How to get to Derby from the mainland – a guide to arriving in Derby (Part 2 of 3)
/In this post I will be giving you all the info you need to know about sailing to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania. If you missed the first post in this series, you can find the link here to read all about flying to Launceston and renting a car.
In the next (and final) post in this series we will give you some info on booking a shuttle transfer to Derby. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and we will leave it up to you to decide which is the right option for your trip.
We are happy to provide assistance to all guests about getting to Derby, so if you have more questions you can either contact us via our social media or simply email us directly stay@rivercabinsderby.com
Option 2
Sail on the Spirit of Tasmania and bring your own vehicle
The crossing of Bass Strait is made from Port Melbourne to Devonport by two roll-on roll-off passenger ferries (i.e. you can drive your car on to it) with day and night-time sailings. The ferries include shared and private cabins (which sleep up to four people) as well as dining rooms, bars, cinemas and other entertainment. Expect to pay around $1000-1500 for a return trip for two adults and two children depending on the size of your vehicle. Don’t forget to book extra overhead height if you have bikes on the roof of your car. Travelling to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania has the feel of a real adventure!
The spirit of tasmania loading in Port Melbourne - loading takes around three hours with final boarding 45 mins before departure
Be aware that Tasmania has strict bio-security on many agricultural and food products. It’s worth checking what you can bring to the Apple Isle before you travel. All vehicles are inspected on arrival in Tasmania and spending extra time for inspections could cut short your first day riding time in Derby.
To find out what you can and can’t bring into Tasmania visit the Travellers Guide online
The drive from Devonport to Derby takes around 2.5 hours
It takes around two and a half hours to drive from Devonport to Derby via the Batman Bridge. You will need to arrive at the ferry at least one hour before departure time in Port Melbourne and Devonport.
PROS:
You can get around Derby and the NE of Tasmania in the comfort of your own car.
Having your own car with you makes trips to other parts of Tasmania more attractive and many visitors combine Derby with a trip to Maydena, Hobart, Cradle Mountain, or one of the iconic World Heritage National Parks.
If you are bringing your bike on your car you won’t need to pack and unpack it at the end of your journey and you can throw your bike on the roof or hitch to get to other trails nearby.
Overnight sailings depart around 9-10pm meaning you get a full day of riding on your day of departure (note checkout time is 10am). Don’t forget to allow plenty of time to board.
CONS:
If you get seasick easily, the crossing of Bass Strait by ferry could be a problem. Although most sailings are smooth, it’s worth coming prepared for rough seas with sea sickness medication just in case. I don’t recommend watching re-runs of the Sydney to Hobart sailing race before making this journey! Personally I have made many smooth trips across Bass Strait.
Sailings can book out months in advance during busy periods which means you should plan well ahead if you want to travel to Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania.
Depending on where you live in Australia, getting to Port Melbourne may mean the ferry option is just not worth the effort. It’s worth considering the total driving distance from Sydney to Derby (without the crossing) is 1000km.
In my final post I will be giving you a rundown of the options for organising a transfer from the airport in Launceston to Derby.