Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is best known here for experiences that combine Tasmanian wilderness with locally sourced food, rather than for a conventional restaurant dining room. The company operates several cruises and tours across the state, including Bruny Island Cruises and Tasmanian Seafood Seduction, a full-day outing that travels from Hobart’s waterfront into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel around Bruny Island.

Tasmanian Seafood Seduction places the meal at the centre of the journey. Guests can enjoy locally grown oysters, Southern Rock Lobster, abalone, sea urchin and calamari, with the seafood gathered or prepared during the day. The feast is accompanied by local breads, salads and artisan cheeses, along with Tasmanian wine, sparkling wine, boutique beer, cider and organic juices. The experience is particularly distinctive because a guide snorkels for abalone and sea urchin, bringing the food and surrounding waters together in a way a standard restaurant cannot.

The setting is the boat itself: a custom-built vessel with an enclosed cabin and leather seating, travelling through the Derwent River and into the sheltered waters around Bruny Island. The guides share their knowledge of the coastline, wildlife and landscapes as the cruise moves away from Hobart and into quieter bays, beaches and waterways. It is a relaxed, scenic format, with time to take in the surroundings as well as eat.

The business was established in 1999 by Australian Tourism Legend Robert Pennicott and is supported by a team of local staff. Its wider programme includes cruises around Bruny Island, Freycinet, Cape Raoul, Tasman Island and Wineglass Bay, as well as other regional journeys. For visitors based in Hobart, the seafood cruise offers a full-day outing with a strong food focus; for travellers exploring Bruny Island, the company’s Bruny Island Cruises provide another way to experience the region’s scenery and wildlife. The format is a natural fit for couples, small groups and solo travellers looking for a day that combines sightseeing with a substantial Tasmanian food experience. The website also provides accessibility information for guests who need it.