The SPIRIT OF TASMANIA - EVERYTHING you need to KNOW | Caravan lap of Australia, travel with a dog

[@OurJDIJourney]

Awesome video guys. Cheers. Actually our 2nd watch of the Vid. We are almost 1 year on the road and tomorrow we will be heading over to Tassie. So pumped

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you guys so much, really hope the video helps and makes it that bit easier for you. I bet you are best of luck and enjoy the trip. 👍❤️ Thank you so much for the support.

[@lowrider075]

We actually stayed overnight at the Corio shopping complex carpark. Huge, so not in anyone's way, security patrols walk around 24/7 so very safe. We made use of the shops, fast food outlets and toilets. Very easy to get to the Spirit terminal. cross the main road once, and on wide back street takes you straight there. We also took the option of a cabin. downloaded some movies prior to sailing and watched those in the cabin in between naps. We also took food and drink on board to have in the cabin. Nice to be able to shower and freshen up before arrival. Well worth the extra money

[@chasingdreamsau]

That sounds brilliant, thank you so much for sharing so much great information. We will definitely have to have a look at a cabin on the way back over, we are hoping the new boat will be ready by the time we leave 🤞 Thanks again for so much great information. 👍

[@lowrider075]

Let me know when you are up the north end of Tassie again, we're in Devonport@@chasingdreamsau

[@chasingdreamsau]

We are currently up around that way at the moment mate. Devonport is where we grow up. 👍

[@lowrider075]

How long are you up here for? Would be awesome to catch up@@chasingdreamsau

[@chasingdreamsau]

@@lowrider075 We are on and off between a few places over the next couple of weeks as we get ready to start exploring around.

[@MarniCollier]

you guys are so fun

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you for coming along. 👍❤️

[@sujd83]

Was in Tassie Feb/March, plenty of Free or low cost camping, we spent 9 weeks and could have stayed 6 months. Enjoy your time in Tassie!

[@chasingdreamsau]

That sounds amazing, there sure is so much to see and do isn’t there. Thank you so much. ❤️

[@suesclater8099]

Thank you for all this info as we are booked on a day sail to Tassie in a month, so handy to know all this information before we embark.

[@chasingdreamsau]

That is great, we are so glad that this has helped with what to expect a bit more on the sail to Tassie. Have an amazing time ❤️

[@donnaroberts8791]

Thank you for the comprehensive information. The footage showing how to get to the boat was super helpful. The only other tip I've picked up from another Channel is to have an overnight bag prepacked in your car ready to go if you're staying in a cabin. New subscriber and excited about the future episodes. 😊

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much, I am so glad that we were able to help! I know that I could hardly find any information on getting to the new terminal in Geelong when I was trying to look it up myself so I knew I had to put that in there. That is a really great tip! Ready for a quick grab, it can be quite chaotic once you are on the boat for sure. Thank you for joining the family!

[@marilynhardman5239]

I’ve just found your vlog! I’ve been to Tassie many times on the Spirit (since ‘79), over the last 10 years taking 2 doggies with me. I always put my dogs in the cages, and I book a day cabin. Then I can get away from all the noise 😊. Enjoy your holiday, I’m envious, and I love Tasmania, and have many friends there. I look forward to seeing where you travel to. Merry Christmas have a safe and fun time! 🎄

[@chasingdreamsau]

I think we will have a look at a cabin next time we sail. We are really looking forward to travelling around and exploring TAS, there is just so much to see and do. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas 🍻❤️

[@judithtaylor6916]

We have just returned after 6 weeks in Tassie. The Geelong Showgrounds was convenient. Our dog was in a small kennel as she is small. We never gave sedation. Compulsory to have a Vet check declaration that your dog is free of ticks and treated with tapeworm tablet. You have to show the package. Do not feed prior to sailing. She never wee'd in the cage, even for 11hrs. She was so good. The ship was 1.5hrs late on the return trip. And a rough trip. I never slept. They are building 2 new ships. The cabins are fine. Next time would book a cabin even for the day trip as the booked recliners in the current ships are worn and uncomfortable and the foot doesn't come up. Dont take any jerry cans filled with fuel. They will make you empty them in their 44 gallon drums. Our solar coped powering the freezer. We didnt turn off our fridge/freezer. Had no issues. A tip for Seniors. Pay for your National Parks membership on board with the lady at the desk $38 for 12 mths, not on the self serve computer $182p/year.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much for all that great information Judith, really appreciate you sharing your experience. ❤️

