Ferries

During Your Trip

Hiring a car and taking it on a ferry is common in Australia, especially between nearby islands from the mainland.  It is important to know that while you may be able to take your rental car on many ferries, the vehicle will be void of insurance or liability cover during the ferry trip and when being loaded off and on the ferry.

Each rental car provider and different rules, conditions and restrictions on their rental agreement, contact the rental car company for clarification before travelling.  Always inform your rental car provider your intention to take the vehicle on a ferry, their permission may be required.

Are a few things to consider

Rental Car Terms: Check the rental agreement to see if there are any restrictions on taking the car on a ferry. Some rental companies may not allow it, or may impose extra charges or require specific insurance coverage.
Ferry Restrictions: Not all ferries may accept vehicles, so verify with the ferry operator in advance. Some ferries may only allow vehicles of certain sizes or types, and they might have specific routes where cars are permitted.
Insurance: Be aware that your rental car insurance might not cover damage while on a ferry, so you might need to get additional coverage for the trip.
Booking: Ferries with vehicle transport services can sometimes be fully booked, so it's a good idea to reserve space for your car in advance.

A few popular ferry services in Australia where you can bring your hire car:

Spirit of Tasmania (Tasmania)

Route: Melbourne (Victoria) to Devonport (Tasmania)
You can bring a rental car on the ferry if you’re traveling to Tasmania. However, you need to book your ferry and car space in advance with the ferry operator. Some rental companies may have restrictions on taking their cars on ferries, so it’s essential to check with the car hire company first.
Bruny Island: Not all car rental companies allow their vehicles on Bruny Island, Avis and Budget may be flexible with some vehicle models/categories. Many parts of Bruny Island are gravel roads and you are not permitted to take your rental car off sealed roads.

Queensland Ferries (Whitsundays and surrounding areas)

Routes: Various routes, including services from the mainland to islands like Hamilton Island.
These ferries allow vehicles, and you can take a car hired on the mainland across to the islands. Always confirm with the car hire company if the vehicle is allowed on the ferry.
Fraser Island: Most rental car companies have policies against driving their regular vehicles on Fraser Island, as it can damage the car and may violate insurance coverage.
Magnetic Island: Located off the coast of Townsville, many of the car rental providers will allow their vehicles to travel on the ferry. Contact your rental car provider for rules, conditions and approval.
Moreton Island: Rental cars cannot be taken on to Moreton Isaland.

Toll Ferries and Other Regional Services

Routes: Various regional ferries, such as those in the Bay of Islands or Kangaroo Island (South Australia).
Ferries in these regions often allow the transport of vehicles, and you can take your rental car, but it’s best to check with the ferry company and rental agency for details.
Kangaroo Island: Some rental companies may have specific guidelines regarding travel to Kangaroo Island, due to the island’s rough terrain and unsealed roads.