What's it REALLY like? - Spirit of Tasmania

[@nigelandsueadventures]

What's it really like to cross Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania? In this episode we answer the most common questions about the DAY sailing from Geelong to Devonport, with a campervan.

[@seanworkman431]

Having done the crossing several times on different ships, the Spirits are much faster as it used to be 16 hrs. The night crossing is better as you arrive in the morning and have the day ahead of you but do not buy a recliner. I think the food is too expensive for a captive audience but the facilities are good.

[@adrianoconnor4120]

I have been on a few times and enjoyed it , I think if you gave these guys a gold bullion they would complain it was too heavy 😮

[@Big_Red_Wade]

100%

[@suad01]

😂

[@TheArtofEngineering]

I just did it…. Loved it. The Spirit rocked me to sleep on both night crossings. Two essentials IMO. Get a cabin… do not sit in a seat for the crossing (if it is a rough crossing, you will have people moaning and puking 🤮 near you). On a journey many years earlier we were doing a day crossing…. No cabin. On arrival in the cafe area I ran into a steward who used to work with me on an oil rig (I was the radio officer and used to give him the odd freeby phone call). He said “hi George…. Let me see what I can do for you?”…. I expected a muffin or maybe some coffee?? VIP cabin looking out the front of the ship!!!! 🎉🎉❤

[@ronclark9724]

Doing good deeds and favors to others usually receive better deeds and favors in return...

[@nickislade5533]

It’s a ferry not a cruise liner.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

but there are better ferries all over Europe for example.

[@stuartpattison7597]

exactly and the sooner people realise it the better.

[@SanctusPaulus1962]

​@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834 That's terrific. Tasmania is not Europe. We only have a population of 500,000 people and our state is the poorest in Australia. What do you expect?

[@djmini2numpty141]

@@stuartpattison7597 wtf ? a ferry is a ship that transports people and cargo etc from point a to point be. if you don't like it coz its a little bumpy, expensive, maybe not fancy, then swim

[@toptaz15]

@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834 Then go to Europe FFS.

[@ynotsplinter9683]

Took a few beers got a cabin a sleeping pill..had a great sleep,,got a nice hot shower walked to car and had a smooth exit off the ship,,,,loved it.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

lucky you. So you didn't get woken up by 'in the navy' at 4.45am....what a nightmare.

[@leebliss3622]

Reviews from people who are drunk and on drugs don’t count

[@djmini2numpty141]

@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834 boo hoo

[@queenslanddiva]

I've been on the Spirit and had absolutely no problem.

[@SteveBbb-y6d]

It really depends on luck and what your used to, if you like the rolly polly ness of the ocean then youl love it, but if youve never been on a bit of a rough ride Your gunna hate it.

[@jillianhr]

I’m a Tassie who moved to the main land, I travel back to see my family a lot without any problems or complaints, and the beauty is you take your car with you, as others have said, it’s not a cruise liner.

[@richardsilver98]

I thought this was great to watch and very informative. Thanks for sharing it.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching and a friendly comment! ☺️

[@Crayfish59]

My partner and I did the trip in November 2019. Day trip out of Melbourne was a fantastic experience, Live music in the bars during the day and we never got bored. We did the return trip at night and upgraded to a cabin. It was the total opposite of the first trip. They locked the doors to the outside deck just after we left Devonport because the waves were so bad, the water was hitting the windows. The bars closed too early and the mattresses were too thin to make a comfortable sleep possible with the constant slamming up and down in the rough sea. Neither she or I suffered any sort of seasickness though. I would still do it again :)

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Its worth it for the awesomeness of Tassie!

[@rick1622]

try the 4hr between picton and wellington nz in july/august its 25 miles of 5 metre or more swells shit food shit prices ie a stubbies ten bucks every bodies pucking up the nasty pies chico rolls plutos and yellow food at 100% mark up and hey its about 60 bucks an adult 300 for your car and if yout towing a van over 5 metre double it !!!!! WTF ... THE TROLLS own the pass and bleed you big time by the bye ive done the cookie x20 over 40 years got robbed every fn time so to be honest ....... the tassie ferry looks PREMO COMPARED to the Cook Srait crossing 1/4 the distance bigger more modern boat 10hrs cheaper ..... pps im a kiwi !!! makes puke and its home soil .. go user pays via coperate run ... public owned assets !!! how clever is NATAS & REFICULE ?

[@jaydegier3892]

Your return trip could possibly have been the one that we travelled on 18/1/24 and it was frightening, never again for me.

[@darshirathod1213]

Hi I m from melbourne too we like to go this year in January 2025 with return on spirit of Tasmania fir 1 week but don don’t have any idea about where to book accommodation throughout the trip . Plz advise if u did that . Thanks

[@Crayfish59]

@@darshirathod1213 We just stayed at a motel in Devonport the night we got to Tasmania and an Air B&B in Taroona for the duration of our stay.

[@businessguide8850]

Once out of Melbourne and into the Bass Straight, I was sea sick all the way there and all the way back. My trip was spent throwing up.

