Author Topic: Tasmania (Read 7420 times)

the mad cow · « **on:** February 06, 2012, 07:30:26 PM »

Hi all, just starting to plan our tassie trip for next January. I was looking to find out if anyone has travelled their since the "new" rebate scheme has been in place for the journey across?? I looked on a number of web sites including the Gov CentreLink, though it was a little misguiding??
Also, any tips on Hour glass Bay and the camping ballot?? would be helpful. I have search and read many threads so far but wouldvbe happy to take any other useful advice.
Thanks in Advance!!

Sixtys Guy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:29:33 PM »

I wasn't aware there was a new rebate scheme. The 'rebate' is built into the Spirit prices anyway.

Do you mean Wine Glass Bay?

Black-Pig · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:41:27 PM »

I have never heard of a camping ballot in Tassie? I agree the rebate is included in the Spirit Prices and when you get the invoice it says "Vehicle fares are subsidised by the Federal Government under the Bass Strait
Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme. This amount showing has been deducted
from your fare and the balance owing is the Total inc GST amount shown above." and then "Federal Gov rebate 580.00 AUD" it still cost me nearly $700 to get my Hilux over then Hilux and Camper back but a rebate is better than none! Try Parks and Wildlife Tasmania for info on Wine Glass bay. I would suggest getting either an Annual or Monthly all parks pass for your travels. This will get you into Wine Glass, Cradle Mtn, Bruny Island National Parks and numerous other parks. Can be expensive getting single parks passes for all these places. On Bruny all the parks are $10per night for 2 people I think. Not sure about others. Some places are free with parks pass. Hope this helps.

Brutus · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2012, 07:00:12 PM »

The ballot is news to me?? You will however have to mortgage your house to get over here under the "equalization scheme" (yes a bugbear of mine).

NewcastleKnight · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2012, 07:07:09 PM »

We have recently booked for September 2012. I dont have the invoice handy but It's costing us approx $1600.00 for 2 adults, 1child and the Prado and Expanda. The invoice says around $800 govt rebate.

Dogsbreakfast · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2012, 07:25:26 PM »

Go down to fortescue bay, north of Port arthur.

Beautiful spot - took my sea kayak, its fantastic!

krisandkev · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2012, 07:47:13 PM »

I think this is the ballot you asked about.

Freycinet National Park. The park offers a variety of basic powered sites for campervans and caravans up to 18 feet (5.4m) and unpowered campsites for tents. Sites are available all year around, except for Honeymoon Bay camping area which is only open over summer and Easter. A ballot, drawn on the 1 August operates for Richardsons Beach and Honeymoon Bay between December and Easter each year.

We were there last year in Feb. There is a nice 4wd track, not hard, that takes you to bush camping and some very nice and rugged coast line.
We had intended on staying in the caravan park near the park headquarters/info center, but they were very skinny sites. We stayed at a fantastic free camping spot at 9 Mile Beach/Dolphin Sands. Not too far to drive. Beach side with beautiful views of the Hazards (Freycinet National Park), even has a drop loo.

The below was where two campers had a perfect camping spot!

This was our spot.

The 4wd track takes you to this.

Black-Pig · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2012, 08:45:36 PM »

Kris and Kev,
Nice spot you found. I think this will be my "test the camper" spot. Just going to google map it.

the mad cow · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2012, 09:19:26 PM »

Did I say Hour glass Bay

Too many glasses of something while writing

Thanks everyone, I did price the trip for the Hilux, Camper and the Boss and kids it was nearly $1700.. ouch, and yes I believe now that this is with the rebate!!
Thanks BP for the tip on the passes for the parks it certainly the doubtless option.
The photos have also eased the fare over, it looks fabulous.
What are your thoughts on time to see and enjoy this fine State?? An open question I know....
We have planned three weeks, does anyone think this is too short a time frame...
Have seen Hobart, Port Arthur a few years ago when we flew down from Sydney.
Also will make contact with Freycinet National Park. Re their Ballot....Ta Kris

Black-Pig · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2012, 09:38:34 PM »

Hey Mad Cow,
It depends on how "deep" you want to go into tassie. 3 weeks is not bad start considering you may have limited time off from work etc. But there is alway something to see! Vineyards are abundant. "The Wall" at Derwent bridge is a great one to look at. Huge carved mural wall out of huon pine. Maquarie Harbour tour, cradle mtn, Corrina on wet coast for the "Fat Man" barge. Be wary of how long it takes to get from place to place. From Queenstown with a camper to Hobart could take 5hours. Twisty roads and slipery when wet. Discover Tasmania site would help as would forestry tasmania. Books available Free Camps tas ?3rd edition? and 4wd Tasmania by Chris Bowen is a good one for tracks too.
Camp spots see thread http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=749.0

the mad cow · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2012, 10:18:46 PM »

Cheers BP, will bury myself into some research, ta for tips and Link.

Andrew.

dazzler · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:36:40 AM »

If you can bump your travels until February you will find camps far easier to find and can forget about the ballot.

