Pennicott Wilderness Journeys · Port Arthur
A three-hour boat trip from Port Arthur along the cliffs of Cape Pillar and Tasman Island, with seals, sea caves and seabirds. It's for travellers already on the peninsula with their own car, and it does not include Port Arthur Historic Site entry.
This is the boat half of Pennicott's full day from Hobart, sold on its own. You check in at the Tasman Island Cruises office at 6961 Arthur Highway in Port Arthur, pull on a spray jacket and board one of the open yellow boats. For three hours it runs along Cape Pillar, which the listing calls the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, around Tasman Island and its lighthouse, and into sea caves.
Wildlife is the other half. Fur seals are a near-certainty on the rocks. Dolphins and albatross are common, and whales pass in season. Guests report seeing all three on a good day. The ride is fast and can be bumpy where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean, so dress warm and take seasickness tablets beforehand if you need them.
There is no Port Arthur entry in this ticket. If you want the site too, buy General Admission separately (A$55 adult). Entry is valid for two consecutive days, which makes a simple plan: cruise in the morning, ruins in the afternoon or the next day. The boat isn't wheelchair accessible, and Pennicott advises against it in pregnancy and for back, neck or hip problems.
6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur. The operator gives check-in times of 9:15am for the morning cruise and 1:15pm for the afternoon one.
Spray jackets go on and the crew runs through safety.
The tallest cliffs, the lighthouse on its island and the sea caves.
Slow passes along the seal colonies, and stops for dolphins or whales when they appear.
Return to Port Arthur. The historic site is a short drive away.
★★★★★It was a great day! We saw a whale, dolphins and seals! The crew were so lovely and informative.
★★★★★Excellent way to see Tassie's rugged coast line.
★★★★★Joe, our skipper and our assistant were amazing. So informative.
★★★★★That was one of the most beautiful and interesting excursions in a long time. Highly recommended.
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No. It's a cruise only. Buy Port Arthur General Admission separately (A$55 adult); it includes the site's own 20-minute harbour cruise and is valid for two consecutive days.
The Tasman Island Cruises office at 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur. Check in at least 30 minutes before departure.
There's no minimum age on the listing, but children must be supervised the whole time and the ride can be bumpy.
Yes. Take the morning cruise and spend the afternoon at the site, which closes at 5:00pm. If you're short of time, your entry is also valid the next day.
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Three hours along the highest sea cliffs on the peninsula, with seals, dolphins and seabirds. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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