Blog
Contents
What's the cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the mainland?
Flights to Tasmania: direct routes from the mainland
Flights to Tasmania Australia 2026: what changes the price
Flights to Tasmania best deals Australia 2026
Virgin Australia vs Trip.com for flights to Tasmania: price comparison 2026
Virgin Australia, Trip.com and Expedia for flights to Tasmania
Cheapest month for flights to Tasmania in 2026
How to book a Tasmania trip for less
The verdict
Option 1: Fly (Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas)
Option 2: Spirit of Tasmania (Geelong to Devonport)
Option 3: Fly plus hire (the default for most travellers)
Buyer profile matrix
Illustrative worked example: a Sydney couple visiting Melbourne then Tasmania
The three traps that push Melbourne travellers past AUD 2,500 for transport
Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
Related reads
Sources
Disclaimer
Blog
Melbourne to Tasmania: Ferry vs Flight, Cheapest Way 2026
Spirit of Tasmania ferry vs flying vs fly-and-hire from Melbourne in 2026: full AUD cost, travel time and which option wins for your trip.
What's the Cheapest Way to Fly to Tasmania From the Mainland in 2026?
Short answer. In 2026 the cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the Australian mainland is usually a carry-on only fare on a direct flight into Hobart or Launceston, booked outside school holidays. Hobart Airport lists direct flights from eight mainland cities, with daily Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia services from Melbourne and Sydney. Virgin Australia's Lite fare, for example, includes 8kg of carry-on with checked bags sold separately. Before you pay, go through ShopBack to the booking site.
The cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the mainland is to book the lightest carry-on only fare (Jetstar often lists the lowest base fares) on a direct flight from Melbourne, which has daily direct flights to both Hobart and Launceston, on a mid-week date outside school holidays. Melbourne to Launceston is about an hour in the air.
New to ShopBack? ShopBack Australia is a free app and website that gives you money back when you book through it at travel sites like Virgin Australia, Trip.com and Expedia. You open the site from ShopBack, book as normal, and part of what you paid comes back to your ShopBack account to withdraw. Join ShopBack Australia free before you book your Tasmania trip.
If you are starting from Melbourne, there is a second choice to make: fly, take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, or fly and hire a car. The sections from "The verdict" onward compare all three in AUD, with the trips each one suits.
Compare Melbourne to Tasmania fares on ShopBack Travel Planner side by side.
What's the cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the mainland?
Pick a direct route into Hobart or Launceston, book a carry-on only fare, avoid school holidays, and compare the same flight on the airline and on booking sites before you pay. On Virgin Australia, for example, the Lite fare includes 8kg of carry-on with checked bags available to buy, while Choice adds one 23kg checked bag and a standard seat, according to Virgin Australia's domestic fare page at the time of writing.
The steps that usually make the biggest difference:
- Fly from the closest city with a direct service. A connection through Melbourne or Sydney adds a second leg and usually a higher fare.
- Choose the lightest fare that fits your bags. If you only need carry-on, a Lite-style fare is usually the cheapest seat on the plane.
- Avoid the busiest dates. Mid-December to late January, Easter and the July school holidays are usually the most expensive times to fly to Tasmania.
- Compare the same flight in more than one place. The airline's own site, Trip.com and Expedia can show different totals for the same flight once fees and bags are added.
- Go through ShopBack before you pay, so part of what you spend comes back as cash.
Cheapest airline and airport for flights to Tasmania
Jetstar often lists the lowest base fares to Tasmania, while Virgin Australia and Qantas include a checked bag on some fare types, so the cheapest airline depends on your bags. If you travel with carry-on only, a Jetstar Starter or Virgin Australia Lite fare is usually the lowest price for the seat. If you need a checked bag, compare those fares with the bag added against a fare that already includes one, such as Virgin Australia Choice.
- Cheapest airport to fly into: from Melbourne, Hobart and Launceston both have direct flights. Price both for your dates, because Launceston suits the north and east coast and Hobart the south.
- Cheapest mainland city to fly from: Melbourne and Sydney both have daily direct flights to Hobart and direct flights to Launceston, so they usually have the widest choice of fares.
- The step before paying: open Virgin Australia, Trip.com or Expedia from ShopBack Australia and finish the booking. Trip.com and Expedia show several airlines for the same route.
