Passengers to bring cars free under extended Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme

The Spirit of Tasmania website is experiencing glitches as a deluge of hopeful holiday-makers try to take advantage of free vehicle passes – both ways across the Bass Strait. ALL THE DETAILS >>

• Spirit of Tasmania precinct at Geelong port gets planning approval
• New TT-Line Bass Strait ferries may be built in Europe after all

THE Spirit of Tasmania’s booking system is crashing just hours after potential travellers learnt they could bring their vehicles on board for free from March.

The website is going offline and coming back on as a deluge of hopeful holiday-makers try to be part of the action – both ways across Bass Strait.

The number of people looking to book a ticket on the twin ferries tripled this morning after the federal government’s announcement however TT-Line CEO Bernard Dwyer stressed bookings under the deal would not begin until January 14.

West by North West CEO Tom Wootton said tourism operators in the region needed to act fast to capitalise on the opportunity.

“We’ll ramp up messaging through our channels on the merits of turning right when disembarking and exploring our region, but of course this must be collaborative effort with all of industry,” Mr Wooton said.

Traffic gridlock Station Pier Port Melbourne as people disembark cruise ship and travellers wait to board the spirit of Tasmania. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“I would encourage all tourism operators across our region to press play on their marketing efforts in anticipation. We plan to unveil our updated Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail to coincide with the expected surge and hope to deliver a new virtual reality experience of our region’s central coast, via VR headsets on the Spirit of Tasmania.”

Australia’s grey nomad army and motorbike fraternity have given the federal government’s $6 million funding deal which will allow Spirit of Tasmania passengers to travel without being charged to bring their vehicles across Bass Strait a massive thumbs up.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia said it would give self drive tourism a massive boost and put Tasmania on a level playing field in a competitive domestic market.

Damien Codognotto from Motorcycle Riders Association Australia said he was already receiving calls from groups on the mainland asking the best time to book a riding tour of Tasmania.

“I have already had calls this morning. It goes to show that persistent lobbying can have results,” Mr Codognotto said.

The bikesales.com.au team will be hitting the roads of Tasmania this week, from October 22 to 24, to decide the bikesales Bike of the Year [BOTY]. Mark Fattore, Editor of bikesales.com.au, said: “Tasmania was chosen as the destination to determine our 2018 overall winner due to the quality and versatility of the state’s roads, plus the scenery is spectacular, creating perfect riding conditions.” Picture: SUPPLIED

“Four loaded touring bikes can fit in the same space as a sedan on board the ships but bring in eight people. Bikers also travel light and need to buy meals and accommodation on their travels.”

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association says it is ready to welcome them.

“Before the pandemic the TT-line vessels brought 450,000 passengers to and from Tasmania each year. This will help passenger numbers return to these record levels and get more visitors here and into our venues,” THA CEO Steve Old said.

The state’s peak tourism body says the federal government’s decision to extend the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisiation Scheme will save jobs and secure local businesses.

The extension will run from March to June and bring a $240 return saving for travellers with vehicles.

Tasmanians can also travel to the mainland without having to pay to take their means of transport.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said the industry was recovering but Bass Strait had, until now, put Tasmanian operators at a disadvantage.

“This announcement could not have come soon enough, and while the Tasmanian Tourism Voucher Scheme was great to encourage locals to travel, there is only so much we can rely on the local market to keep Tassie caravan parks open,” Mr Lamont said.

“We know that those arriving via the Spirit of Tasmania stay longer, spend more and disperse further than other visitors to the state. So it is vitally important to stimulate this portion of the travelling public, and to recoup some of the cancellations incurred due to border restrictions throughout 2020.”

TICT CEO Luke Martin said the move would stimulate visitation over the autumn and shoulder season filling beds, camp sites and tour seats.

TICT CEO Luke Martin at Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

“As an industry we have been calling for an increase in the BSPVES since COVID first hit us in May as the most immediate way of stimulating visitation by maximising the potential of our ships. It has taken us some time to get here but we’re delighted the federal government has now responded so fully.”

How to get a car on the Spirit of Tasmania for free

PASSENGERS travelling to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries will be able to bring their cars for free thanks to a $6 million boost from the federal government.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will today announce funding to increase the subsidy for passenger vehicle bookings on TT-Line and Bass Island Line ferries.

The subsidy — worth an average of $240 per traveller — will be in place for up to four months.

He said it was intended as a shot in the arm for the state’s pandemic-affected tourism industry.

“COVID-19 has significantly affected tourism in Tasmania and the number of passenger vehicles travelling across Bass Strait which is why we are moving to increase the rebate already available under our Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES) to the value of $6 million,” Mr McCormack said.

The Spirit of Tasmania 1. Picture: Alan Barber

“For travel between 1 March 2021 and 30 June 2021, Australians can take their car or motorbike to the Apple Isle at zero cost and discover everything this beautiful state has to offer – a win-win for both Tasmanians and visitors looking to discover more of what the island has to offer.”

Liberal Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam welcomed the announcement.

“The coronavirus pandemic hit Tasmania’s tourism industry in an unprecedented way, with Spirit of Tasmania bookings dropping by up to 85 per cent,” Senator Duniam said.

“This new boost will bring more travellers to our island, providing the kickstart to 2021 that we need to rebuild tourism.

“That’s money they can now spend at small businesses, with tourism operators and in the many communities that are eager to welcome travellers back with open arms.

“In fact, these travellers account for 12 per cent of all visitors to Tasmania yet they contribute a massive 20 per cent of all annual visitor spending.

The subsidy will apply for travel from March 1 and will be automatically applied to when passengers book their ticket.

The subsidy will also apply to passengers transporting an eligible passenger vehicle between King Island or the Furneaux Group and the mainland.

Follow @DavidJKillick