Rob Pennicott used to own a fish & chip takeaway shop in Tasmania. Fishing and the Tasmanian wilderness were and still are his passion. That was over 20 years ago. Those initial passions seeded the beginnings of Bruny Island Cruises, and his company Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Today he shares the magnificence of the Tasmanian wilderness with the world and fields over 8 journeys showcasing stunning landscapes, local gourmet produce and wines, historic sites, native wildlife, and spectacular walking experiences. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is the award-winning operator that presents Bruny Island, and the cruise shines the spotlight on wilderness places you normally would not be able to get to.
Bruny Island is 50km long and only a 40-minute drive plus 20-minute ferry from Hobart. It’s a popular day trip. Discover some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and spectacular cliff top views. These are the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere. Take the time to spot a rare white wallaby and enjoy hiking through the South Bruny National Park with its amazing towering cliffs. Bruny Island was inhabited for tens of thousands of years by the Aborigines before featuring on the well-worn path of the Southern Ocean discovery by many European explorers. The parade included Abel Tasman, Captain Cook, William Bligh and the French explorer, Bruni D’Entrecasteaux who named the island in 1792. Bruny island developed over the years with whaling stations, settlements, farming pursuits and quarries. Today there are only 800 residents. According to Rob Pennicott, Bruny Island is one of the best nature shows in terms of scenery and its local wildlife.
The showcase Bruny Island cruise is an absolute must-do to appreciate the wilderness and get up close and personal with the rich variety of local wildlife. The 3-hour wilderness cruise runs up to three times daily in summer. It explores the rugged coastline as well as delving into the deep sea caves. Guests search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do – they work hard to ensure that the experience is fun, enjoyable, entertaining, and informative. If you choose the day trip from Hobart, you begin your Bruny Island adventure with morning tea and enjoy a lunch after the cruise at the Visitor Centre featuring premium Tasmanian fish sustainably caught. It really does deliver an exceptional day out!
Legacy of conservation….
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and Bruny Island Cruises is more than a window view of the splendour and wonder of southern Tasmania. The company is highly acclaimed as both an environmental tourism operator and they are 100% Carbon Offset. The good news does not stop there. A portion of each cruise ticket fee goes towards philanthropic activities. In the past these have included conservation efforts, eradicating feral cats from Tasman Island, and eradicating rats from the big Green Island. Since the successful eradications, over 100,000 breeding seabirds are saved each year! The aim is about operating in harmony with the environment and local communities and protecting the environment for future generations. That’s a very worthy cause and one which I hope encourages you to include Tasmania and Bruny Island Cruises on your wish list for your next holiday….
Facts:
The summer season (December-April) is traditionally the most popular time to visit. The daytime temperatures range around 22 degrees Celsius and the nights are cool. Perfect weather for all activities.
Good to know:
Tasmania is an island at the edge of the world – a natural paradise … small in size yet big on experiences. The unique wilderness and pristine environment is the main drawcard for Tasmania, and Bruny Island is no exception. Connect with the unique wildlife, taste the outstanding local produce, and explore the South Bruny National Park. You could stay for a day or 3 days, there is plenty to do! Apart from the Bruny Island Cruise, other top highlights include visiting the Neck for some magnificent views, if you are a seafood lover then a must is the Get Shucked Oyster restaurant, sample some local creations at the Bruny Island Cheese Company, enjoy some great walks through the South Bruny National Park, and don’t forget some tastings at Bruny Island wine or the Tasmanian House of Whisky.
And finally:
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