[@ronclark9724]

Eventually if you remain at sea you get your sea legs... Sorry you don't have sea legs...

[@davidharlem6824]

A really interesting vid. I had no idea at all what the vessel was like, much bigger than I thought and obviously busy. Thanks again guys and keep safe.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers David! Yes it’s very big, and it seems it’s always really busy. Hard to get a booking with a campervan

[@launnie-outdoor-items]

Eventually Tasmania is going to get two new vessels. But first they have to build new ports to accommodate the new vessels coming from Norway

[@BigCgull]

Near 30min video of sook who is confused between a cruise ship and a ferry 😂 amazing

[@Rowdoss]

Oh gawd If you are considering catching the spirit, DO NOT base any decision on this video. It’s fantastic.

[@tc88888888]

It looks like shit though

[@Rowdoss]

@@tc88888888 So you’ve been on it then champ? I’ve actually been on it over a dozen times, not just pulled my pud while watching videos about it

[@ronclark9724]

@@tc88888888 I have seen worst ferries. The Spirit of Tasmania ferries were given a very significant mid-life refit a decade ago. I prefer riding a ferry overnight in a cabin, as every night on a ferry is one less night at a more expensive hotel. At least the ferry transports you across the sea, hotels don't...

[@suad01]

Im 11 minutes in and it's not bad yet

[@coreencasey5109]

We lived in Tassie for 20 years, loved every minute, travelled the Spirit twice, first time in seats which was a nightmare but second in a cabin and enjoyed that. We had to leave to come back to family in Qld for health reasons but want to go back one day for holiday. So much to see and do.

[@AVMamfortas]

So you did not find it enjoyable. Why am I not surprised. Some people are just like that. I have travelled across many times. Never been 'bored'. Always enjoyed the trip. Even in terrible sea conditions. Again, some people are like that.

[@springbird8479]

Yep, If you are bored, you are boring🤣

[@graemeeyre8933]

You must have got lucky with your trip over. I did it from Sydney many years ago. And the crew told me that they had had some shocking crossing between going down and coming back. 6 meter swells would have not been comfortable in bass Strait.

[@launnie-outdoor-items]

I had one trip 2018 where I was sitting on a chair in the television area and the chair was moving sideways back and forth and I weigh a lot .

[@andreagriffiths3512]

The reason why Bass Strait is notoriously rough (for some watercraft) is that it was once a landbridge and the ocean’s first landfall to the west is South America. So it’s got a huge amount of space to build up and get wild. Smart travellers will prepare with seasickness preventatives or at least have them on hand. Personally I’ve never found it to be that bad and I’ve crossed many times on the ferry, the devilcat, and on cruise ships. Last set of crossings was on the 15/1/24 and night of the 19/1/24 - both were just fine.

[@launnie-outdoor-items]

The spew cat was a really rough ride but it was quicker when it used to run.

[@einfelder8262]

Too much whingeing. It's a 10-12 hour crossing with nothing much to do, plenty of previous videos on the subject all of which advise to travel at night (NEVER the chairs), take your food with you, and expect extremely rough conditions (rejoice if you get a smooth crossing). Day crossing wastes 2 whole days which are much better spent actually seeing Tassie. I have crossed dozens of times first on the Taroona and every ship since, have done day, night, and chair crossings. 15 years or so ago the proper restaurant was very nice indeed but they canned that. I have been on 2 crossings where the staff were seasick (Princess and Spirit) and other crossings that were glass smooth. Hopefully on the new boat there will again be decent food in a proper restaurant.

[@tropicsalt.]

I had seen your comment before the video. I don't think that they winged too much. Some people handle being contained and on the water differently. Otherwise, thanks for the info.

[@Carly-j1z]

Completely agree. They seem so entitled 🎉 they complained about everything

[@einfelder8262]

@@tropicsalt. The opening words were" That was awful. I did not enjoy that voyage" If that's not a whinge, what is?

[@tropicsalt.]

@einfelder8262 yep. Definitely a whinge. I didn't say they didn't whinge.

[@einfelder8262]

@@tropicsalt. Did you see this comment she made "I still have memories of my year 9 school trip on whatever ferry they had on 1981. And those memories are not good!"

[@henrywilliam8506]

Great vlog! I travel on the Spirit ferry 4-6 times per year. One night crossing was through a storm force 11. That was a bit choppy. 😎

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh wow! That would have been awful! I’m hoping it’s not worse on the way back. Thanks for watching!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Well Bass Strait is generally considered some of the roughest waters to sail through. Spirit is a ferry so it won’t have the stabilisers like a cruise ship does. When I went there was a theatre which was great and it was a day sailing. I also loved the Cat which is no longer. It was much quicker but I love being on the water so I don’t mind it longer.

[@launnie-outdoor-items]

@4:00 Looks like a smooth processing of your ticket. Last time I crossed, I experienced a two hour wait at the Geelong port due to the Spirit's ticketing system going down during the world wide ticketing IT outage. Luckily I had hard copy printouts of my booking which helped the staff as there was no computerised system to look it up and the four booths were not running but only two booths. My boarding pass had to be hand written.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh hod what a nightmare! We never print anything out!

