tasmania. Chargers around the North West are covered in Getting Around.
Once you’ve arrived
Landed or docked, the next job is wheels. Getting Around covers car hire, buses and how far everything is.
Find your way
One easy coastal drive
The North West unfolds along a single ribbon of coast - west from Devonport's ferry terminal to the edge of the Tarkine, then inland to Cradle Mountain. Tap a town on the map to start exploring.
Rest easy
Find your base in the North West
From off-grid lodges with outdoor baths to cottages and farmstays - settle in somewhere with a view, then let the season come to you.
