I have just finished a month in Tassie and have a comment to make, after a month, it was supposed two be 3 months, I have been disappointed, I have been coming to Tassie for the last 20 years or more for work, attending Agfest and being retired for the last 6 years, I had a run in with Lloyd Meakin from the Gowrie park CVP 4 years ago before they took the councils to court over the free camps, he called my family and I a bunch of parasites on the Tasmania hospitality, since my last visit 3 years ago the feeling I get is a lot different, charges on the, previously, free camps, the showers that were available for a minimal charge but were of reasonable pressure that you actually got wet, now $2 & $3 less time and reduced pressure, to me it seems to an attitude change, I don't feel as welcome as when I used to do the same traveling 5 years ago, it was a very welcoming state then, it's a pity because it's easier to lose the traveling public than to get them back, it just doesn't feel the same, reluctantly I won't be back, being a pensioner, it's difficult to spread the income around if the ability to bush or free camp is no more.
I have been coming down to Tassie in the cooler months for a long time, mainly to avoid the crowds but there was usually still a lot of people like me traveling around, this time I have seen very few interstate travelers, I stayed 2 weeks at St Helen's Swimcart beach and I was the only interstate person there, all others were locals, getting in before the charges go on?, supposedly next year, as I said earlier, it's a shame because I have always loved Tasmania but ???? I will go where I'm not hassled and feel welcome or just won't travel anymore, that way we all lose.
Dougwe said
05:26 PM Sep 28, 2014
How,
What a shame it is like that now. I was there in late January this year and had a great time in the few weeks there. I too don't think I will return but for different reasons. I have been three times now and have seen enough. I will spend my money elsewhere now.
Cloak said
06:02 PM Sep 28, 2014
When we go to Tassie we fly over, rent a car and stay in motels so haven't experienced caravanning.
It's just so expensive to take the ferry over with the van so the numbers work out to just fly.
Can't say I've met any bad Tasmanians always treated fair and reasonable but then money talks and BS walks eh.
dING said
06:42 PM Sep 28, 2014
But everywhere is the same
Free camps converting to paid
Less conveniences for more cost
Tassie Victoria Qld NSW tis all the same
Bugga
Bucko said
07:18 PM Sep 28, 2014
I tend to agree with your comments, it looks like it might be time to stay at home if it keeps getting worse, I used to travel in a bigger camper and had more money and could stay in a few van parks now and again but since I'm on the pension and have down traded my camper, I can't afford the escalating costs of traveling, look at the fuel, it had to come I suppose, getting too old for all the crap anyway.
Big Gorilla said
08:27 AM Sep 29, 2014
Makes me sad to read the bad side of travelling in Tassie. I'm going to copy each post (No names or mention of Forum name) and send to our new Premier, who is also Minister for Tourism. Probably a waste of time, but see what happens. If I get a response, I'll post it...
GaryKelly said
08:40 AM Sep 29, 2014
Seems to me that people like Lloyd Meakin are the parasites... trying to suck the last of the blood from pensioners.
jules47 said
09:44 AM Sep 29, 2014
We spent four months in Tassie 2012/13 - loved every minute of it - had some terrific free camps, including two weeks over Christmas at Cosy Corner North, near St Helens. Some camps we did have to pay a nominal amount - $5 or so, but that was okay, and to get water, dump point and the availability of a shower at Scottsdale, for a donation, was wonderful.
I have noticed, reading the forums, that some places are now closed, or are charging - but one thing I must say, was the Showgrounds in Glenorchy, near Hobart were no way worth the $25 they wanted for them. The only thing they had going was the convenience of being close to Hobart, train, bus and shopping centre at Glenorchy. Very hard to find a level spot, power was a bit dodgy I thought, and the showers - the small one near us was "cleaned" once, but on the floor when you went back in was the same old razor, tissue, and wrapping paper from a personal item! I think all he did was empty the rubbish!! The bigger one, only had one shower in the ladies - old and not very clean either.
We loved Tassie, had a ball, met some great people, and may go back again sometime.
Bucko said
02:12 PM Sep 29, 2014
BG,
I have already sent an email to your premier in regards to the proposed fees to be levied on the bay of fires area, asking if he intends to follow through on the proposed fees from the previous green team that he replaced, it's been more than 3 weeks, had an acknowledgement of the email but no answer as yet, I hope as the tourism minister that he sees the down side of the fees for tourism but sadly the local s are more adversely affected by the fees than anyone else and of course the town of St Helen's, especially since the green closure of the mill at Triabunna.
Big Gorilla said
02:57 PM Sep 29, 2014
Bucko wrote:
BG,
I have already sent an email to your premier in regards to the proposed fees to be levied on the bay of fires area, asking if he intends to follow through on the proposed fees from the previous green team that he replaced, it's been more than 3 weeks, had an acknowledgement of the email but no answer as yet, I hope as the tourism minister that he sees the down side of the fees for tourism but sadly the local s are more adversely affected by the fees than anyone else and of course the town of St Helen's, especially since the green closure of the mill at Triabunna.
OK Bucko, have taken note. I'll still do it, probably today. The more we bombard him with negative comments the better...
