Do we take the caravan?-Tassie Top Tips please wonderful Grey Nomads!
AdventureB4Dentures said
11:40 AM Dec 2, 2013
Morning!
Thinking of booking our Tassie trip for late Feb / early March as I gather it gets heavily booked out. We're planning on staying about 6 weeks, perhaps longer.
According to the calculations its going to cost us about $2,500 for the return trip (that's cheap!!)
So, our options are,
1) take the caravan
2) leave caravan with friends or in storage and just take the car. We'd then do a mix of camping and BnB's etc.
Has anyone any top tips re either and esp has anyone done option 2 and if so, any advice? We're not just fixed on the cost aspects, but considering options!
Thank you oh wise ones!!
native pepper said
03:11 PM Dec 2, 2013
G'day, at that time of the year, B&B accommodation may be hard to get, but renting cottages etc should be fine, as the touro season here is winding down then. Camping should be fine and there are many places you can do that, if your van is self contained, there are many many places you can free camp and get wonderful views.
It sure is expensive to bring your rig to Tas, most that do really feel they have done the right things and really enjoyed themselves. Six weeks will only scratch the surface, but at least you will get to see some wonderful places.
Which ever you decide, when you get of the ferry, head for St Helens on to the east coast as it's a wonderful trip and from there you can head down to the Tasman peninsula, after that, Hobart and the Huon.
Hope that helps.
-- Edited by native pepper on Monday 2nd of December 2013 03:13:38 PM
Two Strays said
04:36 PM Dec 2, 2013
Hello AB4D
As you are going for longer than three weeks, take the van. It is cheaper and you at least have a comfortable bed each night and it won't have bed bugs.
Have a good trip.
Happy caravanning
Shogun said
04:38 PM Dec 2, 2013
I took my MH over in 2011 and while the cost wasn't as much as yours will be, I'm so glad I did. I was there about 6 weeks and only saw about a third of the place. If you look at the cost per night of a cabin or b&b over 6 weeks it will be a lot more than $2500. Having your own van gives you more options of where to stay also.
I would recommend the pub In the paddock up on the east as a place to,stay. You can free camp there for the night and the meals and hospitality was great. So the Arthur river cruise too if you are down on the west coast, it's on an old boat and lunch is included in the 4 hour trip.
I will be back there in about 12 month is time for an extended period to try and see a bit more of the beautiful apple isle.
Cheers
Brett
Pejay said
05:21 PM Dec 2, 2013
G'day S n S,
We too took our caravan to Tassie in 2011, we were over there for 5 weeks, and felt it was certainly worth it. What we did, as a suggestion to you, was to 'break the state up' into 5 areas and book into caravan parks for 7 days at a time - pay for 6, get the 7th night free. We then did day trips out each day and without the van on the back made for easier tripping around. eg there is no way you would take a van up to Cradle Mountain or Mt Wellington for that matter. For our trip, we had 7 nts in Devonport - did all the central area; 7 in Launceston - covered the north east; O/n Bicheno; 2 nts at Pt Arthur; 7 nts Hobart - covered bottom half of the central area as well as Strathgordon etc; 2 or 3 (can't remember) nts at Strahan * then back to Devonport - covered the north west, before heading back to the ferry.
We took our small barbie, and had the most wonderful sausage sizzle lunches etc in some absolutely incredible places.
* We were warned to let the truckies know (on the two way) that we were heading down the road from Queenstown to Strahan, the reason being the big refrigerated trucks bring the seafood out of Strahan and hightail it to Devonport to make the ferry overnight. We did OK 'til the last bend (which we did not know was the last bend) and nearly got cleaned up by a truck cutting the corner, and with a shear wall of rock on the passenger side we had nowhere to go, so hung on and prayed - thankfully he saw us and pulled over to his side of the road.
But no matter what you decide - enjoy your trip. We intend to return sometime down the track.
grae and deb said
09:04 PM Dec 2, 2013
hi ab4d
we are in tassie now been here a while actually , every one in tass goes wow really when we tell them how long we,ve been here , now 11 mths ,mind you were working a few months as well
our thoughts on your question are bring the van , a lot of tassie can be camping areas mosthave toilets and enjoy the natural bush a bit , and supplement this a few caravan parks , good parks are longford near launceston , low head , we,ve actually only stayed in 2 parks all this time , but dont and i mean dont go to snug c/p she is a real peice of work , nasty pastie , some may disagree but if in doubt read any parks reviews in tripadvisor.com and decide for yourselves , happy planning
Big Gorilla said
07:00 AM Dec 3, 2013
I live in Launceston most of the year and travel to the big Island frequently. Cost for my MH is only $89.00 on the Spirit. It's all based on length and under 7 meters goes at the same rate as a car. The cost of a car and caravan is nothing more than highway robbery. Tasmania is the basket case of the Australian economy and the State & Federal Govts. should be doing all possible to encourage tourists. $2500.00 would certainly make me think twice and deters a lot of travelers from coming here. Having said all that, my advice is bring your rig. Reasons for doing so have been given by other posters, and I agree. Tassie is a beautiful place to see and to travel in and you'll feel more comfortable and happier with your own rig...
