I live in Tassie. I own my house and i pay rates. So why is it if i book my fare on the Spirit of Tasmania through their online fascility i pay more than if i book through a Victoria based travel agent. It is rumoured that there are discounts available through Tourism Tasmania but none except the pensioner "discount" is available or even hinted at on their online "service" Another Hodgeman con.
Sorry to sound like a whinger but I'm sick of being penalised for living in Tassie by whatever government is weilding political power Federal and/or State.
Friar
Big Gorilla said
04:25 PM Jan 23, 2015
Some months back there was a thread on the high cost of transporting caravans across the Tasman on Spirit of Tasmania. I undertook to e-mail the then Shadow Minister for Tourism, who is now the Premier, Will Hodgeman. Recently I received the attached e-mail. As you will read, I have been told nothing new... Typical Government reaction. Is it worth the effort to write to these bureaucrats !!
just wrong. I would love to visit Tassie for say 4 to 6 mths. but frankly it is not worth the cost of the boat ride. sad but true. cheers. rocket.
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:43 PM Jan 23, 2015
All this whining, maybe some people need to check ferry costs in the rest of the world first?
What do you reckon is a fair price?
Under $100 for a car is a bargain for a 10 hour ferry crossing and under $500 for an 11m rig likewise.
I just checked a few prices for interest....- motorhome max 6m (same price as a car). These are the actual prices we paid.
Calais to Dover by ferry - 2 hours - $136 = $68/hr.
Return by channel tunnel - 35 minutes - $190.
Scotland to Northern Ireland by ferry - 2 1/2 hours - $320 = $128/hr
Want to drive from Denmark to Sweden across the bridge? $70. Double if you take your caravan.
We looked at taking the MH to Iceland from Denmark by ferry - 2 1/2 days - Over $5,000.
Cheers,
Peter
solo nomad said
08:17 PM Jan 23, 2015
be gratefull you aren't crossing the bottom of port phillip bay............
last time i checked it was $85 and you can see the other side!!!
tassie looks cheap
The Doo crew said
12:42 AM Jan 24, 2015
Try a trip across the Solent to the Isle Of Wight from the UK mainland, took 15 minutes & cost over 100 bucks in 2014 for a car, & that's if you booked ahead. And what really got me is it's owned by an Aussie company.
Cowboy7307 said
05:49 AM Jan 24, 2015
We are coming over to the Big Island in October Its not the price of the car or van that kills the cost, its the price of the cabin
Dougwe said
06:46 AM Jan 24, 2015
solo nomad wrote:
be gratefull you aren't crossing the bottom of port phillip bay............ last time i checked it was $85 and you can see the other side!!! tassie looks cheap
Yep agree, solo, one expensive 40 minute trip but up until 3 months ago was a big time and stress saver.
Nice little trip though.
With Tassie.....stay a few months, free/low cost camp as much as possible then divide the cost of the trip over and back with the number of nights stayed in Tassie. Might get you thinking.
peterblack said
06:55 AM Jan 24, 2015
hi all. I agree with peter Margret with most of wat they say
u can go to Tassie and use plenty of free camps etc
maybe some have never been out of aussie
enjoy
PeterD said
09:03 AM Jan 24, 2015
Cowboy7307 wrote:
We are coming over to the Big Island in October Its not the price of the car or van that kills the cost, its the price of the cabin
Then try a day trip, a seat is much cheaper.
Bruce and Bev said
10:16 AM Jan 24, 2015
irrespective of the relative costs of various ferries, TAS is in deep poo financially and would shut down if not getting paid extra money (more than any other State/Territory) to survive.
Putting aside politics, the current govt is trying to get industry going again, but the tree hugger party are still at it. For example, they have a large plant there that employs over 600 local people and generates approx. $800M for TAS each year - but THAT party wants it closed down.
TAS has something. no other area has in Aust - a great tourist venue. The govt needs to be brave and lower the ferry rates as a trial and see if tourism really goes up - and revenue for small business with it.
