Spirit of Tasmania Adds New Pet-Friendly Accommodation & Extra Capacity Ahead of Inaugural Sailings

If a Tassie road trip with your pup has been on your bucket list, packing the family car is about to get a whole lot easier!

Spirit of Tasmania will launch additional sailing capacity and accommodation inventory across its much-anticipated new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V, giving passengers greater choice ahead of the ships’ inaugural passenger sailings on 31 October 2026.

As Tasmania continues to attract record visitor demand—welcoming an all-time high of 1.4 million visitors in the year ending March 2026—the new vessels will play a vital role in supporting future growth and strengthening the connection between mainland Australia and the island state.

As a key gateway to Tasmania, the new vessels will help increase capacity across Bass Strait, supporting local tourism operators, businesses, and communities while making it easier for more Australians (and their four-legged family members!) to experience the state. The increased freight capacity will also provide greater opportunities for Tasmanian producers and businesses to get their products to mainland markets and, through established supply chains, reach customers further afield.

Game-Changing Perks for Pet Parents & Families

Historically, pets travelling across Bass Strait were accommodated in onboard kennels. While functional, many pet parents prefer keeping their fur babies right by their side. The new ships introduce a dedicated response to that demand:

☑️ Pet-Friendly Cabins: Passengers can choose from specialised pet-friendly cabins accommodating up to two pets per room, allowing dogs to sleep right in the cabin with their owners during the crossing.

☑️ Dedicated Outdoor Pet Deck: The new ships feature a purpose-built outdoor deck specifically for animals. This gives dogs a dedicated space for exercise, fresh air, and toilet breaks during the crossing.

☑️ Massive Capacity Upgrade: The new vessels are designed to carry an additional 470 passengers per sailing and feature 301 cabins, alongside increased vehicle capacity—including more than 3 times more capacity for caravans, campervans, and boat trailers.

☑️ 12-Month Advance Bookings: Passengers can access the expanded range of accommodation options, including new pet-friendly cabins, family cabins, deluxe options, and business recliners, with bookings available up to 12 months in advance.

A Distinctly Tasmanian Onboard Experience

Passengers travelling on the new vessels will discover a range of reimagined spaces celebrating Tasmania's landscapes, produce, stories, and makers long before touching land:

• Tasmanian Market Kitchen: A market-style dining experience featuring five food stalls showcasing a variety of cuisines and fresh Tasmanian produce.
• Mersey Café and Bar: Inspired by the iconic Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, serving barista coffee, snacks, and local beverages.
• Maatsuyker Bar: Offering casual dining and an expansive undercover outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait.
• Cradle Lounge: Premium Tasmanian food and beverage offerings in a relaxed setting.
• Huon Lounge: Home to the Tassie Showcase program, bringing Tasmanian producers and makers directly to passengers throughout the year.

The ships also feature extensive Tasmanian artwork and locally sourced materials, including sustainably recovered Celery Top Pine supplied by Tasmanian company Hydrowood, alongside Huon Pine and Tasmanian Oak showcased throughout the vessels.

Please Note: Dogs are not allowed inside passenger lounges, dining venues (such as the Tasmanian Market Kitchen or Mersey Café), bars, or general passenger corridors.

Industry & Leadership Insights

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania, said:

"We are entering a new era for Bass Strait passenger travel and freight transport, with Spirit IV and V delivering an unrivalled travel experience.

The new Spirits offer expanded capacity, new accommodation options such as pet cabins, contemporary onboard spaces and a stronger showcase of Tasmania's best food, wine and craftsmanship. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Tasmania on the new ships."

Chris Carbone, Spirit of Tasmania CEO, said:

"Tomorrow marks an exciting milestone as we open bookings for Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V and prepare to welcome passengers aboard for the very first time.

These vessels represent a new era for Bass Strait travel, with greater capacity, more accommodation choice and a contemporary onboard experience that is distinctly Tasmanian. From the onboard dining experiences to the Tasmanian producers, makers and materials featured throughout the ships, every element has been designed to showcase the very best of our island state."

Sarah Kingston Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, added:

"The journey across the Bass Strait is part of a Tasmanian holiday, and the new Spirits will give travellers a taste of the island from the moment they step onboard.

Tasmania is a place meant to be explored at your own pace. With greater capacity and accessibility through the new Spirits, more travellers will be able to bring their car, caravan or bikes, giving them the freedom to take their time, get off the beaten track and discover more of our diverse regions.

Importantly, we know that travelling on the Spirit also delivers real value for Tasmania. Spirit visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and travel further across the island, helping to spread the benefits of tourism to operators and communities throughout our state."

