Ferries

During Your Trip

When you need your rental company's permission to take a campervan on a ferry, which crossings are commonly restricted, and how to book.

Can I take a camper on a ferry?

Most rental companies in Australia require written permission from the pick-up depot before you take a campervan on a ferry. Without it, ferry travel most likely isn't permitted. The exceptions are the Spirit of Tasmania between Geelong and Devonport, and river ferries, which generally don't need written permission. Permission rules vary between rental companies, so check yours before you plan a crossing.

Travel to some islands isn't permitted at any time, because the island's roads or the access to and from the ferry aren't suitable for campervans and motorhomes.

Always check with your rental company about any ferry travel.

Risks

Even with written permission, your insurance may exclude damage caused while travelling on the ferry. Exclusions are specific to each rental company, but you can generally expect to be fully liable for any damage to the vehicle that happens while travelling on a ferry.

Popular ferry locations

Below are some examples of popular destinations that require ferry travel:

North Stradbroke Island - Permission Required
Magnetic Island - Permission Required
Fraser Island - Not Permitted
Moreton Island - Not Permitted
Kangaroo Island - Permission Required
Bruny Island - Permission Required
Geelong/Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania): see our Hobart campervan hire and Tasmania campervan hire pages for more on travelling to Tassie
Daintree
Queenscliff/Sorrento

Note: The Permission Required and Not Permitted labels are examples from one rental company's terms and may not apply to yours. Check your rental company's current terms before you plan a crossing.

Ferry costs

Ferry fares for campervans and motorhomes are usually based on the size of the vehicle. As a rough guide, expect around $20 to $30 per metre of vehicle length. The ferry company will quote the exact fare.

How to book a ferry

Once you have written permission from your rental company to travel on a ferry, call the ferry company with your vehicle specifications and travel date. The ferry company will check availability for a vehicle of your size and give you a quote so you can book. Availability can be limited for larger vehicles, so book a ferry spot as soon as you have written permission.

Expert Tip

Restrictions on ferry travel are there for a reason. Rough crossings and packed barges are common causes of minor vehicle damage. When possible, we recommend leaving your vehicle on the mainland and taking a day trip to the island instead. For the roads and areas rental campervans can't use, see our road restrictions guide.

Next steps

Road restrictions: where your campervan can and can't go
Insurance and excess reduction: when you are fully responsible for damage
Tasmania campervan hire: picking up a campervan in Tasmania instead

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.