Exploring Tasman Island
Yesterday, I shared the privilege I had in exploring Port Arthur Historic Site privately. Earlier that day, I was fortunate enough to enjoy another once-in-a-lifetime experience: a three-hour cruise around Tasman Island, courtesy of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
Whilst we were not fortunate enough to encounter a pod of whales or dolphins this time, embracing the beauty of the coast more than made up for it.
From the herds of seals and sea-lions to the soaring cliffs kissing the clear sky, I found myself in awe of the world around me—truly in awe.
I was reminded of just how vast the sea, and by extension, the ocean is. Of the loneliness and terror overcoming convicts and settlers as they realised their new lives in an unknown territory were inescapably permanent. Of how long the cliffs have managed to remain upright, and how they will do so long after we’re all gone. Of how insignificant our everyday problems are in the grand scheme of things.
And yet, it was also mesmerising and inspiring. It filled me with a sense of wonder and possibility, of the belief that as terrible as this world can be, beauty will always win out.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasman Island, Tasmania, January 2022
Copyright Jennifer E. Glynn
The adventure reminded me of a famous Australian poem by Dorothea Mackellar, and in particular, the following verse:
I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains,
-Dorothea Mackellar, 1904
Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror—the wide brown land for me!
Whilst she describes the mainland, it can be applied equally to our island state. The entirety of Australia is unique. Harsh yet magnificent, the rugged terrain will never be conquerable no matter how hard humans try. The same goes for the Tasman coast, where crashing waves threaten to toss unwary sailors against the sharp stone walls but welcome curious minds. That’s not even considering the sharks that prowl beneath the water’s deceptively blue surface.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasman Island, Tasmania, January 2022
Copyright Jennifer E. Glynn
Words alone will never be enough to describe the power of this experience. It is something you would need to see and feel in person. If you are interested in taking a tour (there is also an option to explore Hobart/ Bruny Island), please click below for more information*.
I will be forever grateful for it (and to my mother and tour guides for making it possible!)
Please enjoy some of the many pictures taken on this adventure (at the risk of my phone, which inevitably suffered quite a bit of salty sea spray—but was certainly worth the risk).
What is an experience you’ll never forget? Let us know below!
One response to “Sea Adventures”
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[…] the majority of my stories are set in Australia (namely New South Wales and Tasmania), many of the characters use Aussie slang. Whilst some of the meanings behind the words are […]
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*Disclaimer: Jennifer E. Glynn is not affiliated with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. No payment has been received for advertisements, with all recommendations made through personal experience.
Jennifer E. Glynn 
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