Planning Your Ultimate Coastal Road Trip

For dog owners planning a multi-state coastal getaway, ferry travel opens up seamless, stress-free road trips. You can easily pair your trip across Bass Strait with a scenic coastal detour across Victoria's Port Phillip Bay using Searoad Ferries between Sorrento and Queenscliff—making the journey just as exciting as the destination.

Booking Details & Inaugural Sailings

• Inaugural Sailings: Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V will undertake their inaugural passenger sailings on 31 October 2026, departing from Geelong and Devonport respectively.
• How to Book: Bookings open from 10:00 am Wednesday, 16 September 2026. To lock in your pet-friendly cabin, family suite, or vehicle tickets up to 12 months in advance, visit www.spiritoftasmania.com.au.

Related Stories & Dog Travel Guides

• A Dog-Friendly Peninsula-to-Peninsula Spring Itinerary (Mornington to Bellarine via Searoad Ferries)
• Australia's Top 10 Pet-Friendly Drives & Coastal Road Trips
• Australia's Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Project Dogalogue Heads South: Help Fill Tasmania’s Missing Chapter!

Back in July, we introduced readers to Project Dogalogue™—Kerry Martin’s ambitious mission to photograph Australia’s rarest dog breeds and build a complete visual archive of our nation's canine diversity.

Since then, the archive has grown rapidly. More than 80 dogs representing 57 breeds (along with plenty of beloved mixed breeds) have stepped in front of the lens. But there’s one major piece of the puzzle missing: not a single dog from Tasmania has joined the archive yet.

Award-winning Melbourne photographer Kerry Martin hopes to change that this spring. She will be travelling across Tasmania from 19 September to 1 November 2026, hosting limited studio sessions to ensure the Apple Isle’s dogs are officially represented in Australia’s canine portrait.

"I started Project Dogalogue because I wanted to document something genuinely Australian: the way we live with our dogs, the breeds we choose, the ones we rescue and the ones we’re devoted to," says Kerry. "It is becoming a portrait of dog-loving Australia, breed by breed, story by story."

Wanted: The Smithfield & 16 Target Breeds

While the invitation is open to every Tasmanian dog—regardless of breed, mix, age, or background—Kerry is on a special hunt for dogs with strong local ties or unrepresented heritage.

Top of her wish list is the Smithfield, a shaggy working dog with deep roots in Tasmania’s rural history. Though not officially recognised as a breed by Dogs Australia, the Smithfield continues to be bred as a hard-working farm hand and cherished family companion across the state.

Kerry is also searching for Tasmanian guardians of the following 16 breeds, which have a known presence in the state but are still missing from Project Dogalogue:

• Brittany
• Chinese Crested Dog
• English Setter
• German Pinscher
• German Spitz Mittel
• Griffon Petit Brabancon (smooth)
• Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Italian Greyhound
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Maremma Sheepdog
• Newfoundland
• Pointer
• Rough Collie
• Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
• Welsh Springer Spaniel

"I’m not looking for show champions or milestone medals," Kerry notes. "I’m looking for the everyday, from-the-heart story. The funny way your woofer greets you at the door or the way your senior soulmate sighs when you sit down at night."

Kerry Martin with her family and dogs amidst the spectacular purple rows at Bridestowe Lavender Farm, Tasmania. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

Giving Back to Dog Rescue

Every participant pays a $98 session fee, which is donated directly to an independent dog rescue connected to their dog’s breed (or a nominated rescue where no breed-specific group exists). It’s a wonderful opportunity for loved family pets to support rescue dogs still waiting for their forever homes.

Key Booking Dates & How to Apply

Studio dates are limited and will be arranged based on local demand:

• Hobart Registrations Close: 22 September 2026
• Launceston Registrations Close: 5 October 2026

Note: Dog guardians from other regional areas in Tasmania are also strongly encouraged to register—Kerry will consider adding extra tour locations if there is enough interest.

To register your dog or learn more, visit puppytales.com.au/project-dogalogue.

Exploring Tasmania: Kerry Martin taking in the vibrant turquoise waters of Little Blue Lake with her dogs, Summer and Keiko. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales Photography

Kerry Martin is an award-winning pet photographer, founder of Puppy Tales Photography, and creator of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Named Australian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year and a winner at the International Pet Photography Awards, Kerry travels the country with her Border Collie, Scout, and Exotic Shorthair cat, Mr Magoo.

Operating a carbon-negative business dedicated to animal welfare, Kerry creates heartfelt content that celebrates dog-inclusive lifestyles and the bond we share with our pets. Discover more at puppytales.com.au.

