Melissa Findley
South Coast Cruise
An intimate expedition cruise along Tasmania’s wild and unseen southern edge
| Duration: | 4-night |
| Starts & ends: | Hobart |
| Destination: | South coast & southwest Tasmania |
| Cruise: | Hobart to Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour (or reverse) |
| Fly: | Scenic flight from Port Davey to Hobart (or reverse) |
| Guests: | Maximum 12 |
| Vessel: | Boutique expedition-cruise catamaran (24m) |
Discover a wild place that ex-diver (now On Board's owner) Pieter van der Woude used to call his second home
Explore a beautiful, notoriously exposed stretch of coastline normally reserved for the hardiest of bushwalkers and most fearless of fishermen – skipper Pieter van der Woude included. The southwest coast was for many years Pieter’s ‘office’ as an abalone diver. On our passage, there’s endless opportunity for visits to Pieter’s old haunts, picnics on untracked beaches, hikes to wilderness peaks and soaking up spectacular scenery from a soft lounge.
Why this is the experience of a lifetime:
- Cruise a wild, dramatic coastline seen by only a handful of lucky people each year
- Set foot on the remote beaches between rugged South East Cape and South West Cape
- Encounter the unexpected; each cruise is tailored and unique, the weather shaping the itinerary, daily activities and the evenings’ anchorages
- Explore the wilderness on tender and shore excursions led by local experts – then retire to the lavish comforts of a floating luxury lodge complete with fine Tasmanian fare and wine
Jimmy Emms
INCLUSIONS:
- Daily guided walks and tender excursions
- Tailored itinerary including walking, historic sites, birdwatching, photography, beachcombing...
- Accommodation onboard boutique-cruiser Odalisque
- Scenic wilderness flight via seaplane from south west to Hobart (or vice versa)
- Expert skipper, interpretive guide, host and chef
- All meals featuring gourmet Tasmanian produce
- Selection of fine Tasmanian wine and local boutique beer
- National park entrance fees
- Use of lifejacket and weatherproof rain poncho for tender excursions
FARES
| 4-night South Coast Cruise | $11,600 | $13,100 |
Fares are per person, based on twin share.
EXPEDITION DATES
Departures on this bi-annual cruise are strictly limited:
- 8-12 May 2024
- 2 - 6 December 2024
- 9 - 13 May 2025
South Coast Cruise Highlights
Encounter Wild Islands
See the wind-battered islands and ragged rocks which stretch along the exposed south coast. Pass Maatsuyker Island, home to Australia’s most southerly lighthouse, and part of a group of islands renowned for rich marine life and wild weather conditions.
Cruise Cape to Cape
Between South East Cape and South West Cape lies an extraordinary coastline woven with hidden bays, rugged mountain ranges and remote stretches of untrodden beaches. It’s a wet and wild kind of beauty here. Swells regularly reach six metres, wind gusts peak at 176km/h and there are 249 rain days/year on average.
Go Beyond the Beyond
Say goodbye to phone reception, roads and civilisation as you know it. Beyond South East Cape lies true wilderness, only experienced by a privileged few. We’ll have the ocean to ourselves, bar the odd fishing vessel and a lonely yacht on the horizon.
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 host and 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
Start or finish the special expedition with a 40-minute flight between Hobart and Port Davey. Guests fly on On Board's new dedicated seaplane, a Cessna Caravan, landing on or taking off from 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 to or from Tasmania’s secluded south west. The special cruise around the south coast either starts or ends in the Port Davey region. Depending on wind and weather, time and tide, and guest interests, our itinerary may allow for days to explore this safe harbour before taking flight or voyage back to Hobart. From sea cave to mountain top, ocean beach to river gorge, rainforest to button grass plain, here are the highlights of the harbour.
Magic - pure magic
Join the ranks of the privileged few
Other Ways to Discover the South West
Port Davey Escape Expeditions
Explore a remote and spectacular harbour at the edge of the world. This Wilderness World Heritage-listed area is inaccessible by road and only experienced by a privileged few each year. Over four to six nights, venture into untouched lands of majestic quartzite mountains, mirror-calm waterways and wave-battered coastlines.
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.