AUSTRALIA, 15 September 2026: Spirit of Tasmania will launch additional sailing capacity and accommodation inventory tomorrow across its much-anticipated new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V, giving passengers greater choice ahead of the ships’ inaugural passenger sailings on 31 October 2026.
As Tasmania continues to attract record visitor demand, welcoming an all-time high of 1.4 million visitors in the year ending March 2026, the new vessels will play an important role in supporting future growth and strengthening the connection between mainland Australia and the island state.
As a key gateway to Tasmania, the new vessels will help increase capacity across Bass Strait, supporting local tourism operators, businesses and communities while making it easier for more Australians to experience the state. The increased freight capacity will also provide greater opportunities for Tasmanian producers and businesses to get their products to mainland markets and, through established supply chains, reach customers further afield.
The new ships are designed to carry an additional 470 passengers per sailing and feature 301 cabins, including accessible cabins and have increased vehicle capacity – including more than 3 times more capacity for caravans.
From 10am Wednesday 16 September, passengers can access the expanded range of accommodation options, including new pet-friendly cabins, family cabins and business recliners, with passengers being able to book up to 12 months in advance.
Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania, said: “We are entering a new era for Bass Strait passenger travel and freight transport, with Spirit IV and V delivering an unrivalled travel experience.
“The new Spirits offer expanded capacity, new accommodation options such as pet cabins, contemporary onboard spaces and a stronger showcase of Tasmania’s best food, wine and craftsmanship.
“We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Tasmania on the new ships.”
Chris Carbone, Spirit of Tasmania CEO said: “Tomorrow marks an exciting milestone as we open bookings for Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V and prepare to welcome passengers aboard for the very first time.
“These vessels represent a new era for Bass Strait travel, with greater capacity, more accommodation choice and a contemporary onboard experience that is distinctly Tasmanian.
“From the onboard dining experiences to the Tasmanian producers, makers and materials featured throughout the ships, every element has been designed to showcase the very best of our island state.”
Sarah Kingston Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tasmania, said: “The journey across the Bass Strait is part of a Tasmanian holiday, and the new Spirits will give travellers a taste of the island from the moment they step onboard.
“Tasmania is a place meant to be explored at your own pace. With greater capacity and accessibility through the new Spirits, more travellers will be able to bring their car, caravan or bikes, giving them the freedom to take their time, get off the beaten track and discover more of our diverse regions.
“Importantly, we know that travelling on the Spirit also delivers real value for Tasmania. Spirit visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and travel further across the island, helping to spread the benefits of tourism to operators and communities throughout our state.”
A Distinctly Tasmanian Experience
Passengers travelling on the new vessels will discover a range of new and reimagined spaces celebrating Tasmania’s landscapes, produce, stories and makers.
Highlights include:
· Tasmanian Market Kitchen, a market-style dining experience featuring five food stalls showcasing a variety of cuisines and fresh Tasmanian produce.
· Mersey Café and Bar, inspired by the iconic Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and serving barista coffee, snacks and local beverages.
· Maatsuyker Bar, offering casual dining and an expansive undercover outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait.
· Cradle Lounge, featuring premium Tasmanian food and beverage offerings in a relaxed setting.
· Huon Lounge, home to the Tassie Showcase program, bringing Tasmanian producers and makers directly to passengers throughout the year.
The ships also feature extensive Tasmanian artwork and locally sourced materials, including sustainably recovered Celery Top Pine supplied by Tasmanian company Hydrowood, alongside Huon Pine and Tasmanian Oak showcased throughout the vessels.
New Accommodation Options
Travellers will be able to choose from an extended range of accommodation options, including:
· Pet-friendly cabins accommodating up to two pets
· Family cabins sleeping up to six guests
· Deluxe cabin options
· Premium business recliners
Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V will undertake their inaugural passenger sailings on 31 October 2026, departing from Geelong and Devonport respectively. To book your tickets, or for more information, visit www.spiritoftasmania.com.au
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR: Contact: spiritoftasmania@havasred.com
Inaugural Sailing Information:
The inaugural passenger sailings of Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V on 31 October 2026 will mark one of the most significant milestones in the history of Bass Strait travel. Welcoming passengers onboard for the first time, the next-generation vessels signal the beginning of a new chapter for Spirit of Tasmania, delivering greater capacity, enhanced onboard experiences and a contemporary gateway between Tasmania and mainland Australia. Designed to showcase the very best of Tasmania, the vessels will connect more visitors with the island state while supporting tourism, business and freight for decades to come.
ABOUT Spirit of Tasmania
Spirit of Tasmania is one of Australia’s most significant tourism and transport links, connecting Tasmania and mainland Australia via regular passenger and freight services across Bass Strait. Owned by the Tasmanian Government through TT-Line Company Pty Ltd, Spirit of Tasmania carries passengers, vehicles and freight between Geelong and Devonport, helping drive visitation, economic development and trade for Tasmania.
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels represent a significant step forward for Bass Strait travel, providing enhanced capacity, contemporary onboard facilities and a distinctly Tasmanian experience for travellers.
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