Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Iron Pot Cruise - Morning

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A 2½ hour cruise on the waterways around Hobart. Visit Tasmania's oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island and discover the city's maritime past.

Days

2.5 hours, morning or afternoon

Group size

Small group, up to 12

Start / finish

Hobart waterfront / Hobart waterfront

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Cruise boat with an enclosed cabin, leather seats and large windows

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Iron Pot Cruise - Morning

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Included experiences

Derwent River — Battery Point, Wrest Point and the Shot Tower
The Iron Pot — Australia's oldest lighthouse
Betsey Island — circumnavigation and seabirds
Hope Beach — Southern Ocean swell
Guide's stories of Hobart's early settlement

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Iron Pot Cruise - Morning

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ALL ABOARD ON FRANKLIN WHARF

Your cruise leaves from the Dock Head Building on Franklin Wharf, in the middle of Hobart's waterfront, with a morning or an afternoon departure. You board one of the new small boats, never more than 12 people, with leather seats in an enclosed cabin and big windows on every side, so cold weather won't spoil the view. Pulling away from the wharf, look back at kunanyi (Mount Wellington), 1,271 metres high and close enough that the city seems to sit in its lap. Then the boat swings south into the Derwent River.

DOWN THE DERWENT: BATTERY POINT TO THE SHOT TOWER

First comes Battery Point, named for the gun battery built on the headland in 1818, and now a village of sandstone cottages and some of Tasmania's dearest houses. Next is the round tower of Wrest Point, which opened in 1973 as Australia's first legal casino. Further down the river, on the Taroona shore, stands the Shot Tower, a 58-metre sandstone column that Joseph Moir built in 1870 to make lead shot. For a few years it was the tallest building in Australia. As the river widens, the scale of the mountain behind the city becomes clear.

THE IRON POT AND STORM BAY

At the mouth of the river sits the Iron Pot, a rocky islet with a lighthouse built by convicts in 1832. It is Tasmania's oldest lighthouse, and in 1977 it became the first in Australia to run on solar power. Your guide tells the story of Hobart's early settlement from here. Beyond it is Storm Bay, named by Abel Tasman in 1642, open to the swell of the Southern Ocean. Out on Betsey Island, which nobody lives on, watch for gulls, cormorants and white-bellied sea eagles, whose wings can span two metres.

HOPE BEACH AND BACK TO HOBART

The boat circles Betsey Island, and on the far side Hope Beach comes into view, a long, empty beach on the South Arm Peninsula. The swell runs here straight up from the Southern Ocean, and with the offshore winds it is a favourite with local surfers. The skipper takes you in close so you can feel the boat lift on the waves. Then it's the run back up the Derwent, and after two and a half hours on the water you step off at Franklin Wharf.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, Hobart.

What is included

2½ hour guided cruise from Hobart

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.