The Spirit of Tasmania Offers Compelling New Reasons To Set Sail

There are two ways to get to Tasmania. You fly, or you board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry – a formative travel experience for generations of travellers. Now there’s another compelling reason to swap air for sea.

From October 31, you’ll be able to take the voyage from Geelong to Devonport on one of two new Spirit of Tasmania ships, with increased passenger and vehicle capacity, slick new accommodation options, and dining inspired by the state’s extraordinary produce.

References to Tasmania are woven throughout the vessel: architectural details crafted from reclaimed timber dredged from Lake Pieman, artworks commissioned by Tasmanian artists and benches made from Huon pine.

The mood is contemporary, unfussy and approachable. And while Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are deliberately pitched to appeal to a broad range of guests, there’s a new emphasis on meeting the needs of those looking for a more elevated sailing experience. After all, if you’re going to choose slow travel, you might as well do it in style.

A basic ticket, which starts at $49 during the off-season, gets you a standard recliner roughly comparable to an economy class seat on an aeroplane. Situated in a common area with ample luggage storage, they have tray tables, USB charging ports, individual reading lights and footrests, and can recline back around 45 degrees. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to a premium business recliner, which is more spacious, more private and allows you to lie completely flat. With just 37 on board, they’ll be a sought-after option.

For maximum comfort, you can opt for a private cabin. There are 301 rooms on board, including accessible options, ranging from compact to capacious. There are neat two-person berths, bunk bed cabins ideal for small groups, and family cabins spacious enough to accommodate six people. On the high end, deluxe cabins offer a hotel-style room experience and are kitted out with queen beds, contemporary lighting and finishes, and paintings by Tasmanian artists.

On the older Spirits, pets could only travel confined to kennels below deck. Now, for the first time, you can travel alongside your dog or cat in designated pet-friendly cabins. These cabins have robust soundproofing, lino rather than carpeted corridors outside, and easy access to a dedicated outdoor deck, where dogs can socialise and stretch their legs on-lead.

Deck eight is entirely devoted to dining and entertainment, with a children’s playground, an old-school video game arcade, two cinemas and ample space to observe the ocean views through oversized porthole windows which flood the deck with natural light. Mersey Cafe and Bar offers barista-made coffee and snacks, while the Maatsuyker Bar, named for the island off the coast of the southern tip of the state, has a family-friendly sports bar vibe and a snacky menu featuring wings, loaded fries, tacos and pizzas. For more substantial offerings, the Tasmanian Market Kitchen plates up local seafood like Tasmanian oysters, Crystal Bay prawns and wild-caught fish, aromatic curries and noodles, smoked meats, homestyle roasts, hearty lasagnes and more. Everything here is available to order, replacing the older Spirit’s buffet menu.  

Two floors up, Cradle Lounge offers serene ocean views and a menu of Tasmanian wines, beers and spirits, accompanied by cheese plates and canapés. Sitting in the lounge’s plush chairs, you might be in an inner-city bar, if not for the gentle roll of the swell and the endless blue of Bass Strait, stretching out to the horizon.

The Spirit of Tasmania IV and V sail from October 31. Tickets are on sale now.

spiritoftasmania.com.au