FAQs

Who is entitled to a pensioner fare?

Pensioner fares are only applicable to holders of an Australian Pensioner Concession Card, as pictured and issued by Centrelink or Veterans Affairs. 

The following conditions apply to be entitled to book a pensioner fare:

• The card expiry date must be valid at the time of travel and must be presented upon check-in.  Failure to present a valid card will require the pensioner fare to be upgraded to an adult fare with any price difference required to be paid at time of upgrade

• If the Concession Card has a dependant adult named on the card, both persons named on the card are entitled to book a pensioner fare

• The pensioner who is travelling must travel with the card

• Pensioner fares are subject to availability and can only be booked if available. The following exceptions apply regardless of pensioner availability and if when booking online, no pensioner fares are available, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 634 906 for further assistance
  
  

- Recipients of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated pension (TPI)
- Recipients of Extreme Disablement Adjustment pension (EDA)

Who is NOT entitled to book a pensioner fare?

• Healthcare Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

• Senior Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

• Students who are listed on their parent's Pensioner Concession Card are not eligible for the pensioner fare as they do not have their own CRN number. Students must apply for their own low income card which is equivalent to a Healthcare Card

• Companion Card holders are not entitled to a pensioner fare as it is a service card only (such as use on public transport or entry into attractions)

• Exceptional Circumstances Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

Are carers entitled to book a pensioner fare?
A pensioner fare is only offered to a carer meeting the following criteria:

• The person they care for must be a recipient and holder of an Australian Pensioner Concession Card

• The carer must travel on the same booking with the pensioner they care for

• A carer is entitled to the pensioner fare providing they are not a professional carer

• A carer travelling with a TPI pensioner card holder is entitled to the discount

How far in advance can I book?

Bookings are open for the next 12 months only. This eliminates any booking errors related to confusing travel dates. Sailings for the following year are released on the last day of each month.

Can I purchase travel insurance through Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes, travel insurance may be purchased through Allianz Global Assistance when making a Spirit of Tasmania booking. Travel insurance may also be purchased for existing bookings via Manage my booking.

To contact Allianz directly, please call 1800 023 797 or email your enquiry to  spiritoftas@allianz-assistance.com.au

How does booking a motorhome/campervan differ to booking a caravan?

'Motorhome' means a road vehicle designed and constructed primarily to provide sleeping accommodation for the number of occupants that the vehicle is designed to carry.  A motorhome is also referred to as a campervan.  When making your booking, you need to book the motorhome or campervan as a vehicle and at step three, select the motorhome/campervan option.   

A 'Caravan' is a unit which is designed and constructed primarily to provide sleeping accommodation. However it is a separate non motorised unit and therefore must be towed by a motorised unit in order to be transported.  When booking your caravan, you need to select the 'towing a caravan or trailer' option.  At step three, you will need to provide the full length of the caravan and this measurement must include the drawbar.  Please measure from the rear of the vehicle (where drawbar is attached) to the rear of the caravan.

Full details regarding the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme and interpretation of vehicle categories can be viewed here.

How do I apply for a job at Spirit of Tasmania?

Vacancies for Spirit of Tasmania jobs are handled through the Business and Employment Centre. For more information, visit findstaff.biz or call (03) 6422 7799.

How long does the trip take?

The trip on board Spirit of Tasmania takes approximately 9-11 hours. On days of single sailings, the voyage takes 11 hours. On days of double sailings, the voyage takes 9 hours.

Who is entitled to a pensioner fare?

Pensioner fares are only applicable to holders of an Australian Pensioner Concession Card, as pictured and issued by Centrelink or Veterans Affairs. 

The following conditions apply to be entitled to book a pensioner fare:

• The card expiry date must be valid at the time of travel and must be presented upon check-in.  Failure to present a valid card will require the pensioner fare to be upgraded to an adult fare with any price difference required to be paid at time of upgrade

• If the Concession Card has a dependant adult named on the card, both persons named on the card are entitled to book a pensioner fare

• The pensioner who is travelling must travel with the card

• Pensioner fares are subject to availability and can only be booked if available. The following exceptions apply regardless of pensioner availability and if when booking online, no pensioner fares are available, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 634 906 for further assistance
  
  

- Recipients of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated pension (TPI)
- Recipients of Extreme Disablement Adjustment pension (EDA)

Who is NOT entitled to book a pensioner fare?

• Healthcare Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

• Senior Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

• Students who are listed on their parent's Pensioner Concession Card are not eligible for the pensioner fare as they do not have their own CRN number. Students must apply for their own low income card which is equivalent to a Healthcare Card

• Companion Card holders are not entitled to a pensioner fare as it is a service card only (such as use on public transport or entry into attractions)

• Exceptional Circumstances Card holders are not entitled to the pensioner fare

Are carers entitled to book a pensioner fare?
A pensioner fare is only offered to a carer meeting the following criteria:

• The person they care for must be a recipient and holder of an Australian Pensioner Concession Card

• The carer must travel on the same booking with the pensioner they care for

• A carer is entitled to the pensioner fare providing they are not a professional carer

• A carer travelling with a TPI pensioner card holder is entitled to the discount

How far in advance can I book?