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day: How Specialist BOAS Surgery Gave Archie the Pug Room to Breathe

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day is observed every year on September 13 to educate pet owners about congenital conditions, promote responsible breeding practices, and highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and vital support for pets with special needs.

To mark this important day, Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital shared the story of Archie—a nine-year-old Pug who was recently given a fresh start and a lot more room to breathe.

Archie’s Journey

Archie came into Lort Smith’s care after his previous family could no longer look after him. Upon his arrival, the veterinary team identified that the nine-year-old Pug was affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—a congenital respiratory condition that commonly affects flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs.

What is BOAS?

BOAS occurs when anatomical changes in a dog’s airways restrict the flow of air. Key signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Noisy or difficult breathing

• Excessive panting

• Exercise and heat intolerance

• Coughing, gagging, and regurgitation

• In severe cases, collapse

Many pet parents assume that snoring, snorting, or noisy breathing is simply "normal" or part of the breed for flat-faced dogs. However, these are actually warning signs that a dog is struggling to take in air.

Surgical Intervention and Specialist Care

For Archie, surgery was recommended to improve his upper airways and make breathing easier. The delicate procedure was performed by specialist surgeon Dr Ben Mielke.

“BOAS surgery aims to improve airflow by addressing areas of narrowing throughout the upper airway,” Dr Ben explained. “Every patient is different, so careful assessment and surgical planning are important.”

Operating on flat-faced breeds requires advanced expertise and careful planning. “Brachycephalic patients can present some unique challenges during anaesthesia and surgery, which is why specialist assessment and management are important,” Dr Ben said.

The ultimate goal of BOAS surgery is to help dogs breathe more comfortably, boost their exercise tolerance, and support a significantly better quality of life. For Archie, the operation was a success, granting him a fresh start and the opportunity to enjoy his next chapter with ease.

What Pet Owners Should Do

If you share your home with a flat-faced dog, don’t assume noisy breathing or difficulty exercising is just an inherent breed trait. Speak with your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs that your dog may be struggling to breathe.

To learn more about advanced surgical options and expert care, explore Lort Smith specialist veterinary surgery in Melbourne.

Cases like Archie's also highlight broader national trends in breed health—with recent data revealing that French Bulldog surgeries have risen 2075% in recent years, reinforcing the need for early detection and awareness.

Pet Birth Defect Awareness: Educational Hub

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day (September 13) aims to improve early detection, support responsible breeding, and empower pet owners with knowledge about managing congenital conditions. Explore our related health guides to learn more:

• Brachycephalic Health: Is your dog snoring or snorting? Read our guide on flat-faced dogs and noisy breathing to understand why it’s never just 'normal for the breed'.

• Congenital Spinal Conditions: Learn about symptoms, causes, and management in our detailed overview of Spina Bifida in dogs.

• Special Needs Care: Pets born with vision loss can lead happy, fulfilling lives. Debunk common misconceptions with 5 myths about blind dogs and expert advice.

VetPartners Backs Veterinary Wellbeing with Sponsorship of Flynn’s Walk Sydney

Dog owners and animal lovers heading to Coogee this weekend can step out for a great cause as Flynn’s Walk returns to Sydney on Sunday, 13 September 2026. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in the city, the community event aims to bring together pet owners and veterinary professionals to foster open conversations around mental health in the industry.

Leading veterinary care network VetPartners has stepped up as a major sponsor for this year's Sydney event, supporting the charity’s mission to shine a light on the unique stressors faced by veterinary staff.

Supporting the People Who Care for Our Pets

Veterinarians and clinical teams deal with demanding workloads, emotional fatigue, and high-pressure situations daily. Studies from the Australian Veterinary Association highlight the severity of these challenges, indicating that a veterinary professional is lost to suicide approximately every 12 weeks.

Flynn’s Walk was established in Melbourne in 2018 in memory of Dr Flynn Hargreaves (BVSc). The registered health promotion charity works to build compassion and mental health literacy across the sector while providing welcoming, grassroots spaces for community connection.

Jack Levitt, Founder and President of Flynn’s Walk, emphasised the impact of community support:

“We recognise that improved wellbeing within the veterinary community is a huge priority and one that we are passionate about contributing to. Our events are a significant opportunity for those in the industry, and the wider animal loving community, to come together, openly chat, show support and strive for a strong future together providing essential care for the whole community.”

“Having the support of VetPartners is a huge boost for us—receiving their backing and participation helps us to reach more people and increase awareness of our mission and ultimately, celebrate those within the industry.”