[@Robochop-vz3qm]

Ive been on the ferry a couple different occasions and loved every minute of it.

[@janet5551]

We did a night crossing out of Melbourne, was great to have a cabin but I spent the whole night over the bowl being sick.. My husband and daughter enjoyed the cinema and the rest of the boat but I just couldnt leave the cabin . Tasmania was lovely though so worth it in the end and we had a few days in the Grampians on our way back to our home in Adelaide.

[@brentonl2631]

We travelled both day and night and had cabins on each, my wife was definitely pleased we paid for them. We did do our homework before travelling and was aware of the food restrictions to Tassie so no surprises there.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Will have a cabin in the way back, thankfully!!

[@suchislife63]

I have seen peoples bring their own food to eat on the ferry as well as some even had KFC. but make sure you don't take any food of at the end of the trip.

[@taniahartley4210]

Be thankful u had a smooth crossing last time i was on there it was such a rough crossisng we were locked inside no access to outdoor at all. The car deck was a disaster zone when we went down in the morning cos chains had snapped cars and trucks had shifted and smashed into one another, motor bikes fallen over . It was certainly an experience

[@TomLaios]

I emigrated to Oz with my parents in 1969 on a ship called the Patris.As opposed to a 10 hour journey , we had a 6 week journey my dad says. I was 2 years old .All I can remember is peeing off the deck, the mattresses in the cabin, and the people waving at us as the ship docked at Sydney Harbour.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

What a cool story! Thanks for sharing. I emigrated to australia in 1969 too, thankfully we came by plane, but even that took several days!

[@_Aardvark_]

Why were you peeing off the mattresses at the people waving to you?

[@TomLaios]

@@_Aardvark_ I may well have peed in my pants for all I know,but obviously peeing off the deck, braced hard against the railings in a stiff ocean breeze, was a wonderful experience ,which left a lasting memory on my 2 year old brain.The mattresses were those horrible 3 inch thick vinyl Institution issue.But seeing as we left a poor,rural village in Greece ,where we slept on the floor,they were an upgrade.

[@damianval4626]

@TomLaios Hey mate, great story😊 Hope your doing well

[@philwinter2156]

Bass Strait is the roughest stretch of water in the world so you guys got off lightly this time. Travelled on the spirits four times last year with no complaints. Book an inside cabin if travelling overnight, do not go for the chairs. The food on board is good just put as much as you can on your plate as your u can't go back for seconds. Hope you have a wonderful holiday in our beautiful state and don't rush just take your time as we are 20 years behind you mainlanders.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We are absolutely loving it!

[@peterchamberlain4448]

Bay of Biscayne may argue that point…

[@petittrainguernsey3297]

Irish Sea may want a chat with you…😂

[@jamescrawford9883]

It’s one of the roughest stretches in the world, not THE roughest. Ex seaman.

[@heels-villeshoerepairs8613]

North Sea might argue.

[@jamesvalentine4597]

Thanks so much guys you both really went to a lot of effort 👍very much appreciated!! Thanks again ✌️

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Our pleasure! Hope you enjoy Tassie if you're planning to go there. We loved it!

[@wanderersinblack]

Thank you for the video & info! We wanted to do this cruise for a long time but after going to Antartica last year (via the Drake Passage), we said no more ‘travelling on water’. However your video inspired us to put this journey back on the list. Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Tasmania is WELL WORTH the 10 hours of travel on water. We’ve been here 2 weeks now and we’re loving it!

[@wanderersinblack]

@@nigelandsueadventures We have been to Hobart, it’s amazing! Will look at the sea journey there in the future ☺️…

[@suzanneking5260]

Lol, we made that trip at night and we were hanging on to our bunk beds for dear life. No seasickness but very little sleep as car alarms kept sounding off. I, also hated the crossing and did not look forward to the journey back. Thankfully it was a little calmer.

[@toptaz15]

I've done it 4 times now, once over and back with my 4x4 and caravan and over and back once as a walk on passenger. I enjoyed all of them immensely. There's soo many things to do on the ship.. Just don't sit there and procrastinate,, go and do things and enjoy the experience,, and most of all,, Don't Whinge about it,, talk about the positives. Not everyone will have a great trip for all sorts of reasons,,, But I'm sure you will find most people enjoy it and make the most of the 10 hour trip..

[@damianval4626]

I sailed the empress when I was a young fella! 10m seas,pitch black night, never forget the noise, I couldn't believe the ol girl didn't snap in half after 8 hrs of non stop pounding 😮 I've had some roughish trips since but after that one I'm hardened, the footage you showed was bass straight as a milk pond

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I will never be a sailor - my grandfather was a boat-builder - he'd turn in his grave to hear that haha!

