Your First Decision – Should you Fly or Float, when Coming to Tasmania
When coming to Tasmania, should you fly, or float? Is one of the first & biggest decisions you need to make. Will you fly directly into one of the major airports & hire a car. On one of the domestic airlines Jetstar, QANTAS or Virgin (REX for Devonport Airport). Alternatively, you can drive yourself & catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Victoria (currently Port Melbourne). Before you answer this, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself are:
- How long are you travelling around Tasmania?
- Did you wish to explore more than the major cities of Hobart & Launceston?
If the answer to the first is more than 10 days & the answer to the second question is ‘yes’. Then I would recommend you will need a car. We have put this guide together to draw some comparisons of costings for both flying or floating your way into Tasmania.
Before coming to Tasmania, please check all the necessary requirements no matter which way you choose to arrive.
Note: these are all approximations & can change regularly, we recommend you use this as a base for planning & budgeting. Additionally, we suggest you also check at the time of booking.
Tasmania has three main airports Hobart, Launceston & Devonport. The first two have direct flights available from several major cities of Australia. Whilst the latter is limited to direct flights from Melbourne (Tullamarine) only.
Our passenger ferry, port is in Devonport, with the current departure point (Port Melbourne). Construction is underway, for a new purpose built passenger terminal at Geelong, Victoria (expected completion Spring (Sept-Nov) 2022).
*Disclosure: We may have affiliate links with one or more of these companies mentioned & may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosures for further information.
Preview: Coming to Tasmania, should you fly or float?
This preview briefly highlights what you will discover in our article ‘Coming to Tasmania – should you Fly or Float?’ Providing comparisons that incorporate, different trip lengths & entry ports. In addition to offering, some help with your decision we hope it’s a good place to start creating your perfect itinerary. Our free Travel Checklists will help you keep all your plans together, it also includes a great variety of checklist.
- How long will you be travelling in Tasmania – an overview of how this affects your fly or float decision.
- Exploring only Hobart & Launceston – an important aspect to whether your decision is to fly or float.
- Exploring more than Hobart & Launceston– some things to consider if wanting to go out & explore more.
- Fly or Float – Pros & Cons – we will provide you with many of the pros & cons to either flying or floating
- Fly or Float Comparison – our outline of the approximate cost & time, of flying or floating
- Coming to Tasmania, should you fly or float: My Opinion – Here is my honest opinion, as a traveller on flying or floating when coming to Tasmania.
How long will you be in Tasmania?
How long you are coming to Tasmania, is an important question for whether you should fly or float? If you are only coming for an overnight event, a long weekend or even a short 7-10 day trip. In my opinion the cost & travel time comparison, for such a short length of time is not feasible. However, if you are travelling & staying more than 10 days, should you fly, or float becomes a relevant question. The longer you stay the more economical it is to bring your own vehicle.
Explore only Hobart & Launceston?
If you are going no further than Hobart or Launceston, when coming to Tasmania, the should you fly or float decision isn’t hard, ‘Fly’.
Both cities have airports, local bus systems, taxi’s & private transport.
That said, if you coming to Tasmania to travel about the state & don’t wish to bring or hire a car. There is a selection of bus companies that operate within the State that can get you to a variety of destinations. A variety of timetables are available from Transport Services, Tasmania. Alternatively, you can go directly to the company websites, which include Callows Coaches, Metro, Tassielink. Note: The trip can be a longer duration than driving yourself due to frequent stopping.
Additionally, Redline bus service offers transport from the Spirit of Tasmania for walk on passengers to either Hobart or Launceston.
Note: At the time of publishing the Redlines regular service that links Hobart-Launceston-Hobart was not available. Please check back for regular updates or contact Redline Bus Service directly.
Even from Hobart & Launceston you can still get out & about by taking one of the many tours that are available. The majority of tours are run by small local businesses that love Tasmania & are proud to show it off. There is truly something for everyone here & recommend you look at the following to see what’s on offer. Alternatively, you can choose from one of our 13 must do one day Itineraries around Hobart.
Hobart Tours
Launceston
Exploring more than Hobart & Launceston
So, you want to explore more than just Hobart & Launceston when coming to Tasmania. This is possible whether you are here for 3 days or 3 yrs. Travelling by plane or bringing your own car on the ferry & in my opinion highly recommended. There truly is an abundance of amazing places to see, it would be an absolute crime not to visit them.
Note: Many roads in Tasmania that lead to some of the most interesting places are gravel roads, with a speed limit of 80km/h (50m/h). Please ensure you have adequate insurance whether bringing your own car or renting a vehicle.