Although its a smallish island, it can handle a lot of tourists.........
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:41 PM Jan 24, 2015
Bruce and Bev wrote:
TAS has something. no other area has in Aust - a great tourist venue.
Mmmmmm????..... A great destination, but I don't think it is unique in that.
Yes, it is different, but so is every other destination.
I reckon the Kimberley is just as special and it is more expensive to get to than Tasmania for most people.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 24th of January 2015 12:42:37 PM
msg said
01:56 PM Jan 24, 2015
Frier Park said
I live in Tassie. I own my house and i pay rates. So why is it if i book my fare on the Spirit of Tasmania through their online fascility i pay more than if i book through a Victoria based travel agent. It is rumoured that there are discounts available through Tourism Tasmania but none except the pensioner "discount" is available or even hinted at on their online "service" Another Hodgeman con.
Sorry to sound like a whinger but I'm sick of being penalised for living in Tassie by whatever government is weilding political power Federal and/or State.
I think you are all missing the point. Lives in Tassie, pays rates etc, and it costs less for people coming to Tasmania than it does for a local to leave.
Where as people living on a Queensland Island get a "locals" discount on the ferry, coming and going.
The Ferry to Russell Island is about an hour and costs about $120 (Return) for a small motor home. For a local it would cost about $80. Bit tough when you have to go to the mainland for work every day. Most people have two cars and leave one parked at the terminal. This costs as well.
-- Edited by msg on Saturday 24th of January 2015 02:40:22 PM
Cloak said
02:37 PM Jan 24, 2015
Wish they'd build a bridge over to Tassie. Would that be feasible even?
Because of the cost of getting there we fly over, rent a car and stay in Motels.
Just love the place it's so unspoilt.
Recoup said
03:23 PM Jan 24, 2015
About 450.000 people living in Tas. they have a Government and a Governer General and they don't come cheep! Cheers!
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:25 PM Jan 24, 2015
msg wrote:
Frier Park said
I live in Tassie. I own my house and i pay rates. So why is it if i book my fare on the Spirit of Tasmania through their online fascility i pay more than if i book through a Victoria based travel agent. It is rumoured that there are discounts available through Tourism Tasmania but none except the pensioner "discount" is available or even hinted at on their online "service" Another Hodgeman con.
Sorry to sound like a whinger but I'm sick of being penalised for living in Tassie by whatever government is weilding political power Federal and/or State.
I think you are all missing the point. Lives in Tassie, pays rates etc, and it costs less for people coming to Tasmania than it does for a local to leave.
Where as people living on a Queensland Island get a "locals" discount on the ferry, coming and going.
The Ferry to Russell Island is about an hour and costs about $120 (Return) for a small motor home. For a local it would cost about $80. Bit tough when you have to go to the mainland for work every day. Most people have two cars and leave one parked at the terminal. This costs as well.
-- Edited by msg on Saturday 24th of January 2015 02:40:22 PM
People know these costs when they decide to live somewhere.
In the case of the OP, he could buy his ticket anywhere he wishes.
Why should I pay more to go somewhere than someone else? Just another form of discrimination. That is almost always a bad thing.
Does the same apply to XXXX Beer? Is it cheaper for Queenslanders? Actually, it would not matter if it was, I still would not buy it....
Cheers,
Peter
Gerty Dancer said
05:02 PM Jan 24, 2015
the rocket wrote:
just wrong. I would love to visit Tassie for say 4 to 6 mths. but frankly it is not worth the cost of the boat ride. sad but true. cheers. rocket.
YES! Its really worth it Rocket! Save up, and enjoy Tassie, its wonderful.
brickies said
05:22 PM Jan 24, 2015
If there was a bridge from Melbourne to Davenport the distances would be 732 KLM , 5 Klm per Litre you would use 146.4 litres @$1.50 per litre your fuel cost each way $219.60 .
