smooth crossing

The trip from Melbourne to Tassie involves travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry across Bass strait to Devonport Tasmania.    It leaves from Station Pier  Port Melbourne.   Check in and loading occurs 2.5 hrs prior to sailing.    This is the most tedious part of the trip.    To put the car on you enter through Security who look over your car and belongings to ensure the safety of the ship during the crossing.   You are then directed to sit in a line of cars all waiting to get on the ship.   I t then takes about one and a half hours to get on the ship,   moving at a pace that is not dissimilar to some of the traffic jams that occur  on Melbourne's freeways.

security check point

Passing through security is interesting,   last time I travelled  they looked in the engine bay,  the back of the car,  the esky,  I had to  hand over the Axe from the Camper trailer.   This time they didn't do any of that.   Transporting Firearms on the Spirit was straightforward.  The security guys were attentive and helpful.

The ship got away almost on time.   We were seen off by family.

pulling away

heading off down the bay

After the stress of packing,  saying goodbyes,   loading and getting ourselves onto the ship,  it was good to be moving.

gaz