Port Davey Escape Wild Walks Expedition
A luxury guided walk & expedition cruise in Tasmania's remote World-Heritage Wilderness Area
| Duration: | 4-night |
| Starts & ends: | Hobart |
| Destination: | Southwest Tasmania |
| Access: | Return scenic wilderness flights |
| Cruise: | Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour |
| Walk: | Remote tracks of Port Davey & South Coast |
| Guests: | Maximum 12 |
| Vessel: | Boutique expedition-cruise catamaran (24m) |
Hike sections of the South Coast & Port Davey Tracks, the Southwest National Park's most iconic walks
Discover the best walks and hikes in Port Davey, Bathurst Harbour and Melaleuca on a luxury guided walking holiday. Over five days, we’ll take you on the most epic, scenic wilderness walks that lie in the far corners of this remote harbour, accessible only by boat and with local knowledge.
This annual expedition, led by expert guides, is for active adventurers with a passion for walking. The experience makes the most of the long daylight hours during Tasmania’s summer with extended hikes along untracked beaches, up craggy mountain tops, through rainforest and over buttongrass plains. On Board’s purpose-built adventure boats will provide scenic cruise transfers to the start of the walking tracks (and back again). Expect 4-6 hours of walking each day, carrying just a day pack. The reward? Breath-taking vistas over prehistoric landscapes and vast harbours - and at the end of each day, return to the soft lounges and boutique accommodation aboard our luxury expedition vessel for a feast of fresh Tasmanian seafood and sparkling wine.
Our expedition itineraries are fluid, shaped by wind and weather, time and tide – and to the interests of our guests. Some of the top walks & experiences are:
- Summit wilderness peaks like Mt Beattie, Mt Rugby and Mt Stokes
- Explore a wild Southern Ocean beach on the trek from Spain Bay to Stephens Bay and beyond
- Walk the South Coast Track from Melaleuca to New Harbour Range
- Explore the winding bends and towering gorge of the Davey River
- Take the Port Davey Track from Bathurst Narrows via Horseshoe Inlet to Forest Lagoon South
Why this is the adventure of a lifetime:
- Rare opportunity to access remote wilderness walks within Tasmania’s Southwest National Park and UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Wilderness Area, accessible only by boat and local knowledge.
- Complete remote and breathtaking walks each day including sections of Tasmania’s iconic Port Davey Track and South Coast Tracks, carrying just a day pack.
- After the day’s adventures, savour the comforts of our floating luxury lodge, expedition vessel Odalisque III. (We think the lounges feel softer and the bubbles taste better for having conquered the mountain!)
- Return scenic wilderness flights over the tannin-stained tributaries, quartzite peaks, ancient rainforests, and buttongrass plains of Southwest National Park – a walker’s paradise.
Mark Daffey
INCLUSIONS:
- Daily guided walks and a tailored expedition itinerary
- Luxury accommodation on expedition-vessel Odalisque
- Return scenic wilderness flights via seaplane from Hobart to Port Davey
- Passionate & experienced local crew, including walking guide, skipper and chef
- All meals starring gourmet Tasmanian produce
- Fine Tasmanian wine and local boutique beer
- National Park entrance fees
- Use of weatherproof rain poncho & expedition bag
FARES
| 4-night Port Davey Escape | $11,600 | $13,100 |
Fares are per person, based on twin share.
EXPEDITION DATES
This special expedition departs only once a season. Upcoming departure dates are:
- 8-12 January 2025
Also available by request.
Expedition Highlights
Conquer Mt Rugby
At 771m, Mt Rugby, the highest peak in the area, stands tall over Bathurst Harbour and Bathurst Channel. Walkers taking on the 6-hour hike from sea to summit are rewarded with phenomenal panoramic views over the World-Heritage Wilderness Area and Marine Reserve.
Hike a wild Southern Ocean Beach
The Spain Bay to Stephens Bay walk meanders over buttongrass plains to a pristine ocean beach exposed to wild swells. Pause along the way to appreciate ancient Aboriginal cultural living site, some of the largest in Australia, shimmering with the abundance of old lives.
Walk the South Coast Track
The South Coast Track is renowned as one of Tasmania’s premier multi-day wilderness walks. Complete the section from Melaleuca to New Harbour Range as a day walk. Great photography opportunities lie out over the windswept bays of the island’s southernmost corner.
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
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.
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.
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 a special place
A haven for boaties, birdwatchers and bushwalkers on a boutique cruise
Join the ranks of the privileged few
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 Escape Expeditions
Over four to six nights, venture into untouched lands of majestic quartzite mountains, mirror-calm waterways and wave-battered coastlines in a remote harbour at the edge of the world. Itineraries on this immersive wilderness experience are tailored to guest interests, including photography.