[@ASCP67AUS]

Great video guys. Thanks, we are looking to head down to Tassie mid year with our van. Enjoying your trip. Take care.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you. Oh beautiful, that will be great. There certainly is a lot to see and do down here. We are having a ball thank you. 👍

[@sharonlink4280]

Thanks legends. We plan to visit Tassie during our travels. Will be picking up what you put down over your next videos. Keep up the great work. Enjoy being back in your back yard. 🤙

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much Sharon, we are really looking forward to exploring around Tassie and sharing our experience.

[@kevinroberts2395]

Thanks for posting. We are on our way from Qld in a week or so and staying 2 nights at the Geelong Showgrounds prior to sailing. The terminal process looks like it is pretty slick. Good to know. We are doing 3 months in Tassie.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey Kevin, how exciting for you guys I bet you are just counting down the days. The Showgrounds are a great spot before heading onto the Spirit. Yeah the process was super easy and not too daunting at all mate. That should be a great amount of time to see and do most of what you want I’m sure. All the best with your travels and we may even see you around. 👍

[@coversadventurecapers2838]

You are down there at a great time. We loved our 5 weeks last Xmas holidays. The west coast and the rd to Hobart from Queenstown has many offshoots with amazing things to explore. Also north east of Launceston is epic too. We love Tassie. Looking forward to your adventures there.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Yeah we have been so lucky with weather so far and really looking forward to exploring soon. There are so many great places to see and explore isn’t there. Thank you for some great tips on adding to our list to check out whilst we explore.

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Great info. Thanks for the video. Happy New year!

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much for watching glad it was helpful! Happy New Year!

[@PaulMeyer-v8t]

Howdyyawl from the land down under. My wife & I first went to Tassy in 95 on a small holiday. We went the next year as well. This was when it sailed from Pt Melbourne. We moved to Tassy for 3 years. Nice views, gotta keep your eyes on the road. Enjoy the trip. You won't want to leave.Lots of roads, lots of drivivg.😊

[@chasingdreamsau]

G’day, I bet you had a great time exploring around and living here in Tassie. Thank you so much we are looking forward to exploring around.

[@PaulMeyer-v8t]

Howdyyawl from the land down under. Don't let anyone tell you that they seen Tassy in a month. Met the locals, they will let you know all the best places to go.

[@chasingdreamsau]

There really is so so much to see and do isn’t there I think we will be here a few months for sure. Thanks heaps for the advice.

[@geoffwilson7774]

Great info guys, thank for sharing. We flew over to Tassie a while back and done the wild west coast, it was a great experience, with spectacular sights around every corner, n there’s plenty of corners lol. Hope you have a great time, can’t wait to see your journey. Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅🤶

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much. There is so much to see here and we can't wait to explore the area! Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄

[@suchislife63]

well done, I've been on the ferry a few times and you got it right. nice job.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much that really means a lot. We hope this helps people when choosing to sail over to Tassie. Cheers.

[@angegeard]

Hey guys, been following you for a while now! I’m based in a Hobart suburb and would love to connect with you when you are down this way 🙂 wishing you all a very merry Christmas and I can’t wait to see what you do next! (I’m currently doing up my Ute for traveling with my dog!)

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much for following our journey it means so much to us! That sounds great, would love to catch up when we get down that way and grab some local knowledge 😄 Merry Christmas to you and your family (plus the fur baby). How exciting, hopefully everything goes smoothly with the ute and we can see you out on the tracks soon!