Flights to Tasmania: direct routes from the mainland
Hobart has direct flights from eight mainland cities and Launceston from five, according to each airport's own destinations page at the time of writing.
| Mainland city | Direct to Hobart (airlines listed by Hobart Airport) | Direct to Launceston (listed by Launceston Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Daily, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia | Yes |
| Sydney | Daily, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar | Yes |
| Brisbane | Qantas and Virgin Australia, about three hours | Yes |
| Adelaide | Several weekly, Qantas and Jetstar, about two hours | Virgin Australia, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday since 6 October 2026 |
| Canberra | Several weekly, Link Airways and Qantas, about two hours | Link Airways, four flights a week since 6 May 2026 |
| Gold Coast | Several weekly, Jetstar, about two and a half hours | Not listed |
| Perth | Several weekly, Virgin Australia, about four hours | Not listed |
| Newcastle | Three times a week, Jetstar | Not listed |
From other mainland cities, you usually connect through Melbourne or Sydney. Launceston Airport says travellers from other destinations can connect through Melbourne. Devonport and Burnie on the north-west coast are smaller airports with fewer services, and they work best as a start or end point for a road trip.
Flights to Tasmania Australia 2026: what changes the price
In 2026 the price of a flight to Tasmania mostly comes down to four things: the route, the fare type, the date and your bags.
- Route. Melbourne to Hobart is just over an hour in the air, Sydney under two hours, Brisbane about three and Perth about four, according to Hobart Airport. Longer routes and routes with fewer weekly flights usually cost more.
- Fare type. Virgin Australia's domestic fares are Lite, Choice, Flex and Business. Lite has 8kg carry-on with checked bags for purchase and seat selection for purchase; Choice and Flex include one 23kg checked bag and a standard seat; Flex adds more flexibility if plans change.
- Dates. Summer school holidays, Easter and July school holidays push fares up. Mid-week departures are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday.
- Bags and extras. Adding a checked bag or seat to a light fare can close the gap to the next fare up, so price the trip with the bags you actually need.
- Points. Virgin Australia says Velocity members earn 4 Velocity Points per $1 on eligible fares booked on or after 2 April 2025.
Flights to Tasmania best deals Australia 2026
The best deals on flights to Tasmania in 2026 usually come from airline sales on off-peak dates, flight and hotel bundles for longer stays, and comparing the same flight across booking sites.
- Airline sales. Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas all run fare sales from time to time, usually for travel in quieter months. Virgin Australia lists its current offers on its Specials page.
- Flight and hotel bundles. If you also need a Hobart or Launceston hotel, a bundle on Expedia can sometimes cost less than booking the two separately. Compare both ways.
- One screen, many airlines. Trip.com shows several airlines for the same route and dates, which makes it quicker to spot the cheapest day.
- Open-jaw trips. Flying into Hobart and out of Launceston (or the reverse) can save a long drive back, as covered in Option 3 below.
Deals change daily, so this guide does not list live fares. ShopBack Travel Planner lets you compare flights and hotels for your dates.
Virgin Australia vs Trip.com for flights to Tasmania: price comparison 2026
The same Virgin Australia flight to Tasmania can appear on both Virgin Australia's site and Trip.com, and in 2026 the cheaper of the two depends on the date, fare type and fees, so compare the exact flight in both places.
| Booking direct with Virgin Australia | Booking on Trip.com | |
|---|---|---|
| What you see | Virgin Australia flights and fare types (Lite, Choice, Flex, Business) | Several airlines on the same screen, including Virgin Australia |
| Best for | Choosing a fare type, managing the booking with the airline, earning Velocity Points on eligible fares | Comparing airlines and days quickly, and adding a hotel in the same app |
| What to check | Bag and seat costs on Lite fares | Which fare type you are buying and what bags it includes |
If the totals are close, booking direct keeps changes simple with the airline. If one site is clearly cheaper for the same flight and fare, that is usually the one to book.
Virgin Australia, Trip.com and Expedia for flights to Tasmania
Virgin Australia suits travellers who want a specific fare and Velocity Points, Trip.com suits comparing airlines quickly, and Expedia suits booking a flight and hotel together.
| Your situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| You know you want Virgin Australia and a Choice or Flex fare | Virgin Australia on ShopBack |
| You want to compare every airline for your dates | Trip.com on ShopBack |
| You need a flight and a Hobart or Launceston hotel | Expedia on ShopBack |
| You want to compare flights and hotels side by side | ShopBack Travel Planner |
Other places Australians book flights to Tasmania include Qantas, Jetstar, Webjet, Skyscanner, Booking.com and Wotif.