What to Expect at the Coogee Event

Participants can look forward to a dog-friendly coastal walk designed to promote social connection and break down mental health stigma.

As part of their sponsorship, VetPartners will have operational and clinical staff taking part in the walk, as well as providing a complimentary coffee cart service for all attendees on the day.

Dr Russell Harrison at VetPartners noted:

“We’re proud to support the organisation—the work that Flynn’s Walk does is incredibly important to an industry that relies on exceptional veterinary specialists. It’s important for those within the industry to have such a forum to speak openly about certain aspects of the job, as talking about issues faced can provide a huge support.”

2026 Event Tour & How to Join

Beyond its flagship walks, Flynn’s Walk creates free online resources and runs tailored workshops funded through donations. The Sydney walk wraps up an extensive 2026 national tour that has already visited communities across Australia:

• Melbourne: Sunday, 3 May 2026 (Completed)
• Townsville: Sunday, 24 May 2026 (Completed)
• Brisbane: Sunday, 19 July 2026 (Completed)
• Wagga Wagga: Sunday, 16 August 2026 (Completed)
• Sydney (Coogee): Sunday, 13 September 2026 (Upcoming)

Event Summary

• Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
• Location: Coogee, Sydney
• Cost: Free (Registration required)
• More Information: To register or support the cause, visit the official Flynn’s Walk Website.

Photography Credit (all): Flynn's Walk Facebook page

Class is in Session for Westy: How Guide Dogs SA/NT’s Facility Dogs are Transforming Community Wellbeing

As Australia pauses to reflect on the importance of mental health and staying connected for R U OK? Day, there’s a new classmate in the school corridors of Hope Valley making sure no student ever feels alone.

Meet Westy, the newest Guide Dogs SA/NT-trained Facility Dog, who has officially been welcomed by the students and staff at Torrens Valley Christian School. As the second Facility Dog placed within an independent school in South Australia, Westy’s mission is simple yet profound: support student wellbeing, ease morning drop-off anxiety, and help kids stay engaged with their education.

Teacher Margaret Garland and Year 4 student Layla enjoying a walk with Westy, the school's facility dog, on the grounds of Torrens Valley Christian School.

For Year 3 student Jessie, Westy’s presence has already proven life-changing.

“Sometimes I find it hard to come into school, but Westy comes and meets me in the carpark, and I get to walk to class with him. He makes me so happy.” - Jessie, Year 3 Student

Torrens Valley Christian School Principal Anton Visser echoed that sentiment, noting how quickly Westy has become an essential part of the school community.

“Westy has already been an incredible asset to our staff and students. The sense of ease and comfort he brings those students struggling with transitions and emotional regulation has been wonderful to watch... We are very blessed to have him.” - Principal Anton Visser

A Legacy of Four-Legged Lifesavers

While Westy is just beginning his journey in the classroom, he joins an elite workforce of highly trained Guide Dogs SA/NT Facility Dogs who are breaking ground across South Australia.

Whether working in courtrooms, classrooms, airports, or mental health clinics, these dedicated working dogs undergo over two years and $50,000 worth of specialised training to operate calmly in complex environments:

• Elmo (Adelaide Airport): Making history as the first internationally-accredited Facility Dog at any Australian airport when he started in 2022, Elmo continues to be a beloved, reassuring presence for nervous travellers and families navigating hidden disabilities through the busy terminal.
• Marley (headspace Mount Barker): Trailblazing in youth mental health, Marley became the first Guide Dog-trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre in Australia. By sitting quietly in counselling sessions, Marley offers grounding comfort that helps young people aged 12–25 open up during tough conversations.

  

  Marley, Australia's first Guide Dog–trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre, pictured at headspace Mt Barker. (Credit: headspace Mt Barker Facebook)

• Bonnie (Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia): Sworn in during a special ceremony as the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in South Australia, sweet-natured Bonnie provides vital, trauma-informed emotional support during family law proceedings. Trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT to reduce the stress of court processes, Bonnie offers calm reassurance to children, witnesses, and vulnerable litigants—whether sitting quietly beside people in court hearings or playing a set of toy drums as a fun icebreaker for kids!

  

  Bonnie, the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in SA, pictured at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia alongside her official swearing-in certificate.

• The Wider Pack: Alongside Westy, Elmo, Marley, and Bonnie, the Guide Dogs SA/NT team includes Canine Court Companion Zeb, as well as school wellbeing dogs Iris, Apollo, and Scout.

