About this route
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.
Frequently asked
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.