Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme
Rebate information
Application for the rebate is not required as it is applied as a direct reduction in the fare charged by the ferry operator, except in special circumstances. More information on the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme can be found on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport website.
Quick links
The Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme provides a rebate against the fare charged by a ferry operator for an accompanied passenger vehicle or caravan travelling by sea across Bass Strait.
The rebate is provided to the driver of an eligible passenger vehicle as a direct reduction in the fare charged by the ferry operator.
The scheme includes ferry travel between:
- Devonport and Melbourne
- Flinders Island and Port Welshpool (VIC)
- King Island and Melbourne.
Special conditions apply to King Island travel.
For the purpose of the scheme, a passenger vehicle means a motor vehicle or bicycle designed to carry passengers. A passenger vehicle may be a:
- motor car, van, utility, four-wheel drive or station wagon
- motor home or campervan
- minibus, coach or bus (which seats 8+ passengers)
- motorcycle
- bicycle.
Caravans (including camper-trailers) towed by eligible passenger vehicles are also eligible for the rebate.
You need to know
Rebate amount
The rebate is applied as a direct reduction in the fare charged by the ferry operator.
Rebates for travel between King Island and mainland Australia
Special conditions apply to vehicle rebates for travel between King Island and the Australian mainland because the current King Island ferry service is not able to carry passengers.
Read more about special conditions for travel between King Island and mainland Australia
How to register
Claiming a rebate in exceptional circumstances
A rebate may be paid to eligible passengers in exceptional circumstances when they are not able to travel by sea on the same vessel as their vehicle.
Resources
More information
More information about the Scheme is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport website - Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme.