Seabourn Sojourn maiden voyage to Beauty Point

The 198m luxury liner Seabourn Sojourn anchored in the Tamar River this morning bringing 406 passengers and 372 crew to the Tamar Region, with 106 passengers booked on shore-excursion tours.

Seabourn Sojourn is 56 metres longer than L’Austral, which visited in January this year, and is carrying 378 more passengers and crew.

Since 2014, TasPorts has invested $4 million on the first stages of infrastructure upgrades on Inspection Head Wharf as part of the Community Asset Program.

TasPorts Acting Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the infrastructure investment had increased the profile of Beauty Point as a tourist and cruise destination.

“TasPorts is providing incentives and benefits for Tasmania-focused cruising itineraries and expedition cruise visits, with the aim of enhancing economic benefits around the State,” he said.

Seabourn Sojourn is calling at Hobart, Port Arthur and Inspection Head as part of her voyage over Christmas and the New Year.

Earlier this year, the West Tamar Council announced its Beauty Point Foreshore Master Plan.

TasPorts has worked closely with the West Tamar Council and Tourism Northern Tasmania on developing the strategic vision for the Beauty Point Foreshore over the next 10 years.

Mr Donald said TasPorts had collaborated with local industry to develop a strong connection between the Inspection Head wharf and the foreshore for the benefit of the local community and visitors.

West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the community welcomed the upgrades which would provide better access and connection to the town, improved amenities and encourage greater engagement from both locals and visitors.

“We’re excited by the proposal put forward in the Beauty Point Foreshore Master Plan and look forward to working with TasPorts and Tourism Northern Tasmania further, once funding has been secured for the project,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

Further partnership and funding is being sought from the government, ahead of budgeting for the 2019/2020 financial year.