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Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme:

What is the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme?

If you are the driver of an eligible passenger vehicle crossing Bass Strait by ferry, the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme gives you a direct cost reduction in your vehicle fare.

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 more information, go to Rebates for Travel between King Island and Mainland Australia.

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Am I eligible for the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme?

You are eligible for the fare reduction if you are the driver of an eligible passenger vehicle travelling across Bass Strait by ferry.

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What is an eligible passenger vehicle?

An eligible passenger vehicle is a passenger vehicle, which is accompanied by the vehicle driver on a Bass Strait Service and includes:

  • a motor car, van, utility, four-wheel-drive or station wagon
  • a motorhome or campervan
  • a minibus, coach or bus (which seats 8+ adult persons)
  • a motorcycle
  • a bicycle

Caravans (including camper-trailers), towed by eligible passenger vehicles, are also eligible for the rebate.

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How do I apply for the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme rebate?

You do not have to apply. You get the rebate as a direct reduction in the fare charged by the ferry operator.

You may also claim a rebate for Bass Strait travel, in exceptional circumstances, when you are not able to travel with your vehicle on a standard ferry service. For more information, go to Claiming a Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme Rebate in Exceptional Circumstances.

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How much is the rebate?

Current vehicle rebates for all ferry routes are tabled below.

Type of Vehicle One Way Trip Round Trip
Motor car up to $180 up to $360
Bus up to $180 up to $360
Motorhome or Campervan up to $360 up to $720
Eligible passenger vehicle towing a caravan up to $360 up to $720
Motorcycle up to $90 up to $180
Bicycle up to $25 up to $50

Note:

  • The maximum amount of rebate payable cannot exceed the vehicle fare charged by the ferry operator.
  • From 1 July 2008 the Government increased the standard passenger vehicle rebate to $180 and all other vehicles by 20%. The rebates will be reviewed annually. More information is available from the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme page on the Department of Infrastructures website.

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