Bushman Bud Arrives in Devonport for Start of Tassie 4WD Adventure

We boarded the Spirit of Tasmania II about 7:00pm after a small delay.  A simple boarding procedure had taken over an hour due to a cruise ship docking at the same quay.

All on board we took a few things to our cabin.  Although small, very comfortable with 4 bunks, a window and bathroom including toilet and shower.

After settling in it was time to explore the ferry.  Floor 6 and below was storage for vehicles, etc.  Floor 7 contained a tiny kids playroom and two diners.  One a cafe que line, the other a restaurant, table service style.  Both were very reasonably priced and worth eating on board for the cost.  On floor 7 there were nice comfy lounges, a couple of bars, plenty of TV’s and a small movie theatre.  Deck 8 was mostly accommodation with decks 9 and 10 containing seats and a few bars.  In my view stick to Deck 7.  Deck’s 9 and 10 were uncomfortable and really detracted from what otherwise was a well appointed ship. 

The ship sailed at sunset and we were lucky to observe a beautiful sunset over the ocean.  As the boat turned around and headed for open water we then got to witness the beautiful city lights of Melbourne. 

We then hit the movie theatre for a 9:30pm movie.  Make sure you get there early because it is small and seats are limited.  Just before the end of the movie the ship passed the Phillips heads and was hit by the first of the rolling swells and heavy seas.  It was a bizzare feeling one minute watching a movie in a rather still boat to then sit there rocking and rolling around.  I was thinking we should have got the kids to sleep a little before the heaving started…oops.  Orangatang Amy was almost immediately sea sick with Lovely Lynda not far behind.  We left the movie and headed back to our cabin.  What an experience that was.  It seemed every step we took threw us from one side of the corridor to the other.  The handrails came in handy trying to pass people who were obviously struggling the same way.

Luckily the kids crashed out quickly and didn’t wake until morning.  I woke up a few times and the rolling and heaving had got considerably worse.

One thing I am thankful for, was having a cabin.  For an extra $150 it was money well spent.  The sleep was better than riding out the trip and heaving waters in the lounge or ocean recliner.  Take my advice and spend the extra money you won’t regret it.  Don’t forget having your own toilet is nice, not to mention a hot shower in the morning – nothing less than awesome. 

Arriving at Devonport we were off the ferry quickly (cars with caravans get to go first), cleared quarantine and were heading towards Ulverstone.  We are booked into a caravan park for a couple days while we contact a few 4WD Clubs and head into the wilderness.

All in all a very enjoyable trip on the Spirit of Tasmania II and we are looking forward to an amazing and adventurous stay in Tassie.

Bring It On!!!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia