A trip on the Spirit of Tasmania

We arrived early in Port Melbourne and found the wharf very easily coming in from Ballarat. We parked nearby at no cost and adjacent to a parkland along the water’s edge. We had a late lunch before going to a walk to the ship and check out the actual road in for boarding etc.

The simple directions from Ballarat

Hop onto the M8 from Ballarat
Then onto the M1
Turn off (left) at Todd Street – that goes around and under the highway. You’ll see a sign for the ship to go left, we went straight ahead to the end of the road where it turns left and you are
On Boulevard where we parked the motorhome.
BTW We left Ballarat at 11.45am and parked at 1.45pm. Plenty of time for lunch and a familiarisation walk along the walk and the road we’d end up taking to get to the ship before the gates open at 4.30. We didn’t start the motorhome to join the queue until about 5.15pm.

Around the Port

There are some nice little cafes near the wharf and in the opposite direction to where we parked there is a shopping mall judging by the signs. Since I am deaf and will be driving the car myself whilst Rob is driving the motorhome, I went up to the gate house and specifically asked what happens so that there was no confusion since I imagine with that with the noise of all the vehicles and the number of people getting on, that I could have difficulties hearing instructions enroute. As it turns out, everything runs very smoothly and efficiently as far a knowing where to go and when. The only time I needed to listen was when 2 custom inspections occurred. Once I explained that I was deaf and that I needed to lip read they were patient with me and made sure I could see their faces. (I can hear but I didn’t want to have ANY misunderstandings!)

Embarkation

Loading starts at 4.30 and outside gates close at 6pm. It all went quite well for the first 20 minutes and then the wait really started. I managed to stay right behind Rob nearly all the way, basically until just before we got onto the ship, then we split to go to different locations. We were even on different decks by the time we parked our vehicles. All in all it took 90 minutes me for to get from the gate to my parking spot on the ship. It took Rob another 20 minutes. BTW don’t think that you can come in late and be the first off. That’s not the case at all – it is almost last in - last off!

Find your spot

Once on board, find your seat or cabin. There are plenty of tv’s scattered through the ship. Most of the socializing occurs on levels 7 and 8 as are most of the cabins. The restaurants, bars and the movie theatre are on level 7 the reclining chairs are on 8.

The cabin

We had booked an overnight trip and decided that a decent night’s sleep would be worth the investment of a cabin room.

The room is basic but adequate. We had a four berth cabin to ourselves and so I folded the top bunks up against the wall. We did have a private ensuite with shower and toilet, including towel, soap and floor mat. There is a small hanging space with coat hangers near the door.

I would have liked the addition of a chair to lounge in private but it wasn’t hard at all to read on the bed though there was no bed light only the room lights.

The actual trip

We had booked an overnight trip and decided that a decent night’s sleep would be worth the investment of a cabin room.

We had a very pleasant voyage and we were fortunate as it was a very gentle swell the whole way. We met up with the people we met whilst parked at Port Melbourne and socialized with them for an hour or so. Then Rob watched the end of a kid’s movie and the beginning of the next movie which he didn’t like so eventually he gave up. None of the movies or televisions were captioned and so that leaves me out. Instead I grabbed a book and spent some time relaxing in our cabin.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation is slightly quicker with another customs check. You will have a hold up if you have used fishing gear within 2 weeks. Don’t forget to pick up your gas containers etc.

Joining up again.

We met up at just near the exit gates in Devonport. We decided to stay separate for now and wait to see just what we were going to be doing as we were trying to get in touch with friends who were staying in Devonport for a while and they were not responding to our phone calls at that time. We found Maccas and decided to have a cuppa as made phone calls to decide when and where we were going.

Ballarat

We arrived in Ballarat well before lunchtime to do a little sightseeing.

We have been to Sovereign Hill, and Kryal Castle on previous trips so this time we visited the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E.)

M.A.D.E. sculpture

We met more "Ballarat Bill" and his lovely wife Lesley from the CMCA and they invited us to camped in their front yard. Once again we enjoyed a lovely happy hour. Have you ever noticed that they rarely are ever just an hour long - are they?

M.A.D.E. sculpture - just one panel

Now we're all ready to run to Melbourne to catch the ferry to Tassie. I can hardly wait!

Gold Panning Country at Slaty Creek

We had a flat battery on the Suzuki because Rob had accidentally left the door light on, thankfully friendly camp neighbours helped us to recharge it by using their generator to get it going. We drive onto Creswick via Bendigo.

Robbiebago set up at Slaty Creek

Bendigo – no go

We tried to stop in Bendigo to sight see and replenish some supplies, we needed groceries and Rob needed some hardware but we couldn’t find easy parking. We ventured off on one street only to discover it went into a car park and it was so stressful trying to navigate out, that upon finally exiting without mishap thankfully, we gave up and moved straight on to Creswick.

