Bit of James Bond in new Mona ferry

THINK of an evil billionaire’s lair. Put it on water. Send it to what is arguably the lair of Tasmania’s favourite benefactor.

The Mona Roma II, launched by Premier Will Hodgman yesterday, lives up to its design brief, boasting a private jungle, wallaby furlined booths and a golden toilet.

Mona marketing and communications director Robbie Brammall said the $5.5 million ferry had taken its stylistic cues from James Bond and Austin Powers films. He declared the yellow camouflage vessel the “best and brightest and fanciest” of Mona's ferries.

“We’re fairly confident this will become the most Instagrammed ferry in Berriedale,” Mr Brammall said.

The 190-seater, which offers three bars and a full galley, will replace the smaller MR-0.

It was built by Richardson Devine Marine and will be operated by Navigators.

Navigators director Michael Roche said the MR-0 would head to Triabunna to transport people to Maria Island.

And Navigators would hire five more staff to help run the MR-II, Mr Roche said.

“I reckon it’s fabulous. She performs better than we expected, which is great,” he said. “Nice and smooth. Plenty of room and open space.”

Mona will trial a flex-ticket through summer, meaning passengers will not have to commit to a particular departure time.

It will also offer an afterhours ticket for $5 — “the price of a mainland cappuccino”, according to Mr Brammall — which will leave Hobart at 7pm.

“Like the rest of the Tasmanian tourism industry, we’re teeing up a major summer,” Mr Brammall said.

“We’ve got six exhibitions on, I think we’ve got more music on than we’ve ever had, plus our restaurants … there should be plenty of things for people to do at Mona after hours and it’s going to be a massive summer.”

MR-II will start sailing this weekend. About 180,000 people catch the Mona ferries each year.

We’re... confident this will become the most Instagrammed ferry in Berriedale — ROBBIE BRAMMALL