New Pennicott boat a boon for regional tourism

The latest addition to Rob Pennicott’s fleet is expected to lure more people in its first year than the famed Three Capes Track. Get a glimpse of the onboard journey.

Supplied image of Cape Raoul Cruises

The latest addition to Rob Pennicott’s fleet is expected to lure another 20,000 visitors to the Tasman Peninsula in its first year — even more than the famed Three Capes Track.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff officially launched the new vessel on Monday, proclaiming it as “a good news boat story, which is fantastic”.

The company’s investment in the $2.2m vessel was brought forward by a $900,000 government Tourism Innovation Grant.

Mr Rockliff said the expansion would add to the attraction of Port Arthur for visitors and broaden the offering on the Tasman Peninsula.

“Investing in world-class operators such as Pennicott Wilderness Journeys ensures they can continue to offer premium experiences to visitors,” he said.

“One in eight Tasmanians work in the tourism and hospitality industry, and we have a plan to sustainable grow visitation, train our next generation of workers and back businesses.”

The new 90-minute cruise departing from the Port Arthur jetty takes in the rugged coastline of the Tasman Peninsula including Cape Raoul’s 170-million-year-old dolerite cliffs rising over 250 metres above sea level.

Highlights include the white sands of Safety Cove, the tall dunes of Crescent Bay and Mt Brown with plenty of opportunities to spot coastal wildlife.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff takes the wheel of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys new boat at Port Arthur on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Mr Pennicott said he has thrilled to be expanding his multi award-winning business.

“I’m so excited and feel so privileged to be able to offer a ninth tour. I get off on high cliffs, caves, blowholes, lots of animals, and this has it in spades,” he said.

“This tour is half the half the time of our other tours, so it’s an hour and a half. A lot of people come into Tasmania are time poor.

“So to be able to experience what we do out there with the scenery and the animals is something very special in an hour and a half.”

Mr Pennicott said he expected the grant to be paid back by increased contribution to state tax revenue within the vessel’s first year of operation.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said the new boat and tour were a great addition to the state’s booming industry.

“Today is another positive day for our state’s tourism industry because our competitiveness as a destination relies heavily on the development of new and different experiences and products,” she said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff speaks to a crowd at the launch of Pennicott wilderness Journey's new boat at Port Arthur on Monday, December 9, 2024.

“Not only will this new offering be a trigger for Tasmanians to revisit Port Arthur and the Tasman region but it will be a draw card for interstate and international visitors too — and just in time for our busiest time of year.

“Brand aligned, positive impact experiences like this one continue to put us on the map as a destination and build the momentum and confidence of other investors to commit to growing in the regions.”