Cheapest month for flights to Tasmania in 2026
The cheapest months to fly to Tasmania are usually late autumn, winter and early spring outside school holidays, such as May, June, August and September. Fares are usually highest from mid-December to late January, around Easter and during the July school holidays.
Fares move daily, so rather than rely on a single month, pick two or three possible weekends and compare them on ShopBack Travel Planner or on the airline's own fare calendar. Mid-week departures in a quiet month usually give the lowest fare.
How to book a Tasmania trip for less
Booking a trip online: pick your dates, compare flights and hotels, go through ShopBack to the booking site, then pay with a travel card.
- Pick two or three possible dates outside school holidays.
- Compare flights and hotels on ShopBack Travel Planner, or on the booking site you prefer.
- Open that booking site from ShopBack, for example Virgin Australia, Trip.com or Expedia, and finish the booking.
- Pay with a travel card that suits domestic spending.
Going through ShopBack gets you a cash rebate on the same order, at the same store. Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles.
Rates differ by site and change often, so check the live rate on the site's ShopBack page before you book. Travel bookings usually confirm after the trip is completed.
Paying with a card that earns rewards
Paying with a card that earns points can usually work alongside going through ShopBack, because the card reward comes from your bank. Your card's terms set the points. Go through ShopBack before you pay and the Cashback tracks to your ShopBack account.
The verdict
For 2026 Melbourne-based travellers:
- Solo or couple, 3 to 7 nights, no gear: fly Jetstar or Virgin, hire a car in Tasmania. Total AUD 795 to AUD 1,365 per couple depending on car category and dates.
- Family of 3 to 6, 5 to 10 nights, bringing bikes or camping gear: Spirit of Tasmania ferry with your own car. Total about AUD 800 to AUD 1,900 per family of 4 return with a night cabin.
- Solo hiker without a car: fly to Hobart, use bus tours or hire only for select days. Total AUD 400 to AUD 700.
- Retiree caravan trip or longer than 12 days: Spirit of Tasmania with own caravan. Petrol savings and no car-hire cap make it competitive at longer durations.
Direct flight time on Jetstar and Virgin: 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes. Ferry time: 10 to 11 hours plus 45-minute drive from central Melbourne to the Geelong terminal.
Option 1: Fly (Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas)
Melbourne to Hobart and Melbourne to Launceston both have daily direct flights. Jetstar often lists the lowest base fares, while Virgin Australia and Qantas include checked baggage on some fare types.
Cost breakdown
| Fare class | Melbourne to Hobart return (AUD) | Melbourne to Launceston return (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jetstar Starter (no bag) | 130 to 220 | 130 to 200 |
| Jetstar Plus (bag included) | 180 to 310 | 170 to 290 |
| Virgin Australia Choice | 240 to 400 | 220 to 380 |
| Virgin Australia Lite | 200 to 340 | 190 to 320 |
| Qantas lowest economy fare | 260 to 450 | 240 to 420 |
| Qantas Flex | 380 to 700 | 350 to 650 |
Indicative ranges only. Fares change daily, so check the live fare before you book. Mid-week departures are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday.
Total cost with car hire
A car in Tasmania is usually needed for anything beyond a Hobart-only weekend. Indicative hire rates from Hobart or Launceston airport, per day including standard insurance:
- Small hatchback (Corolla, Yaris, Kia Picanto): AUD 45 to AUD 85 per day
- Mid-size (Camry, Cerato): AUD 65 to AUD 110 per day
- SUV (RAV4, CX-5): AUD 85 to AUD 150 per day
- 4WD (LandCruiser, Prado): AUD 140 to AUD 220 per day
- Campervan (2-berth): AUD 130 to AUD 220 per day
- Motorhome (4-berth): AUD 200 to AUD 380 per day
For a couple flying to Hobart in shoulder season on Jetstar for 7 nights with an economy car:
| Line | AUD |
|---|---|
| 2 return flights (Jetstar Plus) | 400 to 620 |
| Car hire 7 days (economy) | 315 to 595 |
| Fuel (500 to 1,000 km typical loop) | 80 to 150 |
| Subtotal | 795 to 1,365 |
When flight wins
- Trip length is 7 nights or shorter
- Only 1 or 2 people, no kids
- No bulky gear (camping, bikes, kayaks) that would need separate hire in Tasmania
- Time-constrained trip where 20 hours of round-trip ferry transit is a real cost
- Flexible dates for cheap Jetstar or Virgin Lite fares
Go through ShopBack before you book
Compare flights on ShopBack Travel Planner, or open Virgin Australia, Trip.com or Expedia from ShopBack and finish the booking. Car hire from Avis and Europcar can also be booked through ShopBack. Check the live rate on each site's ShopBack page.