Gerty Dancer said
09:20 AM Dec 3, 2013
We took our camper trailer in 2009, stayed for 5 weeks (Jan/Feb) and have been keen to return ever since. We found the free camps to be absolutely chockers unless you got there about 10 am, but found some great caravan parks... Arthur River was our favourite. Cradle Mtn was pouring with rain when we arrived, so we stayed at the Lodge there which wasn't cheap, but very nice to have a warm dry place to come home to after walking all day in heavy rain.
Next time we'll bring the tent, and if the weathers bad, stay in cabins.
Whatever you do, you'll have a great time!
Radar said
09:32 AM Dec 3, 2013
Adventbefordement. Hi
Back around 2000 we helped with the organizing a tour for 8 cars when at the last moment (5 days out and living in Bris) and not being told but lets not go down that path the boat was canned due to mechanical, a replacement for passengers only.
Now what we managed to do was though Brambles Shipping were able to get cars over to Burnie and us on the replacement boat. next day after a stop over in Devonport caught a bus down to the cars.
Now I was thinking is this possibility, that big pretty boat isn't the only way across, I would like to do some infor gaining but the at present I snowed under.
Just a thought. Cheers
JayDee said
08:13 PM Dec 3, 2013
We visited Tassie in 2011 during January February March and it was getting cold around the end of March.
Cost us around $2000 on the Ferry. We spent 9 weeks in Tassie and did not see it all.Now divide the $2000 by 9 weeks and we had a cost of around $220 per week expenses on top of all other outgoings. So free camping was our must do. And there we heaps of free camps on the island.
But I believe that the local councils in some areas are making it hard to enjoy Free camping.
The authorities need to relax and give the caravanning and camping tourist some slack or their tourism dollars will head south very quickly.
We spend over $8000 on our trip from Brisbane. Most of the exps were in Tassie.
We will give some thought to a return visit. But I think you should consider more time than 6 weeks and yes!!! take your van. You will then have a unit anywhere you want one on the trip.
Have fun
Jay&Dee
AdventureB4Dentures said
09:39 PM Dec 3, 2013
Thanks everyone, really appreciate all your comments. Think we'll take the rig and head out for trips as necessary etc.
We collect our new home on wheels tomorrow....very excited!
Have a safe and fun week everyone and thanks again.
jules47 said
09:58 PM Dec 3, 2013
Check out the Tasmania section on the Budget/Free Campsites sub forum on this forum - heaps of free cost (some are low cost i.e. $5)
Spent four months over in Tassy - loved every minute!!!!
Morning!
Thinking of booking our Tassie trip for late Feb / early March as I gather it gets heavily booked out. We're planning on staying about 6 weeks, perhaps longer.
According to the calculations its going to cost us about $2,500 for the return trip (that's cheap!!)
So, our options are,
1) take the caravan
2) leave caravan with friends or in storage and just take the car. We'd then do a mix of camping and BnB's etc.
Has anyone any top tips re either and esp has anyone done option 2 and if so, any advice? We're not just fixed on the cost aspects, but considering options!
Thank you oh wise ones!!
G'day, at that time of the year, B&B accommodation may be hard to get, but renting cottages etc should be fine, as the touro season here is winding down then. Camping should be fine and there are many places you can do that, if your van is self contained, there are many many places you can free camp and get wonderful views.
It sure is expensive to bring your rig to Tas, most that do really feel they have done the right things and really enjoyed themselves. Six weeks will only scratch the surface, but at least you will get to see some wonderful places.
Which ever you decide, when you get of the ferry, head for St Helens on to the east coast as it's a wonderful trip and from there you can head down to the Tasman peninsula, after that, Hobart and the Huon.
Hope that helps.
-- Edited by native pepper on Monday 2nd of December 2013 03:13:38 PM
Hello AB4D
As you are going for longer than three weeks, take the van. It is cheaper and you at least have a comfortable bed each night and it won't have bed bugs.