Turning End of Leash into a Force for Good

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Officer Dan Cox emphasised that training facility dogs allows the organisation to extend its positive footprint into every corner of the community.

“Facility Dogs like Westy are trained to the highest level to work safely and effectively in complex environments. Having Westy working within the school can help students feel more settled and supported, creating an environment where they can focus on their learning and wellbeing.” - Dan Cox, Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO

Whether it’s greeting anxious students at the school gate, easing flight anxiety at the airport, offering a gentle paw in therapy sessions, or bringing comfort to a courtroom, Westy and his fellow Facility Dogs prove every day that a dog’s love and training can truly transform human lives.

Lead photo credit: Torrens Valley Christian School featuring Seema (Year 12), Layla (Year 4), Cameron (Year 8), and Westy.

*Source: Information provided via media releases from Guide Dogs SA/NT, Adelaide Airport, headspace Mount Barker, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. For more information on their facility dog programs, visit Guide Dogs SA/NT.

A Living Tribute for National Pet Memorial Day: World-First Mushroom-Grown 'FurEver' Pet Urns Launch in Australia

Grown from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres, these 100% biodegradable urns offer dog lovers a natural way to honour a beloved pet's legacy—either kept safely at home or returned to the earth as part of a garden memorial.

Fresh off the news of Australia's very first human mushroom coffin burial in the Blue Mountains, Dutch green innovation company Loop Biotech has officially expanded Down Under—bringing its world-first, dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range to Australian and New Zealand dog lovers.

Timed meaningfully alongside National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, September 13, this new option gives grieving pet parents a sustainable, deeply personal way to honour their dog's memory.

Already trusted by more than 10,000 families across 12 countries and recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, Loop Biotech is transforming the future of memorialisation by turning the end of life into a force for nature.

Distributed locally through memorial specialists Arrow Bronze, the FurEver™ line is grown rather than manufactured in the traditional sense. Each vessel is created using mycelium—the underground root network of mushrooms—combined with upcycled plant fibres like hemp. The result is a lightweight, completely natural memorial urn that enriches the soil rather than leaving a long-term environmental footprint.

"The Beginning of New Life"

Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx pictured in Sydney with the human Loop Living Cocoon™. The company has officially launched its dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range across Australia.

"For many people, losing a pet means losing a member of the family," explains Loop Biotech inventor and founder Bob Hendrikx. "We wanted to create a memorial that reflects that bond while also giving something back to nature. FurEver turns the end of one life into the beginning of new life."

Designed specifically for companion animals, the natural, velvety texture of the mycelium vessel gives pet parents complete freedom in how they choose to remember their dog:

Families can paint or decorate the soft natural surface of the FurEver™ urn as a therapeutic, personalised tribute to their dog.

• Personalised Tributes: Families can paint, draw, or write personal messages directly onto the exterior of the urn as a therapeutic, creative part of the grieving process.

• Kept Close at Home: Because the mycelium remains completely stable while kept dry indoors, families can keep their dog’s ashes safely on a display shelf or mantel for as long as they wish.

• Backyard or Tree Planting Memorial: When the time feels right, burying the urn in a garden bed or planting it beneath a new memorial tree allows the mycelium to naturally decompose in surrounding soil, returning vital nutrients back to nature.

The Science: Fast Decomposition & Soil Restoration

Supported by a scientific summary from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the technology behind these urns offers remarkable environmental benefits:

• Decomposes in 45 Days: Under optimal soil conditions, the mycelium composite material biodegrades completely in just 45 days—a fraction of the time traditional wooden or synthetic vessels take to decompose.

• 100% Safe & Non-Invasive: The specific fungal species used is non-invasive, globally occurring, and feeds exclusively on dead plant fibres, posing zero ecological risk.

• Enriches Soil Quality: Rather than sitting as waste, the breaking down of mycelium adds a rich source of carbon and energy into the soil, boosting soil biodiversity and actively helping to neutralise organic toxins and heavy metals.

Sized for Every Dog Breed

Unlike human burial products in the Loop range, the FurEver™ pet urn features a distinct, rounded design crafted specifically for pet ashes and is available in three sizes:

• 4.0 Litre (Ideal for large & giant dog breeds)

• 1.5 Litre (Perfect for medium dog breeds)

• 0.5 Litre (Suited for small breeds or keeping token keepsake ashes)

Availability in Australia

The FurEver™ pet urn range is now actively rolling out across Australia through Arrow Bronze and its national network of pet memorialisation providers, local funeral partners, and pet cremation services.

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*Research source: Scientific summary on mycelium composite performance and biodegradation by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). For product specs and research details, visit Loop Biotech.