The staggering growth in the popularity of camping and caravanning in Australia in recent years has been highlighted once again by some jaw-dropping statistics out of Tasmania.
The state government says that the number of Tasmanian caravan registrations has grown by an incredible 46% in the past five years.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the huge rise in caravan registrations from 12,738 in July 2018 to 18,587 in July 2023 was a clear indication that demand for the extra lane metres on the new Spirit of Tasmania ships would be exceptionally strong.
“This demand will be met with the new Spirits coming into service between Devonport and the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Geelong next year,” he said.
Tassie here we come? The new Spirit vessels will be able to take more RVs. PIC: Cizza
“The new Spirits will have a big increase in passenger capacity, up from 1400 to 1800, and the number of cabins from 222 to 301.”
However, he said the most significant difference would be the 59.8% increase in vehicle lanes for passenger and freight vehicles, with more than four kilometres of vehicle lanes available on the new ships.
“Every metre of the 4,098m in vehicle lanes will be a suitable height to fit caravans and campervans,” Minister Ferguson said. “This is great news for the so-called grey nomads, who are packed and ready to roll in record numbers.”
The state government said travellers could be confident that the new Spirits would not only cater for the increase in caravans and motorhomes today, but would have the space to accommodate decades of future increased demand.
It said it would continue to deliver major infrastructure as a central pillar of its long-term plan for the state.
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And yet we still get ripped off to put our car and caravan on the Spirit. Our last return trip was over $2,000. This is supposed to be our national highway. Mr Fergusson needs to explain why we are paying so much.
Sorry mate, not a “rip off” at all. Do you have any idea what it costs to run a big ship like the Spirt.
it is another government ripoff.
Much much more expensive than the Vancouver to Nanaimo trips in British Columbia. In shocked at Australian ferry cost…
Hope there’s not too many EVs on those decks.
Hi findly Tasmania is back on the map yes I’m born in Tasmania Hobart still my home town qand all ways will be as I move to QLD in 1997 as for work as work in around Hobart all over Tasmania was bad to be in QLD working about 18 years actually now in Alicesprings liveing as still Tasmanin me self it’s absolutely great there more tourism there now I’m sure more touris will flock our beautiful state more than ever before
This is our national highway ,cost to drive this 250 km is More than ridiculous , amagine if main landers were charged $1800 to drive from melbourne to Sydney with that as a toll, and then told they need to book 6 months in advance to do so ,ha ha joke
How can you possibly compare the cost to each other. Ships are costly to run. Also you need to get organised and book ahead or don’t go in peak season with everyone else. It is not a bus or train travelling three times a day.
Spirit fares are already subsidised by Federal Govt so be grateful for that. Yes these boats are very costly to run. You compare vehicular fares on other ferrys such as Kangaroo Island or across Port Phillip Bay. I have travelled each winter from Tassy for over 20 years and factor in the expense for a 3 month stay on mainland. My advice to those that think fares are to dear on the Spirit is to plan a longer stay in Tassy which evens out the ferry expense. There so much to see and do that you will be surprised how time gets away from you if it is only a short stay.
Well said Bert, I agree 100% and I live in Tas. and can’t escape….the cost, (maybe Ill try tunneling).
Main problem is that Tasmania is just becoming overcrowded with people looking for a camping spot. Add another 50% and…..
Just hope they don’t allow freight to monopolise the extra capacity at the expense of the larger vans.
Couldn’t agree more. Obviously freight is a lucrative part of their bottom line and the distribution of the extra spots on the new ferries will be telling. Also, I think as soon as there is any claim of being part of the national highway system it leaves them open for some heavy criticism, and comparisons with the rest of the highway system become valid. I am very frustrated with the ridiculously long lead times required for booking spots for a van and I don’t apologise for having to use the ferry during months when others also want to use it given that I wouldn’t expect people using the rest of the highway system to have to commit to using it on a given day 9 months ahead of time ….or to not using it say during school holidays. Similarly the cost of traversing the strait is a valid target especially when the cost of a cabin is removed. Of course the blame for the costs can be sheeted home to both state and federal governments as well as the company.
Typical minister’s press release with little real detail.
The housing crisis is also contributing to a market increase.