Down here most of the great camping spots are full with islanders, many who have generationally camped in the same spot with the same families.

Just a thought.

cheers

Brutus · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:42:45 AM »

Mad Cow, if I can offer any advice on time spent on this great island it is that it's never enough. I have been here for 42 years and I am still visiting things for the first time, admittedly it's easy to drive past things for years with the intent to "one day" call in there though. I guess it depends on what you wish to do while you are here? I camped next to some "New Southerners" over new years and they were on a whirlwind visit looking at this, looking at that and spending hours each day going here & there in the vehicle. Well that's okay if you want to cram as much in as you can in one go but if its' a holiday you are after then I suggest do it over the longest period you can to make the most of the ferry trip and give you ample time to see this great state. or alternatively do the North & east this trip then the south, central highlands & west next time?

krisandkev · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2012, 07:13:56 AM »

3 weeks

That little island is BIG... We spent 8 weeks there last year and still missed heaps.

A must do is to go to MONA in Hobart. Allow a few hours at least.
Bruny Island is a must. Do the boat ride if you can. National Park camping areas can get busy. We found a brillant spot at Jetty Beach tucked in with the trees, away from main camp.
Myrtle Park about halfway between Launceston and Scottsdale is a fantastic and unbelievable cheap camping area. Very good facilities, I think it was $3 a site per night when we were there. Gets busy on long weekends and school holidays.
Cockle Creek is also a must do. Free camping.
You might get to see him..

This was our spot at Myrtle Park.

Oatlands is also a must.... Again free camping areas.

Ah there is so much. Kevin

the mad cow · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2012, 04:03:01 PM »

Dazzler, unfortunately we are tied into the school holidays otherwise your thoughts on February would be a better time see and camp without the crowds..
That sure is one big fella lying on the sand Kev. Its a great shot. You got very close!!
Spoke with someone yesterday about MONA... Amazing !!! Pre purchased tickets are a good tip.. And they have a brewery that sells MOO Brew!!!

Looks like a fine set up at Myrtle Park..
Brutus, I think I will extend our stay as we do have a couple of extra weeks up our sleeve...

madman1 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2012, 08:45:27 PM »

Moo Brew off the tap off MONA is great but @ $7.50 a pot, bring the cheque book.

Definitely a great day out.

P.S. its a good idea not to take the kids there unless you think they are old enough ie over 21!!!!

Black-Pig · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2012, 11:06:11 PM »

Another good place to go see is Devils Gullet. Its on the Lake Makenzie road. Lake Mackenzie is the first pic.
Also the 4x4 tracks across the Borridale Plains and then via Lemonthyme Power station to Lorinna. The below pic as taken on this trip in my old Nav. This is on the edge of Lake Cethana I think. Quiet and right on the edge of the lake. Free Camp?
The third pic is of the Murals at Legerwood a good loop out through Derby, Paris dam, St Columba Falls and Ralphs Falls. There is a River crossing, so maybe not for CTs but fun if you stay locally for a look. 4x4 Guide book has all these tracks.

austastar · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2012, 11:50:03 AM »

Hi,
it is a wonderful place. I'm at Bicheno at the moment, we have just driven for 2 days over dirt roads from Colebrook and saw 3 cars in some 200km of driving on forestry roads.
But we like that sort of stuff.
More later when I get a better signal
cheers

cheekygirl668 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2012, 10:27:49 AM »

We are just starting to plan our 2nd trip there in Oct/Nov 2013..... we went there for our honeymoon in 2010 for 3 weeks and it wasn't long enough can't wait to get back there

Black-Pig · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2012, 05:51:01 PM »

Wow cheekygirl668, 18months of planning, that going to be one hell of a well planned trip. You planning on basing your self a various places and then doing day trips out from there?

cheekygirl668 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2012, 09:37:14 PM »

We have decided not to take the CT this time but will check out future camping sites for next time when we go with friends...... and the 18 months is to save up the money for all the shopping l plan to do..... hubby said he nearly had to buy a box trailer last time we were there for all the stuff l bought lol....we r going to go for 4 weeks this time l want to see Cradle Mt as we ran out of time last time..... there is a lot of stuff we want to do this time and we just didn't have time to do last time

ryangus · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2012, 09:52:20 PM »

MONA is free for Tassie residents, but be prepared to give them a Tassie post code

Sent from the dodgy keyboard on my phone via Tapatalk

pm7467 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2012, 02:56:42 PM »

We are planning a trip to Tassie during Dec / Jan, just wondering whether we should pre book campsites? (2 sites required)
Also is their one national park pass which covers all areas?
Just one more in regards to fishing licences are they required?

Black-Pig · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:42:41 PM »

You can get an all parks pass for 3 months, 1 year or 2 years... I think. Pre booking might be an idea if you need adjacent spots. Fishing permits for fresh water lakes and rivers. Depending on when you come some areas area closed I believe. I dont do much fresh water stuff but when I do I just get a weekend pass. Hope this helps.

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Author Topic: Tasmania (Read 7420 times)