So, the dog is coming to Tassie. Good choice.
Holidays are often better with a wagging tail in the back seat. From 31 October 2026, travelling across Bass Strait with a dog will become easier when Spirit of Tasmania IV and V begin passenger sailings.
Once you arrive in Devonport, you will find dog-friendly walks, off-lead exercise areas and welcoming places to stop nearby.
Bringing the dog? Good. We love a waggy tail at the Cellar Door. We’re a fifth-generation family orchard about ten minutes from Devonport and fifteen from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, so plenty of our visitors roll in straight off the boat with a dog, a caravan or both.
Here is what you need to know before sailing and where you and your dog can go after arriving in Devonport.
Taking Your Dog on the Spirit of Tasmania
Dogs are welcome on the Spirit of Tasmania, but you must include your pet in your booking.
The travel options available will depend on your sailing and the vessel operating that service.
The new pet-friendly cabins
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will each have 18 pet-friendly cabins. These cabins allow dogs and cats to stay with their owners during the crossing.
Each pet-friendly cabin fits up to two pets, so your dog can curl up right beside you for the crossing. Getting from the car to your cabin is easy too. Your dog won’t need a crate, trolley or muzzle, as long as they meet Spirit of Tasmania’s conditions.
There’s an outdoor pet deck for toilet breaks along the way. The rest of the time your dog stays snug in the cabin with you, rather than wandering the rest of the ship.
There are only 18 of these cabins on each ship, so they’ll be popular over the holidays. If you want your dog by your side, book early.
The new ships are due to start sailing on 31 October 2026. It’s always worth checking the details for your sailing before you book.
Check the current Spirit of Tasmania pet travel information
Onboard kennels
Spirit of Tasmania provides secure kennels in a dedicated pet area.
On the new ships, the kennels will be climate-controlled and monitored by CCTV. Fresh water is provided, and the crew checks the animals during the crossing.
Bring familiar bedding or a favourite toy to help your dog settle. Make sure any item you leave with your dog is clearly labelled and safe for use in the kennel.
One pet is permitted in each kennel. Check the current kennel sizes and travel rules before booking, particularly if you have a large dog.
Before You Sail: Tasmania’s Rules for Dogs
Tasmania has strict biosecurity requirements designed to protect the state from pests and diseases.
Tasmania is the only Australian state provisionally free from hydatid disease. The brown dog tick is also not known to have an established presence in Tasmania.
Before bringing your dog into the state, you will need to complete three important steps.
1. Treat your dog for hydatid tapeworm
Your dog must receive a worming treatment containing praziquantel within 14 days before arriving in Tasmania.
Keep documentary evidence of the treatment. This may include a veterinary certificate, a statutory declaration or evidence such as the product packet and purchase receipt
2. Check your dog for ticks
Before you board, give your dog a thorough check for ticks, especially the brown dog tick. It isn’t established in Tasmania, and it can spread ehrlichiosis, a serious disease in dogs. Every dog needs this check, even if they’re exempt from the worming, and you’ll declare them tick-free on your form. If ticks are found when you arrive, your dog may need treatment at your cost.
3. Complete the declaration
Print and sign the Declaration by Owner or Importer for the Entry of Dogs into Tasmania. You must present the completed declaration and evidence of the hydatid treatment during the boarding process.
Some dogs may be exempt from the hydatid treatment requirement. These include puppies under 12 weeks old and dogs returning to Tasmania after spending no more than 14 days in another state or territory.
Requirements can change, so check the Biosecurity Tasmania information before every trip.
Read the Biosecurity Tasmania requirements
Dog-Friendly Exercise Areas in Devonport
After crossing Bass Strait, your dog will probably be ready to stretch its legs.
Devonport City Council has four designated off-lead areas. Your dog must remain close to you and under effective control, even when exercising off lead.
Dog Exercise Park, 260 Steele Street
This fenced park is located beside the Splash Devonport Aquatic Centre car park.
It’s a handy first stop after the crossing, with plenty of safe, fenced space for your dog to burn off some energy.
Back Beach
Back Beach is a smaller beach west of Bluff Beach on Coles Beach Road.
Dog waste bags and a disposal bin are available at the top of the concrete stairs. Take care around changing tides, currents and moving beach rocks.
Back Beach and Coles Beach are separate areas with different restrictions, so follow the signs when you arrive.
East Devonport Foreshore
Head to Wright Street and turn east, and the beach is all yours, stretching towards Pardoe and Moorlands Beach. Your dog can also run free on the grassy area between Wright Street and Tarleton Street, on the water side of the footpath. Pop the lead back on for the East Devonport walking track. Just don’t mix it up with East Devonport Beach, to the west of Wright Street, where dogs must stay on lead, and over summer can’t go on the beach at all between 9am and 8pm.
The East Devonport walking track is an on-lead area.
Shipwreck Beach
This off-lead beach extends from the end of Wheeler Street to the breakwater.
Remember to carry waste bags and clean up after your dog at every location.
Check Devonport’s current dog exercise areas
Summer Beach Rules Worth Knowing
Dog access changes in some parts of Devonport during summer.
At Coles Beach and East Devonport Beach, dogs must remain on a lead throughout the year. From 1 November to 31 March, dogs are not permitted on these beaches between 9 am and 8 pm.
Dogs are prohibited from the Mersey Bluff Precinct and Bluff Beach, except for guide dogs and assistance animals.
Always follow signs at each location, as restrictions may change.
Two Dog-Friendly Walks Near Devonport
If your dog needs a longer walk after the crossing, these two options are worth considering.
