Member - Blue (VIC) replied:

See if you can hire one over there... The extortionists who run that ferry service wanted to charge 4 couples in 4b's with campers "freight rates" to get over there... I can't remember the exact figures but it was in the order of $300 each way, for each vehicle combo plus a cabin for the family... Several people I have spoken to since have opted to holiday elsewhere for this very reason.

Member - Nick (Kununurra) replied:

I believe there is a place(or couple) in St Helens that hire out a/their camper.Sorry carnt help more than that yet but will try and find out more.

greydemon replied:

Don't rush into making a decision until you have checked the ferry prices. Being in WA I have no idea how many companies run that route, but a quick check through Google shows that at least one comapany has very reasonable rates for camper trailers. The standard one way price for a car is $69, for a car and trailer up to 7 metres under 2 metres wide it is $93 peak, $69 at other times. For bigger setups there is an extra cost per metre which is a little pricey but not ridiculous.

wbsl replied:

The cost of a camper trailer is subsided along with the towing vehicle. Just ensure when you get a quote for the trip to let them know that it is a camper trailer.

Or check the costs on Site Link

Normal trailers are not subsidised and travel at a much higher rate.

Regards Wayne

guy007 replied:

We hired from SC trailer hire. A pretty basic side fold camper with a soft floor. It was an on road model with 14 inch wheels and a standard hitch. It wasnt very well equipped with a basic slide out kitchen inside the tent. However it was light to tow behind the 80. it was easy to put up and survived the trip up Jeffreys Track over the saddle behind Mount Wellington . You have to pick up in Launceston which is not really a problem. It was cheap at $30.00 per day and made our holiday. You should carry your own water containers and cutlery etc. You have to pay cash as they do not take cheques or credit cards and are a bit slack in communications. It is best to ring them and follow up as they seem to be reluctant to answer emails. I couldnt find anyone else at the time but it worked out ok for us.
Hope this helps.

Member - Min (NSW) replied:

JD,
Regarding where to go and what to do, the current (Oct-Dec 2006, Aboriginal child on the cover) Australian Geographic includes a good map with info and websites on the back, and a DVD of Tasmanian wilderness.

Also be aware that at peak times the ferry, Spirit of Tasmania (www.spiritoftasmania.com.au), runs daytime sailings on weekends which means you don't need a cabin.
The all up return cost for 2 seniors + Prado + trailer for daytime crossings in Feb/March is $798.

It's probably worth phoning to clarify because it's not necessarily straightforward by just looking at the fares on the website.

Enjoy!

landed eagle replied:

As a local taswegian all I can suggest is that you allow longer than two weeks to see our great state!

Many of the roads you will drive on are hilly,windy and nothing like the highways on the great northern island. A 300 km trip can take the best part of a day on some trips, particularly the west coast.If you were planning a west coast visit, a smaller camper would be advisable as the road is narrow and windy in places,plus the challenge of the 99 bends into Queenstown!

I've met many "mainlanders" who have all expressed the desire to stay longer than their fortnight because they've only scratched the surface of the place.

Safe travels.