Spirit of Tasmania to depart from Geelong

The vessel that has plied Bass Street between Melbourne and Devonport for close to 40 years will sail from its new purpose-designed terminal at Geelong Port from October 23.

The $135 million new passenger and freight terminal project just north of Geelong is good news for those living in the western part of the state, as well as South Australia.

The new 12-hectare site, just under an hour's drive from Melbourne, includes ultra-modern facilities for passengers, providing a space for them to relax before or after the voyage.

The building's design was inspired by Victorian and Tasmanian landscapes, most specifically the landscape of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Chief executive Bernard Dwyer said the preparations for the company's first sailing were well under way.

"While we're celebrating our arrival into Geelong we are also commemorating our final sailing from Station Pier Saturday October 22," he said.

"We have called Port Melbourne home for close to 37 years and we know that our iconic ships have been a much-loved part of the Port Melbourne skyline."

The Spirit of Tasmania will also welcome two new ships - Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V - in 2024, promising a new era of sea travel across Bass Strait.

The new ships, to be built in Finland, will replace the existing fleet, Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II and will have a greater capacity for passengers and vehicles.

Measuring over 212 metres, with space for up to 1800 passengers, the new ships will featuring 12 deluxe cabins, two family suites, 120 porthole cabins, 159 inside cabins and eight accessible cabins with an interconnecting cabin.

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