accomodation near the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Victoria
sue e said
07:23 AM Oct 7, 2011
We have booked our tickets on the Spirit and are travelling on a day ticket.We need to be there at about 7am. so we're looking for acccomodation close to the terminal. We're thinking that a motel or cabin would make the most sense as we don't want to be packing up before we go. But does anybody have advice regarding this? This is our first trip so we aren't too practised on the logistics of it all. A powered camp site would certainly be cheaper but can't find any on the net in close proximity to the terminal- The same applies to motel /cabin type accomodation.Does anybody have some advice for us ?Thanks all.
NeilandRaine said
07:37 AM Oct 7, 2011
Maybe you should just line up early, about 10 the night before.
_wombat_ said
08:52 AM Oct 7, 2011
this place is at Melbourne Airport but is only $79 a double, will take about 30-40 mins to get to the ferry.
When we went to Tasmania at the beginning of July (with our van), we stayed at the South East Holiday Village @ 29 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights. They were very good, and allowed us to stay 'til after lunch time before we headed off. It's on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and was an easy drive along the shoreline to the Station Pier. BE AWARE THOUGH that you cannot line up at the actual terminal 'til about 1 1/2 hrs before boarding the ferry. eg we were due to board around 6pm, but the gates didn't open 'til 4.30pm, and the parking along the foreshore is now on parking meters!!!! And I understand the cops are vicious along there as well.
Can't read into your query if you have a van or not with you, but either way, make sure you don't have any fresh food with you as it will have to be declared and handed over (no such worries coming back to the mainland). Also if you have any flamable items (eg metho) with also be taken. Loose gas bottles will also be taken and given back to you once you arrive at Devonport.
We stopped at the Abel Tasman C/Pk in Devonport - very close to the terminal there, and they allowed us to stay 'til around 4pm on the day we came back for not extra charge.
Hope this helps, and you have a wonderful time exploring Tassie.
June
PS Both parks had nice looking cabins as well.
-- Edited by Pejay on Friday 7th of October 2011 09:05:35 AM
RosieW said
09:31 AM Oct 7, 2011
If all else fails, ring TT-Line, they often know of places, so long as you get through to someone who wants to be helpful.
Ma said
09:40 AM Oct 7, 2011
Thanks June, that info has helped us too. We board the boat on the 15th November - night sailing
Clare46 said
10:12 AM Oct 7, 2011
I think this is the one that is recommended on another forum
There is a site at Craigieburn on the old Hume Highway [not the Hume Freeway] which is a few Kms from the Sydney Road On Ramp of The Western Ring Road. This will take you fairly simply via the Bolte Bridge to Station Pier. The Spirit of Tas site has a map on it and if you just study the off ramp layouts from the Bolte it is pretty simple. Bearing in mind the Terminal is on the edge of the busiest part of Melbourne it works pretty well. Hope this helps. Chris
goodie said
12:20 PM Oct 7, 2011
Sorry.......further to my last post. There is NO repeat No parking even short term close to the Terminal as they will advise when booking. Chris
Ron and Shirley said
01:13 PM Oct 7, 2011
Ashley Gardens CP gets a lot of positive mentions regarding catching the Ferry to Tasmania on many other Forums.
Apparently they have an area where you can leave your van and go sightseeing during the day whilst waiting for the night departure. Then there seems to be a convoy of vans in the evening following the map they give you heading to the Ferry.
Another park that also gets good mentions is Werribee South Caravan Park.
Whatever you do, do not let your GPS/Navigator take you down Montague Street if you have a full height van as the bridge is only 3metres.
_wombat_ said
04:09 PM Oct 7, 2011
goodie wrote:
There is a site at Craigieburn on the old Hume Highway [not the Hume Freeway] which is a few Kms from the Sydney Road On Ramp of The Western Ring Road. This will take you fairly simply via the Bolte Bridge to Station Pier. The Spirit of Tas site has a map on it and if you just study the off ramp layouts from the Bolte it is pretty simple. Bearing in mind the Terminal is on the edge of the busiest part of Melbourne it works pretty well. Hope this helps. Chris
that CP is no longer
Pejay said
06:33 PM Oct 7, 2011
Hi Guys,
Aspley Gradens C/Pk on the north side closed down around June I think - so that park is out. We looked at all options and felt that the one we chose gave us the least worrisome trip to Station Pier, particularly for a Friday night sailing.
