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| Pennicott Wilderness Journeys | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pennicott Wilderness Journeys |
| Type | Private |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Michael Pennicott |
| Headquarters | Tasmania, Australia |
| Key people | Michael Pennicott |
| Industry | Tourism |
| Services | Wilderness cruises, eco-tours |
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is an Australian tour operator based in Tasmania offering marine and wildlife excursions around southern Tasmania and Bruny Island. Founded by Michael Pennicott, the company operates sea-kayak and boat-based wilderness tours visiting sites such as the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and the Tasman National Park, often highlighting features like the Port Davey, Storm Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, and the Three Capes Track. The operator engages with conservation groups including the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and academic partners such as the University of Tasmania.
The company was established in 1999 by Michael Pennicott after earlier careers connected to operators on the Freycinet Peninsula and collaborations with organisations like the Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council and the Australian Tourism Export Council. Early operations capitalised on growing global interest spurred by media from outlets such as the BBC and National Geographic that increased visitation to Australian landmarks like Wineglass Bay and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Expansion in the 2000s paralleled tourism trends promoted by bodies such as Tourism Australia and regulatory frameworks from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Tasmanian Government. Over time the company developed partnerships with institutions including the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania) and research groups at the CSIRO.
Tours operate from departure points near Hobart, Kettering and Adventure Bay, covering routes past features like the Bluff River, Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, the Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen. Offerings include boat-based wildlife cruises, sea-kayaking trips, and specialist photography tours that appeal to visitors from markets such as United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany and Japan. The company markets experiences linked to regional attractions including the Maria Island National Park, the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve, and the South West National Park, and engages with transport providers such as Spirit of Tasmania and local operators on the Derwent River. Interpretive content references species and sites from lists used by institutions like BirdLife Australia, Parks Australia and the IUCN.
The fleet has included purpose-built vessels and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) engineered for southern ocean conditions with safety equipment aligned with standards from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and design influences similar to craft used by operators in New Zealand and the Galápagos Islands. Vessels have been maintained to certification regimes comparable to those overseen by the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel), and crew training often follows courses accredited by organisations such as St John Ambulance (Australia), Australian Volunteer Coastguard, and maritime training at institutions like the Australian Maritime College. The company’s vessels have been featured in tourism promotion alongside other regional operators including Bruny Island Cruises and private operators serving Freycinet.
Conservation initiatives include habitat protection advocacy with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, reef and coastal monitoring in cooperation with the Australian Marine Conservation Society and citizen science programs that mirror partnerships seen with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. The company has participated in marine debris clean-ups aligned with campaigns by Clean Up Australia and supported seabird monitoring efforts similar to programs run by BirdLife Australia and the Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue. Educational material references conservation frameworks from the IUCN Red List and research from universities such as the University of Tasmania and the University of Melbourne. Collaborative projects have also linked to marine protected area planning processes that involve stakeholders like the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and regional advisory groups.
The operator and its founder have received industry awards and citations from organisations such as the Australian Tourism Export Council, the Tasmanian Regional Tourism Awards, and recognition in national media outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and international guides like Lonely Planet. Accolades have reflected sustainable tourism practices similar to awards given by the Ecotourism Australia accreditation scheme and local commendations from bodies such as the Huon Valley Council and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Safety policy complies with maritime regulation from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and state regulations administered by the Department of State Growth (Tasmania) and the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). Operational protocols reflect best practice from organisations including the International Maritime Organization guidance adapted for domestic application, first-aid standards promoted by St John Ambulance (Australia), and incident reporting aligned with schemes used by Parks Australia and other protected area managers. The company liaises with regional emergency services such as Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, and volunteer rescue groups including the State Emergency Service (Tasmania).
Category:Tourism in Tasmania Category:Maritime companies of Australia