Tasmania ferry. — Tasmania Without a Car

Travelling by boat in Tasmania

Aside from the Spirit of Tasmania that travels between Melbourne and Devonport, the “Apple Isle” boast several other ferries and boat services to help you explore the state.

Maria Island

A daily passenger-only ferry service operated by Encounter Maria Island connects to Maria Island from Triabunna, which is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Hobart. The journey across the Mercury Passage to Darlington Bay takes roughly 30 minutes.

Bruny Island

To the south of Hobart lies Bruny Island, which is a popular holiday destination for locals. A car ferry service operated by Sealink travels from the Bruny D'Entrecasteaux Visitor Information Centre in Kettering to the northern end of the island and takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

If you’re visiting Lake St. Clair or trekking the Overland Track, you can take advantage of the Ida Clair. It is the highest altitude ferry service in Australia and runs seven days a week, transporting people to and from Cynthia Bay, Narcissus Bay (at the end of the Overland Track) and Echo Point.

Freycinet National Park
At the gateway to Freycinet National Park is Coles Bay, which serves as the base for Freycinet Aqua Taxi. It operates a water-based transportation service throughout the park, including one-way and return services to Hazards Beach, Cooks Beach and Schouten Island. It is a convenient way of accessing the park’s hiking trails and secluded stretches of sand.

Flinders Island
A cargo ferry service operated by Furneaux Freight operates between Bridport on Tasmania’s north coast and Lady Barron on Flinders Island, with the journey taking roughly eight hours. It is primarily used to transport stock to and from the island but has the capacity to carry 12 passengers and vehicles during sailings. While there are bench seats and toilets, it’s important to keep in mind that there are limited passenger services onboard the vessel.