Victoria to Tasmania by Caravan: The Complete Guide
Tasmania is one of Australia's great road trip destinations — and one of the most underused by caravanners. Compact enough to loop in 10–14 days, yet packed with enough wilderness, coastline, and history to fill a month, the Apple Isle rewards slow travel like nowhere else on the mainland.
Getting there with your caravan is straightforward. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry takes you and your rig overnight from Geelong to Devonport — and from there, one of Australia's most spectacular caravan routes opens up.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to book the ferry, what travelling with pets actually involves, and the best destinations to build a Tasmania caravan itinerary around.
Step 1: Booking the Spirit of Tasmania
The Route
The Spirit of Tasmania runs nightly between Geelong, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania. Geelong is roughly 75km south-west of Melbourne — about an hour from the CBD. The crossing takes between 9.5 and 11.5 hours depending on weather and sea conditions.
The Geelong terminal is at 136 Corio Quay Road, North Geelong. There's ample undercover parking, a café, and lounge areas if you arrive early and need to wait.
Book Early — Seriously
This is the most important single piece of advice in this guide. Book early.
Demand for the Spirit of Tasmania is high year-round, and caravans take up significantly more vehicle deck space than a standard car. The general rule:
- Caravans and motorhomes: book at least 9 months ahead, ideally 11 months — the earliest the online system allows.
- Peak season (mid-December to March, Easter): both directions are heavily booked. Aim for 11 months.
- April and May return sailings: particularly busy as travellers head back before winter.
Two new, larger vessels — Spirit of Tasmania IV and V — will significantly increase capacity from late 2026, able to carry up to 1,800 passengers with nearly double the vehicle deck space of the current ships. Until then, booking ahead isn't a suggestion. Book directly at spiritoftasmania.com.au
Measure Your Rig Before You Book
The ferry charges by vehicle length and height, so get accurate measurements before you log on:
- Length: measure the full combined length of tow vehicle and caravan, including drawbar, towbar, and any rear attachments — bike racks, gas cylinders, whatever's on the back.
- Height: measure the full height including roof racks, solar panels, and antennas.
Note: Vehicle dimensions are confirmed at check-in. If you've underestimated, you'll be charged extra on the spot. Measure twice.
What to Expect on the Night Sailing
Check-in opens 2.5 hours before departure. You must be boarded 45 minutes before departure — don't leave it late. Once your vehicle is parked on the vehicle deck, you cannot access it during the crossing. Pack an overnight bag before you board: toiletries, medications, phone charger, a change of clothes, anything needed for kids or pets.
Cabin options include inside cabins, porthole cabins, and deluxe cabins. For a couple towing a caravan, budget approximately $1,900–$2,700 return including a cabin. Book one — Bass Strait can be choppy, and a comfortable bed makes a real difference. If you're prone to seasickness, take tablets before boarding, not after.
On board: restaurants, a cinema, a games zone, live music, and a Tourism Hub where you can purchase your Tasmania National Parks Pass — highly recommended, covers all national parks for 8 weeks and saves money if you're visiting more than one or two parks.
Step 2: Travelling with Pets
Tasmania is genuinely good for pet owners on a caravan trip. The island's national parks, beaches, and campgrounds are welcoming to dogs across many areas, and the Spirit of Tasmania accommodates pets on board.
Booking Your Pet on the Ferry
Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and most birds are welcome. A few things to know:
Kennel booking
A private kennel costs $22 each way and is strongly recommended. Kennels are on ventilated decks — book through the Spirit of Tasmania website under 'Manage my booking.' One kennel per pet, unless a mother is travelling with pups or kittens.
You can leave your pet in your vehicle on the car deck instead, but you'll need to sign an indemnity accepting liability for their welfare during the crossing. Given the length of the trip and the potential for rough seas, the kennel is the better option for the animal.
What to bring for the kennel
- Your pet's own bedding — it isn't provided
- Food, water, and any medications for the crossing
- A familiar toy for comfort
Fresh water is available in kennels and pets are checked regularly by crew throughout the sailing.
Important: Hydatid Tapeworm Treatment
All dogs must be treated for Hydatid Tapeworm within 14 days before entering Tasmania. Documentary proof is required — keep the receipt from your vet or obtain a signed veterinary certificate.