[@steve-deltasdad3906]

hey guys, stumbled onto your vid today and so far absolutely fab info - I have yet to see any others that highlight the trip on the boat over to Tasmania including Luna, Tassie being basically an island national park so well done - I loved it so far and look fwd to following you through the rest of your journey and your troopy fit out. Cheers

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey Steve, thank you so much. We hope that it helps some people and makes tripping around a little less daunting. We really appreciate your kind words and coming along on the journey. Cheers.

[@suepalmer2049]

Great video guys, incredibly informative. Thanks for sharing you experience with taking your beautiful little dog. I am now a follower and look forward to sharing your Tasmanian adventure. Safe travels.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much Sue, we hope you got something out of this and maybe even helped with planning a trip. Thank you for coming along on the journey with us. 👍❤️

[@jasonbarnes5605]

That was well presented for those who have not been on the boat 👍. I've done 2 trips so far and both times have booked a recliner (night sailing). I can tell you honestly you can not sleep in those things! Combo of uncomfortable chairs and engine/ prop vibrations kills it. In future I'll either do a day sail or book a cabin. Looking forward to seeing what you guys get up to in Tassie

[@chasingdreamsau]

Cheers Jason, oh okay thank you adding that as it may help someone else thinking about it. We can’t wait to get into exploring Tassie, thanks for coming with us. 👍

[@johnburnett5624]

I've been to Tassie a number of times, the first being a day trip on recliners and that did it for me; night cruisers and a cabin is definitely the way to go. Tassie and WA are the best states to visit by far. Don't forget to visit "The Wall" at Derwent Bridge.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey John, thank you for that mate I think we will def have to look into a cabin next time. We are pretty eager to start exploring around Tassie soon and we will be sure to put the Derwent Bridge on the list. 👍

[@Mick_4591]

I did read a while back that when you drive up to the check in that you are laser measured to see if you with in the dimensions you provided. The person who described his experience said he was charged a " extra" fee because his rig was less than half a meter that what he stated I thought when your parked up on the trip that vehicles are " strapped down"

[@chasingdreamsau]

Oh okay, we might have to ask next time we are on the boat then because it would be great to know. Thank you so much for that information. We didn’t see anyone doing this or any straps around but we could be wrong sorry. We did see them secure the trucks a bit more with chocks.

[@vegasvisitor-o3e]

Small correction here, it's a SHIP, BOATS are the things you jump into when a SHIP starts to sink.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Good pick up 👍

[@ronclark9724]

I believe the general rule of thumb worldwide is: If your boat carries another boat, not just a rubber dingy, your boat is a ship... Some small ferries crossing rivers don't carry another boat and are therefore boats, whereas a sea gong ferry does carry another boat, many more than one and is a ship...

[@Phil_McAvity]

We’ve travelled on The Spirit numerous times and a night sail with a cabin is the only way I’d do it. Our staffy hated the journey unfortunately ☹️

[@chasingdreamsau]

A lot of people have said this, we are hoping that on the way out we might be able to experience this for some comparison. Oh no poor bugger.

[@trogladite1000]

Great content here. Thanks.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Appreciate that, thank you so much. 👍

[@CraigAlexander-m9l]

Scared to do a hill start Jesus.. makes me feel safe to the road to know you guys are too🤔🤔

[@chasingdreamsau]

Just a pain with the caravan and weight mate, we have had to do it a bit just annoying really. So pretty excited when I didn’t have to do it plus we didn’t have to wait inline anymore so that is a big win. Cheers mate Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a great day. 👍

[@hannahv8903]

Can’t wait for the new ships and upgraded pet areas, it’s just not good enough in this day and age, they never found that poor dog 😢 I noticed your car in Devonport today, phone proximity must have bought up the video recommendation 😂

[@chasingdreamsau]

Yeah it will be great to see the new ship and what they might do to it. Oh how cool is that, you are probably right who knows how it all connects. 👍

[@mandydriscoll2043]

Would love to purchase the t-shirts but there's no measurements for each size...could you please let know! Love getting information through your adventures

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much Mandy you are too kind!. Sorry we have over looked this as we re setup the website, thank you for pointing this out. I have just updated the product photos on our tees to include a sizing guide 👍 Thank you so much for the support it truely does means the world. ❤️

[@kelvindavis7060]

Hey guys thanks for the info , looking forward to the rest , safe travels and a bloody merry Christmas to you guys love watching and supporting you merry Xmas lunar and the old boy enjoy your time there cheers kel & lou Brisbane Qld

[@chasingdreamsau]

So glad you guys got something out of this video, we can't wait to share what this beautiful state has to offer! Merry Christmas to you and the family, thank you both so much for all the support you guys have given us over the year. We can't wait to see what comes of 2024! Cheers you bloody legends!