Some towns are not RV friendly

Many towns just are not RV friendly for parking let alone camping and dump spots. There might be suitable parking, but when you are new to town, you have no idea how to find such places without some sort of signs being posted. We even find it hard to park near a Tourist Information Centre so sadly these country towns miss out on potential trade not just from us but from the many others who would be in the same boat.

Slaty Creek

We arrived at the shady environs of Slaty Creek (523) near Creswick which is a gold panning area surrounded by lots of lovely trees. It wont be a great spot for getting solar power though. We met one lovely couple, Linda & Jan who have come here from over near Adelaide for the second or third time. They have been here for 4 weeks so far this time and they have collected just 3 ounces of gold (about $135) between the two of them. They are enjoying it & just doing it for fun.

Real life Gold Prospectors

Rob was inspired to get out his doovey lackey and give the area a go too, but not for gold per se. He found lots of rusty old iron.  I was later reminded that it is called a metal detector and we were told by ‘experienced’ friends of Jan and Linda that the best one for gold detecting is a Minelab 2300... but the idea of getting as a Christmas pressie for Rob died when I found out the cost!

Rob trying his luck

We enjoyed happy hours with Linda and Jan and taste testing their home made port, white port AND grappa. Oooh - no wonder they call Grappa “Fire water”. They warms you up, that’s for sure.

Happy Hour after a day of gold prospecting

Additional directions to get to Slaty Creek

When you turn onto Slaty Creek Road, you will come to a intersection with Petticoat Road about 1 km up. Take this road to the right, it is a little longer but it is better graded for nearly all of it and is much better for motorhome and caravans. There are at least 3 camp grounds but only number one is really suitable for motorhomes towing a car or caravans. It is also the only one with a drop toilet. You can walk to the other campsites from Number one or you can take your vehicle. If you need solar power, then the best open spot I think is near the toilets if it is vacant.

Free camping by the rivers

We left Deni, calling in to meet a couple of facebook friends whom we hadn’t yet met. They live near Tocumwell. It is great when you get to meet some facebook friends face to face. Wayne and his wife were very friendly and offered us a cool drink and when Wayne found out I had a lot of trouble using my tablet, he offered to try and install WikiCamps for me. Sadly we couldn’t get it downloaded after several attempts.

Free camping by the Murray River

Free camping on the Murray

Wayne knew we wanted to do some free camping and recommended a free camp site nearby on the Victorian side of the Murray River and they even drove ahead to show us just where to go.

Rob sitting in the Murray River Apex Beach

We are well and truly on our way now having spent 8 nights in the motorhome now and everything is working perfectly, even the fridge is keeping cold in the hot weather. Apex Beach is so lovely and peaceful there that we decided to stop another night there. We had an absolute water front spot, yet with afternoon shade provided by eucalyptus trees .It was very hot here at 37 degrees but with a bit of cloud cover and a slight breeze, it is still a hot day but comfortable.... esp if we sit the chair in the river just outside our door literally cooling our heels in the river and listening to all the birds.

We have enough solar power we can even cool off with the air con but we tend only to do that late afternoon early evening whilst cooking dinner or such else we'll never get out of the motorhome and see the nature around us or socialize and that would be a great shame.

In the dusk we go for a gentle walk through the gum trees after our camp neighbour informs us that the gum trees there are the type favoured by the koalas and that there are koalas in the trees. He has seen 2. Sadly we didn’t see any but we enjoyed the walks.

Free camping by the Murray River near Tocumwell at night

We need all the help to keep cool or else we would have to do it the hard way and turn the air con on & sit inside and that would be a shame. I am SO grateful to all those solar panels and lithium batteries that Rob installed so that we have that recourse if we need it!

Aysons Reserve on the Campaspe River

Next we move on to Aysons Reserve near Elmore for a few days R&R. Again we had water views.

Aysons Reserve on the Campaspe River

More water views at Aysons Reserve on the Campaspe River

The weather is not perfect as we've plenty of wind and a touch of rain overnight and much cooler temperatures. Still we make the most of it. I get to do some crocheting to consolidate the crochet lessons Elaine gave me when we stayed with them in Deniliquin. Rob decided to read Aysons Reserve relaxing_0087w Rob and I also spent some time playing cards together. We are so grateful to friends we make on the road for various reasons. One of them taught us the card game we play very frequently called ‘Up and Down the River’. It is easy but has a little twist in it that keeps it challenging. It does rely on luck as most card games do but there is a little technique or challenge to it to keep it interesting.

