‘Spiritual’ link draws Pennicott farther afield

ROB Pennicott has been trying for 11 years to extend his operations to Wilsons Promontory National Park, a place with which he has a “spiritual” connection.

Today, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys will launch daily cruises for lovers of spectacular coastlines and wildlife watching south of Wilsons Promontory in Victoria.

“I had looked at a number of locations and this is probably the hardest one because it was the oldest national park in Victoria – established in 1905,” the tourism operator said.

“Every time I bring boats from the mainland to Tasmania, I spend hours in this area because to me I find it very spiritual.

“I can’t do anything unless my heart really believes in it and this is what I was very passionate about.”

Mr Pennicott, who runs six award-winning eco-tourism businesses in Tasmania, said very few people who lived in or near the Wilsons Promontory region had been able to get on to the nearby water and enjoy its natural wonders. The cruise will begin at Tidal River, near the southernmost tip of the mainland and, from there, venture out to nearby islands.

The 30-passenger amphibian boats will pass the Tasmanian island of Rodondo and Kanowna Island, which is home to 9000 Australian fur seals, and a rock formation called Skull Rock.

The cruise venture will have three boats, and Mr Pennicott said he hoped each would do three trips a day.

The venture currently employs 11 people.