The best dog friendly destinations in Tasmania

Getting to Tasmania with your dog

Tasmania is the most logistically complex state to visit with a dog because you can only get there by air or sea. Flying with a dog in Australia is possible on some carriers but the options are limited and the stress on your dog is significant. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry is the preferred option for most dog owners.

The Spirit of Tasmania runs between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania. The crossing takes approximately ten hours overnight. This is important to know: the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V ships launching from October 2026 will feature 18 dedicated pet-friendly cabins where your dog can stay with you in the cabin rather than in a kennel. Pet cabin bookings are expected to be available from May 2026.

On the current ships, pets travel in a kennel area that is separate from passenger decks. Crew check on animals during the crossing and owners can visit their pets. It is not perfect but it works and many dogs travel this way without issue.

Book as early as possible regardless of which ship you are on. Pet accommodation on the Spirit of Tasmania is limited and sells out well in advance particularly during school holidays and summer.

Before you board: the Geelong terminal

The Spirit of Tasmania now departs from Geelong rather than Melbourne. The Geelong terminal has a small fake grass exercise area with water where you can walk your dog and let them toilet before boarding.

The Moorpanyal Dog Area, known as North Shore Dog Beach, is a three minute drive or twenty minute walk from the Geelong terminal and is a good option for tiring your dog out before the crossing. A tired dog settles better on the ferry.

Arrive early enough to exercise your dog properly before boarding. The crossing is long and a well-exercised dog will sleep through most of it.

Devonport and the Northwest

Devonport is where the Spirit of Tasmania arrives and it is a genuinely good base for dog owners. The city has four off-leash exercise parks including swimming areas. Back Beach on Cole's Road has a sheltered dog walking area. East Devonport Foreshore and Shipwreck Beach are both good options.

The Northwest Coast from Devonport to Burnie and Stanley has good dog friendly beaches and a relaxed rural pace that suits travelling dogs well. Stanley at the far northwestern tip is worth the drive with a distinctive rocky outcrop called The Nut and good foreshore walking.

Hobart and the South

Hobart is one of Australia's most beautiful capital cities and is genuinely accessible with a dog. The waterfront area around Salamanca Place and the docks is dog friendly and the cafe culture is excellent.

Bruny Island is accessible by a short ferry crossing from Kettering south of Hobart. Dogs can come on the ferry and the island has dog friendly beaches and walks. It is one of the more unusual dog friendly experiences in Australia.

The Huon Valley south of Hobart has dog friendly wineries and cideries including Devil's Corner Winery, Willy Smith's, Spreyton Cider, and Pagan Cider. Worth a day trip from Hobart.

Note that most Tasmanian national parks do not allow dogs. The wilderness areas that make Tasmania famous are largely off limits. Plan your itinerary knowing this upfront.

Practical notes for Tasmania

Tasmania is cold compared to the mainland. Even in summer the weather can change rapidly and nights are cool. Pack warm layers for your dog regardless of when you are travelling.

The distances in Tasmania are more manageable than other states but the roads are narrower and slower than mainland highways. Factor this into your drive times.

Tasmania has some of the cleanest drinking water in Australia. Fresh water is genuinely accessible throughout the state which is good news for travelling dogs.

Check beach rules carefully as some Tasmanian beaches have restrictions during shorebird breeding season and summer peak periods.