[@beach2bushaustralia]

Hey guys Merry Xmas...! great vid guys, heaps of info... 👍

[@chasingdreamsau]

Merry Christmas and happy new years guys. Hope you are all going well and having great travels. Thank you so much we really appreciate that.

[@TomFizz16]

Hey any photos and explanations of how and what you used to mount fishing rods to the roof. Trying to do the same in my canopy,

[@chasingdreamsau]

G’day mate, what we used was the Berkley Twist Lock Utility Rod Rack and just attached it to the roof of our Troopy with 3 screws in each.

[@deeoh3708]

Interesting video... I have been wondering whether to go by Spirit or fly. cheers :)

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you, hope this has helped with making your decision. 👍

[@RingoTravels]

Excellent video

[@chasingdreamsau]

Appreciate that mate thank you so much 👍

[@RingoTravels]

@@chasingdreamsau subscribed

[@chasingdreamsau]

@@RingoTravels you are too kind cheers mate and have a good night. 👍

[@tonycook2347]

Hi Guys, great info htanlks. just checking with a gas fridge. I always turn the gas off while travelling. Have I been doing this wrong? Also, how far in advance did you have to book a van, both ways. with a van?

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey Tony, turning off the gas is correct procedure for travelling. There has been some post of people leaving it on and unfortunately it has burnt the van to the ground. We were super lucky getting over and found a booking within 6 weeks with the van. We always had the intention of selling the van in Tassie due to having family there so didn’t book return. But it was hard to get out as such so definitely advisable to book return with the van. 👍

[@tonycook2347]

@chasingdreamsau thanks. Just trying to organise for next year and I can get over in march but can't get back until June! Your channel is great. Very informative, it needs many more subscribers. You have one new one 👍

[@chasingdreamsau]

@@tonycook2347 oh wow, can’t believe it’s still that long of a wait even with the new boat meant to be arriving. We left at the end of April and it was getting really cold by then with frosty mornings. All depends on how you travel but we felt to take your time and enjoy certain spot 3 months would be good… but in saying that we meet people that where there for a month just wanting to get out as they felt they had seen it all. Really appreciate your kind words so much thank you.

[@terrysmith1307]

Hi just found your chanel we are booked on Spirit Feb 7 24 was wondering you said the cost to travel was $1200 we were charged $2000 can. you tell me the overall length of your rig Thanks Terry

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey Terry, I know those dates are peak time so not sure if that has something to do with it. We also did not book a cabin or seat for the sailing. We were 13.6m in length with the car and caravan plus over the 2.1m height. Hope this helps. Cheers

[@stuartkcalvin]

13:10 if you have trigger wire, no need to disconnect. A fatal flaw in cheap 12V systems.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Oh okay that is interesting thank you for that mate.

[@davidmilledge221]

Wow that trip is still cheaper than the 45 minute trip with car and van to kangaroo Island on the rip off sealink ferry 😮in SA

[@chasingdreamsau]

Seriously! Wow that is crazy isn’t it. We might not be able to do that one anytime soon then.

[@Harrybollox]

I’m not driving to Geelong to get a ferry , the Westgate freeway is a dog , too busy as it’s the only road for all the new estates, and it’s full of hoons and roadworks , then the same thing when I come back. The Ferry should never have been relocated

[@chasingdreamsau]

Too easy mate enjoy 👍

[@ronclark9724]

Then don't drive on the freeway, use other roads, even if it is a much longer drive...

[@nancyleigh6591]

Merry Xmas to you all ❤

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you guys and hope you have an amazing day with amazing people.