Option 2: Spirit of Tasmania (Geelong to Devonport)
The Spirit of Tasmania is a passenger-and-vehicle ferry operating one or two crossings a day between Geelong (about 75 km southwest of Melbourne) and Devonport (on Tasmania's north coast). Since the terminal moved from Port Melbourne to Geelong in late 2022, most Melbourne-based travellers add a 45 to 60 minute drive to the ferry itself.
Fare structure
The ferry uses a per-person plus per-vehicle model. Return prices for 2026 typically run in these ranges (fares are set by Spirit of Tasmania and change by date):
| Configuration | Off-peak return (AUD) | Shoulder return (AUD) | Peak return (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult, foot passenger, day sailing | 130 to 200 | 200 to 300 | 300 to 400 |
| 1 adult, foot passenger, night sailing plus recliner | 180 to 280 | 280 to 400 | 400 to 550 |
| 1 adult plus small car, day sailing | 340 to 520 | 500 to 700 | 700 to 950 |
| 2 adults plus small car, day sailing | 500 to 780 | 700 to 950 | 950 to 1,300 |
| 2 adults plus small car plus inside cabin, night sailing | 680 to 900 | 900 to 1,200 | 1,200 to 1,600 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) plus car, night with cabin | 800 to 1,100 | 1,100 to 1,450 | 1,500 to 1,900 |
| 2 adults plus caravan, night with cabin | 900 to 1,300 | 1,300 to 1,700 | 1,700 to 2,300 |
Off-peak: mid-February to mid-March, June, August to early September, mid-October to mid-November. Peak: mid-December to late January (school summer holidays), Easter, July school holidays.
Cabin options
- Ocean recliner (day sail): included with foot passenger fare
- Ocean recliner (night sail): AUD 50 to AUD 90 upgrade
- Inside 4-berth cabin: AUD 140 to AUD 260 per way for the cabin
- Ocean-view 4-berth cabin: AUD 220 to AUD 380 per way
- Deluxe cabin: AUD 320 to AUD 500 per way
Book overnight cabins 3 to 6 months ahead for school-holiday sailings. They sell out first.
Time
Sailing time is 10 to 11 hours across Bass Strait. Total door-to-door from central Melbourne to arrival in Devonport is about 12 to 14 hours including drive to Geelong terminal and disembarkation. Night sailings let you sleep through the crossing but the boat can move meaningfully in rough weather; if you get seasick easily, day sailings and forward cabins are less exposed.
When ferry wins
- Bringing your own car, caravan, motorbike, or camper
- Family of 4 or 5 where per-person flight cost multiplies
- Trip longer than 8 nights (car hire savings offset ferry cost)
- Bringing bikes, kayaks, camping gear, or a pet (Spirit of Tasmania lists onboard kennels and pet-friendly cabins for dogs and cats)
- Retirees on multi-week Tasmania trips with caravan or motorhome
- Slow-travel preference where the crossing is part of the trip
When ferry loses
- Short trip (4 nights or less) where the transit time is a significant fraction of the holiday
- Solo or couple without a car and no plan to hire in Tasmania beyond a few days
- Peak school-holiday dates where the cabin premium plus vehicle plus 2 adult fares exceeds flight plus car hire
- Sensitivity to seasickness (Bass Strait crossings can be rough, especially in winter)
Option 3: Fly plus hire (the default for most travellers)
For most solo or couple trips of 4 to 7 nights, the cheapest combo is usually Jetstar or Virgin Australia return plus economy car hire from the arrival airport (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, or Burnie). Hobart and Launceston are the two main entry airports; Devonport and Burnie are smaller and better as return points for a north-to-south drive.
Recommended pattern for a first Tasmania road trip: fly into Hobart, drop rental at Launceston on the way back and fly home from Launceston (or vice versa). Some hire companies charge a one-way fee for this, so check it when you book, but it saves half a day of driving back to the origin.
Total cost model for a couple, 7 nights, mid-range:
| Line | AUD |
|---|---|
| 2 return flights (Jetstar or Virgin) | 350 to 620 |
| 7-day mid-size car hire | 460 to 770 |
| Fuel (1,000 km typical) | 100 to 160 |
| One-way drop fee, if charged (indicative) | 60 to 150 |
| Total (couple, 7 nights, transport only) | 970 to 1,700 |
Compare with the equivalent ferry option (2 adults plus own car plus 1 night inside cabin each way, shoulder season): AUD 900 to AUD 1,200 return. Break-even is close. The ferry wins on longer trips; the flight combo wins on shorter trips and time-constrained travellers.
