The route at a glance
The Launceston–Melbourne corridor.
Launceston is the simplest Tasmanian city to leave by sea, since the Devonport ferry port is only about an hour and a quarter west by road. From there the Spirit of Tasmania crosses Bass Strait to Geelong, and a short onward coach brings you into Melbourne. There is no single coach ticket for the whole trip, because part of it is a sea crossing. The alternative is the one hour flight. AusBus handles the coach legs; ferry tickets come from Spirit of Tasmania.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
The short Launceston to Devonport run makes the ferry option genuinely practical here, particularly with a car. Aim to reach Devonport with time before check in closes, since the coach and ferry are separate bookings. For a quick, hands free trip to Melbourne, compare the direct flight first.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Melbourne
SeptemberMelbourne, VICRoyal Melbourne ShowLast week of September into early October (11 days)
SeptemberMelbourne, VICAFL Grand FinalLast Saturday of September (typically)
OctoberMelbourne, VICMelbourne FringeEarly-to-mid October (approx. 18 days)
Route FAQs
Launceston to Melbourne, answered.
- Yes, in legs. Take a short coach west to Devonport, sail the Spirit of Tasmania to Geelong, then continue by coach to Melbourne. There is no single through coach, since the route crosses Bass Strait.
- Around an hour and a quarter by road, the shortest land leg to the ferry of any Tasmanian city, which is why leaving from Launceston by sea is straightforward.
- More so than from Hobart, thanks to the short coach leg, especially with a vehicle. If you just want to get to Melbourne quickly, the one hour flight is hard to beat.
Keep going
Onward from Melbourne.
Continuing past Melbourne? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes