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Spirit of Tasmania, the ferry that shuttles passengers, cars and caravans between mainland Australia and Tasmania, is adding two new vessels to its fleet. And if you’re travelling with a dog, there’s some good news: unlike the old ships, these shiny new vessels have cabins where pets can sleep with you.
The new Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V pet-friendly cabins can accommodate up to two pets, giving animal owners the option to keep their four-legged passengers with them for the Bass Strait crossing rather than using the ship’s kennel facilities.
“We’ve seen ongoing demand from passengers for more choice when travelling with pets, and that being able to bring their pets with them is an important consideration when planning their trip,” says Tom Wootton, general manager of retail and hospitality at the Spirit of Tasmania.
It’s not just the pet accommodation that’s new, either. The ships will carry 470 more passengers per sailing and have 301 cabins, including family rooms sleeping up to six, deluxe berths and premium business recliners.
Spirit of Tasmania's CEO Chris Carbone says the new ships will offer “greater capacity, more accommodation choice and a contemporary onboard experience that is distinctly Tasmanian.”
They’re leaning pretty heavily into that last bit. The Huon Lounge will showcase a rotating lineup of Tassie producers and makers, while the Tasmanian Market Kitchen will have five stalls serving local produce. Mersey Café and Bar will take care of coffee, snacks and drinks, and Maatsuyker Bar has an undercover outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait with casual bites on the menu.
On top of that, families can look forward to onboard cinemas showing new-release movies, a kids' play area and a dedicated games zone with arcade games, claw machines and gaming consoles.
The inaugural passenger sailings are scheduled for October 31, 2026, with the Spirit of Tasmania IV departing Geelong and the Spirit of Tasmania V leaving Devonport.
Bookings are now open, with passengers able to book up to 12 months ahead. And for anyone who normally has to find someone to look after the dog before a Tasmanian holiday, having them sleep in your cabin is the upgrade that matters most.