When it comes to wild landscapes, there are few places as dramatic as the Tasman Peninsula – home to one of the most breathtaking coastlines in Australia.
I’ve visited Tasman National Park a handful of times over the years, but on my last visit, I wanted to experience the scenery from a new perspective. So I joined the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise – a boat tour that takes you right up close to rugged cliffs that look as though they could be the very edge of the world.
It turned out to be one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done in Tasmania (and I grew up in the state, so I’ve really seen and done a lot of it!).
If you’re wondering whether the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is worth the splurge, here’s my honest review with everything you need to know before you book.
Quick summary:
The Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is a thrilling 3-hour eco-adventure along Tasmania’s wild southern coast. Departing from Port Arthur (or as part of a day trip from Hobart), this small-group boat tour explores towering sea cliffs and caves, with close-up views of dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, and the remote Tasman Island lighthouse.
Recommended tours:
🛥️ From Port Arthur: 3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise – Explore the cliffs, caves, and wildlife of Tasman National Park on a high-speed open boat.
🛥️ From Hobart: Tasman Island Cruise + Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour – Combine the 3-hour wilderness cruise with a visit to Port Arthur Historic Site, including lunch and return transfers from the city.
What is the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise?
The Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is a 3-hour eco-adventure operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, one of Tasmania’s most reputable tour companies. Their bright yellow boats are purpose-built for exploring the rugged coastline of Tasman National Park — low to the water, open-air, and fast enough to zip between sea cliffs and sea caves.
Cruises depart from the Pennicott Dock at Port Arthur, right beside the Port Arthur Historic Site. From there, the cruise follows the dramatic coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, travelling beneath the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, past blowholes and natural arches, and by the remote Tasman Island Lighthouse. Along the way, the guides point out wildlife such as seals, dolphins, seabirds — and during migration season, even the occasional humpback or southern right whale.
It’s one of the most popular things to do on the Tasman Peninsula and one of the best day trips from Hobart, especially for travellers looking for a wild and scenic adventure that you simply can’t experience on land.
Recommended tours
These two Tasman Island Cruise options both explore the same stunning coastline on the boat tour — it just depends on where you’re staying. You can join directly from the Tasman Peninsula (which is what I did) or book a full-day package from Hobart that includes return transfers and entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site.
I chose to do the cruise from Port Arthur as I was already staying in the area for a family wedding, but if you’ll be basing your stay in Hobart, it might be worth booking the day tour option that includes transfers from the city so that you don’t have to worry about transport.
From Port Arthur
🛥️ 3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur
This option is for the wilderness cruise only, which departs daily from Pennicott Dock at Port Arthur, right beside the Port Arthur Historic Site.
From Hobart
🛥️ Tasman Island Cruises + Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
This option combines the wilderness cruise with a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Includes lunch, park entry, and return transfers from Hobart — perfect if you don’t have a car.
My experience on the cruise
The morning of our cruise was forecast crisp and breezy with scattered showers — classic Tassie weather. After checking in, we were fitted with red, waterproof jackets before boarding our small-group boat that held around 40 passengers.
I felt very exposed to the elements as we stepped aboard. The boat has no windows, but that’s part of the appeal — there’s literally nothing blocking your view of the scenery surrounding the boat. It really helps to provide the feeling that you’re part of the natural landscape.
The moment we pulled out of the harbour, our adventure began. We were soon gliding past towering sea cliffs that dwarfed our boat. The skipper slowed down to point out sea caves carved by centuries of crashing waves. We even nosed into one of the caverns, hearing the echoing sound of water lapping against the rocks around us.
Along the coast, we spotted a colony of fur seals lazing about on the rocks, completely unfazed by our presence. They were surprisingly noisy — barking and flopping into the water with a splash.
Later, a pod of dolphins appeared, frolicking in the wake from our boat, diving in and out of the water as the passengers on board cheered. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some humpbacks or southern right whales out here, though unfortunately we didn’t spot one on our summer visit. They usually migrate along Tasmania’s east coast during winter and spring (May–November).
Reaching Tasman Island was a highlight of the cruise. Rising abruptly out of the ocean, it’s an incredible sight — this remote, wind-whipped island is totally inaccessible except by boat or helicopter (and when you see the jagged, rocky shoreline and feel the gusts coming off the sea, I’m not sure that you’d want to do either!).
Seeing Tasman Island Lighthouse perched way up on its cliff-top plateau was fascinating. Our guide explained that it was built in the early 1900s and was once home to a handful of lighthouse keeper families who lived in complete isolation on the island.
It’s wild to imagine people raising kids, growing vegetables, and surviving the roaring Southern Ocean winds out there — especially when supplies had to be hauled up the cliffs by winch. The lighthouse was finally automated in the late 1970s, and the island has been uninhabited ever since.
Wildlife and scenery highlights
The Tasman Peninsula is known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty, and this cruise gives you front-row seats. Every corner of the coastline seemed to reveal another photo-worthy view. Some of the most memorable sights include:
- Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy: Towering dolerite columns that rise over 300 metres out of the sea.
- Tasman Arch and Blowhole: You can see them from above on land, but from the water they’re even more impressive.
- Seal colonies: Dozens of fur seals bask on the low-lying rocks near Tasman Island.
- Dolphins and seabirds: Pods of dolphins often follow the boat, and you might spot albatrosses or sea eagles circling overhead.
- Tasman Island Lighthouse: This remote and photogenic landmark stands at the southern tip of the peninsula.
So, is the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise worth it?
Absolutely. If you only do one adventure activity in southern Tasmania, make it this one! The Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise gives you access to some of the state’s most awe-inspiring scenery — places you can’t reach any other way.
It’s a splurge compared to a regular sightseeing tour, but it’s worth every cent for the memories (and the photos). The combination of dramatic cliffs, playful marine life, and raw ocean energy makes it one of the most unique experiences you can have in Tasmania.
The Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is a truly must-do for anyone who wants to see Tasmania at its wildest.
FAQs about the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise
How long is the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise?
The cruise lasts around 3 hours and travels between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, exploring the coastline of Tasman National Park.
Where does the Tasman Island cruise depart from?
Most departures leave from the Pennicott Dock at Port Arthur, though day tours from Hobart include round-trip transfers.
How much does the Tasman Island cruise cost?
Tasman Island cruise prices start around $180 AUD (as of 2025), with discounts for families. It’s best to book online in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Is the cruise family-friendly?
Yes, kids of all ages can join, but it’s probably best suited to older children who can handle being on a boat for 3 hours.
Will I get seasick?
The boats move fast and can get bumpy when the swell picks up. I would suggest taking motion-sickness tablets beforehand if you’re prone to seasickness, and choosing a seat near the back of the boat may also help.
What should I wear?
It can get cold out on the water — even in summer! Dress warmly, and take a beanie and gloves. You’ll be provided with a waterproof spray jacket to go over your clothes. Sunglasses are also a good idea to block the glare off the water.
*I was a guest of Pennicott Journeys for the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise. I’m proud to be an honest and transparent blogger, so every opinion expressed on AGWT is a true review of my experience.
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