03/07/2026
Most Aussies think of the Spirit Of Tasmania as a ferry. Some passengers would probably describe it as a maritime endurance challenge.
The overnight trip across Bass Strait has built a reputation over the years because Bass Strait itself can be absolutely brutal. In 2005, the ship reportedly encountered waves up to 20 metres high which smashed windows and caused flooding onboard. In 2016, rough seas became so violent that vehicles started shifting around inside the ship, with footage showing cars and trucks sliding across the deck like a giant floating pinball machine.
Then there are the passengers. Earlier this year, the ship had to turn around almost immediately after departure when an allegedly unruly passenger began causing chaos onboard. Imagine booking a 10-hour voyage only to discover you're sharing the boat with someone threatening staff before you've even left port.
Despite all the stories, the Spirit keeps going. Thousands of Australians still board it every year, load up the car and head for Tasmania. It's basically one of the country's only holidays where the trip itself comes with a genuine chance of becoming a story you'll tell for the next decade.
