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Bass Strait Blues
Phil Northeast
3 August 2002
This stretch of water plays an important part in the lives of most
Tasmanians. Bass Strait separates our island state from the Australian
continent and the only way across is to fly or by sea.
Tourism is
a major Tasmanian industry and Bass Strait presents a double-edged
sword. The separation creates a difference and uniqueness that is one
of the island’s major drawcards. This separation makes it harder for
people to holiday here.
Australian's love their cars and will travel
long distances on the federally funded National Highway One, connecting
all the nation's capital cities.
One popular holiday is a
"Fly-Drive" where travellers fly in and then tour the state in a rented
car. This is fine for the upper end of the market and those on short
stays.
Devil Cat on a North Amercian Run
The alternative is a 400 km trip on one of the ferries currently connecting Tasmania to Melbourne.
The
main ship is the Spirit of Tasmania, a conventional "roll on roll off"
steel monohull crossing the strait every night, carrying a mix of
cars trucks, and of course passengers. This is a slow but regular
service and passengers need accommodation, adding to the expense, but
for holidaymakers it's all part of the adventure.
Read more ....
© Northeast Media 2009