Friar Park said
08:43 PM Jan 24, 2015
Thanks msq I believe they have missed the point. Also I believe the examples used, of other FERRY fares is the sort of political furphy that would be used by politicians. Why is this? Because the FERRY examples are, I believe, owned and operated by private commercial interests with the purpose of retrurning dividends and benefits to those that provided the funds to initiate and maintain the services. Wheres our dividends and benefits? Those ferries where bought using Tasmanian public funds. Governments don't have money they supervise the use of public funds with our consent. Tasmanian money to benefit Tasmanians. Why do I have to engage an out of state agency to gain a fair (or fairer) deal.
Friar
Peter_n_Margaret said
11:04 PM Jan 24, 2015
I don't think the point has been missed at all.
The ferries that cross the English Channel are operated by a dozen different companies and there are hundreds of crossings daily, so they are extremely competitive. They all want your business, yet they are more expensive.
It is clear that the Tasmanian fares are, as they claim, subsidised by the Tasmanian Government. That has a positive benefit for Tasmanians directly and an indirect effect of attracting many more visitors.
Would you prefer that subsidy was stopped?
Or we just talking about what email address you use to buy the ticket now? That is hardly a big deal in the scheme of things. What is the real penalty? No doubt any agency could offer slightly better prices by buying big ticket numbers in advance, which is how airline tickets are sold. That is entirely in the hands of the retailers.
If this was an issue that was important to a majority of Tasmanians, it could be fixed at the polls.
Cheers,
Peter
blaze said
07:09 AM Jan 25, 2015
I have done the trip plenty of times with car, car and trailer, car and caravan and think the prices are ok. Try going to kangaroo island in sa. Don't want a bridge. To me part of the beauty of Tassie is the low population and if you make it cheaper that will disappear and it will end up like broome with huge influxes of people in peak times and a lot of members here complain about broome. Maybe just a thought, maybe some people complain no matter what
cheers
blaze
Big Gorilla said
07:52 AM Jan 25, 2015
The fact is Tasmania is part of the Australian Highway system (Highway 1) and as such attracts Federal Govt. subsidy for vehicles crossing the Tasman by ship. Without looking it up, the vehicle subsidy I recall is around $400.00. This relates to a car so whatever you tow behind it, or if you have a larger vehicle, does not attract a subsidy. If you read my post above and the attachment from the Tasmanian Govt., you will note the fare structure of TT Line is under review or will be. The sooner the better. My MH is 6 meters and costs around $93.00 one way inc. the subsidy. Someone on the Forum suggested some time back to use commercial shipping for your MH or Caravan I contacted Toll and they wanted around $500.00 one way, and they wouldn't take me as a passenger. Apart from the inconvenience and cost of travelling separately, the cost difference between $93.00 and $500.00 just for the MH is significant.
If you can sleep comfortably in a recliner chair, this is the cheapest way to travel. Usually around $100.00 one way.
RosieW said
10:31 AM Jan 25, 2015
Unfortunately, some of us got stuck there by birth! I have seen/looked at prices of $1500-$2000 for us and our MH - ONE WAY. That was to get out. We will go back to see family, but we will fly and get a hire car. Even if we fly from Bundy, it will be cheaper than the Spirit.
The fact that the Spirit is promoted as an extension of the National Highway by some (governments) means that is should be cheaper than it is - we pay taxes for roads, and yes, on some we pay tolls. So let's be realistic here, either it's part of the NH or it isn't; either way, it is a GOVERNMENT enterprise, not a private one. Granted, the cost of maintaining ferries is higher, so make the 'tolls' higher. But make them fair.
And stop using passenger ferries as freight services!!! Toll runs a freight service across Bass Strait; make the retailers use that. That'll free up a lot of space for passenger vehicles, which should increase the number of people able to travel, and increase revenue, even if/when prices drop.
blaze said
11:02 AM Jan 25, 2015
RosieW wrote:
Unfortunately, some of us got stuck there by birth! I have seen/looked at prices of $1500-$2000 for us and our MH - ONE WAY. That was to get out. We will go back to see family, but we will fly and get a hire car. Even if we fly from Bundy, it will be cheaper than the Spirit.
