TT-Line�s high-speed catamaran Devil Cat returns to Bass Strait in December, providing an exciting alternative for holidaymakers wishing to travel to Tasmania by sea this summer.

The fast ferry, which is capable of speeds of 40 knots or 80 kilometres per hour, will undertake 122 crossings between Station Pier, Port Melbourne, and the northern Tasmanian township of George Town.

With the capacity to transport nearly 750 passengers and more than 200 vehicles, the addition of Devil Cat to TT-Line's peak season service significantly increases the company's capacity to carry passengers and vehicles between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

Bookings for the Devil Cat 2001/2002 summer season, which commences on 15 December 2001 and concludes on 7 April 2002, are now being taken.

Fares will be $180 one-way for an adult fare in the peak season from 15 December 2001 to 27 January 2002. Pensioners will pay $118, seniors and tertiary students $150 and children $103.

One-way shoulder season prices between 28 January 2002 and 7 April 2002 will be adult $150, pensioner $112, seniors and tertiary students $130 and children $95.

Vehicle prices will be the same as those on Spirit of Tasmania. A standard family car will cost from $40 each way.

Devil Cat's departure and arrival times in George Town and Melbourne have been set to meet customer preferences. Independent research revealed customers wanted a slightly earlier arrival time in Melbourne and a later departure time from Melbourne. The Devil Cat sailing schedule for 2001/2002 will be:

MELBOURNE � GEORGE TOWN MondayThursdaySaturday Departs8:308:308:30 Arrives14:3014:3014:30 GEORGE TOWN � MELBOURNE TuesdayFridaySunday 14:3014:3014:30 20:3020:3020:30 (This sailing schedule will operate between 15 December �18 December 2001, 17 January 2001 � 26 March 2002 and 4 April � 7 April 2002)

MELBOURNE � GEORGE TOWN Daily (except Sundays)NOTE: No sailing on 26 December Departs7:00 Arrives13:00 GEORGE TOWN - MELBOURNE Daily (except Saturdays)NOTE: No sailing on 25 December 14:30 20:30 (This sailing schedule will operate between 20 December 2001 � 15 January 2002, 28 March � 2 April 2002)

In addition, a competitively-priced coach service will operate between the Devil Cat's George Town terminal and central Launceston.

With the reintroduction of Devil Cat on Bass Strait, TT-Line�s two-ship schedule incorporating the Spirit of Tasmania provides greater flexibility for people planning their holidays.

While there is a crossover with both the Spirit and Devil Cat sailing from Tasmania on Tuesdays and from Victoria on Mondays, TT-Line believes the services will complement each other and encourage more people to holiday in Tasmania.

In addition, the vessels are vastly different and cater for two groups of Bass Strait travellers � one who want the luxury and comfort of an overnight voyage and the other who would prefer a fast and exhilarating journey.

On board Devil Cat, passengers can purchase hot and cold snacks and hot and cold beverages, daily newspapers, magazines, books and a selection of Tasmanian souvenirs. A bar serving beer (cans only), wine by the glass and soft drinks will also operate. Chips and confectionery items are available from vending machines.

Passengers can also enjoy music, videos and movies, or just the high-speed luxury of a daylight crossing of Bass Strait.

Bookings can made by calling TT-Line Reservations on 13 20 10.

Ends

For further information: Simone Ferrier TT-Line Company Manager Corporate Communications Telephone: 03 9206 6219 Mobile: 0417 540 583