[@JoanWayne827]

Merry Christmas and safe new yr. Thanks for the video. We didn’t know much about travelling to Hobart on the boat.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much Joan, we hope this video helps with the planning of heading to Tassie. Merry Christmas and a safe new year to you and yours. ❤️

[@trevdebhippisley9729]

Just found you, Thanks for the info, nice video. Did you book return trip ? Unless you got a super price

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you so much for watching! Yes, we only booked one way with the caravan. Still haven’t booked our return yet 😬

[@trevdebhippisley9729]

@@chasingdreamsau we are booked in Feb return late Mar, apparently some people get stuck waiting for a spot. Depends on your time frame, look forward to see what you get up too

[@chasingdreamsau]

Oh beautiful that sounds like you will have a great trip and perfect time of year. We are lucky we have family here so if we get stuck it will just be more quality time with them. Thank you so much we can’t wait to get stuck into looking around.

[@Antechynus]

Gday guys, Just found your video and a big thanks for the information.. Im moving to Tasmania in a couple of months. I have a question... I'll be driving a hilux with a trailer. I have a dog box on my ute and can my dogs stay in the dog box or must they go in a cage? All the best with your travels and future endeavours.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey mate, how exciting for you! If you sign a waiver with the Spirit Of Tas your dog can stay in your dog box. Only thing is the dog might not be checked throughout the sailing to see if they are ok 👍 Appreciate it mate, might even bump into to you somewhere in Tassie. All the best for you and your new adventure.

[@Antechynus]

@chasingdreamsau thanks so much for getting back to me bud... Yeah, after 20years working and living in the forests of NSW, time for something new... like not working! Cheers, hope 2024 treats you both well.

[@chasingdreamsau]

No worries at all. 👍 Yeah why not change is as good as a holiday they say. Good on you mate, it has been great down in Tassie. Appreciate that mate thank you so much.

[@Antechynus]

Subbed 👍

[@chasingdreamsau]

You are a champion! Thank you so much, have a good one mate.

[@AnthonyAlvisio]

Hi Guys, Did the dog get a toilet break?

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey mate, no not on the boat at all. They aren’t aloud out of the cage and we aren’t aloud down there.

[@ronclark9724]

Best to use the dog park before boarding the ferry as many did in this video...

[@markleon7076]

How much did it cost with the caravan to to Tasmania

[@chasingdreamsau]

Hey Mark, we paid $1,100 one way with Luna. 👍

[@fionaforward3358]

As a Tasmanian I avoid it like the plague.

[@chasingdreamsau]

Yeah I can appreciate that, but it’s the best way to get over at the moment.

[@timlewis5096]

The recliners should be thrown overboard!!! did it once and never again, especially the night sailing!!! Cabin for me every time. I travel at off peak times so only have the option of night sailings. I have never done a day sailings

[@chasingdreamsau]

This is too funny! I bet it would be frustrating paying the money and not being happy with the seating. Sounds like you have it all sussed out with the night sailing and everything mate. Fingers crossed the news ones are better and more comfortable. 👍

[@stuartkcalvin]

14:32 download a movie before you go?

[@chasingdreamsau]

Such a great tip! Really do need to do that before 👍

[@fionaforward3358]

How does she go to the toilet in that box.

[@chasingdreamsau]

We took her before going on and straight away once we got off. Otherwise she would hold it like she does overnight.

[@paulmarshall248]

The Spirit of Tasmania ... just another Australian monopoly...

[@chasingdreamsau]

Very true but unfortunately not many other ways to get over to Tas with your set up

[@Corey-pd3mi]

Feel free to setup your own service

[@chasingdreamsau]

😂 fair call. Could you imagine how much it would cost to setup and run 🫣

[@jameswebb3000]

Don’t change to much

[@chasingdreamsau]

Thank you mate 👍

[@justanaussie2822]

It’s a rip off

[@chasingdreamsau]

I guess they have to make a profit and at least we get to explore around Tassie with our setup. 👍

[@ronclark9724]

Cheaper than buying your own yacht. Cheaper than leasing someone else's yacht. Or you could fly and lease vehicles there...