Bookings are open for the next 12 months only. This eliminates any booking errors related to confusing travel dates. Sailings for the following year are released on the last day of each month.

Can I purchase travel insurance through Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes, travel insurance may be purchased through Allianz Global Assistance when making a Spirit of Tasmania booking. Travel insurance may also be purchased for existing bookings via Manage my booking.

To contact Allianz directly, please call 1800 023 797 or email your enquiry to  spiritoftas@allianz-assistance.com.au

Why was my booking timed out?

Your current booking will be held for ten minutes.  If you exceed this time, you are required to start again. Our online booking system also requires cookies and javascript to be enabled, which can be managed by accessing your internet options.  If not, there is a chance you will be automatically timed out.  Please check your internet options are set to enable cookies and javascript before making your booking.

Can I book a different person each way on a return booking?

No, the names of passengers on return bookings need to be the same for both the departing and returning legs. If the names of the passengers differ in each direction, please make two bookings.

What options are available online?

If you go to Manage my booking and enter your booking details, you can:

• View your booking - including contact details, sailing details and payment history.
  
  
• Resend your itinerary/e-ticket - a copy of your itinerary can be sent via email.
  
  
• Update your contact details - including name, address, phone and email.
  
  
• Add your vehicle registration - if you didn't complete your vehicle registration at the time of booking, you can add it online.
  
  
• Change your vehicle registration - if your vehicle registration has changed, you can update your details online.
  
  
• Add, remove or change your vehicle(s) - including standard cars, motorbikes, caravans, camper trailers, trailers, campervan and motorhomes.
  
  
• Make a payment on an existing booking - if there is an outstanding balance on your booking, you can complete your payment online.
  
  
• Add or remove kennels or bicycles - change your additional options.
  
  
• Add travel insurance to your booking - from Allianz Global Assistance.
  
  
• Add, remove or change passengers - change details of who is sailing.
  
  
• Add, remove or change accommodation - change your cabin options.
  
  
• Change your sailing dates or departure time - change your travel times.
  
  
• Change your sailing direction  - to or from Melbourne and Devonport.
  
  
• Cancel your booking - make a complete cancellation to your booking.

If I amend my booking online, is there an amendment fee?

No, there is no amendment fee when you amend your booking online.  However, relevant fare cancellation fees still apply if you wish to cancel your booking entirely.  Click here for full details about Spirit of Tasmania's amendment and cancellation fees.

What is the deadline to make amendments to my booking prior to departure?

Amendments made online must be made more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of your existing journey or the new journey you wish to travel on. If you wish to amend your booking within 24 hours of the existing or the new departure time, please call us on 1800 634 906. Amendment fees will apply.  For more information on amendment and cancellation fees, click here.

If I am receiving a refund, how and when will I receive the value owed?

Refunds will be credited back to the payee in the same or similar form to their original payment. Details of how refund payments will be issued are outlined in the table below:

Credit card refunds will be processed at the time of the request. Refund payments will be credited back to the original credit card used for the original booking, via an authorised CardGate Credit Card Payment Gateway.

Cheque refunds will be reviewed within two standard business days of the request. Bank cheques will be made out and addressed to the payee, based on the details provided at the time of the refund. Bank cheques will be sent via regular post within 14 standard business days of the refund request.

Gift voucher refunds will be processed at the time of the request. Refund payments will be issued in the form of a new gift voucher; they will not be issued by cash, bank cheque or credit card. The new gift voucher will be issued to the recipient of the original gift voucher. If the original recipient is unknown at the time of issuing the refund, the new gift voucher will be issued to the Contact Name on the original booking.

Click here for further information about refund payment methods, including refunds issued with multiple payment methods.

If I amend my booking and additional payment is required, how can I pay the difference?

Multiple payment options are available online.  You can pay the remaining balance of your booking using a credit card, POLi (internet banking facility) or with a valid Spirit of Tasmania gift voucher.

Can all bookings be amended online?

Direct bookings made online at spiritoftasmania.com.au, via Spirit of Tasmania's Customer Contact Centre or at Spirit of Tasmania's terminals can be amended online.

Travel Agent, Freight, Group and Special Event bookings will not be available to amend online. If you wish to amend or cancel this type of booking, please contact your travel agent, for Spirit of Tasmania Freight bookings please call 1800 988 895 and Spirit of Tasmania Group and Special Event bookings please call 1800 204 687.

Can I book my caravan, motorhome or trailer online?

Yes, your motorhome or towed unit can be booked online using the panel on the left.  You will be required to provide registration details of all towed units in addition to your vehicle.  If you are not sure which type of vehicle to book, please see the following FAQ for the definition of a motorhome and caravan.

Can I take a rental car on the ship?

