24 hour caravan storage at Melbourne Discovery Holiday Park
We had a night sail from Melbourne Port, leaving at 7.30pm, with boarding from 4.30pm. The night before we had free camped about 90km from Melbourne on the river at Seymour. As there is little parking at the Port area for early arrivals we arrived in Melbourne city before lunch at checked into Melbourne Discovery Park in the caravan park storage area. We didn’t need a site, we were just looking for somewhere safe to park the van for a few hours before boarding The Spirit. For a cost of just $10 we had full use of the park facilities including the camp kitchen and pool for the afternoon! This is a great service the park offer, although you must book ahead. We left the caravan park just before 4pm, and arrived at the port in perfect time to join the short queue to board.
Boarding the Spirit of Tasmania was very organised
The queue to board was quite short and moved fast. It was simply a matter of following the car in front until we were directed to join a specific queue. Quarantine check was thorough but fast moving, there were checks inside the vehicle, under the bonnet, inside the van and inside both car and caravan fridges. No fruit or vegetables, fish, honey or firewood can be taken to Tasmania. Caravan gas bottles are to be turned off. Our E-Ticket was presented along with drivers licence for ID. The caravan length was checked against out booking and within around twenty minutes we were parked. Remember to disconnect your caravan electrics before taking the stairs to check out the facilities on board.
Once on board we made our way to our cabin. It was quite comfortable, with linen provided and our own shower & toilet. The bathroom was small, but comparable to a caravan en-suite size and all that you need for the overnight trip.
We then went exploring. There are several decks with plenty of lounging areas. There is a bar, tourism hub (where we purchased our National Parks pass) and a cafe and buffet dining area. We usuallly dont eat out much, but we treated ourselves to the buffet dinner on board. The food selection was varied, plentiful and fresh, there was unlimited soft drink and tea & coffee until 9.30pm. For those on a limited budget there were pizzas available from the bar, sandwiches, salads & pies in the gift shop, or you could bring your own food (keeping in mind quarantine restrictions)
After dinner we enjoyed some live music before retiring to our comfy beds.
The seas were calm overnight and we arrived in Devonport just after 5am.
A “wake up call” came over the speakers at around 5.15am advising everyone needs to off the boat by 5.50am. This procedure was just as well rehearsed as boarding and was again, done quickly.
We were in our vehicle at 5.50am and on dry land in Devonport at 6.01am.
We were very impressed with the ease of the whole procedure.
Thanks for the info, very useful
Glad to help.
Great info guys. Can’t wait till it’s our turn!
It’s nicer than you could ever imagine down here! We are loving it!
Thanks Vicky. Love the Big4 tip!!
Yes, we were very happy to discover that little tip!
Hi Kimberley, it’s actually the Discovery – Top Tourist park offering caravan storage. Not sure if Big 4 offer the same.
We’re heading over on the 11th. How far is the discovery park from the terminal? We are travelling daytime. Don’t want to have too far to travel in the morning before boarding.
Hi Ken, The Discovery – Top Tourist park is about 30 minutes to the Port. We drove in peak time so would be quicker in the morning. Reception gave us a map with the best route avoiding the low bridge. Enjoy your time in Tassie.
Was the Discovery Park at Braybrook ?
Yes. It’s called Melbourne Discovery Holiday Park, and it is also a Top Tourist park.
Thanks for great information, especially the storage area at the C/van Park. We are departing on 29/1/22 the same time as you did, all going well. Very much looking forward to our holiday.
Pleased to be of help. Wishing you a fantastic Tasmanian trip!
How easy is parking car and caravan on SoT? No reversing in confined spaces I Hope!
Is there a lift on that deck?
Hi Barrie, The SOT is very well organised with loading and unloading. Just drive straight on, follow instructions, you will be amazed how east it is. And yes, there is a lift to take you from the car to the main area up top. Just remember to take everything with you from the car, as you are not allowed back to the vehicle area once sailing. Enjoy your trip!
Hi ,
Can you tell me if it is drive on drive off no reversing
There is no reversing onto or off of The Spirit of Tasmania. It is all very easy and well organised.