It may still be a bit chilly for most grey nomads to be thinking about a trip to Tassie but all the indications are that the Apple Isle is going to be more popular than ever.
According to new figures just released, the two Spirit of Tasmania vessels recording more than 433,000 passengers on board in just one year. Passenger numbers on the ferries have risen by about 100,000 people, or 31% in four years.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin told the Advocate newspaper that additional daytime sailings and refurbishments to the ships had helped lead to the significant rise in passenger numbers.
“It’s been an amazing turnaround and it bodes well for the future of TT-Line,” Mr Martin said. “We know that those who come by sea usually stay longer and they spend more time in regional areas, so for our regional tourism, they’re fundamentally important.”
He said that on average, visitors who arrived by sea spent about $1000 more than those who arrived by air.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding told the Advocate that there had also been a 15% reduction in average fare prices for passengers.
“A total of $100 million in dividends and general government contributions has been prudently locked away for the purchase of the next generation of Bass Strait ferries,” he said. “We know they are looking forward to an even brighter future.”
While the majority of grey nomads love their trips in Tasmania, what some see as the unreasonably high costs of taking larger rigs across, as well as the difficulty of booking crossings if plans change remain constant sources of concern to some.
• Is Tassie on your Big Lap itinerary in the next 12 months? How long do you plan to stay? Comment below.
However, as a regular caravanner both in Tasmania and on the big island the cost of transporting our van is expensive. It is also difficult to book on occasions but whenever we travel we always notice large quantities of freight in the form of semi trailers (without prime movers) on board. Rather than just pat themselves on the back I consider that more effort needs to be made on reducing the cost of transporting caravans and other large recreational vehicles.
We spent 9 months in Tassie & had a fanastic time Oct 8 – July 1 2017. Free camping is so good all over the island it’s a credit to the towns & tourism industry. Yes it can be cold but as long as you are prepared it doesn’t stop you exploring. We meet so many people including a few families who were staying for long time frames as well, we would move on & see them somewhere else. Don’t rush it, take your time to explore. We only booked one way not knowing how long we wanted to stay & once deciding on returning to the mainland had no trouble booking as long as you are flexible there’s not an issue. Cost for return travel was around $1800-$2000 day sailing over & night back with a room. Overall with free/cheap places to stay we think it’s a must to visit, not weeks but months.
we have a 33foot bus and 15ft trailer with a 4wd…no way are we able to cross the Tasman
We are booked in January to take our 21 ft van across. Staying for two months. Last January we went with the car and tent and boy did I miss my home in wheels. Going for two months makes it worth the cost of van transport.
Have had a short 2 week holiday a few years ago before we retired. We would love to go again but the cost of transporting our caravan, 4WD, dog and cat will stop us I’m afraid. Added to the cost is that if something upsets plans (e.g. illness) it is very difficult to muck around with booking dates. Such a shame as it is a truly beautiful island which we would love to re-explore as travelers.
$1,172 one way for my 4WD and caravan. Need to do a lot of free camping to pay for this one. Or $297 for a Nissan Tiida and stay in motels. Lots of motels available for $2,400.
Might give it a miss this year.
Take the return cost of your tiida – $600 – off the return cost of your caravan/tow vehicle – $2400 – leaves you with $1800 to spend on accomodation. Staying in the cheapest motels your $1800 would only give you 3 weeks maximum, whereas you could stay indefinitely with your own van utilising the freecamping facilities.
We went over in Feb 17 for just over $2,000 with van stayed 7 weeks and cost of spirit paid for itself in a couple of weeks. We will be going back.
Are there ever any special deals available for nomads with vans who would love to spend time in Tassie?
Day trip are much cheaper than night sailings, check that out.
Plan on going in Feb. Still tossing up if I just take the car n swag it or take the van.