We recommend checking with the rental car company before booking as restrictions may apply to vehicles travelling on Spirit of Tasmania.

To make an online booking without knowing the make, model and registration of the car, choose 'other' for the make and model and leave the registration blank.

Can I access my car during the voyage?

No. For safety reasons, passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck during the voyage.

What time should I check in?

Check-in commences 2.5 hours prior to departure with the final check in 45 minutes prior to departure. Please make sure you check in more than 45 minutes prior to departure to avoid being refused carriage and possibly forfeiting your fare.

Where do I obtain my cabin key?

When you present your ticket at the point of check in, you will receive a boarding pass and a ship directory with your cabin number and key card/s.

Do I drive my own car on board?

Yes, all drivers board in their vehicle with their passengers. The Spirit of Tasmania wharf crew will direct you when loading and advise where to park on board.

How do I apply for a job at Spirit of Tasmania?

Vacancies for Spirit of Tasmania jobs are handled through the Business and Employment Centre. For more information, visit findstaff.biz or call (03) 6422 7799.

How long does the trip take?

The trip on board Spirit of Tasmania takes approximately 9-11 hours. On days of single sailings, the voyage takes 11 hours. On days of double sailings, the voyage takes 9 hours.

Does Spirit of Tasmania still sail from Sydney?

No, the Spirit of Tasmania service from Sydney to Devonport (Tasmania) ceased operation in 2006. Spirit of Tasmania operates two ships which sail between Melbourne and Devonport, departing both locations most nights.

Can I visit my pet during the voyage?

No. For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to access the vehicle deck while the ship is at sea. Spirit of Tasmania crew perform regular checks on pets during the crossing.

Can I bring dangerous goods such as firearms and ammunition with me?

Yes, however if you do intend to travel with firearms or ammunition, it is paramount you complete the passenger declaration form which can be downloaded by clicking on the following link Firearm/Ammunition Declaration Form. This attachment also outlines essential information you need to know about carrying such items. The form must be completed by the passenger prior to travel and lodged no later than 24 hours prior to check-in on the intended date of travel.

Can I share a cabin with a stranger?

Yes, shared cabins can be booked with other passengers online.

What do I bring on board?

Your cabin contains bed linen, towels and soap. We recommend taking personal toiletries, medication and clothing items in an overnight bag. If you are travelling with an infant, a cot has automatically been booked for you. However, you will need to bring linen for the cot.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

All cabins on Spirit of Tasmania have linen provided including sheets, doonas, pillows and towels. If you are travelling with an infant, you will need to bring linen for the cot (cot is provided free of charge). Passengers in Ocean Recliners are provided with pillows and blankets.

What can't I take to Tasmania?

Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish products, plants or plant parts and anything carrying soil cannot be taken into Tasmania. For more information see Department of Primary Industries and Water (Tasmania) or phone the quarantine hotline on 13 13 68.

Can I take gas bottles or hazardous liquids on board?

Gas bottles are permitted on board. However, if they are not connected to a motorhome or campervan, they must be declared at check-in. They will be placed on a trolley for the voyage. You will be issued with a receipt, which must be handed in on arrival when collecting the gas bottle. Gas bottles do not need to be emptied.

For conditions relating to the carriage of hazardous liquids including cleaning spirits, please refer to our Carriage of Dangerous Goods Policy.

Are there locker facilities at the terminals?

There are no locker facilities available at either terminal. Luggage must not be left unattended anywhere at the terminals at any time. Southern Cross Station in Melbourne has locker storage facilities and is approximately 10 minutes by light rail from Station Pier.

Is there a doctor on board?

No. Spirit of Tasmania has a medical attendant travelling on all crossings who is available to provide assistance in an emergency situation. If you have any special medical needs, please ensure you make contact with us at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Do the cabins have power points?

Yes. The ship's electrical sockets operate at 230 volts and 60 Hertz which may cause some items to run quicker than when connected to mains power. However, most modern electrical appliances are manufactured to operate on a voltage between 220-250 volts and 50/60 Hertz which are suitable for the ship's power. If you are travelling with medical equipment, visit the pursers desk after boarding to have your equipment checked by the ship's electrician.

Is a meal included in the cost of my fare?

No. However, there is a range of food available for purchase on board. Spirit of Tasmania offers a restaurant and eatery for different tastes and budgets. There is also a range of bars to enjoy on board.

Can I pre-book a table at the restaurant?

No, it is not possible to pre-book a table at The Leatherwood Restaurant. To reserve a table for dinner, book at the restaurant after boarding the ship.

What time do the restaurants/bars close on night sailings?

On days of single sailings, The Captain's Table is open until 9.30pm and The Leatherwood Restaurant, until 10pm. The bars close at midnight on days of single sailings (subject to weather conditions). Please note, bars may close earlier depending on passenger numbers.

Are there an EFTPOS facilities on board?

There are ATM's on board the ships but these are only functional whilst in port. All major credit cards are accepted on board Spirit of Tasmania and in the terminals.