[@damianval4626]

@nigelandsueadventures Enjoyed your video all the same 👍 I live down the road from Devonport, we cancelled the last couple of sails this weekend. It's a dangerous stretch when it's blowing like this😱

[@keithpopowski291]

I’ve travelled in up to 8 times a year and enjoyed every trip, included one when we experienced 8m swell. I loved every minute of it. I suggest travel on night sailing, get a cabin and enjoy a good nights sleep.

[@rebekahritchie9012]

I’ve done both day and night multiple times and must say I loved it! Would travel again in a heartbeat! I agree with you about the food though…rather expensive!

[@margarethollins6531]

Make sure you go and see "The Wall" at Derwent Bridge between the west coast and Hobart. It is a rather large wooden wall being carved by hand by one man. Amazing.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

There are so many amazing places in Tasmania! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@judyrogers5481]

I hope they don’t because they will just winge about the roads or whatever they can winge about

[@vickihambridge4462]

Congratulations guys on making it to the main island guys ! Recommend Bay of Fires east coast, Bruny Island national parks camping (the island off an island off an 7island ) and CYGNET! Free camp at Gordon or stealth camp at Randall's Bay. Enjoy and keep the vids coming. Also Sue I came across from Tassie in my van on my own you will ace it! 😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Ok will add cygnet to the list! We have most of the others. Loving it so far. Plenty of Tassie videos to come!

[@peterhewitson71]

That is a bit flasher than the NZR ferry to Picton , amazing ship , have to do that now LOL thanks for sharing .

[@nigelandsueadventures]

It's definitely flashy, but not as flashy as some of the scandinavian ferries we went on back in the 90s. I can't imagine what they are like now! It's definitely worth it to get to Tassie. Its incredibly beautiful over here Peter, you have to come.

[@lighthouse-news]

Traveled to Wellington from Picton on the Arahura in very heavy seas. Slammed into the waves in the Cook Strait. Many wide eyes and terror stricken features that day.

[@thies7831]

Turn back time 18000 years and drive over directly. Without any water to bother.

[@Travellingmcleods]

Thanks for the information, I'm looking forward to when I get to do it with our caravan. One thing I haven't been able to find information on is are there showers available for anyone on the ship or do you have to book a cabin? Cheers Nicole

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hi Nicole, there are no showers except in the cabins. In a day sailing I paid $169 for a cabin, (on the return journey) which was the most expensive shower ever! Having said that, it was money well spent to have a bed, privacy and that shower!

[@Travellingmcleods]

@@nigelandsueadventuresThanks, brilliant info on the cabin. I think I will get a cheap cabin to. ❤

[@sreach93]

Thanks for posting, it's your experience and no one else's. You are not whingers, just sharing your thoughts.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks! It was all meant to be a bit tongue in cheek, but it seems some didn't see that. Oh well, we would happily live that 10 hours again to visit the wonder of Tasmania - it is SO amazing there.

[@towoombaresident8491]

Been over to Tasmania on the Spirit for both work and leisure, I can honestly say by far the best is to travel on a night crossing and even in an internal cabin if you have to. Not at as good for me now that it leaves via Geelong but from a work standpoint it’s a lot easier.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hopefully there will be availability for night sailing and cabin when I head back!!

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

We travelled over from Tassie early this year. Can't wait to try the new Spirit's that are coming real soon. Apparently they have doggy friendly rooms onboard, so your pooch can come in the cabin with you. Soo cool. Our crossing was a night time crossing, about 11pm due to depart, however as the weather had been bad the day before it was running late and we boarded at about 1am I think. Managed to down a few beers before we went out into the open waters. We had recliners, which are free on night time crossings. You can book the recliner chair you want, we had just two on the outside edge. I enjoyed it thoroughly, hubby not so much, he gets sea sick and slept with a sleeping pill and a few sea sick pills.

[@Blbbbb]

We enjoyed our trip on the Spirit.

[@Davidjeng049]

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip in away, I watch it go past my house every night during the week. I have been on it four times and all were a little bumpy. Tasmania is a great place to visit any of the year.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We wish we’d been on the other side of the harbour to get the drone shots, it went much closer. I’m kind of dreading the trip back, but Tassie is definitely worth it. We’ve been here a week and a half already and we’re loving it!

[@pjplay7523]

Good video to see how you get on etc, cheers. Curious.....where did you spend the first night after getting off the boat, it gets in late so there's not too many options before dark?

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We actually stayed on a friends driveway. There is a parking place just a few minutes away, where I stayed the night before the ferry home, its called Girdlestone Park and cost $11.

[@pjplay7523]

@@nigelandsueadventures certainly turns it into big day 😴😄

[@michaelktori5178]

I lived in Tassie for 39 years and crossed back and forth 4 times most years. I am particularly prone to seasickness as any of my former fishing friends would attest. I was never ever sick crossing Bass Strait, I come close on a couple of occasions but always enjoyed the crossings. Not keen on going to Geelong to catch the boat but it is what it is. Tassie is a fabulous place to live and tour.

