The Spirit is a passenger and car ferry that links Tasmania to the mainland. Daily sailings travel between Devonport on the north coast and Melbourne.

The overnight sailing left at 7.30 pm and arrived at 6am. There are various areas on the ship, a self service café, bars, a shop, a reading room, kid’s zones, outside deck areas, two cinemas and general seating throughout. The ship did not feel crowded but we travelled in winter during school term time.

We had a twin cabin which was cozy and comfortable. We actually slept well with the back drop rock and roll of the two metre swell.

We’d debated booking the ferry and having our own car for our Great Ocean Road trip, versus flying to Melbourne then hiring a car. The ferry was a good experience and the right choice for us.

Melbourne before dawn as we waited to disembark.