Day 4

Geelong to Devonport – The Spirit of Tasmania

Early risers, we packed the car and left Shannon Motor Lodge in convoy behind our erstwhile neighbours from the opposite apartment. A short, 12 minute, drive around Geelong brought us to the ferry terminal. Newly opened in October 2022 we had plenty of time to admire it as our queue slowly moved past the ticket office, security and eventually up the boarding ramp.

After a coffee on level 7 we went to find our 4 berth cabin, with porthole, on level 8. Larger than expected it was a comfortable space. The only thing lacking was a wifi connection. After a sleep Catherine and I went to seating area on level 7 and Catherine enjoyed watch some television.

Reuniting with Christina and Emma we had a family lunch at the Tasmanian Market Kitchen before retiring to the cabin for the final 5 hours to Devonport.

At last Tasmania was in sight. Disembarking was a little slow as Deck 6 had to wait for all the traffic to clear. We soon found our way to the disappointing Novotel. Chosen as a bit of a treat we were turned away from a fully booked car park and then found ourselves short of towels – in a family room. The best was the receptionists admission that management knew of the misleading availability of car parking, but didn’t care. I wonder when we will next book a Nevertell hotel?

We walked a little way up the street to a lovely Italian restaurant to round off a good day’s travel.