NeilandRaine said
07:56 PM Oct 7, 2011
goodie wrote:
Sorry.......further to my last post. There is NO repeat No parking even short term close to the Terminal as they will advise when booking. Chris
Bugger there goes my plan of arriving a few hours early
There is a big 4 in Coburg
265 Elizabeth Street Coburg VIC 3058 1800 802 678
You can see the walls of Pentridge from the park and its about 20 k from station pier straight down sydney rd but leave
early before peak hour
chris & terry said
08:08 PM Oct 7, 2011
We used the Werribee South Caravan Park when we went over to Tassie, found it was the only dog friendly park available + the rate was reasonable & they seemed to get a reasonable trade with vans going over to Tassie. A bit of a drive to the wharf but not hard to manage. We also stayed there on our way back. There was free camping at the sport ground up the road from the terminal in Davenport, don't know if it is still in use though (we were there in 2010).
Regards Terry
Ron and Shirley said
10:39 PM Oct 7, 2011
Pejay
I think you mean the now closed Apollo Gardens CP up near Craigieburn, definitely not Ashley Gardens CP Braybrook Vic.
Neil
Yes the Big 4 in Coburg would also be OK.
However it is always Peak hour on Sydney Rd from Coburg to the City in both directions.
Maybe the slight exception is before 9:30am when the road is a clearway into the city. Even then I would not recommend travelling with a van in tow. Yes I travel Sydney road often.
The route for a night Ferry departure would be to go westward along Bell Street then South down the freeway and over the Bolte Bridge then left following the Blue Ferry signs to the Port.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Friday 7th of October 2011 10:39:53 PM
Technomad said
06:33 AM Oct 8, 2011
HI, when we managed Geelong Riverview many with vans in particular stayed with us and had an easy run into Melbourne, from the right side of town avoiding grid lock. About an hour out 3 lanes all the way.
Enjoy.
Graham.
NeilandRaine said
07:24 AM Oct 8, 2011
Ron and Shirley wrote:
Pejay
I think you mean the now closed Apollo Gardens CP up near Craigieburn, definitely not Ashley Gardens CP Braybrook Vic.
Neil
Yes the Big 4 in Coburg would also be OK.
However it is always Peak hour on Sydney Rd from Coburg to the City in both directions.
Maybe the slight exception is before 9:30am when the road is a clearway into the city. Even then I would not recommend travelling with a van in tow. Yes I travel Sydney road often.
The route for a night Ferry departure would be to go westward along Bell Street then South down the freeway and over the Bolte Bridge then left following the Blue Ferry signs to the Port.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Friday 7th of October 2011 10:39:53 PM
You are right about Sydney Rd, but I was thinking something like 6am.
Bell street and the freeway is a better alternative like you said but make sure you have an E Tag
-- Edited by NeilandRaine on Saturday 8th of October 2011 07:25:31 AM
kandagal said
09:34 AM Oct 8, 2011
I have heard that you can stay a the St Kilda marina with a caravan or motorhome. I think it costs $5 to open the gate at the entry.
_wombat_ said
09:50 AM Oct 8, 2011
Have you been in contact with the people at the ferry terminal and asked them, it must be a question they get asked a lot.
Pejay said
05:56 PM Oct 8, 2011
My apologies folks for getting tongue-tied with the name of Apollo Gardens, that is the one I meant when I said it was closed.
sue e said
07:28 PM Oct 8, 2011
Thanks all! that has been most helpful! we are travelling with a tent- don't laugh- we aren't going to do big trips- just a bit of sightseeing as cheaply as possible. We got a comfy sized tent and have had one practice at putting it up and down without too many difficulties.(in the loungeroom.....lol) We plan to do a few short stays soon get the hang of the whole process and to see what works etc. our kids are just rolling their eyes but we think what the hell- we're still pretty fit and active and have a positve outlook so it will be an adventure! yes??? This is where you all post reassuring remarks!
Happywanderer said
07:35 PM Oct 8, 2011
Before making comments I went into your profile to check your age but you don't have it there so will just say reassuringly Good on you. Sounds like fun and you are going at the right time. January will be nice and warm for tenting. I have been told there are plenty of free camps around Tassie so enjoy.
_wombat_ said
07:37 PM Oct 8, 2011
you ignore the kids and go for it, you will enjoy tassie
gubby said
09:59 PM Oct 8, 2011
NeilandRaine wrote:
Bell street and the freeway is a better alternative like you said but make sure you have an E Tag
You don't need a E Tag you can ring the number for City Link and get a 24 hour day pass...
debnsteve said
06:36 AM Oct 9, 2011
We slept in the carpark prior to the day sailing! Arrived in Melbourne late at night having driven from Glen Innes early AM, no hope of getting a hotel (had three cats in the car as well), we weren't the only ones...there were lots of vans and motorhomes and quite a few cars. There weren't any parking meters and there were plenty of carparks...didn't see anybody being bothered..saw a few security vehicles but they just drove around. This was in January this year, worst thing was how cold it was and it had been about 40 C that day driving down thru the NSW backblocks so wasn't prepared, had to unload to get to the warmer clothes...LOL. Now living in Tassie and haven't been warm since!!