I love the twisted tree trunk here

In and around Deniliquin

As is common, one of our first visits is to the local Tourist Information Centre, where one can get all the best info for the area you are in as well as some info on other nearby areas.

We spent a lovely few hours browsing through the history at the Peppin Heritage Centre. I was quite fascinated to read about the lives of the people and the struggle and even fatal fights over water in the area. Amongst an exhaustive set of exhibits there is a ram shed built in 1926 at Warriston Station and now rebuilt at the Peppin Centre.

We didn’t do as much sightseeing as one would if they were straight out visiting this city. Our main purpose here was to spend some time with dear friends. We camped right in their front yard. However we did give them a ‘break’ by fitting in some sightseeing.

One of the days we went for a drive to Echuca and the historic Wharf there. I would have loved a trip on a paddle steamer but we just didn’t have the time.

We did however enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river and a visit to 2 more museums including the Holden Car Museum.

We were also able to stop by St Anne's Wine Cellar back on the Wharf to do some taste testing and to select our preference of some fortified wine for our happy hours!

We picked up Rob’s favourite Apple Turnover as a bleated birthday treat and took it with us for a afternoon tea by the tranquil river at Picnic Point. (I even bought a recipe book from the bakery hoping that I can learn a few ‘secrets’ to some fabulous baking.)

One of the bonuses of driving down to Echuca was driving through the Long Paddock especially as there was a mob of cattle being herded down the Long Paddock. Just in case you know as little as I, the Long Paddock refers to a working stock route that was used in the early days to shift stock especially in times of drought when even the long grass etc on the sides of the road would just sustain the cattle until they reached the wharf for sale. So yes I find even this exciting.

We loved visiting Deni however all good things must come to an end as we wish to visit a few more places and people as we move ever closer to the ship that will take us to Tasmania.

Heading south to Deniliquin

We finally left Wollongong for our trip south eventually to Tasmania back on the 5th. (I am not keeping up, even with myself. We've been either having too much fun or relaxing to keep up with posting blog updates!) We normally would head out in the morning but we had to delay our leaving until the afternoon as I was unwell and so desperately needed a good sleep after the last minute packing before moving out.

Lake George Area

We still wanted to get a couple of hours driving under way and so our first night was spent at a rest stop called Edmondson VC Rest Area, just north of Lake George before heading to visit Michelle's aunt in Canberra for morning tea/lunch the next day. There's not much to recommend Edmondson Rest Area really but it was convenient, it is clean and it does have a decent toilet. There is an adjourning reedy wetlands but nothing to really look at in my opinion.

Jugiong

From Canberra we travelled onto Jugiong which is a new favorite rest stop. Rob had originally planned just to use the dump spot there, however I suggested that we stay the night there. It was a lovely relaxing time and it was here that I first started to really feel like we were finally on our way.

Relaxing at Jugiong

 Corrugated iron sculpture of sheep stock on the northern entry into Urana

Billabong Creek
Moving on after Jugiong, we pass through Wagga Wagga, and Urana before stopping at Billabong Creek (981) less than a kilometre from the centre of Jerildere. The free camp spot as been mostly closed off to campers because of bad soil erosion during frequent floods. Still it will fit maybe 6 campers no problems. It also has a nice little waterfall that drops maybe 45cm, just enough to give a relaxing tinkle of sound. There is plenty of evidence around that this innocent little creek metamorphosizes into a raging torrent at times. It might have been nice to spend a few days here but we were on a tight schedule to get to Melbourne and we really wanted to spend 4 or 5 days with friends in Deni with some sight seeing thrown in.

Watching the Billabong Creek lazily flow by

By the way, the number is brackets refer to camp spot numbers as referenced by the Camps Australia 6 book at least until such a time we buy a later edition or move onto WikiCamps.

Morning tea at Conargo

After just one night at Billabong Creek we move on and stop for morning tea at Conargo which has to have the most modern rest stop we've come across yet. It also has an awesome playground for the kids with a picnic and BBQ right next to it.

It is after the event that I write this and sadly the historic Conargo Pub burnt down two days later.

Modern public toilet block at Conargo

The historic Conargo Pub burns down 2 days after we were there.

Analysing our shakedown trip

A short trip is a good testing ground to see what works and what doesn't. Here we analyze what came out of the woodwork for us after our 500km round trip to Newcastle and back home. We certainly had our fair share of issues beforehand so we weren't anticipating too many major hassles.

After the hassles we had with the bus getting out of Wollongong, it is running OK now. We can get from one place to another but we are quite disappointed with the lack of power after spending all that money in reconditioning the engine and adding a turbo to it. We have been advised by our mechanic that we need time for the engine to "loosen up" and thus have a bit more 'grunt' getting up hills. (40km seems to be pretty average at the moment). The fuel consumption is not as good as we had hoped for either, averaging about 5km per litre. Hopefully this will improve soon too!

