Presented by the Volkswagen association of Tasmania November 2003
For me the adventure began on the 6th of November, when I left home at 7.30am with the intention to travel via Canberra, Cooma, Bombala, Cann River, and on to Bairnsdale for an overnight stop.
The most scenic part of this journey was the countryside from Bombala to Cann River. The road is ideally suited for beetles with many climbs and descents, meandering through lush green valleys and -forests. There were also glimpses of the Victorian Alps covered in snow.
On day two the faithful beetle takes me along the princes highway to Pakenham, then to Koo-We-Rup and through the back lanes to the Mornington peninsula.
After some sightseeing at Arthur's seat, a hill overlooking Dromana with spectacular views towards Melbourne, I set off to join up with the 50 or so participants that will travel across to Devonport on the spirit of Tasmania. The car park opposite the ferry terminal gives the impression that one has journeyed back in time, as it was filled with fine examples of split window kombis, split and oval beetles and many other models.
Also present was Gary Collis's Mexican 'Ultima edition' august 2003 beetle. In conjunction with the 1953 beetles present this gave a span of 50years of beetles. According to Gary he purchased the beetle in august in Guadalajara, drove it 500km's to, the VW factory in Puebla and back again to Guadalajara. From there he drove it 2,500km's to the port of Los Angeles in the USA. From there it was transhipped to Panama, where it was loaded on to the M.S. Tampa. He calls it a Mexican refugee! The vehicle is 955 from end of production.
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| Garry Collis with his Mexican Beetle | Factory EFI |
The vast majority of participants were from Victoria and south Australia, but embarrassingly only three entries from NSW, two being from rural NSW.
We began embarking on the spirit of Tasmania at around 8pm, with Leigh Blacket of s.a. leading the cavalcade on to the docks. Unbeknown to us, this was symbolic as he was later given a prize for being the first registrant of the event.
The loading of the spirit of Tasmania was quite a drawn out process, as it was heavily booked. The facilities on board were modern and clean, the crew friendly, good food and excellent coffee were available.
Fortunately I had booked a share cabin, which had a shower, so I arrived in Devonport fresh and ready for the promise of a fantastic day. Some participants had booked recliner seats, which in the morning were dubbed the "chamber of horrors".
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| Waiting alongside ferry 7/11/03 | Assembly opposite Station pier, Melbourne 7/11/03 | Leigh Blacket from South Australia about to lead the convoy of Beetles onto the Spirit of Tasmania |
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| Lunch at Ross | A jovial local | Hobart Cenotaph lawns 8/11/03 |
In Devonport we assembled in year order at the Jackson motor Co.
We were each given a detailed booklet of information for the event, swing tag with name and detailed access to the various stages of the event, Cadbury chocolate (quickly devoured), a pin of Tasmania and Shannons material.
Shortly after receiving breakfast the cavalcade got underway. What a sight it must have been for the bystanders, as over 103 vehicles set off on the trip to Hobart.
The cavalcade was led by a new beetle escort car, whilst followed at the rear by a Tasmanian fire services tender, a mechanics vehicle and a car transporter for collection of any unserviceable vehicle.
As we motored towards Launceston (morning tea stop), the cavalcade stayed pretty well in formation, only interrupted by the odd impatient driver.
After morning tea at the old Launceston seaport, we departed for the historic town of Ross, where we were served lunch in the town hall (circa 1830).
As we entered Ross the streets were lined with people waving at the participating vehicles. The scene was very European, as the streets were studded with old deciduous trees that had just unfurled their lush new season foliage.
A photograph of each vehicle was taken with the historic Ross church as a background.
After lunch we regrouped into year order, and to facilitate entry onto the midland highway, the Tasmanian police stopped all southbound traffic, apparently a first.
Just prior to Jericho we detoured of the midland highway, towards Campania and Richmond. This road was fun to drive on, as it was winding and undulating.
As we pass through the villages of Campania and Richmond, people come out of their houses and wave at the cavalcade. Some motorists that are waiting to enter the main road from side streets have a bewildered look on their faces at the never-ending procession of VWs.
We finish our first day at the Hobart cenotaph lawn overlooking the harbour of Hobart, where the Spirit of Tasmania 3 is currently undergoing a refit, for its service to Sydney.
After a brief display of vehicles, (all sedans at the front, with Type 2's and all other vehicles in the back row), we disperse for our various places of accommodation.
That evening we meet at the Montrose Bay Yacht club for a bbq. On Sunday the 9th of November the Shannons show & shine is held at the princess wharf, directly opposite the Salamanca markets.
A total of 127 vehicles were displayed inside the wharf building for judging, and up to 53 others outside for general viewing. Drivel buckets to the ready as it was nice to see many original cars, even one 7,600 original mile 1972 Superbug (1302S) in avocado green.
As my vehicle is definitely not a show winner, I draw the line at washing the beast, especially the remains of all kinds of bugs from the bonnet and headlights. The supposedly white paint resembled a pizza after travelling 1,400km's in three days.
The participants from Victoria cleaned up at the awards with some fine vehicles. In a nice egalitarian gesture, all vehicles were given a medal for attending.
After the show, I take a quick run down to grove, where Doran's jam factory is located and stock up on delicious jellies and jams. Poor old bug looks like its been lowered.
That evening a presentation dinner was held at the Lindisfarne rowing club, with excellent Tasmanian food and hospitality being the norm. We were also given an insight into the history of VW in Tasmania during the 50's and 60's by local identities.
On Monday the 10th of November we head south west of Hobart to the Tahune air walk. It's the worlds longest forest canopy walkway, with spectacular views of the landscape.
After having had lunch and experienced the air walk, goodbyes are said as roughly half the participants will be returning home, and not be partaking in the extended tour of the west.
We return to Hobart via the Longley stage of the Targa Tasmania, taking us past the foothills of Mt Wellington.
That evening some of us meet at the drunken admiral restaurant to sample Tasmania's fine seafood and say farewell.
Tuesday morning dawns a little misty, previous three days were sunny, and we head off to the Cadbury factory at Claremont for an early 8am tour. I leave the factory with my pockets full of samples.
Whilst I head towards Devonport, over 50 participating vehicles head to Queenstown and the remainder of the tour.
For lunch I am drawn back to the man-o-Ross pub, which I had visited years before. I enjoy a great fish and chips lunch. In Devonport I meet up with Andrew Ermel and group from Melbourne, and we manage to board the spirit of Tasmania as a group.
Just before departing Devonport I remember to stock up on cascade export stout, a true nectar of the gods. Contented I leave Tasmania, till the next time....
The organisation of the event to the last detail was faultless, and the hospitality extended to '~he participants was truly exceptional. Thank you to the VW association of Tasmania, for organising such a fine and memorable event.
Peter Gerlach