We have booked our tickets on the Spirit and are travelling on a day ticket.We need to be there at about 7am. so we're looking for acccomodation close to the terminal. We're thinking that a motel or cabin would make the most sense as we don't want to be packing up before we go. But does anybody have advice regarding this? This is our first trip so we aren't too practised on the logistics of it all. A powered camp site would certainly be cheaper but can't find any on the net in close proximity to the terminal- The same applies to motel /cabin type accomodation.Does anybody have some advice for us ?Thanks all.
this place is at Melbourne Airport but is only $79 a double, will take about 30-40 mins to get to the ferry.
http://www.hotelformule1.com/gb/home/index.shtml
Hi Sue,
When we went to Tasmania at the beginning of July (with our van), we stayed at the South East Holiday Village @ 29 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights. They were very good, and allowed us to stay 'til after lunch time before we headed off. It's on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and was an easy drive along the shoreline to the Station Pier. BE AWARE THOUGH that you cannot line up at the actual terminal 'til about 1 1/2 hrs before boarding the ferry. eg we were due to board around 6pm, but the gates didn't open 'til 4.30pm, and the parking along the foreshore is now on parking meters!!!! And I understand the cops are vicious along there as well.
Can't read into your query if you have a van or not with you, but either way, make sure you don't have any fresh food with you as it will have to be declared and handed over (no such worries coming back to the mainland). Also if you have any flamable items (eg metho) with also be taken. Loose gas bottles will also be taken and given back to you once you arrive at Devonport.
We stopped at the Abel Tasman C/Pk in Devonport - very close to the terminal there, and they allowed us to stay 'til around 4pm on the day we came back for not extra charge.
Hope this helps, and you have a wonderful time exploring Tassie.
June
PS Both parks had nice looking cabins as well.
-- Edited by Pejay on Friday 7th of October 2011 09:05:35 AM
Thanks June, that info has helped us too. We board the boat on the 15th November - night sailing
I think this is the one that is recommended on another forum
ashleygardens@aspenparks.com.au
This will take you fairly simply via the Bolte Bridge to Station Pier. The Spirit of Tas site has a map on it and if you just study the off ramp layouts from the Bolte it is pretty simple. Bearing in mind the Terminal is on the edge of the busiest part of Melbourne it works pretty well. Hope this helps.
Chris
Chris
Ashley Gardens CP gets a lot of positive mentions regarding catching the Ferry to Tasmania on many other Forums.
Apparently they have an area where you can leave your van and go sightseeing during the day whilst waiting for the night departure. Then there seems to be a convoy of vans in the evening following the map they give you heading to the Ferry.
Another park that also gets good mentions is Werribee South Caravan Park.
Whatever you do, do not let your GPS/Navigator take you down Montague Street if you have a full height van as the bridge is only 3metres.
that CP is no longer
Aspley Gradens C/Pk on the north side closed down around June I think - so that park is out. We looked at all options and felt that the one we chose gave us the least worrisome trip to Station Pier, particularly for a Friday night sailing.
Bugger there goes my plan of arriving a few hours early
There is a big 4 in Coburg
265 Elizabeth Street
Coburg VIC 3058
1800 802 678
You can see the walls of Pentridge from the park and its about 20 k from station pier straight down sydney rd but leave
early before peak hour
Regards Terry
Pejay
I think you mean the now closed Apollo Gardens CP up near Craigieburn, definitely not Ashley Gardens CP Braybrook Vic.
Neil
Yes the Big 4 in Coburg would also be OK.
However it is always Peak hour on Sydney Rd from Coburg to the City in both directions.
Maybe the slight exception is before 9:30am when the road is a clearway into the city. Even then I would not recommend travelling with a van in tow. Yes I travel Sydney road often.
The route for a night Ferry departure would be to go westward along Bell Street then South down the freeway and over the Bolte Bridge then left following the Blue Ferry signs to the Port.
-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Friday 7th of October 2011 10:39:53 PM
HI, when we managed Geelong Riverview many with vans in particular stayed with us and had an easy run into Melbourne, from the right side of town avoiding grid lock. About an hour out 3 lanes all the way.
Enjoy.
Graham.
You are right about Sydney Rd, but I was thinking something like 6am.
Bell street and the freeway is a better alternative like you said but make sure you have an E Tag
-- Edited by NeilandRaine on Saturday 8th of October 2011 07:25:31 AM
Have you been in contact with the people at the ferry terminal and asked them, it must be a question they get asked a lot.
you ignore the kids and go for it, you will enjoy tassie
You don't need a E Tag you can ring the number for City Link and get a 24 hour day pass...