Have a good trip.
Happy caravanning
I would recommend the pub In the paddock up on the east as a place to,stay. You can free camp there for the night and the meals and hospitality was great. So the Arthur river cruise too if you are down on the west coast, it's on an old boat and lunch is included in the 4 hour trip.
I will be back there in about 12 month is time for an extended period to try and see a bit more of the beautiful apple isle.
Cheers
Brett
We too took our caravan to Tassie in 2011, we were over there for 5 weeks, and felt it was certainly worth it. What we did, as a suggestion to you, was to 'break the state up' into 5 areas and book into caravan parks for 7 days at a time - pay for 6, get the 7th night free. We then did day trips out each day and without the van on the back made for easier tripping around. eg there is no way you would take a van up to Cradle Mountain or Mt Wellington for that matter. For our trip, we had 7 nts in Devonport - did all the central area; 7 in Launceston - covered the north east; O/n Bicheno; 2 nts at Pt Arthur; 7 nts Hobart - covered bottom half of the central area as well as Strathgordon etc; 2 or 3 (can't remember) nts at Strahan * then back to Devonport - covered the north west, before heading back to the ferry.
We took our small barbie, and had the most wonderful sausage sizzle lunches etc in some absolutely incredible places.
* We were warned to let the truckies know (on the two way) that we were heading down the road from Queenstown to Strahan, the reason being the big refrigerated trucks bring the seafood out of Strahan and hightail it to Devonport to make the ferry overnight. We did OK 'til the last bend (which we did not know was the last bend) and nearly got cleaned up by a truck cutting the corner, and with a shear wall of rock on the passenger side we had nowhere to go, so hung on and prayed - thankfully he saw us and pulled over to his side of the road.
But no matter what you decide - enjoy your trip. We intend to return sometime down the track.
we are in tassie now been here a while actually , every one in tass goes wow really when we tell them how long we,ve been here , now 11 mths ,mind you were working a few months as well
our thoughts on your question are bring the van , a lot of tassie can be camping areas mosthave toilets and enjoy the natural bush a bit , and supplement this a few caravan parks , good parks are longford near launceston , low head , we,ve actually only stayed in 2 parks all this time , but dont and i mean dont go to snug c/p she is a real peice of work , nasty pastie , some may disagree but if in doubt read any parks reviews in tripadvisor.com and decide for yourselves , happy planning
I live in Launceston most of the year and travel to the big Island frequently. Cost for my MH is only $89.00 on the Spirit. It's all based on length and under 7 meters goes at the same rate as a car. The cost of a car and caravan is nothing more than highway robbery. Tasmania is the basket case of the Australian economy and the State & Federal Govts. should be doing all possible to encourage tourists. $2500.00 would certainly make me think twice and deters a lot of travelers from coming here. Having said all that, my advice is bring your rig. Reasons for doing so have been given by other posters, and I agree. Tassie is a beautiful place to see and to travel in and you'll feel more comfortable and happier with your own rig...
Next time we'll bring the tent, and if the weathers bad, stay in cabins.
Whatever you do, you'll have a great time!
Adventbefordement. Hi
Back around 2000 we helped with the organizing a tour for 8 cars when at the last moment (5 days out and living in Bris) and not being told but lets not go down that path the boat was canned due to mechanical, a replacement for passengers only.
Now what we managed to do was though Brambles Shipping were able to get cars over to Burnie and us on the replacement boat. next day after a stop over in Devonport caught a bus down to the cars.
Now I was thinking is this possibility, that big pretty boat isn't the only way across, I would like to do some infor gaining but the at present I snowed under.
Just a thought. Cheers
Cost us around $2000 on the Ferry. We spent 9 weeks in Tassie and did not see it all.Now divide the $2000 by 9 weeks and we had a cost of around $220 per week expenses on top of all other outgoings. So free camping was our must do. And there we heaps of free camps on the island.
But I believe that the local councils in some areas are making it hard to enjoy Free camping.
The authorities need to relax and give the caravanning and camping tourist some slack or their tourism dollars will head south very quickly.
We spend over $8000 on our trip from Brisbane. Most of the exps were in Tassie.
We will give some thought to a return visit. But I think you should consider more time than 6 weeks and yes!!! take your van. You will then have a unit anywhere you want one on the trip.
Have fun
Jay&Dee
We collect our new home on wheels tomorrow....very excited!
Have a safe and fun week everyone and thanks again.
Spent four months over in Tassy - loved every minute!!!!