Buyer profile matrix
| Traveller profile | Recommended option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend Hobart food-and-MONA break (3 nights) | Fly plus city-based; Uber or walk | Car unnecessary for Hobart-only itinerary |
| Solo hiker, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet | Fly to Launceston, hire a small car | Sealed roads reach both hike bases; drop at Hobart if adding Bruny Island |
| Couple, 7 nights, first Tasmania trip | Fly Hobart in, Launceston out, mid-size hire | Standard AU east-coast Tas round-trip; sees the whole state |
| Family of 4, 10 nights, own bikes and camping | Spirit of Tasmania with own car, inside cabin | Gear-heavy trip; ferry cost recovers vs 10-day car hire |
| Retiree couple, 3-week caravan trip | Spirit of Tasmania with caravan, ocean-view cabin | Home-on-wheels beats hotel plus car; cabin comfort matters |
| Adventure family, motorbike plus tent trailer | Spirit of Tasmania | Motorbikes and trailers need the ferry |
| Business traveller, one-day meeting | Fly return same day on Jetstar or Virgin | Airport-based; ferry impractical |
| Fitness cyclist, self-supported east coast tour | Spirit of Tasmania as foot plus bike passenger | Ride straight off the ferry with no bike box to pack |
| Photography enthusiast, aurora chase | Fly Hobart in shoulder season, hire 4WD or AWD | Southern Tasmania is a popular aurora area; ferry adds transit time |
| International visitor connecting from Melbourne | Fly (all options); ferry not practical without prior car | Flying is usually the practical option without a Melbourne-based vehicle |
Illustrative worked example: a Sydney couple visiting Melbourne then Tasmania
Illustrative only, using indicative prices. A Sydney couple travelling to Melbourne for a friend's wedding, then extending 7 nights to Tasmania in October 2026. Cost stack:
- Return SYD-MEL Jetstar Plus for 2: AUD 380
- Return MEL-HBA Jetstar Plus for 2: AUD 460
- 7 days mid-size car hire from Hobart airport: AUD 540
- Fuel around a Hobart-Freycinet-Cradle loop, roughly 1,200 km: AUD 145
- Accommodation 7 nights (mix of Airbnb, mid-range hotel via Booking.com or Wotif): AUD 1,850
- Food, drinks, MONA, Bruny Island cheese tour, Salamanca Market: AUD 900
- Travel insurance for the domestic multi-leg stint: AUD 90
Total approximate spend: about AUD 4,365. Going through ShopBack for the flights, hotels and car hire brings the effective price down; how much depends on each site's live rate, so check the rate on each site's ShopBack page.
The three traps that push Melbourne travellers past AUD 2,500 for transport
- Booking peak-school-holiday Spirit sailings less than 6 weeks out. Cabins fill first, then vehicle deck, then walk-on. Late booking in peak forces you into deluxe cabins or the next available sailing.
- Forgetting bags on light fares. Fares like Virgin Australia's Lite include carry-on only, so adding checked bags later can bring the total close to the next fare up. Price the bags in when you compare.
- Overbooking car category "just in case". A small car usually handles Tasmania's sealed roads, including the main approach roads to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet. A 4WD upgrade tends to pay back only if you plan to drive unsealed or off-road tracks, and hire terms often limit where you can take a car, so check them first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Melbourne to Tasmania in 2026?
Flying is cheapest for solo travellers and couples without their own car. Indicative return flights from Melbourne to Hobart or Launceston start at about AUD 130 to AUD 220 per person on Jetstar's lightest fare, at the time of writing. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport wins for families or anyone bringing their own vehicle.
How much does the Spirit of Tasmania cost from Melbourne in 2026?
The Spirit of Tasmania departs from Geelong. Indicative return fares from off-peak to peak: foot passenger AUD 130 to AUD 550, 1 adult plus small car AUD 340 to AUD 950, family of 4 plus car with a night cabin AUD 800 to AUD 1,900. Recliner and cabin upgrades cost about AUD 50 to AUD 500 per way. Verify current fares on the official Spirit of Tasmania site.
Is it cheaper to fly to Tasmania or take the ferry?
