A new wave of grey nomads are finding themselves ‘stranded’ in Tassie … and they’re questioning whether the Spirit of Tasmania free vehicle crossing initiative has inadvertently created a monster backlog.
Since the program was launched in a bid to boost tourism to the Apple Isle after the ravages of the Covid pandemic, there has been huge surge in bookings. So far 28,000 cars, 200 motorbikes, 1500 motorhomes, and 1400 caravans have taken advantage of the scheme, which is due to end on June 30.
However, the success of the initiative’s success has also meant that grey nomads who arrived in Tassie several weeks or months ago and didn’t book a return crossing are now struggling to find a crossing back to the mainland.
Two long-term travellers, who did not wish to be named, contacted the GNT to warn others of the potential problem. The couple, who we will call John and Jemima, arrived in Devonport in the middle of January. Given the uncertainties surrounding potential future Covid lockdowns, they didn’t want to commit to a return date and they also wanted to keep their travel plans flexible.
They were happily travelling the island state and fruitpicking ‘to help out Tassie farmers’ when they warned by fellow grey nomads last week that there had been a huge ‘rush’ on ferry crossings.
“It was a shock when we went online to see that we could not get a boat till the end of July as there was simply no availability for caravans,” said Jemima. “We have met a number of other grey nomads who, like us, did not book a return journey and have literally ‘missed the boat’!”
In a panic, John and Jemima booked on the first available boat on July 29, bitterly disappointed that they would be ‘forced’ to stay in Tasmania three months longer than they wanted to.
“We knew we’d also have to pursue some work in order to pay our way,” said Jemima. “We certainly didn’t expect to be spending winter in Tasmania in our caravan!”
John and Jemima say they felt very let down by the Spirit of Tasmania, and said the free vehicle crossing scheme clearly had a part to play.
“We had looked into this in previous years and always found that there was plenty of availability,” said Jemima. “And the fares were much lower in the cooler months.”
However, just when the couple were resigning themselves to a bleak winter, they were informed that the Spirit of Tasmania had unexpectedly added two additional day sailings on April 6 and April 16 April. They were able to snag a place on one of those crossings and, although they are very relived, are anxious that others don’t fall into the same trap.
A Spirit of Tasmania spokesperson told the Grey Nomads that the company regularly warns that bookings need to be made well in advance to secure preferred sailing dates.
“This time of year is traditionally one of our busiest periods,” said CEO Bernard Dwyer. “The success of the Federal Government’s decision to increase the rebate for passenger vehicles that travel with us has also been a factor as more non-Tasmanians visit the state.”
If I could have my little dog by my side on a day trip , I would go today .
The winter is not that bad. 20 sailings and always booked a return trip. Silly not to.
It’s always heavily booked January to end April. People shoukdcskwsys book a retunn online as you can change it if your circumstances change and there is room on the ferry
What do people expect? The company can’t be mind readers and hold back x number of spaces because someone may wish to jump on at short notice. Book a return trip and if you want to extend or shorten your trip call them and see if they can help. If they can’t, you still have the booking that you made. As Alan said, the winter isn’t that bad – try one in Canada or northern USA — that’s cold!
Recoup, same as me. Have booked a private cruiser twice before, to take me and the dog over, not cheap, but did not want my dog, in SOT hands at all. So lucky I did, for the many problems dog owners have had on there. But cannot do it again, as am not as well off today.
Whilst they continue to decimate their forests with clear felling and associated environmentally destructive government sanctioned activities, you will not see me visiting this sad and backward state.
Good on ya mate, that leaves more room for me to go.
Nothing wrong with a backward state
The people are friendly and the local produce is great
If that’s backward I’ll take it in spades.
Go Tassie