The Spirit of Tasmania has a new home on the Australian mainland.
Ferries have now begun carrying passengers to and from the purpose-designed Spirit of Tasmania Quay terminal in Geelong instead of Station Pier at Port Melbourne.
While grey nomads will no doubt be excited by the easier travelling experience the ferry’s new home promises, many are also eagerly awaiting news of the long-promised new budget camping area near the terminal.
A feasibility study has found many locals support low-cost camping and facilities at a site in North Geelong for those about to board or disembark the Spirit of Tasmania.
A number of options are reportedly being looked at for the site, including Seagull Paddock.
Mayor Peter Murrihy told the Bay 939 radio station that he expected a proposal to go before councillors soon.
“Still looking into that, trying to get a location close to Corio Quay,” Cr Murrihy said. “There’s a number of properties that have been identified … it’s coming back to council in the very near future.”
The Mayor told the Geelong Independent why the council was so keen to find a new low-cost camping site in the northern suburbs.
“With about 450,000 passengers expected to use the service each year, the benefits for the Geelong region are enormous,” he said. “Our tourism, accommodation, and hospitality sectors are all licking their lips at the prospect of thousands of new visitors each week … the influx will not only support existing markets, but also open up new opportunities.”
The Spirit of Tasmania says the new terminal at Geelong is fitted with cutting-edge technology and exceptional facilities for an enhanced travel experience. It says it offers passengers easy access and ample parking, undercover areas for vehicles, seamless boarding and security processes, and a comfortable passenger lounge.
Spirit of Tasmania Chairman Michael Grainger said the arrival marked the start of a new era.
“The move to Geelong represents a once in a generation opportunity for Spirit of Tasmania to further enhance the experience of our passengers,” he said. “The new port home is expected to lead to increased passenger growth from markets in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, as well as increased passenger growth from regional Victoria.”
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We received a text message from Spirit of Tasmania management asking us to get to Station Pier two hours earlier than scheduled because an overseas cruise ship was expected to be moored there causing additional traffic confusion.
We got to Station pier early & there was no cruise ship in sight.
From when we arrived until when we boarded took four hours.
We were at the bottom level of the ship & when we arrived at Devonport it took two hours to get off.
Things weren’t that much better on the return voyage.
Never again, we only had our car.
I would be excited to travel to Geelong, however 8 months out from my preferred sailing date, I can’t book a a car and caravan on a trip from Devonport. We need some extra sailing dates
Its odd, they regularly advertise cheap car rates but try to book a caravan as well and almost non existent for 2023. If you do score a single trip, be prepared to be trapped as you may not get back for many months.
Ive just booked for early Dec, no trouble
I think a low cost camping area is a good idea. In peak times you can’t get a one night at a caravan park near Geelong. Also it needs to be for all camping set ups, not just self-contained.
Try the Geelong Showground