[@marisrozleja8762]

My wife and I have done day and night crossings. We did 3 night and 1 day, and I would never do a day crossing again.

[@fins59]

Cross at night in a sleeper cabin, it's lovely to to get rocked to sleep at night, I have fond memories of my night crossing & the massive cooked breakfast in the restaurant in the morning, you guys did it all wrong.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Sadly with a vehicle as big as ours it’s very difficult to book a night crossing, they book out months and months in advance!

[@fins59]

@@nigelandsueadventures You've just got a Sprinter Van, it's not that big, it's not a coach, it's not hard to plan ahead, the ferry isn't a bus service where you just turn up & wait.

[@glynnjarrett4220]

I have done 3 return trips now on the ferry. I have found the best was is to go overnight, get a cabin and plenty of zzzzzzz. Coming home we usually do the day crossing, have always enjoyed this as well, a chance tro sit back and do very little, bliss! Oh, it helps if some good footy on the tv screens scattered around the decks. Yes, does feel like you are going to a different country when you arrive.

[@lisabrunt4181]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think we will explore both options but for our first trip a cabin overnight sounds good to me.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Definitely the way to go

[@lighthouse-news]

Two trips across to Tas including 1 return. Enjoyed them both except for a run, jump and dodge in order to avoid the projectile vomiting tourists from north of the equator in the ladies restroom. Bit of a heavy swell at 5am in the morning inducing a semi-controlled stagger with half-pike and tuck as i waltzed two cups of hot chocolate back to our seats. Very nice.

[@WendyJay-k3h]

We went to tassie in early November, and the crossing was very rough. The outside deck had to be closed as it was not safe to be there.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh I feel for you! Hope it’s not like that on our return trip!!

[@seanworkman431]

I crossed years ago with my family on the Empress and the Bosun came on the PA to inform us that we were in for a rough night and that the captain had elected to fly down and meet us there. It was rough.

[@chrisoo8998]

Top video I just discovered your channel makes me want to start filming my motor bike travels what type of camera do you guys use to film

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hey Chris, we use a couple of different cameras, from a Sony A7iii, Canon G7x mkiii , a GoPro and a DJI Action 4. The DJI would be great for your motorbike stuff.

[@sherylbridle9158]

Sue and nigel are not complaining but just giving an opinion of their trip. Well done telling the truth. Happy stay❤❤❤

[@boriskarloff6356]

They are cheapskate wingers, hands down. She especially.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers Sheryl!! We are loving Tassie, well worth the trip over.

[@AvalonLeeAuthor]

@@boriskarloff6356I thought so too! She’s absolutely both of those!

[@heels-villeshoerepairs8613]

I dont think they were complaining as much as giving a critique. I have been across a few times and i have to say, smooth or rough, i enjoyed it all. Great trip, full of anticipation.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Totally worth it for the awesomeness that is Tasmania

[@heels-villeshoerepairs8613]

Thanks for the reply. My wife and i are embarking on our vanlife adventures shortly. We have just finished decking out an old bus. See you on the road!​@nigelandsueadventures

[@heels-villeshoerepairs8613]

@@nigelandsueadventures I meant, will you be back in Aust.?

[@ellisjudson6162]

Sue, how was the return solo ferry crossing back to the mainland? 🚢 It can get rough 🌊 We are taking our Sprinter 🚐 on our first long trip to the mainland from Tassie soon. I’m not a great sailor either 😬

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I was blessed and it was smooth. I did pay a ridiculous amount (I think it was $160) for a cabin though, and it was money well spent!

[@launnie-outdoor-items]

Something I learnt. If the Cabin bed is against the outside wall in Parallel to the cabin window you will roll from side to side so sea sickness less likely. But get a bed in parallel with the side walls of the cabin and you will feel the up and down motion as the ship crosses in your stomach.

[@chezzachezza7325]

Overnighter was great bass straight though we loved it

[@shaunjej1855]

Nice one. Totally enjoyed it.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@robmiller1957]

Hi, what is the name of Nigel's app showing ship location. Thanks

[@DJ99777]

Interesting vlog Kirralee and Steve. Didn’t know you swingers were bloggers but I’m glad I found you. Catch you at the next rodeo. Best wishes Derek.

[@karlaaus4842]

Wtf 😬

[@viktoyagordon7901]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Not sure who Kirralee and Steve are, but thanks I guess!! haha

[@zwieseler]

Went across last week. Booked a recliner but so much on the ship to do, I only used it for about an hour. I’d say a cabin would be a good idea for a night crossing.

[@adventurewithbernie]

Hope you are enjoying Tassie, it's a fabulous place!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We are absolutely loving it, thanks Bernie!

[@Shazvana]

I've done many crossings and I learned after the 1st one that I am better off doing a night crossing, paying the extra for the cabin and sleeping the trip away and this is because I get sea sick and this is the only way I found I could do it. I prefer to fly on the Jetstar direct flight though (Brissy to Lonnie), you blink and you are there😀

[@peterjohnson4244]

thank to guiding me hope to see you a round in tas

[@nigelandsueadventures]

cheers, we've long gone from Tassie - we spent a wonderful couple of months there, its a great place. Hope you enjoy it.

