Fraser here we come!!!!!!

Hi Beatit,

Is that the Inskip Point barge that is $100 with trailer now? That is crazy for such a short journey.

I grew up on the Gold Coast and went to Fraser 3 or 4 times a year and it was usually somwhere between $10 and $20. Then the competition really heated up and I remember one easter we arrived at the barge at 2am and Gordon Elmers Orange barge was free. It was the same year the big Rainbow Venture barge started up.

Now I live in Bundaberg and although I am only just over an hour from the Barge at Hervey Bay the cost of the barge is the only thing preventing me from going fishing every second weekend over there. It is a shame really. It is $110 for the vehicle with 4 people in it and no trailer. $6 for each extra person.

You can get an annual vehicle permit for the island for $163.20 which I can put up with. The camping fees have more than doubled in 10 years to $16/ night for a family and I can cop that too. But to have to fork out $1392/year (family of 5) if I were to only go across once a month is a bit rugged for a 30 minute journey.

I've brought myself a 23 ft trailer sailer now and although we can only get to the western side of the island, it is free and so is the camping because the rangers can't get to where we anchor in their 4wd's.
They are probably reading this and will give them boats now to come and chase more dollars from those that can't afford it.

Trying to give my the kids the life I grew up with and have heaps of fun and adventure at very little expense. If families can't afford to go away kids will just sit at home and play Playstation, what else can they do? Not for my kids, when they close this cheap escape for us we will find another one somewhere.

Cheers,
Brett

G'day Brett,

Yeah mate and I agree with you 100% - a bit like the Jardine River Ferry at $80 (last time I was there) only a short distance but they have you by the short and curlies. So you have to pay or go with a trailer sailer as you have - I suspect that at $110 for a trip from Hervey Bay it is better value but still a lot of dough.

Was going to Moreton last weekend but got put off by the ferry cost for a car and trailer - $250, mate I've flown to Cairns for less than that! I guess they have to make a profit but I wish my salary would only remotely keep up with amounts these fares keep rising.

Kind regards

Hi guys.... its half price on the barge for the Cleanup.... and free camping permits!...

I only paid $55 for my vehicle to go from Melbourne to Devonport and that is peak season! Although it costs a minimum of $145/person on top of your car.

However this is for a 10hr 440km trip.

I have heard the same... a few years ago there were two different operators and the price plummeted.... now there is one operator and I guess he has to recupe the "discounts" from that time. And as much as it's an expensive journey, I look at it as "well, I don't HAVE to go there, I just WANT to go there"

A bit like the rising cost of fuel.... I remember my old Grandfather in 1971ish saying he'd sell the old Holden if petrol hit $1 a gallon..... I wonder what he'd say now it's over a dollar a litre!!!!!

We use it... we'll pay for it! The same for the barges unfortunately.