More room for caravans, cabins where pets can stay with their owners and new places to eat onboard – here’s what’s changing for your next Tasmania trip.
For anyone planning a caravan holiday in Tasmania, booking the Bass Strait crossing is a big part of getting the trip underway.
Now, there’s a significant change on the horizon. Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V are scheduled to begin passenger sailings on 31 October 2026, with more than three times the caravan capacity of the current ships. The new vessels will continue connecting Geelong and Devonport.
That’s welcome news if you’ve been looking at taking your own home on wheels across the water.
What does the extra caravan capacity mean?
The biggest change for caravanners is straightforward: the new ships have substantially more capacity to carry touring setups.
For travellers, that creates more opportunities to bring the van along and explore Tasmania with their own accommodation in tow. However, increased capacity doesn’t guarantee space on every departure. Your preferred sailing, vehicle space and cabin choice still need to line up when you book.
The new ships show a lane metre increase from 2,565m to 4,098m – an increase of 59.8%, or approximately 60% more vehicle space.
Each new vessel also features 301 cabins, including accessible cabins, giving passengers more accommodation options for the crossing.
Your pet could share the cabin
For travellers who take their animals on the road, one of the most appealing additions is the introduction of pet-friendly cabins accommodating up to two pets.
There are also new family cabins sleeping up to six guests, alongside deluxe cabin options and premium business recliners.
Bookings for the expanded accommodation range opened on 16 September, with passengers able to book up to 12 months ahead. If a particular cabin type is important to your trip, check its availability alongside your vehicle booking.
A taste of Tasmania before you arrive
The onboard changes extend beyond the cabins.
The new Tasmanian Market Kitchen will feature five food stalls offering different cuisines and Tasmanian produce. Mersey Café and Bar will serve coffee, snacks and local beverages, while Maatsuyker Bar will combine casual dining with an undercover outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait.
Huon Lounge will host the Tassie Showcase program, bringing local producers and makers onboard throughout the year.
Tasmanian artwork and timbers will also feature throughout the ships, including sustainably recovered Celery Top Pine from Hydrowood. It’s a chance to start discovering the island before you drive off in Devonport.
Planning your crossing
If Tasmania is on your touring calendar, start by checking your outbound and return sailings together. Then compare the available accommodation and vehicle options before locking in the rest of your itinerary.
It’s also worth allowing a little breathing room around arrival day. Having the van with you means you can settle into the trip at your own pace, rather than packing too much into the first stretch.
The inaugural sailings are scheduled to depart Geelong aboard Spirit of Tasmania IV and Devonport aboard Spirit of Tasmania V on 31 October 2026.
Check sailing dates, fares, vehicle availability and accommodation at Spirit of Tasmania.
Take a look at our 4 part TV series covering caravanning in Tasmania, including sailing on the sprit. Tasmania: Geelong to Bicheno