We are very huge advocates for independent travelling. Which is why we created our FREE Travel Checklists & Travel Planning System, which is a spreadsheet. However, if that’s not you, it’s still possible, to see many parts of Tasmania. With an abundance of tours & guides available to suit everyone’s needs. Whether it’s a tour for ½ a day or 6 days you can explore, for as long or as little as you desire. The link below will take you to a selection of over 80 possibilities.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to get even more personal in your tours, you can contact one of the groups below to organise a personalised day trip for you.
Fly or Float – Pros & Cons
When choosing to fly or float when coming to Tasmania. There are a few things to consider, we have highlighted some of the major pro’s & con’s for both.
Note: If you discover more, please comment below & I will happily include them.
Fly
Pros
- Travel time (direct flights approx. 3 hrs BNE-HBA)ˆ
- Rent car as/when needed
Cons
- Associated airport cost (accommodation, parking/transfer)
- Possible flight delays/cancellations
- Costs associated with car rental˜
- Base rental
- Insurance & extras
Float
Pros
- Familiar Vehicle
- Fuel only
- Accommodation covered (Caravan/Camper)
Cons
- Downtime in trip if any car mishaps occur
- Responsible for running costs (tyres etc)
- Extended travel time (12hrs on boat+ transit time to boat)
- Travel costs to boat
ˆFlight comparison guidance
˜Check terms & conditions
Fly or Float – Comparison
The costs associated with catching the ferry (floating) or flying when coming to Tasmania can vary greatly depending on your departure point. As well as how you are planning to travel, we have a brief overview below of possible costs to consider.
For instance, when flying you will have a transport cost to the airport or parking fee at the airport. If you are flying out early you may choose to stay at a close hotel. Though, an additional airport shuttle cost may be incurred here. Also, check with hotels close to the airport sometimes they offer cheap parking for the duration. Next, you have your flights & car rental costs then once you return, the above is repeated. Oh & don’t forget snacks a very important part of any, road journey or flight.
If you decide you wish to float (ferry) over to Tasmania, first thing to consider is distance to ferry terminal. In some cases, it may only be that a few hours’ drive is required. However, if travelling from further north in Australia the distance could be quite substantial. A stay overnight (accommodation) may be required or recommended for safety. There is also wear & tear on the vehicle, during the trip & fuel. Having a service before leaving, tyres & brakes checked etc. is prudent but another possible expense. There is of course the all important road trip snacks & any meals you have along the way.
Many roads in Tasmania are gravel, they seem to be the ones that lead to the best spots. Hence, we recommend you check the tyres on your vehicle are suitable, which may add a further cost.
We are putting together a fly or float budget sheet, for coming to Tasmania to complement our FREE Travel Checklists.
Note: If travelling with a caravan or in a camper/motorhome accommodation cost can be reduced. By way of staying in a caravan park, or one of the many free sites around Australia.
Floating
This overview is for costs of coming to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania. These costs are based on a search from the Spirit of Tasmania at the time of publishing (02/22). These are representative of a search on a BMW SUV (Only), towing a caravan & a campervan (total 19mtres). The return costs are representative of travelling to Tasmania for 9, 30 & 90 days respectively at time of publishing.
They do not include any costs associated with travelling to the ferry terminal. Currently in Port Melbourne, due to move to Geelong early 2023.
This is for information only, to be used, for comparison. Whilst correct at the time of publishing, costs may vary overtime & at time of booking.
Note: At the time of publishing vehicles over 19 metres required a quote directly from the Spirit of Tasmania.
Flying, Car & Campervan Rental
These comparisons are based on a search in Webjet & Drive Now (Campervan hire) at the time of publishing (02/22). Included in this comparison are approximate flight cost (per person), for coming to Tasmania from the capital cities around Australia. These include the three main domestic airlines (Jetstar, QANTAS & Virgin Australia) that have regular scheduled flights into Hobart & Launceston. In addition to the QANTAS flight that arrives into Devonport airport from Melbourne (Tullamarine) airport.
The car & campervan rental costs (not including extras) are for a period of 9 days & 30 days. Costs are based on a search out of Hobart, Launceston & Devonport Airports. In addition to the ferry terminal at Devonport. The searches performed were based on a SUV vehicle. Due to the fact that many roads in Tasmania are unsealed.
This is for information only, to be used, for comparison. Whilst correct at the time of publishing, costs may vary overtime & at time of booking.
