It remains to be seen whether the Tasmanian government’s recent decision to significantly cut ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ fares will be enough to lure large numbers of grey nomads back across the Bass Strait.
The high cost of a trip to the Apple Isle – particularly with a large rig – has long been one of the major gripes of travellers eager to do the full ‘Big Lap’ and to discover the many delights of the island state.
Last month, the Tasmanian cabinet approved a 14.8% cut to fares over the next four years for the state-owned ships. It also approved the multi-million dollar refurbishment of two Bass Strait passenger ferries.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the plans were expected to attract an extra 64,000 passengers to Tasmania and boost tourism spending by $220 million a year by 2023.
“An additional 42 extra day sailings will be scheduled each year by 2018 and will also mean a significant increase in space for caravans, boat-trailers and `grey nomad’ tourists,” the minister said.
The refurbishment will cost tens of millions of dollars. Operators TT-Line say it will include an overall remodelling with new fittings, furniture and decor throughout passenger decks, a renovated bar and entertainment area, and technology upgrades including wi-fi, media streaming and climate-controlled air conditioning.
Travel Weekly reports that it will be the first refurbishment for the ships since they came into service 12 years ago. It says one of the vessels will be refurbished while in scheduled dry-dock, while the other vessel will be worked on while it’s still in service.
The Tasmanian government aims to boost tourist numbers to 1.5 million per year by 2020.
I went to Tassie with one of my sons had a great time.
would go again for sure a great place to visit the folk are friendly to we found
IF they were serious about increasing tourism, the prices would be reduced IMMEDIATELY>>>
I be dead b the time this happens, I agree with Terry R, I would love to go to Tassie, cost is to high for now.
hope they will lower the cost other wise will not get me over there, went 10 years ago, only took car, and it was good, but to dear with van, so come on let us see your great state again
Drop the price now and forget the refurbishment. Don’t need fancy cabins just need hugely cheaper fares. Should be subsidised more federally as it is a major section of the interstate route.
We’ve thought about taking a caravan holiday with our caravan but as pensioners the turn-off for us is the cost of the caravan each way – solve that and we’ll make a booking.
My partner & I agree with you Ron, We have thought about going but the cost, I have visited Tassie in the 1990’s & would love to revisit & show my partner all the beautiful spots. Lower the price & Tassie would get more Caravans’.
Does anyone actually know when it starts? The four year statement was vague and didn’t indicate when it would start just what they expected would happen in traveller numbers.
I winder how they worked out there will be 64,000 extra passengers,
I sure won’t be one of them, at their over-the-top fares.
14.8% cheaper fares in 4 years, cost of living increases will swallow that. Why not sell it to private business and for now forget about refurbishing the ships, they are ferries, not luxury ocean liners. Every year I get asked the same question: We want to tour Tassie with our van,what are the costs associated with bringing it across. When I tell them, the majority are horrified and start planning next year`s trip to anywhere but Tassie.
I would like to know if this will happen this year as we are planning a trip now. I don’t believe we need to update the interior at the cost they are saying, why not just reduce prices and ask customers where they feel updates are required. will be keeping watch to see what happens
If I were interested in going to Tassie I would leave my van on the mainland fly and hire a camper which is a comparable price to taking a big rig across
I just priced a trip for 2 in march till may with a 7 metre motorhome. Over $900. I have made many trips to Tassie in the past but no more. I know caravans pay a lot more but the continual increases have made me re-think my choices and for $900 I can travel to new destinations on the mainland. Well done Spirit you have successfully raised your prices to the point where you are irrelevant to travellers.$39. air fares and 50 minutes travel time mean you lose.
We would love to come again to Tassie now we are retired but the fare is too much even with this discount. We have Spoken to so many Caravaning people around the campfire and at happy hour and they all agree it is still too overpriced. It should not cost more than the Fuel costs to drive there.
we have been once and would love to go again but cannot afford the cost of taking the van over and a 15% price change probably wont do it for us a 25% now not in four years might make the difference, we would like to spend 3-4 months in Tazzie but will have to wait and see what happens with fares.
Reducing the base PASSENGER fare ($70-90 depending on the season) by 15% is not a reduction on THE very costly item: the RV! They have not been straightforward in pointing out that out.
they wanted $1000 to take our kimbery kamper across the car was $99
the camper isn”t as long as the car . i think they get stuck into you cos you taking your own accomodation with you
went over 10 years ago, great, took car, cheap but to costly with van so no go for me