The Bass Strait separates mainland Australie from Tasmania over approximately 250 km. Renowned for its shallow waters, strong currents and rapid weather changes, this seaway ranks among Australie's most demanding navigation zones. It also harbours around fifty islands, deserted beaches and diving sites prized for their wrecks.

Why visit Bass Strait

• Around fifty islands with contrasting landscapes, from Flinders Island to King Island
• Exceptional underwater heritage with dozens of wrecks accessible to divers
• Pristine beaches, coastal trails and viewpoints over the Tasman Sea
• A natural gateway to Tasmania, by plane or ferry from Melbourne

History of the strait

According to archaeological research, approximately 40,000 years ago, Tasmanian aboriginal peoples crossed a land bridge called the Bassian Plain to reach present-day Tasmania from the mainland. Around 8,000 years ago, rising sea levels submerged this passage and gave birth to Bass Strait, isolating the island populations.

On the European side, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman was the first to sight these waters in 1642. James Cook followed in April 1770. At the end of the 18th century, British navigator Matthew Flinders and surgeon George Bass circumnavigated the strait between 1788 and 1789, demonstrating that Tasmania was indeed an island. The seaway received its official name in 1798, in honour of George Bass.

What to see and do

Wreck diving

The coasts of Victoria and Tasmania concentrate a large number of recorded wrecks. Among the most famous are the Gaudelette, the GWWolff, the Cambridgeshire, the Sydney Cove, the Litherland, the Loch Leven, the Brahmane and the Cataraqui. Several sites are accessible to certified scuba divers, generally supervised by local clubs given the currents.

Flinders Island

Flinders Island, the main island of the Furneaux archipelago northeast of Tasmania, is the most visited in the strait. Access is by plane from Launceston or by ferry from Bridport. The island offers bushwalking trails, beaches with clear waters and granite peaks. The Strzelecki Peaks offer a demanding hike with sweeping coastal views. Castle Rock remains accessible on a short walk from the beach. North East River is popular with anglers.

King Island

Located approximately 80 km northwest of Tasmania, King Island is known for its local produce, particularly King Island Dairy cheese, as well as its seafood. Cape Wickham Lighthouse, one of Australie's tallest lighthouses, marks the northern point. The Shannon wreck punctuates the coastline, while Yellow Rock Beach lends itself to leisurely days. Surfers gather at Martha Lavinia Beach, exposed to southern swells. The rugged coasts are home to significant seabird colonies.

Sailing and cruises

During the southern summer, sailing yachts and catamarans offer crossings and excursions to strait islands from Victoria and Tasmania. Each year, the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which departs from Sydney on 26 December to reach Hobart, crosses the eastern section of Bass Strait, often considered the most demanding portion of the course.

When to go

The most favourable period runs from December to March (southern summer), when temperatures are mild and crossings are most stable. Autumn (April-May) remains viable but weather windows narrow. Winter (June-August) brings active depressions, strong winds and often rough seas: navigation becomes less predictable and some island connections may be disrupted.

How to get there

By plane

Flying remains the fastest way to cross the strait. Tasmania has two main airports, Launceston and Hobart, connected daily to Melbourne and Sydney. Regional flights serve Flinders Island (from Launceston) and King Island (from Melbourne).

By ferry

Daily ferries link Station Pier (Melbourne) to Devonport (Tasmania). Most crossings take place overnight, with additional daytime departures during high season. Booking is strongly recommended several months in advance for the summer period, particularly if you are bringing a vehicle.

Practical information

• Maritime safety: do not plan offshore navigation without an experienced skipper; favour approved operators.
• Weather: consult the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts before any journey, including inter-island flights.
• Ferry booking: limited capacity, plan several months ahead between December and February.
• Equipment: bring windproof and warm clothing, even in summer, on exposed islands.

Nearby

Bass Strait forms part of a broader itinerary between Victoria and Tasmania. On the Tasmanian side, Cradle Mountain National Park is accessible from Devonport, and the Tasman Peninsula is explored from Eaglehawk Neck. On the Victoria side, French Island in Western Port Bay offers a nature stop before or after the crossing.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Bass Strait pairs naturally with exploration of Tasmania and the Victoria coast. To build a tailor-made itinerary between the two shores, consult our Australie travel ideas.