We did all the sums too Ken and we intend to stay three months as well.
We figured for the convenience of having our own accommodation, not having the hassle of trying to find somewhere to stay and the fact that there are 100's of free camps in Tassie taking the van was the preferred option for Blue and I.
We can come and go as we please, no schedules to follow, stay as long as we want in any one place and we have our own transport without paying extra insurance or hire fees.
We are going on the 15th November and coming back on the 27th February.
Might see you somewhere over there. You can't miss us, gold Ford Ranger with a gold kayak on top of the canope, 21ft Jurgens van with 'BLUE & MA" on the back.
Am in the early stages of planning a trip from mid next February myself but unfortunately have only got two weeks leave.
Its cheaper for me to fly and hire a camper for two weeks than to take my van. The other issue is that it would be at least a two day trip from Newcastle just to get to the Spirit, then another two days back home again at the end. Would only leave me with ten days in Tassie, nowhere near enough time.
When we're been over for a week or two, it's been a fly drive holiday. We also did one where we took our own car and moteled it. Worked out a bit cheaper, but not as convenient. If I was going for 3 months I'd definitly be taking the van. Cheers, ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
we took the van over and at the end of the trip we worked out the cost(including the ferry in a cabin). in the van we stayed for 4 weeks for what it would have cost us for 2 weeks staying in motels and units.
if we went again it would definitely be in the van
Ohhh to be so lucky. Wish I was going to Tassie this summer, however, I don't think I will make it there. I only get my van mid year & reakon it will take me at least 15-18 months to make it that far south from Brisbane, possibly longer.
The period that you will be here is the busiest from Christmas onwards.
Being from the Apple Isle we also have to do our sums on getting the best value for the money.
For us, a two month plus holiday "overseas on the big isle" is necessary or it is just not worth the effort.
If I was coming down here for a two week break I would either look at B&B (there are some fabulous heritage ones) or hiring a motorhome. Either way, I strongly suggest forward booking.
We ALWAYS tell our friends to come here at the earliest in January, the better weather is in Feb and March.
whats tassie like in september we hope to get over there for 3 weeks looking around and doing a bit of fishing, the bride will do the looking and i'll do the fishing, she doesn't fish (silly girl),, i think we'll be taking our camper and 4wd hilux as we live in adelaide it's only over night to the "big boat" so no time lost there, but i was just wonbering what the weather would be like that time of year......
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SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA TAKE YOUR COLTHES OFF AND ROLL IN THE MUD
Ken, for 3 months - or more - definitely take the van. For convenience and peace of mind, Would suggest that you do what we did - take van, get cabin on boat. That way, you know that the arrival of boat in port will be at a time when you are there too. I prefer to have a cabin for the crossing, which can be rough at any time of the year. That way, I have my own bathroom and do not have to use facilities used by seasick masses. Tassie is a small island, but with so much to do and see - do not underestimate the time you can use there. We had a 6 month stay - did most of what we wanted to, in that time, but not all. Could easily go back for another 6 months - revisit some places and activities, fill in some gaps.
Because we booked months in advance, also took out travel insurance - might be something to investigate.
-- Edited by wendyv on Saturday 23rd of April 2011 11:17:31 PM