Bucko said
11:44 AM Oct 17, 2014
Just an update on my email to the Premier of Tasmania, I have received a phone call in regards to my comments from someone in the Premier's office, I've asked him to reply by an email so I can post the reply here as I have stated that I would post a reply if I got one, I suggested that if the premier would like to know what local and interstate travelers were saying about their travels in and to Tasmania, he could certainly pick up a broad opinion on many subjects pertaining to tourism in his lovely state from visiting this site, I told the spokesman that I had already post my email here after sending it to the Premier's office, a good place for his reply, as soon as I get it, I will post it here, it won't be quick I was told, it will have to be "prepared" for public release.
Kevin.
Big Gorilla said
11:53 AM Oct 17, 2014
I've also sent an e-mail like I said I would. I've received an acknowledgement but nothing further. If I receive a response, I will post it also...
Bucko said
04:23 PM Oct 17, 2014
BG,
As you said earlier, the more that contact them the better, I was going to ask you how you went, so thanks for the update, by the way, love your Avatar.
-- Edited by Bucko on Friday 17th of October 2014 04:24:22 PM
I have just finished a month in Tassie and have a comment to make, after a month, it was supposed two be 3 months, I have been disappointed, I have been coming to Tassie for the last 20 years or more for work, attending Agfest and being retired for the last 6 years, I had a run in with Lloyd Meakin from the Gowrie park CVP 4 years ago before they took the councils to court over the free camps, he called my family and I a bunch of parasites on the Tasmania hospitality, since my last visit 3 years ago the feeling I get is a lot different, charges on the, previously, free camps, the showers that were available for a minimal charge but were of reasonable pressure that you actually got wet, now $2 & $3 less time and reduced pressure, to me it seems to an attitude change, I don't feel as welcome as when I used to do the same traveling 5 years ago, it was a very welcoming state then, it's a pity because it's easier to lose the traveling public than to get them back, it just doesn't feel the same, reluctantly I won't be back, being a pensioner, it's difficult to spread the income around if the ability to bush or free camp is no more.
I have been coming down to Tassie in the cooler months for a long time, mainly to avoid the crowds but there was usually still a lot of people like me traveling around, this time I have seen very few interstate travelers, I stayed 2 weeks at St Helen's Swimcart beach and I was the only interstate person there, all others were locals, getting in before the charges go on?, supposedly next year, as I said earlier, it's a shame because I have always loved Tasmania but ???? I will go where I'm not hassled and feel welcome or just won't travel anymore, that way we all lose.
What a shame it is like that now. I was there in late January this year and had a great time in the few weeks there. I too don't think I will return but for different reasons. I have been three times now and have seen enough. I will spend my money elsewhere now.
It's just so expensive to take the ferry over with the van so the numbers work out to just fly.
Can't say I've met any bad Tasmanians always treated fair and reasonable but then money talks and BS walks eh.
But everywhere is the same
Free camps converting to paid
Less conveniences for more cost
Tassie Victoria Qld NSW tis all the same
Bugga
I tend to agree with your comments, it looks like it might be time to stay at home if it keeps getting worse, I used to travel in a bigger camper and had more money and could stay in a few van parks now and again but since I'm on the pension and have down traded my camper, I can't afford the escalating costs of traveling, look at the fuel, it had to come I suppose, getting too old for all the crap anyway.
Makes me sad to read the bad side of travelling in Tassie. I'm going to copy each post (No names or mention of Forum name) and send to our new Premier, who is also Minister for Tourism. Probably a waste of time, but see what happens. If I get a response, I'll post it...
I have noticed, reading the forums, that some places are now closed, or are charging - but one thing I must say, was the Showgrounds in Glenorchy, near Hobart were no way worth the $25 they wanted for them. The only thing they had going was the convenience of being close to Hobart, train, bus and shopping centre at Glenorchy. Very hard to find a level spot, power was a bit dodgy I thought, and the showers - the small one near us was "cleaned" once, but on the floor when you went back in was the same old razor, tissue, and wrapping paper from a personal item! I think all he did was empty the rubbish!! The bigger one, only had one shower in the ladies - old and not very clean either.
We loved Tassie, had a ball, met some great people, and may go back again sometime.
BG,
I have already sent an email to your premier in regards to the proposed fees to be levied on the bay of fires area, asking if he intends to follow through on the proposed fees from the previous green team that he replaced, it's been more than 3 weeks, had an acknowledgement of the email but no answer as yet, I hope as the tourism minister that he sees the down side of the fees for tourism but sadly the local s are more adversely affected by the fees than anyone else and of course the town of St Helen's, especially since the green closure of the mill at Triabunna.
OK Bucko, have taken note. I'll still do it, probably today. The more we bombard him with negative comments the better...
Just an update on my email to the Premier of Tasmania, I have received a phone call in regards to my comments from someone in the Premier's office, I've asked him to reply by an email so I can post the reply here as I have stated that I would post a reply if I got one, I suggested that if the premier would like to know what local and interstate travelers were saying about their travels in and to Tasmania, he could certainly pick up a broad opinion on many subjects pertaining to tourism in his lovely state from visiting this site, I told the spokesman that I had already post my email here after sending it to the Premier's office, a good place for his reply, as soon as I get it, I will post it here, it won't be quick I was told, it will have to be "prepared" for public release.
Kevin.
I've also sent an e-mail like I said I would. I've received an acknowledgement but nothing further. If I receive a response, I will post it also...
BG,
As you said earlier, the more that contact them the better, I was going to ask you how you went, so thanks for the update, by the way, love your Avatar.
-- Edited by Bucko on Friday 17th of October 2014 04:24:22 PM