Failure to produce this documentation can result in your dog being refused entry into Tasmania. Don't overlook this step.
For cats and other animals, check the Biosecurity Tasmania website for current requirements before you travel.
Pet-friendly cabins coming: The new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels will introduce pet-friendly cabin options — passengers will be able to stay with their pets during the crossing. A significant improvement on the current arrangement.
Pets in Tasmania
Once across the water, Tasmania is welcoming for pets on a caravan trip. Many campgrounds and national park camping areas permit leashed dogs, and the island's beaches, trails, and open spaces give animals plenty of room. Always check individual campground rules before booking — some areas, particularly sensitive wildlife zones, restrict dogs entirely.
Step 3: The Tasmania Caravan Road Trip
You'll arrive in Devonport on Tasmania's north coast. From there, the island opens up in every direction. The classic approach for caravanners is a clockwise loop — heading south-east along the East Coast first, then looping through the highlands and up the West Coast before returning north.
Allow 10–14 days to do the loop justice. Tasmania's roads are winding and scenic, and distances that look short on a map take longer than you'd expect. That's entirely the point.
"Tasmania's roads are winding and scenic, and distances that look short on a map take longer than you'd expect. That's entirely the point."
🏙️ Hobart— Days 1–2
Head south from Devonport to Hobart — a relaxed, walkable capital with genuine edge. Great food, excellent coffee, and MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), one of Australia's most remarkable cultural institutions, sitting on the waterfront in a former casino.
Must-do:
- Salamanca Market (Saturdays) — fresh produce, local art, street food, and live music along the historic sandstone precinct.
- MONA — provocative, world-class art in a spectacular riverside setting. Allow half a day minimum.
- kunanyi / Mount Wellington — drive or walk to the summit for panoramic views over the city and harbour. The descent on foot takes around 3 hours.
- Battery Point — Hobart's oldest neighbourhood, colonial-era cottages, and excellent cafés.
Camping: Hobart Holiday Park — powered sites in Richmond, 20 minutes from the CBD.
🏖️ Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay— Days 3–4
Drive north-east from Hobart along the East Coast to Freycinet National Park — one of Tasmania's crown jewels. The park is defined by the Hazards, dramatic pink granite peaks rising straight from the sea, and the crescent of Wineglass Bay, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches.
Must-do:
- Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk (2.6km return, moderate) — essential. The view from the saddle between the Hazards is one of the great Australian panoramas.
- Wineglass Bay Beach (6km return from the carpark) — if you have the legs, descend all the way. Worth every step.
- Honeymoon Bay — calm, clear water ideal for swimming and kayaking right near the campground.
- Kayaking beneath the granite cliffs to reach hidden coves accessible only from the water.
Camping: Freycinet National Park Campground at Richardsons Beach — 18 powered sites. Book well in advance. During peak summer and Easter, a ballot system operates. Outside peak season, availability improves but bookings are still strongly recommended. Bonus: Freycinet is one of the best spots in Tasmania for the Aurora Australis — if the solar forecast is favourable, stay up and look south.
🔥 Bay of Fires— Day 5
Continue north along the East Coast to the Bay of Fires — arguably Tasmania's most visually striking stretch of coastline. The bay takes its name from the fire-coloured orange lichen covering the granite boulders, which creates a surreal contrast against powder-white sand and luminous turquoise water. There's very little to do here except swim, snorkel, walk the endless coastline, and watch sunsets from the rocks. That's enough.
Must-do:
- Dora Point Camping Area — beachfront, basic facilities, national parks pass required. Camp right on the edge of the bay.
🏔️ Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park— Days 6–7
Head inland and west to Cradle Mountain — Tasmania's most iconic wilderness landscape. The jagged dolerite peak rises above the alpine plateau, and the area is genuinely alive with wildlife. Wombats wander through campgrounds at dusk. Wallabies graze in the meadows. Tasmanian devils are occasionally spotted after dark.
Must-do:
- Dove Lake Circuit (6km loop, 2.5 hours) — the most accessible and most spectacular walk in the park. Circumnavigates the iconic glacial lake with the mountain as your backdrop.
