Spirit of Tasmania - seriously?

[switched Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close switched]

Andrew,

I guess if we know up front how much to expect, and budget for it, then it is what it is..
But given Switched comment above, the other half will be flying down...

Should have also mentioned we had seas of only 0.5M on the return leg... a lot nicer weather. I did read an article once where the swell was once 20 Metres... yes 20! I wonder what the average conditions are for the trip?

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Andrew,

I guess if we know up front how much to expect, and budget for it, then it is what it is..
But given Switched comment above, the other half will be flying down...

When we went last tiem it was smooth sailing both ways, we did however speak to some other people who travelled a few days after us that went through horendous seas, infact after 11 hours they had to turn around and go back to Melbourne as the ship couldn't get through the storm.

I do wonder about the flying option, by the time you factor in getting the wife and kids to and from the airport and pressumably they will need a night in a motel while I am on the boat would it be that much cheaper? Apart from that travelling on the ship is part of the holiday so worth a few extra bucks in my eyes.

Cheers Andrew

[MDSimpson Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDSimpson]

Andrew, Happy Wife, Happy Life.... so whatever makes her happy...

[Rusty62 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty62]

Just had a look at our invoice. Car and camper 8.8 mt under 2.1 mt, 3 people down and 4 people back, port hole cabins both ways - $1422. If you want to fly melb to launceston is about $120 each plus motel $100 + taxi. Cost would be about the same either way but if you are a motion sick person take the fly option otherwise the boat is a great experience. We have now been twice and the first trip was a wild ride, 35 knot winds and huge swell. I couldn't sleep as we could not get a cabin and booked chairs. Ended up running around the boat to pass the time. reports on that night people where falling out of the beds. On the 3 other crossings the ride was great. Even had a lightning show during the night.
Don't be put off because of the cost, the experience of the crossing plus Tassie itself make a great holiday. Our total fuel bill was $1393 over the 4 weeks. 6674 km (brisbane return) at 14.4 with average cost approx $1.45 lt with discount coupons . We stayed in national parks and other camp spots off the road so our accommodation bill was very low. That made for a bill of $3000 for a 4 week break. I have not included food as you have to eat at home to.
Yes you can go to Fiji or Bali with a family of 4 for less but i would rather stay in Australia to spend my money.

Now the planning starts for our next big traveling holiday, Brisbane to WA in 3 years time. Just need about 8 weeks long service should do it. Bet ya it costs more than a Tassie trip due to distances.

Until then i will just need to take 2 week breaks and tour western Qld a bit.

Rusty.

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

The flying the crew over is really only cost effective if the airfares are reasonable - say $69 which do come up but as usual not during the busier periods.

Whatever you do dont be put off. Its a good place to visit. Just remember, its bigger than you think!

[Guest Close Guest]

Just got our bill for Late Jan for Targa Wrest point.

Total inc GST 1,813.00 AUD
AUD
Federal Gov rebate 388.00 AUD

This is for the tow car, and race trailer (10.7 mtr in length total) and race car on trailer.
One pax over, 2 pax back.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Just remember, its bigger than you think!

And it takes longer to get from A - B than you think, not many straight or flat roads in Tassie, especially if you get of the main roads.

Cheers Andrew

[VKPrado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close VKPrado]

It surprises me so often to hear people from outside of Tasmania say that they are going to visit for a couple of days and drive right around the state. Yes you could drive around the state in two days but that would only allow for stopping for fuel and to sleep.
The road between Launceston and Hobart is part of the national highway 1, yet it is a piece of crap road. They even put signs up saying it is a rough and uneven surface for the the next how ever many km's.
Used to take just over 2 hours to drive the 200km but now it is more like 2.5hrs and getting longer.

[Guest Close Guest]

I concur. Having driven most of the island with the various targas your spot on about times.

[Rusty62 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty62]

when in tassie don't look at the km, but time. Allow average of 60-70 kph on good roads and if towing allow 16l/100. On the mainland we average 80 km/h over the day and 14l/100. We refueled 3 times on the island over the 4 weeks but who cares. The island has more to offer per square km than most parts of aus. Tassie also has more camping spots (many free) many on the beach but also inland.
That highway also has a 110 speed limit, but we only used it on our last day.