Check-in and boarding
Before you travel
Check your booking details
Travel details
Please check your passenger names, travel dates, sailing times, direction of travel and vehicle details before you travel.
Travelling with a vehicle?
If you are travelling with a vehicle, ensure the registration, height and length are correct.
Amend your booking
You can view, amend or cancel your booking in My booking. Online amendments and cancellations can be made up to three hours before your scheduled departure time.
boarding information
Check-in and boarding
Check-in time
Check-in opens 2.5 hours before departure and closes strictly 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please arrive with enough time to complete check-in, security screening and boarding. If you arrive after check-in closes, you may not be able to sail as planned.
Specific needs
If you have specific needs or accessibility requirements, you must check in at least 2 hours before departure.
Photo ID
Please bring your e-ticket, photo ID and any required permits or documentation. You will need to present your photo ID at check-in.
Security screening
All passengers and vehicles are subject to security screening before boarding.
Please check our Restricted items list to ensure your luggage will meet our screening requirements.
Please allow enough time, follow directions from our team and be prepared to present items for inspection if requested. If you refuse screening or do not follow safety or security instructions, you may not be able to board.
Baggage and carry-on
Pack one small overnight bag for use on board per person. Please take all medication, valuables, chargers, baby items and anything else you need during the journey.
You will not be able to return to your vehicle or access checked luggage while at sea.
Large, heavy items should be left in your vehicle or checked in for storage while sailing.
Please respect our team
Be kind and respectful to our team and fellow passengers. Aggressive behaviour may mean you cannot sail and may be banned from future travel with us.
Check-in & boarding process
Step 1: Check-in
Once you have checked-in you will receive your boarding pass. If you have booked a cabin or recliner this pass will act as your key.
Step 2: Quarantine & security
Biosecurity restrictions apply. Certain items such as fruit, vegetables, plants and honey must be declared or disposed of prior to boarding.
Step 3: Terminal facilities
While waiting to board at the Geelong terminal, take advantage of our amenities, including a children’s playground, dedicated pet area, comfortable lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, charging stations and a café offering fresh food and coffee.
Step 4: Boarding with a vehicle
Vehicles are boarded according to their height and length rather than first to arrive. Passengers drive their own cars on board the ship directed by crew. Once the vehicle is parked, place in park/gear and engage the park brake. If possible, disable your car alarm as movement of the ship can set it off. Motorbikes and bicycles are secured in designated areas.
Step 5: Boarding with a pet
If you have booked a kennel, at check-in our team will provide you with a yellow tag instructing you to proceed to the nearest kennel with your pet. Spirit of Tasmania pets kennels are located on Decks 3 and 5.
Bring along familiar items such as bedding or toys to help your pet feel comfortable during the journey. Please ensure you are able to lift your pet into a kennel if required.
Step 6: Once aboard
Take your carry-on luggage and any medication with you. For safety reasons passengers are not allowed on the vehicle decks during voyage. Be sure to take a parking reminder flyer or take a photo of the vehicle deck number and colour of the stairwell. This will help you locate your vehicle upon your return. To get to your accommodation deck use the closest lift or stairwell. You will find your deck and accommodation details on your boarding pass.
Step 7: Disembarking
On arrival, announcements are made regarding disembarkation. You will be called to your vehicle by deck number. When disembarking, do not start your engine until directed by crew. All passengers travelling with a vehicle disembark the ship with the driver.
Where to board
Spirit of Tasmania's terminals
Check terminal location details before the day of travel so you know where to go and when to travel.
Travelling with pets
There are a few extra steps to take when boarding Spirit of Tasmania with a pet. If you have booked a kennel, at check-in our team will provide you with a yellow tag instructing you to proceed to the nearest kennel with your pet. Spirit of Tasmania pets kennels are located on Decks 3 and 5.
Bedding is not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own bedding. For safety reasons, passenger access to the kennels is not permitted during sailing however regular checks are carried out and fresh water is supplied throughout the sailing.
Tasmanian biosecurity conditions
As part of travelling with Spirit of Tasmania, passengers must comply with Tasmania’s strict biosecurity regulations. Please be aware that any fruit, vegetables, plants, honey, fish, or fish products cannot be brought onto the ship and must be declared and/or disposed of prior to boarding.
Biosecurity inspections will be completed prior to boarding at the Geelong terminal, with random inspections taking place during disembarkation at the Devonport terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Let us help you...
Find answers to your travel questions. We’re here to help make your journey a smooth and stress-free experience.
Still need more information?
Please contact our friendly Customer Contact Centre on 1800 634 906 (in Australia) or +61 3 6419 9320 (International) Monday to Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Pre-sailing checklist
We’ve created a handy checklist to help you prepare for your trip.
Before you travel
Ensure dates, names, direction of travel and sailing times are all correct on your e-ticket and that you have supplied your number plate details if travelling with a vehicle. You can make amendments online up to 3 hours before your scheduled sailing without incurring a fee.
To view, amend or make a cancellation to your booking,
visit book.spiritoftasmania.com.au/my-booking
It is essential that you have booked the correct length and height of your vehicle. Vehicle measurements are confirmed at check-in, and if incorrect you may be required to pay extra for the additional length. Or if we are unable to accommodate the adjusted length or height of your vehicle, your passage may be denied.
Find out how to measure your vehicle correctly. To amend or make changes to your vehicle details, please visit My Booking no later than 3 hours prior to travelling.
Your Travel Information accompanying your e-ticket, details everything you need to know about sailing with us.
Find out about:
- Check-in times and the boarding process.
- Restrictions on bringing fruit, vegetables or plants into Tasmania.
- Restrictions that apply to transporting jerry cans, LPG, gas and compressed air cylinders.If you are planning to carry dangerous goods, including firearms in your vehicle, please download and submit the Firearm and ammunition declaration form or the Firearm and ammunition (exemptions) declaration form for events 24 hours prior to travel.
- Biosecurity requirements for pets – Special entry conditions apply to some animals entering Tasmania. All dogs must be treated for hydatid tapeworm within 14 days prior to entering Tasmania and checked for ticks. Passengers travelling with dogs need to present a printed and signed Declaration by Owner or Importer for the entry of Dogs into Tasmania prior to boarding. For more information visit spiritoftasmania.com.au/pets.
Please read Your Travel Information carefully to avoid issues at check-in. For further information please refer to our FAQs section.
On the day
Have your e-ticket and photo ID ready for check-in. You will be issued with a boarding pass when you check in. Pensioners must present a valid Australian Pensioner Concession card at check-in.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, you may take one carry-on bag or suitcase with personal toiletries, medication and clothing on board and leave the remainder of your luggage in your car. Please remember that only credit and debit card payments are accepted in our terminals and on board. If you are travelling without a vehicle, you may check in two bags or suitcases and take one carry-on bag or suitcase on board. The carry-on baggage allowance is one medium bag or suitcase with the maximum dimensions of 66cm x 46.5cm x 27.5cm. No weight restrictions apply.
Check-in opens between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure and closes strictly 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you arrive after check-in has closed, you will not be permitted to board the vessel.
There are five vehicle decks on board so it is important to remember where you have parked your vehicle. Parking Reminder Flyers are available for collection in every vehicle deck lift/stairwell to assist you in finding your way back to your car upon disembarkation.
Still need more information?
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or call our friendly Customer Contact Centre on 1800 634 906 (in Australia) or +61 3 6419 9320 (International) Monday to Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm.