Wilsons Promontory: Full-day cruise with lunch & wildlife

Summary

Cruise wild Wilsons Promontory, spot seals & swim at Refuge Cove

You’ll board a small boat for a full-day cruise through Wilsons Promontory National Park with a local guide, spotting dolphins, eagles, and seals along remote granite islands. Enjoy lunch at Refuge Cove with time to swim or relax on white sand before heading back past the historic lighthouse — moments you’ll remember long after the salt dries from your skin.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning when we stepped onto the Brianna Lee — she handed me a mug of tea before I’d even found my seat. “You’ll want this,” she said, nodding at the morning chill rolling off the water. I didn’t expect to feel so awake that early, but something about the salty air and everyone’s half-sleepy chatter made it feel like we were all in on some secret. Our guide (I think his name was Tom?) started pointing out shapes in the mist — first just shadows, then suddenly there was the Wilsons Prom lighthouse perched up on those cliffs. It looked smaller than I imagined, but somehow more stubborn against the wind.

The boat ride itself was a mix of quiet and sudden bursts of excitement — someone would shout “dolphins!” or “look at that eagle!” and we’d all scramble to one side. At Skull Rock, Tom told us about shipwrecks and old stories from this coast; I tried to picture it all while squinting at the weird angles of granite. There were seals everywhere near Kanowna Island — barking, flopping around like they owned the place. The smell hit me before I saw them (not exactly pleasant), but honestly it just made everything feel more real. We drifted close enough to hear their snuffling and see their whiskers twitching.

Lunch at Refuge Cove felt almost too peaceful after all that noise — white sand, clear water, and nobody else around except our group. Some people swam or snorkeled (the water’s colder than it looks), others just lay back on towels with snacks from Li’s endless stash. I tried to say “thank you” for something in Mandarin and got it totally wrong; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her thermos. The sun finally came out while we were drying off — you know that feeling when your skin is still damp but warm? That’s what I remember most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wilsons Promontory Cruise Highlights

• View Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse
• See Skull Rock and granite islands
• Visit Kanowna Island seal sanctuary
• Anchor at Refuge Cove for lunch
• Swim, snorkel, and relax at beach
• Enjoy marine and wildlife sightings
• Morning and afternoon tea with snacks

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Wilsons Promontory cruise?

Yes, lunch is included during your stop at Refuge Cove.

How long does the full-day Wilsons Prom cruise last?

The cruise lasts a full day with several stops including time for swimming and lunch.

Are there wildlife sightings on this tour?

Yes, you may see dolphins, eagles, sea birds, and seals during the cruise.

Is there commentary from a guide?

Yes, live commentary is provided by a local guide throughout the trip.

Can children join this cruise?

The cruise is suitable for most ages but not recommended for children under 4 or those with limited mobility.

What should I bring for weather conditions?

Dress appropriately for open water conditions; weather can change quickly.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The description does not specify; check with your operator if you wish to snorkel.

What’s included

Your day includes morning tea and afternoon tea with light snacks served onboard, live commentary from a local guide as you explore Wilsons Promontory by boat, plus a delicious lunch at Refuge Cove where you can swim or relax before returning in the afternoon.