Melbourne to Launceston flights: Is it possible to fly direct?

Direct Melbourne to Launceston flights are available through Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. They’re often absurdly cheap, too – and a much better bet than taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Launceston, Tasmania’s second biggest city, has a wonderful mix of nature, heritage and culture. And the wineries on the doorstep don’t half help, too. It’s well worth a couple of days as part of a wider holiday in Tasmania. Given its central location and cheaper accommodation, it’s arguably a better base for exploring the island than Tasmanian capital Hobart, too.

Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania — Cataract Gorge in Launceston is one of the highlights of Tasmania’s second city. Tamar River Cruises down the gorge are one of the best things to do in Launceston. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

It’s also worth considering Launceston as a short break from one of Australia’s bigger cities.

But does the hassle of getting to Launceston put paid to that idea? Well, not necessarily.

Driving to Launceston, Tasmania

The basic assumption might be that you need to fly into Hobart, then drive the 202km up National Highway 1 to Launceston. Or, if you’re determined to avoid domestic flights, you can always take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. These ferries to Tasmania shuttle between Port Melbourne and Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast. The quickest journeys take nine hours, but on some days it’s eleven hours. You can either take your own vehicle, or pick up a hire car in Devonport.

The 103km drive from Devonport to Launceston is mostly along National Highway 1, and takes around an hour and eight minutes.

Direct Melbourne to Launceston flights

You would be correct in thinking this is an awful lot of faff for getting to Launceston. This is particularly the case when there are several direct Melbourne to Launceston flights per day. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia all offer Melbourne to Launceston flights, and the journey takes around one hour and five minutes. Flight prices obviously depend on when you book them, but you can get a direct flight from Melbourne to Launceston for as little a $46 with Jetstar. Then you can pick up a hire car at Launceston Airport. It’s really, really not worth the fuss getting the ferry instead, is it?