- Enchanted Walk (1km loop) — a gentle rainforest circuit, perfect for families or an easy introduction to the park.
- Wildlife watching at dusk — the campground and lodge areas come alive as the light fades.
Camping: Cradle Mountain Campground — advance booking essential. One of the most popular campgrounds in Australia.
🌊 Strahan & the Wild West Coast— Day 8
From Cradle Mountain, drop west to Strahan on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. This is a different Tasmania — ancient rainforest, wild ocean beaches, and a town that genuinely feels like the end of the world.
Must-do:
- Gordon River Cruise — a full-day boat journey deep into the World Heritage wilderness. The reflections on the still black water of the Gordon River are otherworldly.
- Henty Dunes — enormous coastal sand dunes just north of Strahan. Walk up the face for views over the Southern Ocean.
- Ocean Beach — one of the longest beaches in Australia, facing directly into the Roaring Forties. Not for swimming. Just for standing on and feeling the full scale of it.
🌿 Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula— Days 9–10
On the way back south and east, the Tasman Peninsula is a detour worth taking. The sea cliffs of Tasman National Park are among the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most significant heritage locations.
Must-do:
- Port Arthur Historic Site — a convict settlement of global historical significance. The guided tours are excellent and the site itself is quietly extraordinary.
- Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, Blowhole — three remarkable coastal formations within easy walking distance of each other.
- Cape Hauy Track (5km return, moderate-hard) — a spectacular clifftop walk to one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Tasmania.
Camping: Multiple campgrounds on the Tasman Peninsula — check Parks Victoria for current options.
🍷 Tamar Valley & Launceston— Days 11–12
On the way back to Devonport, the Tamar Valley north of Launceston is one of Tasmania's best wine regions — cool-climate pinot noir and riesling are the specialities. Launceston itself is worth a half day: the Cataract Gorge is a remarkable natural feature right on the edge of the city, with swimming, walking trails, and sweeping views over the gorge.
The 10-Day Clockwise Loop at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Hobart | 3hr from Devonport |
| Days 3–4 | Freycinet NP | 2.5hr from Hobart |
| Day 5 | Bay of Fires | 1.5hr from Freycinet |
| Days 6–7 | Cradle Mountain | 4hr from Bay of Fires |
| Day 8 | Strahan | 1.5hr from Cradle Mountain |
| Days 9–10 | Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula | 4.5hr from Strahan |
| Days 11–12 | Launceston / Tamar Valley | 2hr from Port Arthur |
| Day 13 | Return to Devonport | 1hr from Launceston |
Essential Tasmania Caravan Tips
- Buy a National Parks Holiday Pass.
Around $82 per vehicle, covers all Tasmanian national parks for two months and up to eight passengers. If you're visiting more than one or two parks — and you will be — it saves money and time. Available online or on the Spirit of Tasmania.
- Roads are slower than they look.
Tasmania's roads are winding, beautiful, and often single-lane. Don't plan driving days based on distance alone. Factor in stops — you'll want to make them constantly.
- Weather changes fast.
Tasmania can deliver four seasons in a day, particularly in the highlands and on the West Coast. Pack layers, waterproofs, and an extra day's worth of food and water. Conditions in the mountains can shift from clear to closed road within a few hours.
- Book campgrounds early.
Popular sites like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain book out months in advance during peak season. If you're travelling December–February, have campground bookings locked in before you board the ferry — not after you arrive.
- Off-grid capability matters more than you think.
Many of Tasmania's best campgrounds are national park sites with no power. A well-equipped off-grid setup keeps you free to stay where you want — not where the powered sites happen to be available.
Why the Periple 16 Solid Is Built for Tasmania
Tasmania rewards the right rig. The island's roads are narrower than the mainland, its national park campgrounds are tighter, and the best spots are often at the end of a gravel track that a 20ft+ van simply can't navigate cleanly.
The Periple 16 Solid off-road caravan was designed with exactly this kind of travel in mind. Compact enough to handle Tasmania's tighter roads and campground access tracks. Off-road capable for the gravel runs to Bay of Fires and beyond. And built with a fully self-contained off-grid setup — lithium battery, solar, full water capacity — so you're never constrained to powered sites.
Tasmania's best experiences are off the highway. The Periple 16ft gets you there.
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