Having done the trip several times with kids I can offer the suggestions.
If you are there too early - you just line up for longer.
Either get to the wharf very early and park and enjoy the restaurants and wait for the line to disappear and jump on last. This is problematic as there are a small amount of parks and none for towing.
I usually drive about 2km south on Beaconsfield St (continuation of Beach St where the pier is) and there is a great playground directly across the road from Beach Hotel, at the corner or Beaconsfield Pde and Victoria St. There is ample parking on Beaconsfield Pde on the street out front of the playground ($6 for an hour for street parking). We let the kids run off some steam in the playground and grab a counter meal in the pub (I don't like the food, in particular the buffet, on the ferry). Then its a short drive to the ferry.
I think the ferry states to be there at least 45 minutes before departure. I try to get there about an hour but any more just means you are just lining up in the car. Once they commence loading it is pretty quick.
Tips for ferry
- have any gas bottles including the small butane bottles easy to get to, exposed bottles on campers are okay but if enclosed you will have to remove.
- Don't take fresh fruit, nuts etc. as you will have to throw out.
- If taking fishing rods have them easy to get to as they will want to see them.
- Dogs. Make sure you have receipt and vets advice they have been given the specific worming tablet. I cant remember the exact name but an internet search will give details.
Enjoy
Bev
If you are there too early - you just line up for longer.
Either get to the wharf very early and park and enjoy the restaurants and wait for the line to disappear and jump on last. This is problematic as there are a small amount of parks and none for towing.
I usually drive about 2km south on Beaconsfield St (continuation of Beach St where the pier is) and there is a great playground directly across the road from Beach Hotel, at the corner or Beaconsfield Pde and Victoria St. There is ample parking on Beaconsfield Pde on the street out front of the playground ($6 for an hour for street parking). We let the kids run off some steam in the playground and grab a counter meal in the pub (I don't like the food, in particular the buffet, on the ferry). Then its a short drive to the ferry.
I think the ferry states to be there at least 45 minutes before departure. I try to get there about an hour but any more just means you are just lining up in the car. Once they commence loading it is pretty quick.
Tips for ferry
- have any gas bottles including the small butane bottles easy to get to, exposed bottles on campers are okay but if enclosed you will have to remove.
- Don't take fresh fruit, nuts etc. as you will have to throw out.
- If taking fishing rods have them easy to get to as they will want to see them.
- Dogs. Make sure you have receipt and vets advice they have been given the specific worming tablet. I cant remember the exact name but an internet search will give details.
Enjoy
Bev
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