This month CW correspondent
Barry Matheson utilised the
services of the iconic Spirit of
Tasmania ferry and reviewed
the experience for our readers.
IF you’ve ever thought of taking your own
car to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania, do
it.
The voyage across Bass Strait for the most
part is quite a pleasant experience.
I’d flown to Launceston to pick up a friend’s
car to drive it to Sydney.
Having not done the ferry trip before, I
didn’t know what to expect, as it was dark
when my partner and I drove into Devonport.
Where’s the terminal? No problem. There
are signs everywhere and it’s very easy to
find.
The boarding process was made simple by
the helpful and friendly shore staff who
guided us up a ramp and into the belly of the
big ship, Spirit of Tasmania.
Two things you need to do: You must be at
the terminal no later than 45mins prior to
departure, otherwise you won’t get on, and
remember the deck number where you leave
your car, or you’ll have trouble locating it
when you leave the ship in Melbourne on
arrival.
Several did, blocking others who couldn’t
drive off until the forgetful guests found their
vehicle.
We were allocated an inside private cabin.
Normally we’d have asked for a porthole cabin
but saw no point in paying extra as you don’t
see anything on the overnight crossing.
The ship sailed on time at 7.30pm and soon
the public areas were buzzing, especially the
Spirit Bar where AFL fans were watching a live
match on a big flat-screen TV.
It was pleasing to see that drinks weren’t
overpriced – you can’t bring your own booze
on board – a glass of fine Tassie Pinot Noir was
only $8.50, however meals aren’t so cheap.
We had a late lunch in Launceston and
weren’t that hungry, but we thought, let’s go
to the fine dining Leatherwood Restaurant
and we’ll have just the one course for dinner,
but to our dismay, we found that you had to
order a minimum of two courses at a pricey
$56 pp, drinks extra.
The place was almost deserted. Wonder
why?
The Captains Table Restaurant was more
reasonable, with hot and cold dishes,
canteen-style at $30 a head.
Not surprisingly, there was a queue to get in.
Needing directions to find the freeway from
Melbourne to Sydney, the Tourist Office on
board was helpful, but charged 50 cents for a
photocopy of a map showing the way, an
un-necessary rip-off that leaves a bad taste.
Our cabin was clean, with shower/toilet and
comfortable bed.
The crossing was quiet and remarkably
smooth, given that Bass Strait can be pretty
rough at times.
If you want to splurge and travel in style,
Deluxe Cabins located at the front of the ship
are priced at $1,041 per couple including car
& booking fee.
Porthole Twin cabin Flexi fare is $789 per
couple with car, Ocean Recliners for the
budget conscious cost $353 for two people
and there are four berth cabins for those who
want to share with strangers costing $264 pp.
Fares do fluctuate from day to day.
The entire staff on the ship deserve a word
of praise. They were wonderful.
The ship pulled in to the Port of Melbourne
on time at 6am and we drove off soon after
easily finding the Hume Highway to Sydney,
thanks to our 50 cent map.