The fact that the Spirit is promoted as an extension of the National Highway by some (governments) means that is should be cheaper than it is - we pay taxes for roads, and yes, on some we pay tolls. So let's be realistic here, either it's part of the NH or it isn't; either way, it is a GOVERNMENT enterprise, not a private one. Granted, the cost of maintaining ferries is higher, so make the 'tolls' higher. But make them fair.
And stop using passenger ferries as freight services!!! Toll runs a freight service across Bass Strait; make the retailers use that. That'll free up a lot of space for passenger vehicles, which should increase the number of people able to travel, and increase revenue, even if/when prices drop.
I am also a native, if it wasn't for freight there would be no service at all. I have never had a problem booking a fare and often on the next day and have been on the boats a lot of times with not to many people on them
cheers
blaze
Bruce and Bev said
11:58 AM Jan 25, 2015
Hi Peter. When I said Tas was a great tourist spot, I should have elaborated and talked about its forests and seasons - unigue for these points:)
In terms of the Kimberley being expensive, it is if you live over the other side of Aust. For those of us in WA, its just as expensive to travel the Eastern States and go into the remote areas as most of the Kimberly is lol
PeterD said
01:17 PM Jan 25, 2015
RosieW wrote:
Unfortunately, some of us got stuck there by birth! I have seen/looked at prices of $1500-$2000 for us and our MH - ONE WAY. That was to get out. We will go back to see family, but we will fly and get a hire car. Even if we fly from Bundy, it will be cheaper than the Spirit.
So which is the cheaper, emigrate or put up with the frequent/occasional supposed high costs of crossing the ditch?
blaze said
05:10 PM Jan 25, 2015
I am back home in Tassie ATM and it is by far the best state in aust, been to them all with the exception of cambera, only here to do some renovations to the house and back to WA until I work out where next
RosieW said
10:25 AM Jan 26, 2015
We left. There were a number of factors, but for us it was a no-brainer. At present, we spend less to rent a spot in a park (water and power included) in a better (for us) for a month than we did to rent a government house in Tassie for a fortnight, before power and water. By half. Our health is better, and we are happier as a result. Also, we don't have to wait a month to see a GP, and I got into a medical specialist in less than 3 months: had an answer to what the problem was, a referral and a follow-up appointment in less than 5!! I'd been waiting 8 years in Tassie to get an initial consult.
It comes down to personal preference in the end. I find the fact that we struggled to get a berth due to our MH size because they had freight on (TT-Line told us that was why) downright offensive, as the service is marketed as a passenger service. We will fly back for visits, and rent a vehicle there.
Bruce and Bev said
12:13 PM Jan 27, 2015
Hi Rosie
Where in Aust are you that you can get such quick such a quick specialist referral - most be a country area???
Were you happy with the outcome of the medical work?
We dot need it at the moment, but curious for maybe future use............
I live in Tassie. I own my house and i pay rates. So why is it if i book my fare on the Spirit of Tasmania through their online fascility i pay more than if i book through a Victoria based travel agent. It is rumoured that there are discounts available through Tourism Tasmania but none except the pensioner "discount" is available or even hinted at on their online "service" Another Hodgeman con.
Sorry to sound like a whinger but I'm sick of being penalised for living in Tassie by whatever government is weilding political power Federal and/or State.
Friar
Some months back there was a thread on the high cost of transporting caravans across the Tasman on Spirit of Tasmania. I undertook to e-mail the then Shadow Minister for Tourism, who is now the Premier, Will Hodgeman. Recently I received the attached e-mail. As you will read, I have been told nothing new... Typical Government reaction. Is it worth the effort to write to these bureaucrats !!
just wrong. I would love to visit Tassie for say 4 to 6 mths. but frankly it is not worth the cost of the boat ride. sad but true. cheers. rocket.
What do you reckon is a fair price?
