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Bonnet Island Experience
About
The intimate Bonnet Island Experience, in Strahan on Tasmania's wild West Coast features a twilight cruise out to a remote island that is home to Little Penguins.This tiny island, located at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, was once home to the lighthouse keeper and his family, who carved out their existence as best they could in the challenging conditions.
However, this remote and lonely place makes the perfect refuge for a thriving colony of Little Penguins, living in harmony with Short-tailed Shearwaters. Centuries of pounding seas have carved out sheltered outcrops on the island, where the birds make their burrows and return home after a day fishing at sea.
On this intimate encounter, with a maximum of 10 guests, you get the rare opportunity to observe this phenomenon of nature in their natural habitat.
The experience is provided in great comfort aboard a fast cruiser, departing Strahan in time to go ashore just before dusk to enjoy gourmet local Tasmanian specialties.
As dusk falls, a knowledgeable local guide tells haunting tales of the people who lived on the island all year, weathering the harsh conditions, as well as generations of Tasmanian Aboriginal people who roamed these shores. Specially designed burrows have been added to the islands natural features, with in-built cameras allowing you to have a look at life on the inside for the little birds.
When darkness has fallen and all the permanent residents of Bonnet Island are safely ashore and tucked up in there burrows, it's time to depart. To end this memorable experience, the cruiser will whisk you in comfort across the harbour back to Strahan.