When coming to Tasmania – should you fly or float: My Opinion
I am not going to lie my personal preference for travelling back & forth from Tasmania is predominately flying.
However, if you are coming to Tasmania for more than a 10 days. As well as moving about the state, we would recommend bringing your own car. I personally don’t believe it’s cost effective to hire a car for that length of time (no matter what discount we get).
Though I was surprised to learn campervans are cheaper to rent for 30 days over cars. Who knew…
For overseas travellers you could buy a cheap car for the cost of some of the rentals when travelling for more than 30 days throughout Australia.
That said we have been in NSW & QLD for up to 21 days & only hired vehicles when planning trips over an hour away. Which is something I highly recommend especially if coming to Tasmania & staying in & around Hobart or Launceston.
As an example we recently drove to Hobart for a 7 day visit & only used our car twice in 7 days. With car rental places all over the city this is another option to consider. Especially is you want to explore but don’t discount the abundance of small local tour operators. They provide small sized tours with a knowledge & familiarity of the area that is second to none.
Other articles that may help you plan your trip to Tasmania.
Come explore to Tasmania all you need to know.
4 Great Stops on the Hobart to Launceston Road Trip
13 Must Do One Day Itineraries around Hobart
13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart
13 Delicious Restaurants Around Hobart CBD
13 Best One Day Itineraries Around Launceston
That’s a very detailed and thoughtful guide! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you I tried to include everything
Very detailed and scrupulously written post: tons of useful information! Bookmarked!
Thank you so much I hoped to include all that’s needed
I think it’s important decision when making travel plans for visiting Tasmania. Thanks for useful information and great tips!
It is and it really does depend on many things and I am glad it was helpful
I have been wondering this myself. Living in Melbourne I can do both, so far, I’ve done neither but hope to change that soon.
I think it really is a matter of where you want to travel to and how long you are coming for also the Spirit moves to Geelong in October…which may impact choices
What a great breakdown. Tasmania sounds like such an amazing place. What a treat that you get to live there.
Thank you I know we are spoilt as it is an amazing place…
Stunning photos! I never considered the float option before, but still think I’d fly. Great article, thanks!
Yes…flying gets you here quicker so if limited time it’s often the better option, just rentals at the moment are crazy prices…
Wow, what a fun read! You made me want to visit Tasmania – I didn’t realize there were so many options! Thank you!
Thank you that makes me smile…I am so glad you loved the article
A con with flying is the environmental impact. Flights are hard on the environment, especially short ones.
Always choose the option that is easier on the environment.
We totally agree there and we have always reduced where we can or pay offset for flying
I would have never thought of floating! So interesting!
Apparently there are lots of people that don’t especially from OS. You can add to your list
Wow, this is such a complex and useful post! I think here is included all the most important information and facts! You did a nice job putting it all together! Thank you for that!
I am glad you liked it and thank you. It was my wish to make it informative & factual at the same time so please I achieved that for you.
I believe this is the most complex and detailed travel information I’ve read in a very long time! Have you considered a travel agent service (if you are not yet providing it)?
Thank you so much I like details, I haven’t considered a travel agent service. I love to help people independently travel…I am thinking of a membership…to help them
I am starting something new and will post it in my Facebook group; It might interest you. I have a travel background, and I believe now it’s the perfect time to rekindle an old love, with the pandemic ending and people desperate to escape restrictions and travel (and make some money out of it, LOL)
Sure let me know what you are cooking
Great trip planning tips! Floating wouldn’t even have crossed my mind as possibility.
Thanks & I haven’t finished it yet…I would only float over mainland Australia if were were travelling for over a month. For Tassie it is a bit different, not much accessible transport, but loads of private guides.
Wow, these tips are extremely helpful. I love the way you even wrote out a pros and cons list. I feel like I would want to float, simply for the experience 🙂 thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Meghan, It’s a long trip but there is plenty to do on the ferry, during summer they have day sailings also. Not sure which I’d prefer, though I am usually a get there quick sort of person.
Valid questions and excellent considerations. I vote the float! 😀 Also…. I had the cartoon theme from the Tasmanian Devil show back in the 90s in my head…. “come to Tasmania! Come to Tasmania!” Surely I can’t be alone in this? 😄
Ha Ha ahhh yes Tazzie Devil doesn’t actually look like one but hey that’s show biz… and no you probably aren’t…I think the main consideration with floating is the time do it’s really a time/cost question also valid…but thank you for your comment…I am glad you thought so