A week in northern Tassie

[RooFlyer]

We will spend 10 days driving around Tasmania. Have booked the Gordon River cruise (15% off NRMA). All accommodation have been booked.

Essential to download the Fuel Check Tas app. It'll show the current price at every servo, for the grade of fuel you choose and highlights the cheapest in the field of view. (sorry @PrezRegan didn't think of it before).

 

[Myrna]

We’re doing remarkably similar trips…. Guess what I’m doing tomorrow haha

The SoT across was incredibly smooth, didn’t feel the movement at all. Taking your own car is cheaper in the long run I think and less hassle. I probably wouldn’t do SoT again just because of price but for the novelty it was good

We were hoping (in vain) over a year ago that the new SoT ships would start. However, due to government or someone / some organisation stuffed up big time / incompentencies that although at least one new ship was fitted and ready to sail, no one thought of building a new wharf for it! Not a laughing matter. No one is taking responsibility. There were talks that the new ship would be leased out to some org in Europe / UK so by the time it is operational in Australia it would be a 'second hand' ship (no longer new). Reading the UK newspapers, it has been moored in Scotland for over a year, but now is somewhere in WA? Apparently there have been more issues with the new wharf - costs blow out etc. So, not sure when the new ship will be sailing ?? A big disappointment.

 

[Myrna]

Essential to download the Fuel Check Tas app. It'll show the current price at every servo, for the grade of fuel you choose and highlights the cheapest in the field of view. (sorry @PrezRegan didn't think of it before).

Thanks, RooFlyer . We have now downloaded the Fuel Check Tas app. We have got the Fuel Check NSW app.

 

[markis10]

not sure when the new ship will be sailing ?? A big disappointment.

New ship is in Geelong while the second new one is on its way

 

[RooFlyer]

Apparently there have been more issues with the new wharf - costs blow out etc. So, not sure when the new ship will be sailing ?? A big disappointment.

The two new vessels are completed, but they sort of forgot to build a berth for them in Devonport. A big scandal here.

Now under construction, expect to be usable late 2026 or early 2027. And yes, we’re paying the port of Geelong for berthing two, large, brand-new vessels for most of that time. Not usable on any other run due to the particular berthing requirements.

Apologies, PrezRegan for the diversion. Trust you are enjoying today’s refreshing rain.

 

[PrezRegan]

Yeah it’s a big change from yesterday’s sunny weather. The drive to Strahan was not super fun particularly with the winding roads

 

[Oscarq]

Late June'26 Port Leith Edinburgh in time to see Spirit IV set sail south to Australia. She's massive compared to the existing ships.

 

[elanshin]

Sounds like a fun trip. Oh boy I have to say driving up to Cradle mountain at night with the rain coming down was an experience last year. Mountainous roads + night + poor visibility is not for the feint hearted. We even passed another vehicle who decided to park on the side of the road until someone else came by so they could follow instead of navigating on their own.

 

[VPS]

The two new vessels are completed, but they sort of forgot to build a berth for them in Devonport. A big scandal here.

Now under construction, expect to be usable late 2026 or early 2027. And yes, we’re paying the port of Geelong for berthing two, large, brand-new vessels for most of that time. Not usable on any other run due to the particular berthing requirements.

Apologies, PrezRegan for the diversion. Trust you are enjoying today’s refreshing rain.

Are the new ones going to be quicker or smoother or both

 

[PrezRegan]

Checked into our accommodation in Strahan Village. We’ve booked a Premium Harbourview Room as part of a 2 night package with NRMA which also includes the Gordon River Cruise. Crunching the numbers I think the cruise essentially pays for itself - and it’s not cheap.

The room is situated overlooking the waterfront with what would be stunning views if not for the constant drizzle. Nonetheless, the room is quite nice with a fake fireplace and modern bathroom.


On checkin we were advised to book dinner in advance - there are three main options, a in-hotel restaurant (closed) Hamer’s bar and bistro, and a cafe. We opted for the bistro and the only time we could be slotted in was 6, so an early dinner it was.

Again, the food was not cheap but quite good. I had the kilpatrick oysters and a scotch fillet which was beautifully cooked. Throughout dinner a number of people tried to come in without reservations and were declined - I think it wasn’t a capacity issue but more because they were closing early due to a public holiday (which might also explain why the hotel restaurant was closed).

Went back to hotel and caught a glimpse of sunset.

 

[Myrna]

Checked into our accommodation in Strahan Village. We’ve booked a Premium Harbourview Room as part of a 2 night package with NRMA which also includes the Gordon River Cruise. Crunching the numbers I think the cruise essentially pays for itself - and it’s not cheap.

The room is situated overlooking the waterfront with what would be stunning views if not for the constant drizzle. Nonetheless, the room is quite nice with a fake fireplace and modern bathroom.
View attachment 479473View attachment 479474View attachment 479475

On checkin we were advised to book dinner in advance - there are three main options, a in-hotel restaurant (closed) Hamer’s bar and bistro, and a cafe. We opted for the bistro and the only time we could be slotted in was 6, so an early dinner it was.

Again, the food was not cheap but quite good. I had the kilpatrick oysters and a scotch fillet which was beautifully cooked. Throughout dinner a number of people tried to come in without reservations and were declined - I think it wasn’t a capacity issue but more because they were closing early due to a public holiday (which might also explain why the hotel restaurant was closed).

Went back to hotel and caught a glimpse of sunset.
View attachment 479476

We will be staying at Strahan Village as well, but in a cheaper room - no view, standard / dated bathroom. It is very close to the river cruise so convenient.

 

[kpc]

I think I have done the Gordon River cruise twice now ...it is very scenic and relaxing. IIRC, you get off the boat and walk around Sarah Island for a while.

 

[PrezRegan]

Thankfully the weather appears to have cleared up this morning.


The cruise terminal is very close Rio the village and I think we can walk down the hill via some stairs rather than having to drive and pay for parking in the public carpark.

Breakfast is just random things from IGA we bought before dinner. I’m not sure if many things are open this early.