Devonport (Tasmania) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Devonport is home to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, connecting mainland Australia (Melbourne) to Tasmania with daily sailings. The journey across Bass Strait takes approximately 9-11 hours, with both day and night crossings available. If you're already in Tasmania, Devonport is easily accessible via the Bass Highway, about 1 hour from Launceston or 3.5 hours from Hobart. Regular bus services connect major Tasmanian cities to Devonport, while the city also has a regional airport with connections to Melbourne. For those arriving by ferry with vehicles, ample parking is available near the terminal, though booking ahead during peak season is recommended.

Nestled at the mouth of the Mersey River on Tasmania's north coast, Devonport serves as the primary ferry entry point to Australia's island state. This charming maritime city blends coastal beauty with rural charm, offering visitors their first taste of Tasmania's renowned landscapes and hospitality. As your ferry approaches the shoreline, you'll be greeted by the city's distinctive lighthouse and the promise of adventures that await across the Apple Isle.

Devonport enjoys a temperate maritime climate, making it pleasant to visit year-round. Summer (December to February) brings warm days averaging 21°C, perfect for exploring beaches and outdoor activities, though this coincides with peak ferry booking periods. Autumn (March to May) offers spectacular colors across the region's landscapes and more comfortable temperatures around 17°C. Winter (June to August) is cooler at 12-14°C with occasional rainfall, but ferry services run less frequently and rough seas are more common. Spring (September to November) brings blooming gardens and warming temperatures, making it an excellent time to visit before the summer crowds while enjoying reliable ferry schedules.

As Tasmania's northern ferry hub, Devonport positions you perfectly for exploring the island state's diverse regions. Head east along the coast to reach the Bay of Fires with its orange-hued granite rocks and crystal waters, approximately 2.5 hours by car from the port. Travel south to reach Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park within 1.5 hours, where Tasmania's iconic wilderness awaits with ancient rainforests and rugged peaks. The historic city of Launceston lies just an hour east, offering colonial architecture and the stunning Cataract Gorge. For food lovers, the fertile farmland of the northwest coast creates a natural food trail starting right from Devonport's doorstep, with farm gates and producers dotted along scenic coastal routes.

Begin your Devonport adventure at Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, offering panoramic views across Bass Strait and the perfect spot to watch for passing dolphins. Food enthusiasts should explore the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, sampling award-winning cheeses at Ashgrove Cheese Farm and spirits at Southern Wild Distillery, both just minutes from the ferry terminal. The Bass Strait Maritime Centre reveals the region's rich shipping history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. For outdoor enthusiasts, the coastal path along Mersey Bluff offers spectacular walking and cycling opportunities. Don't miss sampling the local seafood at waterfront restaurants, where freshly caught Tasmanian salmon and rock lobster showcase the island's renowned produce.

Devonport sits at Tasmania's narrowest point across Bass Strait, making it the closest Tasmanian city to mainland Australia at just 240km from Melbourne. The Spirit of Tasmania ferries that dock here are among the largest passenger vessels in the southern hemisphere, capable of carrying 1,400 passengers and 500 cars. Before European settlement, the area was home to the Tommeginne Aboriginal people who called this region 'Torquay' before it was renamed Devonport in 1890. The city experiences some of the cleanest air in the world, with prevailing winds known as the 'Roaring Forties' sweeping directly from Antarctica across Bass Strait.