Under $100 for a car is a bargain for a 10 hour ferry crossing and under $500 for an 11m rig likewise.
Cheers,
Peter
(Car and caravan 11m - $398 - $489 (seasonal) - $49/hr MAX.)
I just checked a few prices for interest....- motorhome max 6m (same price as a car). These are the actual prices we paid.
Calais to Dover by ferry - 2 hours - $136 = $68/hr.
Return by channel tunnel - 35 minutes - $190.
Scotland to Northern Ireland by ferry - 2 1/2 hours - $320 = $128/hr
Want to drive from Denmark to Sweden across the bridge? $70. Double if you take your caravan.
We looked at taking the MH to Iceland from Denmark by ferry - 2 1/2 days - Over $5,000.
Cheers,
Peter
last time i checked it was $85 and you can see the other side!!!
tassie looks cheap
Yep agree, solo, one expensive 40 minute trip but up until 3 months ago was a big time and stress saver.
Nice little trip though.
With Tassie.....stay a few months, free/low cost camp as much as possible then divide the cost of the trip over and back with the number of nights stayed in Tassie. Might get you thinking.
u can go to Tassie and use plenty of free camps etc
maybe some have never been out of aussie
enjoy
Then try a day trip, a seat is much cheaper.
Putting aside politics, the current govt is trying to get industry going again, but the tree hugger party are still at it. For example, they have a large plant there that employs over 600 local people and generates approx. $800M for TAS each year - but THAT party wants it closed down.
TAS has something. no other area has in Aust - a great tourist venue. The govt needs to be brave and lower the ferry rates as a trial and see if tourism really goes up - and revenue for small business with it.
Although its a smallish island, it can handle a lot of tourists.........
Mmmmmm????..... A great destination, but I don't think it is unique in that.
Yes, it is different, but so is every other destination.
I reckon the Kimberley is just as special and it is more expensive to get to than Tasmania for most people.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 24th of January 2015 12:42:37 PM
Frier Park said
I live in Tassie. I own my house and i pay rates. So why is it if i book my fare on the Spirit of Tasmania through their online fascility i pay more than if i book through a Victoria based travel agent. It is rumoured that there are discounts available through Tourism Tasmania but none except the pensioner "discount" is available or even hinted at on their online "service" Another Hodgeman con.
Sorry to sound like a whinger but I'm sick of being penalised for living in Tassie by whatever government is weilding political power Federal and/or State.
I think you are all missing the point. Lives in Tassie, pays rates etc, and it costs less for people coming to Tasmania than it does for a local to leave.
Where as people living on a Queensland Island get a "locals" discount on the ferry, coming and going.
The Ferry to Russell Island is about an hour and costs about $120 (Return) for a small motor home. For a local it would cost about $80. Bit tough when you have to go to the mainland for work every day. Most people have two cars and leave one parked at the terminal. This costs as well.
-- Edited by msg on Saturday 24th of January 2015 02:40:22 PM
Because of the cost of getting there we fly over, rent a car and stay in Motels.
Just love the place it's so unspoilt.
People know these costs when they decide to live somewhere.
In the case of the OP, he could buy his ticket anywhere he wishes.
Why should I pay more to go somewhere than someone else? Just another form of discrimination. That is almost always a bad thing.
Does the same apply to XXXX Beer? Is it cheaper for Queenslanders? Actually, it would not matter if it was, I still would not buy it....
Cheers,
Peter
YES! Its really worth it Rocket! Save up, and enjoy Tassie, its wonderful.
Thanks msq I believe they have missed the point. Also I believe the examples used, of other FERRY fares is the sort of political furphy that would be used by politicians. Why is this? Because the FERRY examples are, I believe, owned and operated by private commercial interests with the purpose of retrurning dividends and benefits to those that provided the funds to initiate and maintain the services. Wheres our dividends and benefits? Those ferries where bought using Tasmanian public funds. Governments don't have money they supervise the use of public funds with our consent. Tasmanian money to benefit Tasmanians. Why do I have to engage an out of state agency to gain a fair (or fairer) deal.