Flying is cheaper for 1 to 2 people without a car. The ferry is cheaper for families of 4 or more, or for anyone who wants their own car in Tasmania. For a couple, flying plus 7-day car hire costs AUD 795 to AUD 1,365; a day sailing for 2 adults with their own small car costs AUD 500 to AUD 1,300 return depending on season.
How long does the Spirit of Tasmania take from Melbourne to Devonport?
About 10 to 11 hours across Bass Strait. Total door-to-door from central Melbourne is about 12 to 14 hours including drive to Geelong terminal and disembarkation.
How long does the flight from Melbourne to Tasmania take?
Melbourne to Hobart is about 1 hour 15 minutes. Melbourne to Launceston is about 1 hour flat. Door to door including airport time typically runs 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Should I take my own car on the Spirit of Tasmania or hire in Tasmania?
Take your own car if the trip is longer than 8 days, you plan to camp, or you have specific gear (bikes, kayaks, camping equipment). Hire in Tasmania if the trip is 7 days or shorter without special gear. The break-even for a couple is roughly 8 days.
How do I earn Cashback on Melbourne to Tasmania flights and hotels?
Go through ShopBack Australia before clicking through to Virgin Australia, Skyscanner, Trip.com, Wotif, Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com, Luxury Escapes, or Expedia AU. Check the live rate on each store's ShopBack page before you book.
When are the cheapest months to visit Tasmania from Melbourne?
May, June, August and September, outside school holidays, are usually among the cheaper months for flights and Spirit of Tasmania fares. Mid-December to late January is the summer peak, and Easter and the July school holidays are also busy.
Can I take a caravan or motorhome on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes. The Spirit of Tasmania accommodates cars, motorbikes, caravans, motorhomes and trailers with per-metre pricing above 5 metres in length. A 2-adult plus caravan return in shoulder season with an inside cabin typically runs AUD 1,300 to AUD 1,700; peak lifts this to AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,300.
Do I need to book the Spirit of Tasmania in advance?
For peak dates (December to February, Easter, July), yes. Cabins sell out first, then vehicle deck, then walk-on. Book 3 to 6 months ahead for cabins on school-holiday sailings. For off-peak dates in May, June, August or September, 2 to 4 weeks lead time is usually sufficient.
What's the cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the mainland?
For most people, the cheapest way to fly to Tasmania from the Australian mainland is a carry-on only fare on a direct route into Hobart or Launceston, booked outside school holidays. Virgin Australia's Lite fare, for example, includes 8kg of carry-on with checked bags available to buy. Compare the same dates across airlines and booking sites, and go through ShopBack before you pay so part of what you spend comes back as Cashback. From Melbourne, which has daily direct flights to both Hobart and Launceston, Jetstar often lists the lowest base fares.
Which mainland cities have direct flights to Tasmania?
According to Hobart Airport, Hobart has direct flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle. According to Launceston Airport, Launceston has direct flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, and Link Airways flies between Launceston and Canberra four times a week since 6 May 2026.
Key takeaways
- Fly Jetstar or Virgin plus hire a car in Tasmania for 3 to 7 night trips. Total for a couple: AUD 795 to AUD 1,365 including car hire
- Take the Spirit of Tasmania if you have 4+ people, bring bikes or camping gear, or plan 8+ nights
- Book Spirit cabins 3 to 6 months ahead for school-holiday dates
- Book flights 3 to 8 weeks ahead for the cheapest Jetstar or Virgin Lite fares
- One-way car hire (fly in Hobart, out Launceston) saves half a day of driving for AUD 60 to AUD 150 in drop fees
- Go through ShopBack before you book flights, car hire, and Tasmania hotels
Book Melbourne to Tasmania flights, car hire, and accommodation through ShopBack Travel Planner so part of what you pay comes back as cash.
Related reads
- Bali Cost for Australians
- Qantas Frequent Flyer vs Velocity Points 2026
- Agoda vs Booking.com vs Trip.com Australia 2026
- Cheapest Months Australia to Europe
- Is It Cheaper to Fly or Drive to Tasmania in 2026?
Sources
- Spirit of Tasmania, official Geelong to Devonport ferry
- Discover Tasmania, official Tourism Tasmania visitor information
- Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Note: Flight, ferry, and car hire fares are indicative 2026 ranges based on published pricing at time of writing. Fares move daily. Verify current fares on the provider site before booking.
Disclaimer
The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author.
Prices, rates, promotions, and availability are subject to change. Please verify details directly with the relevant providers before making any decisions. Cashback earnings are subject to ShopBack program terms. Individual results may vary.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, or travel advice.
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