Bass Strait ferry weather
Check waves and wind across Bass Strait today and tomorrow, with guidance for the Geelong-Devonport ferry crossing between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
Bass Strait is exposed to Southern Ocean weather and fast-moving fronts. Spirit of Tasmania provides the final source for sailing changes and delays.
Bass Strait outlook
Waves to 1.3 m · 15 kt winds · gusts 19 kt
Normal ferry travel remains possible; some movement may be noticeable.Waves to 2.0 m · 17 kt winds · gusts 21 kt
Normal ferry travel remains possible; some movement may be noticeable.Currently looking rougher than today and tomorrow.
5-day trend · Lower confidenceSome movement may be noticeable, particularly on fast or smaller craft.
Bass Strait conditions can change quickly across the crossing
Bass Strait separates Victoria from Tasmania and is the open-water section of the Spirit of Tasmania crossing between Geelong and Devonport. The route is long enough for conditions to differ substantially between the Victorian coast, the middle of the strait and the approach to northern Tasmania.
The main passenger ferry crossing takes around 9 to 11 hours. Most sailings are overnight, with additional day sailings on selected dates between September and April. That makes the timing of the forecast especially important: check the hours when the ship will actually be in open water, not only the weather at departure.
Bass Strait wave forecast
Use the map to follow the full route between Victoria and northern Tasmania. Conditions close to Geelong or Devonport can look relatively calm while the middle of Bass Strait has stronger wind or larger waves.
Westerly winds and passing fronts can build a lively sea
Southern Australia sits close to a belt of strong westerly winds and fast-moving weather systems. Cold fronts can cross the region from west to east, increasing wind and waves over Bass Strait. The exact effect depends on the wind direction, the timing of the front and the swell already moving through the area.
A rough-looking marine forecast does not automatically mean the ferry will be cancelled. Large conventional ferries are designed for open-water service. The forecast is most useful for judging likely movement and comfort, while the operator remains the final source for the sailing status.
When can Bass Strait be most unsettled?
Bass Strait can become rough in any season. Seasonal patterns are useful for context, but the forecast for your actual sailing matters much more than the month.
More frequent westerly weather
The belt of westerly winds sits closer to southern Australia and cold fronts can bring periods of strong wind and rough seas.
Fast-changing conditions
Fronts and strong wind remain important. Selected Spirit of Tasmania day sailings also begin during this part of the year.
More settled windows
Longer calm periods are possible, but strong wind changes and passing fronts can still produce rough crossings.
Increasing frontal influence
Settled spells can alternate with stronger systems as the Southern Hemisphere cool season approaches.
Geelong-Devonport ferry weather
Spirit of Tasmania is the passenger and vehicle ferry connection across Bass Strait. The crossing normally takes around 9 to 11 hours, with regular night sailings and selected day sailings between September and April.
How rough can the Spirit of Tasmania crossing feel?
Wave height is only part of the answer. Wave period, wind direction and the angle at which the ship meets the sea all affect movement. A long swell can produce slow rolling, while shorter wind waves can create quicker motion.
If you are sensitive to motion, compare the live outlook with the seasickness guide and the rough crossing guide before departure.
Compare FerryWeather with the Bureau of Meteorology
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology publishes a dedicated forecast for Bass Strait and Approaches. Its marine guidance also notes that forecast wind and wave values are averages, so gusts and individual maximum waves can be higher.
Complete the Bass Strait weather check
Use the regional wave picture first, then confirm the current marine warning and the status of your booked sailing.