Camping/Van Park close to Spirit terminal??

Hi Signman

We chose Ashley Gardens in Braybrook as the easiest prior to our day crossing. We had never been to Melbourne before. Easy to get to from all directions (is right near a ring road). This is used principally by people going to and from Tasmania. They also have an area to park vans for those who go without their caravans, as well as cabins. At $32 per night in 2006 (so most likely a bit more now) it was expensive, but it is well located, easy to get find, and easy to get to the ferry terminal. Staff give out a map of how to get to the ferry terminal and advise to leave early. We were about the last to leave the park and just followed the convoy of caravans until we were on the ferry.
Facilities and laundry good. Lightly grassed campsites, including drive through so you don't need to unhitch for the overnight. Nice touch - the staff member who books you in then escorts you (on a buggy) to your site. Area seemed fairly quiet at night for a city. Small shopping area with Safeway store right next to CP - very convenient - we took the trolley of groceries right to the caravan when we stocked the larder. This did not include any fruit and veges as you cannot take them to Tasmania, and the produce there is nicer. Can take a bus into central Melbourne for sightseeing or shopping. Everyone was trying to give away their fruit and veges and cans of ULP and diesel. We eventually found some youngsters who were very grateful for 20 litres of free ULP.

A very good park and ideal for going to Tassie. They have a website and we booked on line.

Motherhen

hi we stayed at cragiburne as we came down hume hyway they gave us a written road direction to boat was great have drive through c/van sites for early starters ithink it took 30 min
cheers reggy2

The following 3 parks are within 10 km raduis of the Ferry (as the crow flies)

Hobsons Bay Caravan Park
158 Kororoit Creek Rd Williamstown (Vic) (03) 9397 2395
Star rating Unknown
12.5 km – about 24 mins

Ashley Gardens Holiday Park
129 Ashley St Braybrook (Vic) 1800 061 444 (03) 9318 6866
4.5 Star rating (RACV)
15.6 km 28 mins via Westgate Fwy
16.3 km 28 mins via Princes Hwy
13.5 km 27 mins via Williamstown Rd

Half Moon Caravan Park
Geelong Rd cnr Millers Rds Brooklyn (Vic) (03) 9314 5148
Star rating Unknown
10.7 km – about 16 mins

Disclaimer: I have never stayed or sighted any of these parks so you need to investigate them further.

WBS

Signman
Out of the three that WBS has mentioned Ashly Gardens would be your better choice. Only draw back would be that you would have to leave early to miss the peak hour traffic [7.31/9.00] over the west gate bridge and surrounding areas as it could take you an hour to get to Port Melbourne.

Murray

Have just come back from the Apple Isle.. did the day trip both ways. NEVER AGAIN. Boring as bat bleep . Next time I'll pay the extra for a cabin and go at night.

On the way back we stayed at the Turners Beach caravan park for the last night. Only about 20 minutes to the ferry.

For the return trip, the free stay at Latrobe is 10 min from the terminal.

On the way over we stayed at a park near the old pentridge jail. Map available at the park and good straight run to ferry.

We stayed at Ashley Gardens and were very happy with it. Public transport to the city at the gate if you have a spare day or two before or after.

Tip: get a cabin even for a day trip if there is any chance that anyone in your party will be seasick (the crossing can be very rough). We asked for a cabin after we boarded - no problem. So pleased we did because some people are very greedy and take up more seating than they need so they can all stretch out, and the staff do nothing about it.

Be prepared for a long wait to clear quarantine in Devonport as they are very thorough.

Tassy is magical.

Min