The number of caravans and motorhomes crossing the Bass Strait aboard the Spirt of Tasmania is continues to surge, despite concerns in some quarters over cost and availability.
Tasmanian’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said day sailings have proved highly popular for caravans and motorhomes, and in 2022-23 the company had 199 day sailings compared to the 145 day sailings the previous year.
“This was an absolute record number of day sailings for the company, eclipsing the previous record of 169,” he said. “In 2022-23, TT-Line carried a total of 17,413 caravans and 11,903 motorhomes and campervans … this is an increase of almost 50% respectively from 2021‑22 and is above pre-COVID levels where we saw demand of around 15,000 caravans and 11,000 motorhomes each year.”
There are more motorhomes and caravans on the road ... and on the Spirit of Tasmania. PIC: CIzza
Mr Ferguson added that the Spirit of Tasmania website has an ‘Availability Calendar’ so passengers can research in advance selected sailing dates for travel on board Spirit of Tasmania.
“This function assists passengers in planning their trip ahead of time so they know which months are particularly busy, and it is particularly useful for owners of caravans and motorhomes,” he said. “Since 2016, Saturday morning sailings have also been added to the sailing schedule from September through to after Easter to facilitate the movement of over height vehicles such as caravans, motorhomes and campervans.”
The minister said that capacity will significantly increase when two new ships – Spirit of Tasmania IV and V – arrive. There will be 40% more capacity and all lanes will be higher than 2.1 metres, so there will be no limit on which lanes can be used by caravans.
“Ensuring that TT-Line is accessible and affordable for caravan and motorhomes helps to increase regional tourism and reduce the cost of living for Tasmanian caravan and motorhome owners,” Mr Ferguson said.
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Still to expensive cost me 500 each way8
A number is issues here,
1) the cost for a berth on the Spit is exuberant and rising, check your freight equalisation scheme rebate on the ticket to see what it could be.
2) travel numbers continue to rise to take advantage of Tasmanian low cost camps, this has the flow on effect of these becoming full at peak times.
3) operators/owners are increasing their costs for these camp sites, due to the rise in numbers.
4) warnings are not being issued to warn travellers there may not be accommodation available to suit their needs, and if a return ticket was not purchased then you may be here for months.
Surely the lanes will have to be much higher than 2.1 metres to fit any caravan!