30 March 2009
This year will mark the 50th anniversary arrival of
the M.V. Princess of Tasmania on her maiden voyage between
Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania. Reflecting on 50 memorable years
of sea travel across Bass Strait, the anniversary will honour a
special place in Tasmanian history and relive an important
milestone in maritime heritage.
During the 1950's, the Bass Strait crossing between Melbourne and
Tasmania was maintained principally by one ship, Taroona. This ship
had accommodation for only 400 passengers and space for just 30
cars which had to be lifted off by cranes. In 1959, Taroona was
replaced by Princess of Tasmania - the first drive-on, drive-off
vehicular ship in the southern hemisphere.
On the evening of 23 September 1959, Princess of Tasmania made her
first voyage from Melbourne, arriving in Devonport the following
day. This milestone event was witnessed by over 8,000 people lining
both banks of Mersey River. The anniversary commemorating the first
sailing will be held at the volunteer-managed, Devonport Maritime
Museum, on 24 September 2009.
To celebrate this momentous and special event, Spirit of Tasmania
and the Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society, would
like to invite original passengers, their families, former staff
and crew members or those who travelled on the Princess of Tasmania
to donate souvenirs, films, photos, newspaper cuttings and any
other memorabilia to assist with the historical display venues and
promotion of the 50th anniversary celebration.
All persons with supporting information for this event are
encouraged to contact Mr Bob Vellacott, President at the Devonport
Maritime Museum and Historical Society, on (03) 6424 7100 or by
mail at PO Box 658, Devonport, Tasmania 7310.
Past passengers who travelled on the first Princess of Tasmania
sailing in 1959 may contact Spirit of Tasmania to share stories of
travelling on the Princess, compared to travelling by ship now. The
stories will be republished on the Spirit of Tasmania website and
prizes will be given away for the best entries.
Please send us your story by email at media@spiritoftasmania.com.au
or by mail at Corporate Communications, PO Box 323, Port Melbourne,
Victoria, 3207.
A morning tea and guided tour of Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport
will launch the opening of the 50th anniversary. Australia Post
will also be issuing special anniversary envelopes to honour 50
years of shipping history.
The 50th anniversary will celebrate our state's most iconic piece
of maritime history. The Princess gave rise to the term 'Sea Road'
and completely changed perceptions of holidaying in Tasmania. The
event will celebrate a shipping era that continues to influence the
economic and social progress of Tasmania.
-ends-
For further information contact:
Soniya Fernandez
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Spirit of Tasmania
Tel: 03 9206 6220 or 0438 393 898
Email: saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
