Blog Can You Take a Caravan from Melbourne to Tasmania?

With its cooler climate, unique wildlife, dramatic landscapes and stunning coastlines, visiting Tassie can feel like you’re in an entirely different country. And there’s no better way to explore Australia than in your beloved van. But can you take your caravan to Tasmania?

The good news is yes! Caravans and motorhomes can reach Australia’s smallest state on board the Spirit of Tasmania. But to ensure it’s an unforgettable experience, there are some important things to consider before you go.

In this helpful guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about taking your caravan from Melbourne to Tasmania. A very southern camping adventure awaits!

Spirit of Tasmania unloading in Devonport. Image by Weston Langford, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Book the Ferry Early

If you have a caravan in Melbourne, it might be tempting to make a last-minute decision to cross the Bass Strait with your trusty van in tow. But chances are, all the spaces will be booked out. Spaces on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry are limited, and during summer and school holidays, spots large enough to accommodate caravans, campervans and motorhomes are in high demand. Book as much as 12 months ahead if you need to travel on specific dates.

Measure and Declare the Correct Size of Your Full Rig

A common mistake caravan owners make when booking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry is underestimating the full size of their rig, which can lead to extra fees or being turned away at check-in. The booking form requires the total length and height of your vehicles and attachments. Include everything in your calculations — car, caravan, drawbar, bike racks, gas cylinders and any other attachments.

Comply with Biosecurity and Quarantine Rules

To stay free of certain diseases, Tasmania has strict biosecurity and quarantine laws. You will need to clean your car and caravan of any visible soil, mud, seeds, plant material, etc., before boarding. Certain foods, animal products, plants and firewood are prohibited, too.

Find out more about what you can and can’t bring when travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Prepare a Sea-Crossing Kit to Take Onboard with You

Much like when you board a flight and don’t see your luggage until you get to your destination, once you leave your vehicle and go up to the deck or cabin, you will not be able to return to it until you arrive at the other end. The voyage from Melbourne to Tasmania can take between 9 and 11 hours, so pack a carry-on bag with everything you might need while aboard the ferry.

Things to include:

• snacks
• noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs (cabins near the engine room can be loud)
• entertainment (laptop, iPad)
• seasickness tablets – in bad weather, even the most seasoned sea travellers can turn a little green around the gills!
• an extra layer of clothing – it can get a little chilly on deck and in the cabins.

Travelling With Pets

If you like to take your four-legged friends with you on your travels, the good news is that cats and dogs are allowed on the ferry, but only in the designated area and under strict rules. Pets must travel in the onboard kennel facility in an approved transport crate. You cannot leave them inside your vehicle or cabin. They also need to be vaccinated (proof may be requested), microchipped and healthy.

All the same biosecurity rules apply, so ensure that your pet isn’t carrying any prohibited materials on their fur or paws, as they may be inspected on arrival. Pets with visible dirt/grass from outside may be refused entry or cleaned at your expense.

Many campsites in Tasmania are pet-friendly, but it is best to check first. Some may have certain restrictions in place related to the size of your pet or how many pets you’re allowed to bring. Wildlife is abundant, so always keep your pets on a lead in national parks and near bushland.

Ensure Your Caravan and Vehicle are Road Trip Ready

It’s caravanning 101, but it would be remiss of us not to include this reminder!

• Vehicle and caravan checks to make before you go include:
• tyres
• brakes
• lights
• coupling
• suspension
• load distribution – caravans that are overloaded or have the weight distributed unevenly are a safety hazard.

Don’t forget to secure everything inside the caravan and car, and make sure cupboards are locked and loose items are secured. If possible, push in your towing mirrors to prevent damage. The Bass Strait is notorious for its rough weather and large swell which can occasionally make for a very bumpy ride.

Find The Perfect Caravan in Melbourne

Keen for a caravan trip from Melbourne to Tasmania, but just missing the caravan? Visit our new Melbourne JAWA showroom!