Port Davey Escape
A luxury escape into the wilds of remote southwest Tasmania on a bespoke expedition cruise
| Duration: | 4-night or 6-night |
| Starts & ends: | Hobart |
| Destination: | Southwest Tasmania |
| Access: | Return scenic wilderness flights |
| Cruise: | Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour |
| Guests: | Maximum 12 |
| Vessel: | Boutique expedition-cruise catamaran (24m) |
On guided walks & shore excursions discover a spectacular harbour in the Southwest National Park & Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
| Ashore and afloat, this exclusive and immersive experience explores the wild rivers and magnificent coastlines of Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour and Melaleuca. Picnic on untracked beaches, hike to craggy mountain tops, and encounter native flora and fauna on guided hikes, shore and tender excursions. From rugged peaks to the soft lounges and boutique accommodation aboard our luxury expedition vessel, soak-up serene vistas and starlit landscapes of Tasmania’s south west. |
Why this is the adventure of a lifetime:
- Explore a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wilderness Area inaccessible by road and only experienced by a privileged few each year.
- See the calm, reflective waters of Bathurst Harbour, ringed by tannin-stained tributaries, quartzite peaks, ancient rainforests, and buttongrass plains, from the air on a scenic wilderness seaplane flight.
- Discover caves in wave-battered islands and land on isolated beaches lashed by the wild Southern Ocean on a tender excursion through the impossibly rocky coastline of Port Davey.
- Head into the wilds on daily guided walks and wilderness cruises led by local experts, returning to the comforts of a floating luxury lodge. (We think the lounges feel softer and the bubbles taste better for having conquered the mountain!)
Jason Charles Hill
INCLUSIONS:
- Daily guided walks, shore excursions & wilderness cruises by tender
- Tailored itinerary including hiking, historic sites, birdwatching, photography, beachcombing...
- Luxury accommodation on expedition-vessel Odalisque
- Return scenic wilderness flights from Hobart to Port Davey via seaplane
- Passionate & experienced local crew, including interpretive guide, skipper and chef
- All meals starring gourmet Tasmanian produce
- Fine Tasmanian wine and local boutique beer
- National Park entrance fees
- Use weatherproof rain poncho & expedition bag
FARES
| 4-night Port Davey Escape | $11,600 | $13,100 |
| 6-night Port Davey Escape | $15,400 | $17,600 |
Fares are per person, based on twin share.
EXPEDITION DATES
Port Davey Escape expeditions regularly depart from Hobart between December and May.
Expedition Highlights
Cruise the Davey River Gorge
Take a half-day tender excursion up the winding, Huon-pine lined bends of the pristine Davey River. Float past the age-old rainforest and navigate the narrow walls of a towering, rocky gorge - so close you can almost touch both sides.
Tranquillity of True Wilderness
Port Davey is a natural outpost on the outer rim of Australia. Next stop Antarctica. There are no roads, no towns, no phone reception, and, most of the time, no humans. Feel the serenity and peacefulness that goes with being a long way from civilisation.
Solitude on a Southern Ocean Beach
Stroll the untracked sandy expanse of Stephens Bay, a wild beach exposed to large Southern Ocean swells. This 4hr return walk takes in ancient Aboriginal middens, some of the largest in Australia, and shallow rock pools crawling with southern rock lobster.
Floating Luxury Lodge in the Wilderness
Hitting the water in January 2023, Odalisque III is brand new, providing boutique accommodation and an exclusive wilderness experience for just 12 guests. The 24m catamaran features six well-appointed cabins and spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas with expansive ocean views.
Be Guided by Local Experts
Head into the wilderness with our all-star crew. From the skipper to the hand-picked expert guides, our talented and passionate team are the heart of this unforgettable experience. Their intimate knowledge of Tasmania will connect people to place. Plus, they’re funny and love to share a story (or three).
Port Davey & the South West
The sequestered Port Davey region of southwest Tasmania is one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, with wild rivers, quartzite peaks and extensive waterways
Whilst it’s on the edge of the earth, it is far from the end of the world. There’s an endless possibility of adventures to have, creatures to meet and tales to tell.
Food & Wine
Meals are an indulgent culinary experience made from fresh seasonal Tasmanian produce
Our specialist chefs have been borrowed from some of Hobart’s top restaurants. Expect perfect picnics, freshly-baked cookies pulled from the oven just as hungry hikers return, and flavoursome feasts in what is quite possibly the most remote restaurant in Tasmania.
Choose from a splendid selection of cool climate wines, crisp craft beers and slow-sipping spirits. Drink in hand, sink into a soft lounge and take in the everchanging view.
Scenic wilderness seaplane flight
A special 40-minute flight from Hobart to the wilderness bookends this special experience. Guests fly on On Board's new dedicated seaplane, a Cessna Caravan, landing on Bathurst Harbour right next to expedition vessel Odalisque III.
Have questions? Get in touch with Pieter & Alice
On Board's expert team are available to chat between 9-5 pm every day
Call now or book a time to chat via video call. Email us anytime and we'll get back to you shortly. We're here to answer your questions.
Call on 0477 100 119
Book a Video Call with Piet or Alice
Departure Dates & Availability
Port Davey Escape expeditions regularly depart from Hobart between December and May. Check below for 2023/24 and 2024/25 season availability.
How would you like to travel with us?
Groups of Family & Friends
Unlock exclusive experiences with group bookings - and let us help with the organising.
Couples
Reconnect with each other through shared adventure and indulgence. Choose to join the group activities or enjoy a little time to yourselves.
Solo Travellers
Guests travelling solo are very welcome. There are a few different ways to travel with us.
Which expedition is right for me?
4-night Port Davey Escape
Our signature expedition provides a captivating snapshot of the region’s remote and unspoiled landscapes.
Those seeking a taste of this wild world will have four perfect nights in the wilderness to explore, reflect, reconnect and breathe in the fresh air. You’ll feel lighter after this pause in nature, we promise!
6-night Port Davey Escape
Leave it all behind, for seven exquisite days. This immersive experience allows extra time to take it slow or to dig deeper – which can be particularly appealing to those with a passion like walking, photography, history or birdwatching.
Over this extended period, there’s increased opportunity to unlock wild places accessed only on particular wind or tide. This special expedition departs just once a month.
Port Davey Expedition Map
Map your journey of discovery into Tasmania’s secluded south west. Itineraries are fluid, shaped by wind and weather, time and tide – and to the interests of our guests. From sea cave to mountaintop, ocean beach to river gorge, rainforest to button grass plain, here are the highlights of the harbour.
What an absolutely privilege it was to discover the South West Wilderness aboard this elegantly appointed expedition catamaran
A pristine Tasmanian destination that keeps on giving
Other ways to discover the South West
South Coast Cruise
Jump on board the bi-annual voyage between Hobart and Port Davey. This special multi-day expedition tracks the inaccessible and notoriously wild south coast of Tasmania, cruising past rugged headlands, remote coastal towns and secluded bays.
Port Davey Photography Expedition
Led by experienced wilderness photographer and guide Peter Marmion, capture the wild seas, reflective waterways, craggy cliffs and scenic sunsets of the south west in magic Autumn light. This annual floating workshop provides panoramic access to every angle of Port Davey’s captivating landscapes.