If you’ve already mastered the tropical heat with our Queensland Caravanning Guide, it’s time to prepare for the rugged beauty of the south. A Tasmania Road Trip is a bucket-list item for every Aussie traveler, but unlike the mainland, “the island” requires some serious logistical planning—starting with the ship that gets you and your rig across the ditch.
The biggest hurdle for any Tassie adventure is the ferry. With the brand new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels entering service in late 2026, there’s more capacity than ever, but demand for van spots remains sky-high.
- Book Well Ahead: For those towing a van, aim to book 6 to 10 months in advance. The schedule usually operates on an 11-month rolling calendar, so keep an eye on the Spirit of Tasmania website.
- Pet-Friendly Cabins: A game-changer for 2026 is the addition of 18 pet-friendly cabins on the new ships, allowing your dog or cat to stay with you during the crossing. These are expected to be fully available for sale by May 2026.
- Day vs. Night Sail: Night sails are great for saving on a night’s accommodation, but a day sail is often easier on a Big Lap budget.
2. Managing the Tassie Chill
Tassie is the land of “four seasons in one day.” Even in February 2026, we’ve seen overnight lows hit -2°C in the highlands (Liawenee).
If you plan on doing more than just summer coastal hops, a diesel heater is almost mandatory for the van. Pair it with the right gear—check out our Ultimate Sleeping Bag Guide to ensure your bedding is rated for Tassie’s alpine conditions.
3. Biosecurity: The "Clean Fridge" Rule
Tasmania has the strictest biosecurity rules in Australia. Before you board in Geelong, you must clear out your fridge.
- Banned Items: No fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, or untreated seafood.
- Check Your Rig: Ensure your van and tow vehicle are free of mud and weed seeds.
- Dog Health: All dogs must be treated for hydatid tapeworm within 14 days of arrival and have a signed declaration.
- Checklist: Use our Essential Caravan Pre-Departure Checklist to make sure you haven’t tucked away any “illegal” snacks in the pantry.
4. Dealing with Pests: Leeches and Jack Jumpers
- Leeches: Common in wet rainforests like the West Coast. Expert Tip: Tuck your pants into your socks and apply a DEET-based repellent to your boots.
- Jack Jumper Ants: These large ants pack a venomous sting. Wear closed shoes when setting up at a showground camping site or in the bush.
- Mosquitoes: Still a factor near the Great Lakes. For a list of gear to keep the bugs at bay, check our 2026 Gift Guide.
5. Connectivity and Finding Camps
Tassie’s terrain is mountainous, creating massive mobile blackspots. This makes Starlink for Caravans Australia an invaluable tool. Using a Starlink Mini Mount allows for quick setups at remote free camping Australia spots where you’d otherwise have zero signal.
When you are offline, reliable apps for finding campsites like Wikicamps or the Hema Camps 12 Book are essential for finding the nearest dump points near me.
6. National Park Passes (2026 Prices)
To see icons like Cradle Mountain or Wineglass Bay, you need a pass.
- Holiday Pass: The best value for most is the Holiday Vehicle Pass ($95.50), which covers your vehicle and up to 8 passengers for 2 months.
- Cradle Mountain: Note that the “Icon Daily Pass” for Cradle Mountain ($29.80 per adult) includes the mandatory shuttle bus.
7. Best Dog-Friendly Free Camping
Since dogs are banned in all Tasmanian National Parks, target these pet-friendly alternatives:
- Bay of Fires (Swimcart Beach): Incredible white sand where dogs are welcome on leads.
- Northeast Park, Scottsdale: A brilliant free spot for up to 14 days with great facilities.
- Mayfield Bay: Stunning coastal views overlooking Maria Island—a favorite for those with pets.
Snapshots from Our Tasmania Road Trip
PRO TIP
Tassie’s mountain passes and steep gradients are a workout for any tow vehicle. Before you board the Spirit, ensure your rig is in top shape. If you need a pre-trip service or find yourself in need of a fix after tackling the Western Wilds, visit Caravan and Camper Repairs to keep your adventure on track.
