Hi All , I know that there has been a little bit said on going to ,and not going to, Tassie.. We have a Disco and a 20 foot van all up, 12.5 long, over 2.1 mts. high. return it will be $1374.00 Thinking going around end nov.-10 coming back first week in April. -11.. Any thoughts on time and any thing else one should know ..from thoes that have done the trip.. Thank you Bob n Bev
Sandra K said
09:16 PM Jun 1, 2010
We went to Tassie for Easter, thought that we might take the van in the future but having driven down the South Coast would not even consider taking a caravan over. The roads are to winding for our liking, also narrow and doing that driving would take the pleasure out of the beautiful scenery. Maybe pick your base carefully and do day trips.
blaze said
02:40 PM Jun 2, 2010
Hi I live in Tassie and tour for 6 to 8 weeks ATM a year on the big island to the north, lots of outback driving (no Van). So I have seen a fair selection of roads. Sure tassie roads can be narrower and certainly hiller than the mainland there is no reason not to tow a van. I tow my 16 foot van any where in tassie, need to be mindful of conditions, like when they show a sign for a sharp corner be aware that it will be sharp unlike on the mainland where a little sweep in the road will show a sharp corner sign. Where to Go I am from the nort west coast and bias toward this end but no matter where you travel every 10 minutes on the road it changes. East coast is nice as is south of hobart around the huon, west coast is a must as is the woodened carfed wall at dewent bridge. Locals are friendly. Just to finish, sitting at my parents house on a highway into town it is not uncommon to see 50 camper trailers, caravans, motor homes etc go passed each day in summer time. Cleanest air in the industlised world is monitered 40 km from me at cape grim air reseach station (worth a look too) cheers blaze ps also drive a disco tdi 300
-- Edited by blaze on Wednesday 2nd of June 2010 02:42:16 PM
PeterD said
10:01 PM Jun 2, 2010
Sandra K wrote:We went to Tassie for Easter, thought that we might take the van in the future but having driven down the South Coast would not even consider taking a caravan over. The roads are to winding for our liking, also narrow and doing that driving would take the pleasure out of the beautiful scenery. Maybe pick your base carefully and do day trips.
You have not done any touring in the great dividing ranges in NSW & Qld have you? I have used roads there that are much worse than any in Tasmania that I travelled.
The best time too travel is just after the summer peak season. You will get 3 months of reasonable weather then. An alternate is to go before the peak season and come back in February/April if you don't mind being away over Christmas.
Freddos future said
02:02 PM Jun 3, 2010
Hi Guys, We have recently come back from 6 weeks in Tassie. Left the van back on the main land and took the tent. Packed everthing into the Patrol (including the roof racks) - cheaper on the Spirit of Tasmania. Once we were there we unpacked and re-organized our stuff. Glad we didn't van it as the hills and turns in some areas are unbelievable. Absolutely a beautiful place, covered it all. Set up camp and then did the tourist thing for a radoius of 200 klms, then moved to our next camping spot. It a must for everyone who has the chance.....its beautiful, ....just do it!
Dunmowin said
08:55 PM Jun 3, 2010
Did tassie in camper trailer with short wheel base jackaroo few years back. spent three weeks on the island, two of them it rained. Arrived Christmas day in Davenport, snowed same day at Cradle Mt. We had a ball. No hills to tough or windy for us
BobnBev said
09:00 AM Jun 4, 2010
Thanks to all thoes that took the time to answer..We have been on hills and out back roads that would make anyone cringe..Went up a hill that steep had to use two 4+4 to get the van up there, true..Been up in the Alpine NP on two wheel tracks .with a drop on one side that would put the fear of god in anyone.with the van on.. Not worried about bends and hills ..Just how good the fishing is..Have a TD5 Disco chipped and a revamped all bells and whistles 20 ft Viscount All 12 volt . totally self contained..Will be looking for a nice place to just sit and watch the world go by .And fish..not a real rubber neck..but will take time to see the real Tassie not the hiped stuff..love fishin..dont know whether to take the boat?? can be a hassel..would love to catch a pacific samon or a tuna, maybe a nice trout, Dreaming is ok ! its wishing thats the trouble..Hope to see you over there....say gudday ok...Thanks again..Did I say we like to fish?....Bob n Bev......
Sandra K said
10:05 PM Jun 5, 2010
Hi Peter
Yes, we have done a few trips down to Batemans Bay, over the Clyde Mountain also to Shoalhaven Heads via Kangaroo Valley to Nowra. My husband is a very experienced driver and even he is relieved when we get through those curves and descents. Thankfully the Navara handles the drive well.
I know that there has been a little bit said on going to ,and not going to, Tassie.. We have a Disco and a 20 foot van all up, 12.5 long, over 2.1 mts. high. return it will be $1374.00 Thinking going around end nov.-10 coming back first week in April. -11..
Any thoughts on time and any thing else one should know ..from thoes that have done the trip.. Thank you Bob n Bev
I live in Tassie and tour for 6 to 8 weeks ATM a year on the big island to the north, lots of outback driving (no Van). So I have seen a fair selection of roads. Sure tassie roads can be narrower and certainly hiller than the mainland there is no reason not to tow a van. I tow my 16 foot van any where in tassie, need to be mindful of conditions, like when they show a sign for a sharp corner be aware that it will be sharp unlike on the mainland where a little sweep in the road will show a sharp corner sign.
Where to Go
I am from the nort west coast and bias toward this end but no matter where you travel every 10 minutes on the road it changes. East coast is nice as is south of hobart around the huon, west coast is a must as is the woodened carfed wall at dewent bridge. Locals are friendly.
Just to finish, sitting at my parents house on a highway into town it is not uncommon to see 50 camper trailers, caravans, motor homes etc go passed each day in summer time.
Cleanest air in the industlised world is monitered 40 km from me at cape grim air reseach station (worth a look too)
cheers
blaze
ps also drive a disco tdi 300
-- Edited by blaze on Wednesday 2nd of June 2010 02:42:16 PM
You have not done any touring in the great dividing ranges in NSW & Qld have you? I have used roads there that are much worse than any in Tasmania that I travelled. The best time too travel is just after the summer peak season. You will get 3 months of reasonable weather then. An alternate is to go before the peak season and come back in February/April if you don't mind being away over Christmas.
We have recently come back from 6 weeks in Tassie. Left the van back on the main land and took the tent. Packed everthing into the Patrol (including the roof racks) - cheaper on the Spirit of Tasmania. Once we were there we unpacked and re-organized our stuff.
Glad we didn't van it as the hills and turns in some areas are unbelievable.
Absolutely a beautiful place, covered it all. Set up camp and then did the tourist thing for a radoius of 200 klms, then moved to our next camping spot. It a must for everyone who has the chance.....its beautiful, ....just do it!
Yes, we have done a few trips down to Batemans Bay, over the Clyde Mountain also to Shoalhaven Heads via Kangaroo Valley to Nowra. My husband is a very experienced driver and even he is relieved when we get through those curves and descents. Thankfully the Navara handles the drive well.