Tourism took a massive hit during 2020's coronavirus pandemic. Travel operators lost just about everything almost overnight. National and International borders were closed and travel was put onto the back burner.
Russell Falls, Mt Field National Park (©paula mcmanus)
Nearly 12 months later and it's great to see our Australian state borders begin to open again. People all over the country are getting out and about and planning road trips within Australia. The money saved for travel has started to be spent and a lot of it is reportedly being spent on new cars. During the last few months of 2020, new car sales surged as Australians prepared to travel their own country and explore what's in their own backyard. Caravan and camping stores can't keep up with demand as people prepare to enjoy their holidays at home.
Welcome visitor at Cradle Mountain (©paula mcmanus)
During COVID, bookings on the
Spirit of Tasmania fell by 85%, severely impacting the tourism industry on the Apple Isle. Visitors who travel by sea tend to spend more, stay longer and travel further around the island - mostly likely because they have their own car.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park (©paula mcmanus)
In a critical and targeted boost for tourism, the Government have announced a $6 million dollar tourism expansion scheme which will see cars, bicycles and motorbikes
travel free on the ferry. Caravans and campervans will receive a discount equivalent to that of a standard car fare - a savings of (on average) $240 return. Multiple cars can be booked together on
one booking provided there is one eligible passenger per vehicle. There is a limit of 14 passengers per booking. A Standard car by definition is maximum total length of 6.0m and a maximum width of 2.0m (i.e. normal car, people mover, 4WD, ute).
Hobart from Kunanyi Mt Wellington (©paula mcmanus)
Bookings open on January 14th 2021 for travel between March 1st and June 30th 2021. The rebate will automatically apply when the ticket is booked. The $6 million dollars will equate to approximately 25,000 free fares. But be quick, once the allocation is exhausted, the link on their
booking page will be disabled.
Cataract Gorge Reserve Launceston (©paula mcmanus)
The money saved on the fare will be money well spent in businesses across Tasmania - the towns and communities can't wait to welcome you back!
Tasmanian Scallop Pie (©paula mcmanus)
The free fares also includes travel to King Island and the Furneaux Group (cluster of 100 islands between Victoria and Tasmania); meaning you have more than a few options on hand.
Ferries will, of course, adhere to COVID-19 safety measures, which currently includes all passengers to wear masks during the check-in, boarding, and disembarking stages, as well as when they're in any indoor public areas onboard. Additionally, any individuals from areas deemed "high risk" will be barred from crossing the Tasmanian border, while individuals from "medium risk" areas must quarantine for 14 days. As we know with COVID; rules, borders and restrictions change very quickly, so be sure to check and double check before travelling.
King Solomons Cave (©paula mcmanus)