So that was our main hassle. There were little things too, most of which we can work on as we travel.

We had inadvertently burnt out the reversing camera by leaving it on but that was soon replaced. This gives us peace of mind as to actually knowing what is happening with the car which we are towing as well as giving us an idea of any vehicles queuing up behind us.

We noticed the fridge was struggling to cope with the 36 degree temperature with the internal temperature climbing to about 8 degrees however the freezer part was still well below zero. Rob solves this problem by installing some computer fans underneath the fridge which now working a treat. I guess anything would have trouble coping with that heat without some help!

The solar power and lithium batteries are working a charm. We are even running a 'household' split air con with this heat for an hour or two at a time when the sun has stuck it’s head out long enough to give us plenty of power. It has a soft start and uses 80amps at 24volts. One particularly hot night (coupled with my ‘lovely’ hot flushes), we ran the small 12volt fan all night which made for a pleasant night’s sleep.

The air con at the front of the bus

I must say I love NOT having a cassette toilet. Even flushing the toilet is simpler and hands free. And I believe it has less smell associated with the tank. This was the first time we have ever used our 90mm concertina drain hose with a turbo water and tank cleaner system for toilet waste that we imported direct from America since we couldn't find this system here in Australia and we were thrilled with how simple and easy it was to use. It certainly makes a necessary but unpleasant job as simple as possible. We also have a large capacity black water tank for free camping and we estimate we need to empty it only once every 3 weeks!

The black tank is the larger tank and the one on the right is our grey water tank.

Brava Toilet

We soon found we needed a toothbrush holder and cup for the ensuite. So off to Bunnings to buy a suction cup type! I love our hot water shower, it is so much simpler to use than the unit we had in the caravan. Rob's heating unit that he designed doesn’t make enough hot water in one go for 2 hot showers but certainly we can have 2 warm showers or we can alternate. We rarely get dirty enough to require a shower every day. One definite advantage is that it certainly doesn't gobble up a lot of power which is what we were after. Remember we don’t have any gas in the Robbiebago II – it all has to run from solar/lithium power.

We have a new style induction cooker. We had actually brought it inside the house about a month before the bus was finished as I wanted to practice on it, since it is different. I am so glad we did as I had only one frypan that worked on it. My house saucepans didn't 'close'  the magnets thus the cooktop wasn't going to work until I bought new saucepans. It did take a bit of getting used to. The larger frypan basically didn't get hot on the outside 3-5 cm other than by convection heat that traveled from the centre , the size of the magnetic rings thus creating a hot spot in the frypan. This is no problem if your pans are the same size as the magnets (The 'painted' rings on the cooktop). But other than this it doesn't create as much heat inside the motorhome, which is a bonus. We do need to have electricity to run it and we will use a butane gas cooker  or light a fire for those days when our batteries are low after a week or so of overcast weather. PS I love how we can slide the cooker under the little shelf we have purposed just for giving me more bench space when not in use.

It took a bit of practice hitching the car up. We found that both the car and the motorhome really need to be on flat level ground. So far we think if we are on uneven ground or a slope when it is time to hitch for towing then we will drive both vehicles to a level spot somewhere safe and then proceed with hitching. When we returned home, Rob worked on a storage solution for the A frame when not in use. He decided to store it in the rear bumper bar which of course meant cutting the bumper bar and modifying it. This way when we leave the motorhome to sight see in the car, it is not so obvious that the motorhome is vacant as t would be if the empty A frame or a trailer were left behind.

He also put in a spin weld into the drinking water containers so that we can dip stick it or drop a water purifier tablet in if necessary.

Rob built me a saucepan storage divider which is fabulous, even the lids and the frypan have a spot. I originally thought it would be too tight but it is not and it stops everything from rattling as well as giving me more space in that drawer for a few other things too!

The cutlery drawer was under utilizing the space so Rob inserted two strips of wood for the cutlery holder to sit above the base of the drawer thus creating a messy drawer space underneath for the odd item you want to have on hand but don’t need every day! So useful really. I have stored spare batteries and what not under here. I have yet to fill it up... I am sure that wont take long!

A Bamboo Ikea expansion cutlery drawer fitted perfectly as our top unit.

Just had an el cheap cutlery unit and a pen storage unit from a $2 shop and the non slip mat underneath.

Rob also cut some timbers to be leveling blocks for those uneven sites.

I am sure there will be more minor modifications made along the way. That is the nature of travelling especially with a handyman such as Rob who just loves to tinker with things.