Grey nomads are being urged to keep visiting Tasmania in the wake of the recent devastating bushfires there.
Some politicians are even calling for a subsidy for travel on the Spirit of Tasmania to be considered as a way of re-igniting tourist interest, which is said to have waned. The huge cost of taking a caravan or motorhome to the Apple Isle has long been a bone of contention with grey nomads eager to visit the state.
Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson told New International that the tourism sector should be an important focus for the bushfire recovery taskforce.
“A one-off subsidy on transport such as TT Line (operator of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries) should be considered,” he said. “The Tasman Peninsula and east coast are an integral part of our tourism economy, with international drawcards including Freycinet National Park and Port Arthur.”
State Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said plans were already underway for a post-bushfire campaign.
“In particular, we want to emphasise that Tasmania is still open to visitors,” Mr Bacon said. “This is an important message for both people holidaying in the state and those planning to come to Tasmania, to ensure they realise that in many parts of the state, it is still business as usual.”
Would cheaper ferry crossings lure you across the Bass Strait? Have the recent bushfires put you off a visit to the Apple Isle? Comment below.
The bush fires have not deterred me,but the high cost transporting my motor has stopped me from visiting for a 3 month visit,being on the disability pension makes it had to justify the high cost.
We have visited Tasmania before and would like to go back again. The main deterrent is the high cost of the ferry transfers. We would need to spend at least 3 months there to justify the cost of transfers, and most of that would need to be free-camping (or low cost camping) to help balance the budget. A subsidy would certainly help us to make the decision to go.
We are in Tassy now, have been since 1st November, heading to Port Arthur this week – we have just stayed away from fire affected areas until all clear. We found the cost of the ferry not too bad with the motorhome, and we were subsidised by the Govet to the tune of $790, so we were very happy – but if we had a big van and car,we would probably not have come over, due to the cost.
We are booked on Spirit of Tasmania for Sunday 27th. January. Booked & paid for trip February 2012. $1095 for trip on special one way. I’m interested to hear more about the Government rebate you talk about. We are looking forward to our time in Tasmania, we feel we need to stay for at least a couple of months to justify the crossing fare.
Way to expensive for me And I’m a Millionaire…Just bought a Four hundred and forth thousand box on the beach for fire wood
It’s interesting to follow the periodic debate regarding the cost of getting to Gods Country (Tasmania) and it looks like it’s on the agenda once more following the recent bush fires. Sure it’s expensive to get motorhome or tug + caravan down here but once you’re down here there’s no necessity to travel hundreds of klms each day to get from one scenic place to the next. So your holiday is likey to be less stressful and more enjoyable once you get used to the idea of a slower pace.
Throughout my long and rewarding life I’ve learnt to distrust politicians bashing their gums about injustice. Mostly it’s all about their own need to be noticed or heard. During the recent terrible bushfires it has been proven that the actions of volunteers far surpass the of the elected. Even the Police, Firies and Ambo’s recognise this and give credit for it.
Tassie is unique. Only a foolish person would delay their journey here and wait in case some promised “discount” was introduced.
Do yourself a favour . . . . come on down. We promise to be friendly and leave you feeling like you’ve had the holiday of a lifetime when you return home. And don’t forget . . . . where else can you experience all four Seasons in the ONE day ???
We have visited Tassie before but only on a short trip hired a car and stayed at motels. Both my wife and myself would love to go back but the cost of the car and our van makes it very difficult. Some incentive by the government would make the decision easier.
WE went over with a 4×4 and jaco swan + 2 small dogs in October 2010.Stayed 3 weeks ( we wished it could be longer). Cost with a day drip going over and the return trip back to Melbourne we had a 2 birth cabin………Total cost over $1800.00. YES SIR a lot of money and that was be four we spent money traveling, and fuel. We would love to go back if not for the cost.
Our last trip away we went to Central Australia and that trip worked out cheaper for us. The $1800.00 that was spent on getting us over and back to tassie covered our fuel cost traveling up and back to Central Australia
I’m taking my Kombi camper over in early April. The total cost for the return trip with a cabin for two people each way is $820 all up, although that includes the Government rebate of $398. I assume the bigger the rig, the more you pay.
I love the Apple Isle and have been there 3 times in the past 12 months. First time a friend and I hired a car, the second time (last November) he brought his car down on the ferry and last time (this January) we borrowed a truck from a friend to get around, although it was a working trip.
Looking forward to going back to Tassie in April because this trip will be a journey of pleasure and discovery.
It is far to expensive as Steven Goring says Central Australia for that price..Is Money well spent
after writing my comments received message please add valid email which I did not going to type all over again. basically we went to tassie cost $2000 for travel over and back spent over $5000 on fuel living and repairs ect wont be going back under the new thoughts of a few regarding camp sites local buisnesses the loser in this matter im afraid. But a beutiful place
Keep us posted on the prices to take a large caravan and large caravan across. The boat trip is way too expensive to get both the car and caravan across. If a decent subsidy was paid I wold be interested in going over for a few weeks.