[@NinjaKoalaAUTW]

Flight to TAS would be a better option i guess

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Absolutely! But the cost of accomodation for 6 weeks??

[@NinjaKoalaAUTW]

@@nigelandsueadventures yeah u r right

[@DCA001TUBE]

I did this trip in the 70's and the boat had to wait behind the prom before it could come into the bay because of the swell coming through the heads, and it wasn't much better the next day when we left to go to Tassie. We were on the observation deck at the bow and I remember jumping up when it went down the swell and pushing off the ceiling, great fun when you are a teenager but i don't think I could stomach it now.

[@craiggrocott7559]

That was nothing, we went across in our Ford Transit camper in 1978 on the old Empress of Australia, that thing had a pretty flat bottom, it was so rough that one of the chains securing the van broke and the fridge broke off it's mount, the whole ship smelt like vomit, fortunately we had a cabin and you couldn't smell it in there, I slept like a baby.

[@traceywhilesmith8576]

Hi..saw you did a free camp in tassie..can you give me a few freecamps you found..we are travelling in a motorhome ..and would love some suggestions for free camp for a night here and there..loved the video you guys did on spirit of Tasmania

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Do you have the WikiCamps app? There are so many free camps in Tassie and we used that app to find them all

[@davidmc105]

They mostly do night crossings only. During busy periods, they do day and night crossings.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hard to get passage on a night crossing with a large vehicle!

[@davidmc105]

@@nigelandsueadventures From May until Christmas, night crossing is the only option except for some day crossings during Sept school holidays. Daily day crossings during summer, less frequent during autumn. I know someone who works in that room at the front of the top level. Clearly, people don't like holidaying in Tassie other than during summer and early autumn.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

true....

[@bennyblack6079]

The reason for that is they make more money from night crossings with cabin and dinner charges. Greed is more important than convenience

[@mattnbin]

Did I miss the bit where they said the price? They mentioned it but I didn’t hear any price mentioned, only mentioned being charged by the car and trailer length.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hi Matt, we paid around $1500 return from memory, but the price changes for each day - depending on how much availability there is. Along with different prices being charged depending on the length of your vehicle.

[@mattnbin]

@@nigelandsueadventures Thanks!

[@mandystephens2458]

Have completed the night crossing twice in cabins. Have had reasonable crossings twice, but once was shocking, with 7 metre waves. I do not get sea sick, but that night I was very sick. One other was a little rough, but it does cross bass straight.

[@travellingcurlytops]

Are you going to sell your van after your adventure? Love to have a look

[@David-d4k9k]

Well, if you elect to travel in the daytime, what do you expect?

[@nigelandsueadventures]

With a vehicle the size of ours, the night crossings book out months in advance. We had to change our booking and the day sailing was all that was available.

[@HenriHattar]

With a round trip working out about $700 for two people there and back from where it leaves in Victoria, and that you still have to get there, with say a fuelcost a $2 a liter or more , from Sydney at 1,600 lkms ( plus side trips etc.) at 9 kms per liter thats, say an extra $360 PLUS for that, so thats over $1,000 bucks for 2 people to get there from Sydney with a vehicle. You can actually get a return flight from Sydney for about $160 bucks, so that's $320 and you can rent a camper for 7 days for two starting from about $400 so that you get 7 days accom plus fares to and from Syd for a total of roughly $720 , all you need then is your food , fuel and whatever your other expenses are. The other way, on the boat, you have to pay for your accom TOO, I suppose and extra $1,000bucks for this is not unreasonable PLUS more expensive eating I suppose. so with one option it will cost you about $2,500 plus for 7 days (total , not each) and option B about $1,000 all up ( including food) but you would need to find cmaping grounds that have toilets and a shower, or carry your own and set them up in a mini tent.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

It cost us closer to $1500 return for our campervan (larger vehicles cost more). But we did stay there for 6 weeks, so that cost was way cheaper than hiring a van at a minimum of $100 a day - probably more as we were there in January, peak season being summer school holidays. Anyways, we like having our home with us!

[@carolthorson7854]

Travel at night. You sleep through the trip. I found it pleasant. There was enough to do. Worth it to get the car over to Tassie.

[@Preppygirl-18u]

We took this trip 20 years ago. Only overnight.. never again have had much more enjoyable trips from Brisbane to Tasmania via "Qantas". Hire vehicle on the other end. Happy days.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I think for a short trip that’s definitely the way to go. But when you add up the cost of car hire and motel/Airbnb over 6 weeks it would be crazy expensive! We spent $150 on accom for the entire 6 weeks, there’s so much free camping in Tassie. So, although the ferry wasn’t fun, it was worth it for 6 weeks of savings and awesomeness in Tassie. Thanks for watching!