Friar
The ferries that cross the English Channel are operated by a dozen different companies and there are hundreds of crossings daily, so they are extremely competitive. They all want your business, yet they are more expensive.
It is clear that the Tasmanian fares are, as they claim, subsidised by the Tasmanian Government. That has a positive benefit for Tasmanians directly and an indirect effect of attracting many more visitors.
Would you prefer that subsidy was stopped?
Or we just talking about what email address you use to buy the ticket now? That is hardly a big deal in the scheme of things. What is the real penalty? No doubt any agency could offer slightly better prices by buying big ticket numbers in advance, which is how airline tickets are sold. That is entirely in the hands of the retailers.
If this was an issue that was important to a majority of Tasmanians, it could be fixed at the polls.
Cheers,
Peter
cheers
blaze
The fact is Tasmania is part of the Australian Highway system (Highway 1) and as such attracts Federal Govt. subsidy for vehicles crossing the Tasman by ship. Without looking it up, the vehicle subsidy I recall is around $400.00. This relates to a car so whatever you tow behind it, or if you have a larger vehicle, does not attract a subsidy. If you read my post above and the attachment from the Tasmanian Govt., you will note the fare structure of TT Line is under review or will be. The sooner the better. My MH is 6 meters and costs around $93.00 one way inc. the subsidy. Someone on the Forum suggested some time back to use commercial shipping for your MH or Caravan I contacted Toll and they wanted around $500.00 one way, and they wouldn't take me as a passenger. Apart from the inconvenience and cost of travelling separately, the cost difference between $93.00 and $500.00 just for the MH is significant.
If you can sleep comfortably in a recliner chair, this is the cheapest way to travel. Usually around $100.00 one way.
Unfortunately, some of us got stuck there by birth! I have seen/looked at prices of $1500-$2000 for us and our MH - ONE WAY. That was to get out. We will go back to see family, but we will fly and get a hire car. Even if we fly from Bundy, it will be cheaper than the Spirit.
The fact that the Spirit is promoted as an extension of the National Highway by some (governments) means that is should be cheaper than it is - we pay taxes for roads, and yes, on some we pay tolls. So let's be realistic here, either it's part of the NH or it isn't; either way, it is a GOVERNMENT enterprise, not a private one. Granted, the cost of maintaining ferries is higher, so make the 'tolls' higher. But make them fair.
And stop using passenger ferries as freight services!!! Toll runs a freight service across Bass Strait; make the retailers use that. That'll free up a lot of space for passenger vehicles, which should increase the number of people able to travel, and increase revenue, even if/when prices drop.
I am also a native, if it wasn't for freight there would be no service at all. I have never had a problem booking a fare and often on the next day and have been on the boats a lot of times with not to many people on them
cheers
blaze
In terms of the Kimberley being expensive, it is if you live over the other side of Aust. For those of us in WA, its just as expensive to travel the Eastern States and go into the remote areas as most of the Kimberly is lol
So which is the cheaper, emigrate or put up with the frequent/occasional supposed high costs of crossing the ditch?
We left. There were a number of factors, but for us it was a no-brainer. At present, we spend less to rent a spot in a park (water and power included) in a better (for us) for a month than we did to rent a government house in Tassie for a fortnight, before power and water. By half. Our health is better, and we are happier as a result. Also, we don't have to wait a month to see a GP, and I got into a medical specialist in less than 3 months: had an answer to what the problem was, a referral and a follow-up appointment in less than 5!! I'd been waiting 8 years in Tassie to get an initial consult.
It comes down to personal preference in the end. I find the fact that we struggled to get a berth due to our MH size because they had freight on (TT-Line told us that was why) downright offensive, as the service is marketed as a passenger service. We will fly back for visits, and rent a vehicle there.
Where in Aust are you that you can get such quick such a quick specialist referral - most be a country area???
Were you happy with the outcome of the medical work?
We dot need it at the moment, but curious for maybe future use............