This year marks the 50th anniversary of the maiden voyage of M.V. Princess of Tasmania between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania. The anniversary will honour the special place of sea travel across Bass Strait in Tasmanian history and will celebrate an important milestone in maritime heritage. During the 1950s, 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. Empress of Australia replaced Princess of Tasmania in 1972. This was followed by Abel Tasman in 1985, the original Spirit of Tasmania in 1993, and the present twin ships, Spirit of Tasmania I and II, in 2002.

Postmark