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

You should've been on the Princess Of Tasmania during early 70's! Ship stabilizers were still on the drawing board and breakfast was free provided you were up to it. Only drivers were allowed down to vehicle decks because, of the carnage.I sneaked down with my father once and saw a prime mover trailer embedded into a Chrysler Valiant-its engine sitting in the back seat. Yep, eat a bag of cement and toughen up, princess.(no pun intended)

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Yeah I went on that one in 1981 on a school trip. I still shudder when I remember it

[@Johnathonsmum]

Yep. I went on the Princess twice. Seasick, both times, the whole trips. Blocked up the plumbing as I was sick in the shower

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

@Johnathonsmum you could afford a cabin in the 70's?

[@carladalton6220]

It's so busy! I think we'll definitely try to book a cabin for a night sail so we can sleep, or at least get some peace and quiet...! I read recently that the new ships they are getting will have a section where the pets can be indoors, rather than out in the elements. That has got be so much better. Not sure if they will have pet friendly cabins or just a kennel area that's indoors...

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I think the night sail would definitely be better!

[@craigalexp]

If i remember correctly owners will be able to visit their pets during the voyage and get them out of the cage for a bit. Big improvement for the animals.

[@anushkasekkingstad1300]

Dogs are left to drown in their cages in the event of water getting onto the car deck. I always smuggled my Westie up into my cabin.

[@russpearson9802]

Ive got a few good memories from the good old empress days. One trip we turned round as she was wallowing round like a pug in mud. The trip over was a spewie mess mostly. Another my first trip trip i snuck on at melborne and was gonna sleep on the outdoor seats. My christ it was freezing, until i found a nice little warm spot

[@janinethorp4881]

We like to cross during the day but we always book a cabin watch a movie and have a nap but I do tend to get seasick even on a smooth sailing 😢

[@ASTRIDALLISON]

I would love to know more about pets areas and if anyone can fill us in more please. They are advertising you can take pets into your cabins now but if you have 2 big dogs where can we take them??

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Yes I heard there was a new boat that would allow you to take pets into your cabins. Probably best to look at the Spirit of Tasmania website, or to call them directly. I don't know if there would be a size limit on dogs!

[@tiggerc80]

Just did the night crossing, got a cabin and had the best sleep. Sure it was a little rocky out in the strait but you’ve got to expect that. We take the trip once a year. We never do day crossings and always get a cabin with a window. We also take some food with us and water, but we are coeliac and there is usually not a lot of options for us. If you’re worried about out getting seasick, don’t drink alcohol, nothing dairy, salty snacks are great and make sure you have a window to look at the horizon. We’ve always found the staff to be both professional and happy to help.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

If only the night crossings didn’t book out so far in advance for tall vehicles! I was totally unable to change the trip back, but did pay the $170 to get a cabin. Worth every penny!

[@FayeGrover]

I loved it would go again and again but my daughter got seasick but you get over it, I must admit the only thing g is I complained about yellow pillows but no drama got clean ones but I had a great time on my own in the end. IT was a nice cabin.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

hope you enjoyed your time in our beautiful state :) we live near to launceston :) i have been on the spirit of tas 4 times and i found it very boring. the first time there was live music, which was great, but the other three times there was none. each time we went we went of a night and only once had a cabin, the other times we had a recliner chair, i got no sleep either way. i lost internet reception 30 minutes into the jorney and didnt get it back till 2:30am, so it was a very long long night. i think i would actually rather go during the day :)

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks Debbie, we absolutely loved Tassie! 6 weeks wasn’t long enough. We will be back! I had a cabin on the way back (day sailing) it was so much better.

[@prudencebottos6087]

It's a 12 hour ferry across the Bass Straight. As many Sydney to Hobart yatch racers can tell you, IT CAN BE ROUGH.

[@onedayatatime4232]

Moan groan bloody hell talk about whinging. The reading room use to be an up market restaurant way back when before the refit and turning the big red boat into a slop house. Wait till you're in 5 plus metre seas then tell us how you went. P.S re do this crossing regularly as we are residents of the island.

[@Txtally_Lana]

I live in Tasmania and have been on the spirit (overnight) it was amazing I 100%recomend data didn't work in the cabin but I did really stay in the cabin I only slept there there was food options drinks

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I think overnight is the best way to travel, but so hard to get a booking with a large vehicle!

[@Its-NoahBoy]

I went on a night trip mid trip the ship started to move so much my 14 year old body fell of the top bunk

[@nigelandsueadventures]

ouch! that's gotta hurt!!

[@Mamajenna]

Thank you. I always wondered what it was like. It is on my bucket list. 😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Tasmania is well worth the 10 hours at sea to get there. Or fly!

[@hymnsingingathome]

I and my family have just done a trip to Tasmania. Came back on the Spirit of Tasmania 2 days ago. Had cabins and trip was perfectly fine - a bit more 'rocky' than when we left 2 weeks ago (that was a rather boring crossing - hardly any movement at all). I think it really depends on the weather & lying down on a proper bed is much more recommended than sitting up (done that once years ago - never again). The check-in procedure was quite smooth & more efficient than in times past (last time I travelled was 14 years ago).