The Spreyton Connector Pathway
The Spreyton Connector is a 2.6-kilometre sealed pathway following the Mersey River between Horsehead Creek and Maidstone Park.
It has easy grades and is suitable for walking dogs on lead, pushing prams, cycling and people who prefer a flatter walk.
Story stops along the route share information about Spreyton’s history and heritage. Parking is available at the Maidstone Park Sporting Precinct, where you will also find the only public toilets along the route.
Explore the Spreyton Connector Pathway
Pig Island at Latrobe
Cross the little footbridge near the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame at Bells Parade, and you’ll find Pig Island, a big grassy spot by the river where your dog can run free. Keep them on the lead along the path and over the bridge, then let them off once you’re on the island. Just make sure they stay under control. Rules can change, so check the signs when you get there.
Visit Spreyton Cider Co With Your Dog
Once your dog has enjoyed a walk, it is time for you to relax.
Spreyton Cider Co is about ten minutes from Devonport and Latrobe, and approximately fifteen minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal. We have easy parking and space for caravans and campervans, making us a convenient stop at the beginning or end of a Tasmanian road trip.
Your dog is very welcome to join you in our outdoor areas, on a lead. Just keep them close, pick up after them, and keep it relaxed for everyone else enjoying the orchard. There’s always a bowl of fresh water out for thirsty pups.
Five generations in Spreyton
Our family has grown fruit in Spreyton since 1908. Five generations later, our apple orchards remain at the heart of the business.
The cellar door sits beside the working orchard, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscape where our fruit is grown. What you see will depend on the season, from blossom and fresh green growth to apples developing on the trees and the activity of harvest time.
As this is a working orchard, access to production areas may be restricted. Visitors can still enjoy orchard views, walk amongst the trees from the cellar door and see where the Spreyton story began.
Try a tasting paddle
Settle into the outdoor area with a tasting paddle of Spreyton cider, non-alcoholic beverages, or a traditional ginger beer.
Our cider is made using freshly pressed apple juice. We do not use apple juice concentrate or add water during the cider-making process. It is a genuine orchard-to-glass connection that begins with Tasmanian fruit.
Drivers and visitors who do not drink alcohol can choose from sparkling water, fresh juice and other non-alcoholic drinks.
Stay for lunch
Our cellar door and orchard kitchen serve lunch seven days a week, with relaxed Friday night dining also available.
The menu changes with the seasons and includes casual favourites, share plates and dishes made with Tasmanian produce. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available, although selections may change.
There is indoor and outdoor seating, along with an enclosed playground if children are joining your road trip. Seasonal real-fruit orchard ice cream provides another reason to stay a little longer.
Pick up something for the road
Before continuing your journey, browse our range at the cellar door. Depending on availability, you can choose from Tasmanian cider, ginger beer, non-alcoholic drinks, fresh juice, sparkling water and vinegars.
A mixed selection is an easy way to try more of the range or share a taste of Tasmania with family and friends.
If your vehicle is already full, you can order selected products from our online shop after returning home.
FAQ: Taking Your Dog on the Spirit of Tasmania: Quick Answers
Can I take my dog on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes. Dogs are welcome, but you must include your pet when you book. Your dog can travel in a secure onboard kennel or, on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, in a pet-friendly cabin
Can my dog stay in the cabin with me?
Yes, on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V. Each ship has 18 pet-friendly cabins, and each cabin allows up to two dogs or cats. Your dog does not need a crate, trolley or muzzle to move between the vehicle deck and the cabin (as long as they meet Spirit of Tasmania’s conditions). There is also a designated outdoor pet deck for toilet breaks.
When do the new pet-friendly cabins start?
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are scheduled to begin passenger sailings on 31 October 2026. Spaces are limited, so book early — especially during school holidays and peak periods.
What does my dog need before entering Tasmania?
Most dogs need three things:
- A worming treatment containing praziquantel within 14 days before arrival
- A check confirming they are free of brown dog ticks
- A completed and signed Declaration by Owner or Importer for the Entry of Dogs into Tasmania
- You must also carry evidence of the worming treatment (vet certificate, statutory declaration, or product packaging and receipt).
Where can my dog run off-lead in Devonport?
Devonport City Council has four designated off-lead areas:
- 1. The fenced Dog Exercise Park at 260 Steele Street (next to Splash Devonport).
- Back Beach.
- East Devonport Foreshore (from Wright Street heading east).
- Shipwreck Beach.
Even when off-lead, your dog must stay close and under effective control.
Are there summer rules on Devonport beaches?
Yes. At Coles Beach and East Devonport Beach, dogs must stay on a lead all year. From 1 November to 31 March, dogs are not permitted on these beaches between 9 am and 8 pm. Dogs are prohibited from the Mersey Bluff Precinct and Bluff Beach (except assistance animals).
Is Spreyton Cider Co dog-friendly?
Absolutely. Your dog is very welcome in our outdoor areas, on a lead. Just keep them close and pick up after them, and there’s always a bowl of fresh water out for thirsty pups. Dogs can’t come inside the dining or food preparation areas, but assistance animals are always welcome. Spreton is About a 15-minute drive. We’re also around 10 minutes from central Devonport and Latrobe, with easy parking for cars, caravans and campervans on day visits.
From the Ferry to the Orchard
Bringing your dog to Tasmania takes a little extra planning, but it also gives you the freedom to explore the island together.
Once you arrive in Devonport, let your dog stretch their legs, then make the short drive to Spreyton Cider Co. Relax beside our working orchard, try a Tasmanian drink, enjoy lunch and begin your holiday with a warm North West Tasmanian welcome.
Visit us at 6 Melrose Road, Spreyton, Tasmania, or explore the Spreyton range online.
