Dog friendly road trips in Tasmania

Getting there: Spirit of Tasmania

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry is the preferred option for most dog owners travelling to Tasmania. The crossing runs between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport, taking approximately ten hours overnight.

The new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V ships launching later in 2026 feature 18 dedicated pet-friendly cabins where your dog stays with you rather than in a separate kennel area. Book as early as possible. Pet cabin accommodation sells out well in advance.

On current ships, dogs travel in a kennel area with crew checking on them during the crossing. Owners can visit their pets during the voyage.

The northwest: Devonport to Stanley

Devonport is where you arrive and has good dog beach options immediately. Back Beach, East Devonport Foreshore, and the foreshore walking areas around the city are accessible with dogs.

The drive west along the northwest coast to Burnie and Stanley takes you through some of Tasmania's most beautiful agricultural landscapes. Stanley at the far northwestern tip has The Nut, a volcanic plug with a chairlift, and good foreshore walking.

Burnie has good foreshore paths and Point Roadknight Reserve with beach access. The entire northwest coast has a pace and a culture that suits dogs well.

Hobart and the south

Hobart is one of Australia's most beautiful capital cities and genuinely accessible with a dog. The Salamanca Place waterfront area, the Battery Point foreshore, and the Sullivan's Cove waterfront are all walkable with dogs on leash.

Mount Wellington, the dramatic mountain that overlooks Hobart, does not permit dogs on most of its walking tracks within the reserve boundary. The lower slopes accessed from Fern Tree have some dog-friendly options.

Bruny Island is accessible via a short ferry crossing from Kettering south of Hobart. Dogs can come on the ferry and the island has dog-friendly beaches and walks. A genuinely unique Tasmanian dog experience.

The Huon Valley and beyond

The Huon Valley south of Hobart is apple and cherry country with excellent dog-friendly cideries and wineries. Willie Smith's, Spreyton Cider, and Pagan Cider all welcome dogs in outdoor areas.

Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula is one of Australia's most significant heritage sites. The historic site itself has restrictions on where dogs can go but the surrounding area and Stewarts Bay State Reserve have dog-accessible areas.

The Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast has Freycinet National Park where dogs are not permitted. The town of Swansea and the Moulting Bay area adjacent to the park have some dog-friendly beach access.

Practical Tasmania notes

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

Tasmania has some of the cleanest drinking water in Australia and fresh water is accessible throughout the state.

The distances in Tasmania are more manageable than other states but roads are narrower and slower. Allow more driving time than map estimates suggest.

Most Tasmanian national parks do not allow dogs. The wilderness areas and walking tracks that make Tasmania famous are largely off-limits. Plan your itinerary knowing this and focus on the state forest, coastal reserve, and beach options that are accessible.