The route at a glance
The Melbourne–Launceston corridor.
Of the major Tasmanian cities, Launceston is the kindest to ferry travellers, because it sits only about an hour and a quarter by road from the Devonport ferry port. The surface route is a coach to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Geelong, the crossing to Devonport, then a short hop east to Launceston. By air it is roughly an hour from Melbourne. No coach spans the whole route, as the middle is a Bass Strait sailing. AusBus covers the coach legs; the ferry is a direct booking with Spirit of Tasmania.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Because the Tasmanian leg is short, the ferry is more competitive to Launceston than to Hobart, especially if you are bringing a car or want to explore the north. Book the sailing early in summer. If you are travelling light and watching the clock, price up a direct flight before committing to the ferry day.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Launceston
FebruaryLaunceston, TASFestivaleSecond weekend of February (3 days)
AprilStatewide Tasmania, TASTarga TasmaniaSix days in April
Route FAQs
Melbourne to Launceston, answered.
- No single coach, because the route crosses Bass Strait. You sail the Spirit of Tasmania from Geelong to Devonport, then take a short coach east to Launceston, or you fly.
- About an hour and a quarter by road, the shortest ferry to city coach leg in Tasmania. That makes Launceston the most practical Tasmanian city to reach by sea.
- Flying is about an hour from Melbourne and usually quicker overall. The ferry suits a vehicle or a trip where the crossing and the northern coast are part of the plan.
Keep going
Onward from Launceston.
Continuing past Launceston? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes