Getting to Tasmania by plane
Most international students first fly into Sydney or Melbourne before transferring to a domestic flight to Hobart, Launceston or Devonport. Transfer is simple, but assistance is available.
Although Tasmania is an island, it is well-connected to the Australian mainland with frequent flights by all of Australia’s major airlines. Cheap tickets are regularly available.
Flight time to Tasmania is just over 1 hour from Melbourne to Hobart and just over 2 hours from Sydney. Launceston and Devonport in Tasmania’s north are closer.
We recommend that students book their international flights through Melbourne, as the transfer arrangements at Melbourne airport are easier. Just make sure that you have plenty of time between your flights, so you will not worry about missing your connection.
When you first arrive in Tasmania to study, you can organise to be met at the airport by friendly faces and taken to your accommodation.
Getting to Tasmania by boat
Devonport is the main port that connects Tasmania to the Australian mainland. Two ferries – the Spirit of Tasmania I and II – operate regular day and night crossings of Bass Strait. These can take up to 11 hours.
The ferries are modern, comfortable and offer a combination of cheap seats, expensive cabins, restaurants and entertainment. Though small, Bass Strait can be a rough stretch of water and some people may experience sea sickness.
The ferries are the only way to get vehicles across Bass Strait to or from the mainland. There is no bridge or tunnel.