When you are travelling overseas, an unfamiliar airport can sometimes be confusing, especially if it is the first time you have left your country. To get to Tasmania, you must first fly to one of Australia’s major airports in Sydney or Melbourne, then change planes for a domestic flight to Tasmania. This information will help you find your way through each airport so you arrive in Tasmania safely.
If you are worried about transferring, GETI Tasmania can arrange for a representative to meet you at the airport in Sydney or Melbourne to make sure you catch the right flight, for a fee. Contact the GETI Tasmania office for more details.
Sydney Airport
This is Australia’s largest and busiest airport, also known as Kingsford Smith or Mascot Airport. You will land at T1, the international terminal. To transfer to a domestic flight, you will need to:
There are two domestic terminals, T2 or T3. Make sure you know which domestic airline you are travelling with and always check the flight details on the TV screens in the terminal, because flights can sometimes change. These screens will tell you which terminal you need to go to. There are several ways to transfer from T1 to T2 or T3:
The Airport Link train costs AU$5 one way from T1 and travels to both T2 and T3, taking about 2 minutes.
The T-Bus travels from T1 to T2 and costs AU$5.50 one way. It takes just 10 minutes. From T2 it is a short walk to T3.
Taxis are available and will cost around AU$8 - $12.
Some Australian airlines also offer their own transfer service for a fee.
Once you have transferred to the correct terminal, you will need to check your baggage into your domestic flight.
This information is a guide only. For full details please check the Sydney Airport website.
Melbourne Airport
Also known as Tullamarine, this airport is smaller than Sydney’s but is still very busy. You will land at T2, the international terminal. To transfer to a domestic flight, you will need to:
There are three domestic terminals: T1, T3 and T4. All of them are just a short walk away. T1 and T3 are both in the same building as T2, which sits between them. Make sure you know which domestic airline you are travelling with and always check the flight details on the TV screens in the terminal, because flights can sometimes change. These screens will tell you which terminal you need to go to.
T1 is in the same building as T2. It is north (turn left as you leave T2) and upstairs from the international terminal.
T3 is also in the same building as T2. It is south (turn right as you leave T2) and upstairs from the international terminal.
T4 is a separate building to the south (turn right as you leave T2) of the international terminal. It is a clearly marked 5 minute walk.
Once you have transferred to the correct terminal, you will need to check your baggage into your domestic flight.
This information is a guide only. For full details please check the Melbourne Airport website.
Arriving in Tasmania
After you land in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport, it is a short walk from the plane to the terminal buildings, where you can collect your bags. Remember that Australia and Tasmania have strict quarantine laws about what may be brought into the country.
For first time students, GETI Tasmania will arrange airport pick up for you at no charge. Alternatively, shuttle buses run from all three airports into the city. It is best to book a seat in advance. They run after every flight and will drop students off at any accommodation in the city.
Hobart Airport: the Airporter shuttle bus runs to the Hobart city after every flight arrival, it costs AU$15 one way. More details and bookings are available on the Hobart Airport website.
Launceston Airport: the Airporter shuttle bus runs to the Launceston city and costs AU$14 on way. More details and bookings are available on the Launceston Airport website. If you are travelling on to Devonport from Launceston, the Serenity Shuttle costs AU$50 one way and must be booked in advance.
Devonport Airport: Taste the Tiers Tours operates shuttle buses to the town centre, from $15 one way. Phone + 61 3 64 97 2154 to book. More information is available here. All these airports also offer car rental facilities and taxi ranks.