Covid restrictions have meant that Tassie has been off the Big Lap itinerary for many grey nomads for a while … but most are eager to get back. Back in 2018, Peter Morrison spent 14 magical weeks on the Apple Isle. Here, he explains why a return is very much in the cards!
‘I caught the big red boat with my 2003 Winnebago motorhome with ‘shed’ and returned to the ‘North Island’ after spending 14 amazing weeks on the Apple Isle.
As a self-funded solo traveller it is important to manage within a budget, and Tassie was great for doing this … as long as you can find free camps or low-cost options. My motorhome is fully self contained and I only need a relatively level space to set up camp. I have the capacity to only require access to water and dump point every 6-8 days, which made many of the areas managed by state government authorities ideal.
Peter's seen a lot of Tasmania ... but there's also a lot he hasn't seen!
Unfortunately, some local council areas are being pressured into closing their low cost/free campgrounds, while some creative councils have given over management of these areas to local community groups.
For example, back in 2018, Latrobe camp area behind the shopping centre was managed by the local primary school which collected $5 per night per vehicle. The community hall committee in Franklin did the same at $10 per night but, if you paid for three nights, you could have the fourth for free.
Peter’s rig was perfect for budget travelling in Tassie.
As low cost camping is essential to our lifestyle, it is important we follow the rules and expectations of each site we visit. I found it frustrating at sites that required ‘fully self-contained’ vehicles many pop-ups, whizz bangers and caravans make no effort to collect the grey water, even though they shouldn’t be there. A couple of times I took away litter that had been just left at sites that had no bins provided. All travellers need to show more respect or we all risk losing these facilities.
As I have a DR650 motorcycle in my ‘shed’, setting up camp at a low/no cost site allowed me to head off and explore the local area on the bike. I got to experience some places that are not highlighted in the tourist brochures, and I also learnt that ‘all terrain’ tyres are not the same as ‘nobbies’ when it comes to dry beach sand!
Fishing in tidal areas is free, but you will need a licence for inland waters.
In my case, over 40 hours of actual fishing produced one Brown Trout. I calculated that when you take into account the cost of the permit, the lures and the bait, this little fella (pictured) cost about $150 … but it was still worth it!
The little fella cost a lot to catch … but it was worth it!
I did have better luck in the ocean, but it certainly helped that I talked to a local. After spending two two-hour days fishing at Friendly Beaches in Freycinet National Park, a young local surfer told me to try my luck on the northern side of the rocky headland … about 100 metres away. So, after having a chat to the wombat on the path, and five minutes of casting a lure, I caught a good eating salmon!
In my time on the island, I travelled 6,929 kilometres and reckon I visited 209 ‘places’ but I know I still missed a fair bit … and it just means I’ll have to return!’
