Bass Strait Freight Pty Ltd operates a shipping service from Bridport in NE Tasmania to Lady Barron on Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island and Port Welshpool in Victoria with ‘as required’ services to King Island.

We operate a regular weekly service between Bridport, Tasmania and Flinders Island and a regular monthly service to Cape Barren Island. In addition to the weekly scheduled service, we also provide ‘on demand’ services for livestock and all other cargo. We average about 3 services per week and up to 6 return trips during peak livestock movements.

Our weekly scheduled service to Finders Island leaves on the tide on Monday evening after collecting the fresh and frozen produce.

Our purpose-built cargo vessels are capable of carrying up to 300 tonnes of freight, including break bulk and containerised cargo, bulk fuel, fertiliser, livestock, wheeled cargo and motor vehicles.

We run the only marine freight business in southern Australia that still takes passengers. Matthew Flinders IV carries up to thirty passengers in a passenger lounge forward under the bridge and above the cargo deck. Many of our passengers accompany their cars and campers on the trip to Flinders Island. The service arrives at Lady Barron, Flinders Island approximately 7 hours after departing from Bridport.

Day accommodation only is available to passengers and it is a self-catering service. The service is also weather dependent, so some flexibility is required for travel dates, particularly in winter.