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The Mersey Valley & North-West Tasmania

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Transport

The Bass Highway, the Spirit of Tasmania, buses and getting around the North-West.


An empty port wharf beside a wide river mouth, with calm water reflecting the overcast sky Transport

Steering issues on new Spirit of Tasmania ferries under investigation

9 Nov 2026 · Devonport

Australia’s transport safety watchdog is investigating both new Spirit of Tasmania ferries after two separate incidents.

An empty, modern concrete wharf stretches along a wide river mouth under a clear sky, with distant, low-lying hills Transport

Autopilot suspended for new Spirit of Tasmania ferries near Geelong

9 Nov 2026 · Devonport

TT-Line has suspended autopilot use for its new Spirit of Tasmania vessels in Port Phillip Bay following recent steering faults.

Transport

Transport safety bureau expands probe into Spirit of Tasmania steering issues

6 Nov 2026

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has broadened its investigation into steering issues on new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

An empty port wharf beside a wide river mouth, with calm water and distant low hills under a soft sky Transport

Spirit of Tasmania IV Delayed Docking in Geelong

5 Nov 2026 · Devonport

The Spirit of Tasmania IV was delayed docking in Geelong this morning, hours after its scheduled 6:30am arrival time.

A wide, flat, multi-lane road stretches through a suburban area, with low commercial buildings and open fields visible in the distance Transport

Spreyton fuel complex approved, major fast-food retailer ruled out

4 Nov 2026 · Spreyton, Devonport

A new fuel station and drive-thru food outlet has been approved for Spreyton, but a major fast-food chain will not be a tenant.

Transport

New Spirit of Tasmania Ship Welcomed to Devonport After First Passenger Crossing

1 Nov 2026 · Devonport

The first of the new Spirit of Tasmania ships to carry paying passengers sailed into the Mersey River this morning after an overnight crossing from Geelong.

Transport

New Spirit of Tasmania Ships Begin Passenger Sailings from Devonport Tonight

31 Oct 2026 · Devonport

Spirit of Tasmania IV and V embark on their inaugural passenger voyages tonight, significantly boosting Bass Strait travel capacity and amenities.

Transport

Auditor-General Flags Billions in Taxpayer Support for Struggling Tasmanian Government Businesses

27 Oct 2026 · Devonport

A new report reveals Tasmanian taxpayers are propping up state-owned entities, including the Spirit of Tasmania operator, to the tune of billions.

Transport

Spirit of Tasmania V Gastro Outbreak Sparks Fair Work Pay Dispute

16 Oct 2026 · Devonport

A severe gastro outbreak on the Spirit of Tasmania V's delivery voyage has led to a pay dispute before the Fair Work Commission.

Transport

Two Men Charged with Trafficking After Northern Tasmania Searches

23 Sept 2026 · Mayfield, Invermay

Police have charged two men with trafficking following targeted searches in Mayfield and Invermay on Tuesday.

the Bass Highway winding through green farmland near Latrobe in North-West Tasmania, wide shot, no people Transport

Devonport's New Spirit of Tasmania Terminal Nears Completion for October 31 Launch

23 Sept 2026 · Devonport

Final preparations are underway at the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport, with the first sailing of the new vessels scheduled for October 31.

the Bass Highway winding through green farmland near Latrobe in North-West Tasmania, wide shot, no people Transport

Spirit of Tasmania Website Overwhelmed by Demand for New Ferry Bookings

16 Sept 2026

The Spirit of Tasmania website experienced a crash this morning as eager travellers rushed to book newly released tickets for the highly anticipated new ferries.

the Bass Highway winding through green farmland near Latrobe in North-West Tasmania, wide shot, no people Transport

Christmas Caravan Plans Hit Snag as Spirit of Tasmania Bookings Prove Elusive

10 Sept 2026 · Latrobe

Mersey Valley residents planning a festive caravan trip across Bass Strait face booking challenges despite new ferries arriving soon.

the Bass Highway winding through green farmland near Latrobe in North-West Tasmania, wide shot, no people Transport

Spirit of Tasmania to Pause Passenger Services for New Ferry Trials

8 Sept 2026 · Devonport

The Spirit of Tasmania will halt passenger sailings for one week in late October to test its new vessels.

Transport

Police Investigations Continue into Fatal Elizabeth Town Crash

6 Sept 2026 · Devonport

Three people have died and two remain in critical condition following a two-vehicle crash on the Bass Highway near Elizabeth Town on Friday afternoon.

Transport

Devonport Teen Charged After Moonah Carjacking Incident

2 Sept 2026 · Devonport

An 18-year-old Devonport man has been charged following an alleged aggravated carjacking and other offences in Moonah last night.