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Yes I had a cabin in the way back too. It was much better!

[@sandrahoskins6883]

We have been here for a month at Peggy's Beach Camp Ground, now just out of Stanley. Another 2 months left.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

It’s so good here isn’t it?

[@stevewiles7132]

Be sure to visit the Wynyard foreshore market.

[@MrWakeupWorld]

I’ve done the trip at least a dozen times and a couple of trips were wild as hell yet most of the trips are easy Anything over a metre swell you will feel it when it’s say a 4 metre swell you will know what up and down means even in bed lol

[@djmini2numpty141]

i took the Spirit from Sydney to Tassie and back.. loved every nautical mile, Bass strait was boringly flat, there was a small swell ,as to be expected along the east coast, but in the main, the ship was great, accommodation , food , drinks were excellent. if you're a landlubber and a bit of swell upsets you, then stay ashore

[@CliffordTaylor-l5w]

Done dozens of crossings, in all the ferries going back to the Abel Tasman in the 80's. Also, one crossing on the highspeed Seacat when it was operating. It's the luck of the draw WRT to sea conditions, been very lucky and have never had a bad crossing yet, always smooth, yet I know people who went on it once, copped the "Vomit Comet Ride through Hell" and will never set foot on it again. I always book an overnighter with a cabin, did the sleeper chair once and never again! Spend the money and get a cabin if you can.

[@einfelder8262]

My first was on the Taroona in 1956 - don't remember it but apparently that round bottom tub was a nightmare in any sea conditions :) I went on the Cat a few times, the Tassie terminal at George Town was only half a kilometer from Mum's house, and the crossing was awesome. I too did the chair once, and it's one of the worst experiences known to man. Haven't been on the crossing for a while since Mum passed away so no real need to visit Tassie any more. But would get a cabin and go overnight, any other way is masochism of the highest order, haha.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I still have memories of my year 9 school trip on whatever ferry they had on 1981. And those memories are not good!

[@einfelder8262]

@@nigelandsueadventures The Parable of the two villages comes to mind. The problem is not the ship.

[@CliffordTaylor-l5w]

That would have been the last days of the old yellow hulled Emperess of Tasmania, she was replaced by the Abel Tasman around 85 if my memories serve me correct. The old yellow boats were renowned for being moving vomitorium's.

[@einfelder8262]

@@CliffordTaylor-l5w My crossing from Melbourne on the Princess 30/6/1971 is still engraved in my mind. We had driven from Perth across the Nullabor so were keen to get some Tassie beer as soon as we cleared the heads by the requisite distance (was it 20 miles?) Only 3 people were not green by the time the barman opened up, and after we'd had enough beers it was off to the shower. That was memorable for almost no water and the ship rolling a good 15 degrees both ways..... The joys of what can be tolerated when young :)

[@Jim-ok9zi]

About 20 years ago I also crossed Bass strait on the ferry. It was 12 hrs of hell. We crossed in a storm we vomited until there was nothing left to throw up. What made it worse the toilet was blocked in our bathroom. If I was to do the crossing again I’d do it in the summer.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

I feel for you! I crossed in 1981 on a school trip and still remember it. I'm not looking forward to the trip back, but Tasmania is so wonderful it makes it worth it!

[@heijxje]

"What are you having for breakfast, mate?" That, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, was a leading question. For we all know that council had a massive amount of tomatoes to get rid of before the ferry ride! 😅

[@gypseeleelee]

Beautiful Tassie, just left, it's magic, Evandale and cockle creek were beautiful.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

That’s the second person who’s mentioned cockle creek. We must add it to our itinerary!

[@gypseeleelee]

If it's packed out, the Catamaram boat ramp area is also a good park up. About 3 klms back from cockle. Have a fantastic time.

[@gypseeleelee]

kzbin.infoFwmFw0sUJ6M?si=QHujvFws-4wVmYGq

[@Dats.Travln]

We have travelled over at night several times and cabin was the way to go by far. Slept pretty much all night and at least your own showers

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Can’t wait to do night sailing on the way back! Day was all that was available for the entire month we wanted to come over

[@johnfisher3164]

Such a negative review. Your camper van is subsidized by the Australian Government built in to the cost of travel. The food scraps from your plate are not thrown overboard (corn Cob etc). The water to clean your plate and toilet refuse is strictly treated to international MARPOL regulations (MARine POLution). The price of food just doesn't stop after it's cooked. The gas bottle comes under IMDG code.. (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Go and open a bottle of gas in the designated smoking area! There has been faster vessels doing the crossing but increased speed requires more fuel so higher costs. SPOT 1 and SPOT 2 (Spirit Of Tasmania 1 & 2) burn around 500,000,000 litres (each) of fuel a week. Kudos to the crew who navigate and keep the machinery working and clean up the sea sick mess. By the way these people do the same job of a night when on a night crossing and passengers sleep. Why cant you do a positive review instead of this rubbish.

[@HGTVYT]

What a chad🗿