Need to move a car to or from Tasmania? In this article, we're covering everything you need to know about getting a vehicle safely to its destination.
As the journey involves crossing the Bass Strait, your vehicle will need to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The route is from Melbourne to Devonport.
Note: The Spirit of Tasmania port in Melbourne is now located in Geelong, approximately a 1-hour drive from the Melbourne CBD.
The cost to transport a car to or from Tasmania is between $750 to $2,800, which largely depends on the collection and destination locations.
Below is an estimate of what you can expect to pay for a standard sedan using a door-to-door service.
Travelling from Tasmania
Travelling to Tasmania
There are three factors that influence the cost of transporting a vehicle to or from Tasmania. These are:
Car type. If you're unsure, see our guide to vehicle body types
Distance. How far it needs to be moved, including city and regional areas
Urgency. How quickly it needs to reach its destination
The most effective way to transport a car is to use a vehicle transport company that employs a multi-car carrier, as they do not pay per vehicle for the ferry crossing.
The duration of the move depends on the starting and ending locations. From cities on the East Coast, you can expect a transit time of 6 to 9 working days. If you’re moving a vehicle from Perth or other destinations on the West Coast, this will increase to 10 to 16 working days.
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry crossing takes 9 to 11 hours, which is included in the travel times mentioned above. The sailing schedule operates a night sail year-round, with an additional day sailing schedule from September to April.
Note: Severe weather can cause ferry delays, potentially increasing the transit time of your vehicle.
There are a number of car transport operators that can assist with vehicle relocation. To find and compare the best providers in Australia, visit Upmove. With a single request, you’ll receive online quotes from a number of vetted and reliable professionals. You can check previous customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
To get your vehicle ready, below are a few steps to take to ensure a smooth transit and avoid unexpected surprises.
Empty the vehicle. Remove personal belongings and valuables from the car, as these are not usually covered under the transporter’s insurance.
Fuel Levels. Reduce the fuel level to about a quarter of the tank. This is sufficient for loading and unloading while also keeping the weight down during transport.
Maintenance Check. Ensure that the vehicle is in good working order. Check fluid levels, battery charge, tire pressure, and ensure that all lights are functional.
Keys. Prepare a set of spare keys to hand over to the transporter. Never give them your only set.
Disable Alarms. Turn off or disable any car alarms to prevent them from going off during transport, which can be a nuisance and might drain the battery.
If you're relocating from Tasmania or moving more than just a vehicle, consider utilising the space in the car; this is known as 'goods in transit.' The good news is that most car carriers offer this option. However, many will charge a fee for doing so, which ranges from $200 to $350.
If you plan to fill your car with belongings, there are a few restrictions to be aware of:
If your vehicle is non-operational, perhaps due to a breakdown or as part of a restoration project, you might need to transport it to or from a garage. Many car transport services are equipped to handle such vehicles, but specific arrangements will likely be necessary.
It's crucial to inform the transport company about the condition of your vehicle when seeking a quote. This allows them to prepare the right equipment, like a tow truck or a winch-equipped trailer, ensuring your vehicle can be safely loaded and unloaded without sustaining further damage.
By now, you should have a good understanding of what's involved in transporting a car in Tasmania. We've covered everything from the expected costs to the available transport methods and everything in between.
When you're ready to move a vehicle, use Upmove to get multiple quotes from trusted and verified car transport providers. You can check their ratings and read reviews from previous customers to ensure peace of mind.
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