Previously featured in Wild issue 144, owner of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Robert Pennicott visited Wilsons Promontory today to announce his first Victorian initiative with the company.
Joined by the minister for tourism and major events, John Eren, Pennicott spoke of plans for a $3.5 million cruise operation that aims to showcase the best of Gippsland from the water.
Having started Bruny Island Cruises in 1999, Pennicott has grown his business to include six different experiences in Tasmania.
Robert Pennicott (left) shakes hands with minister for tourism John Eren at Wilsons Prom.
“We’re really very honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to open a cruise at Wilsons Promontory,” Pennicott told Wild. “While this will be our seventh product, we still have some work to do to finalise our operating license with Parks Victoria. That will include some community consultation, but we’re looking forward to that as well.”
One of Australia’s most awarded tourism operators, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has won 11 Australian Tourism Awards while also being recognised as Tasmania’s Best Tourism Attraction for seven consecutive years.
Once launched, the new cruise will travel beneath steep cliffs, explore caves, coves and beaches on the Gippsland coast, offering visitors the chance to see wildlife such as migrating whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, sharks and many species of coastal birds.
Three 32-seat vessels will be custom-built for the experience.
Pennicott has a focus on sustainability as well, which may account for some the popularity of his existing tours. All of his operations are 100 per cent carbon offset, which he described as being managed through various environmental partnerships.
“Improving the environment is a concept that’s very close to our hearts at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys,” he said. “Our partnership with Greening Australia has seen around $350,000 put towards the rehabilitation of flora and fauna corridors around Australia, including the planting of many thousands of trees.
“Every year we review our activity and develop ways to offset the carbon we release, which means our environmental work has grown as our business has grown; at a rate of almost five times per year.”
Pennicott has developed a DGR-listed (deductible gift recipient) organisation that handles its sustainability projects, contributing to 236 different projects in its 17 years of operation.
“It’s our hope that this Victorian expansion will also see us expand our philanthropic work also,” Pennicott added.
Minister Eren believes the new Wilsons Promontory experience will also be a boon for local businesses.
““It’s a big win for the hotels, cafes and restaurants nearby, which will welcome more opportunities as a result of extra visitors to the region. This project will provide up to 30 ongoing jobs for this region.”
The new cruises are expected to employ 16 Victorians from the region, which is set to grow to more than 30 staff over five years, generating an estimated $9.7 million per annum in economic benefits for the local community.