{"id":75643,"date":"2024-04-02T12:30:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T01:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au\/?p=75643"},"modified":"2024-04-05T11:05:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T00:05:29","slug":"on-board-luxury-tasmania-expedition-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au\/on-board-luxury-tasmania-expedition-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive access to Tasmania\u2019s wilderness on a luxury catamaran"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1712022559796{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Discover the untamed wilderness of Tasmania\u2019s southwest on <\/strong><\/em>Odalisque III<\/strong>, a luxurious one-of-a-kind boutique catamaran with On Board Expeditions.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

After a 50-minute flight from Hobart, the seaplane skims across glassy water, and I catch sight of skipper Pieter van der Woude standing on the deck of his gleaming new catamaran. With a flagpole flying the Red Ensign, used by ships registered in Australia, intricate Indigenous art on the hull and nipaluna\/Hobart painted on the stern, not only was Odalisque III<\/em> clearly built locally, but connection to place is woven into every part of this classy vessel. \u201cWe want to highlight local artisans and producers,\u201d Van der Woude says proudly \u2013 he hung up his flippers and snorkel as an abalone diver to start small-scale tourism operations. Little did he know that his venture with On Board would go on to take out gold at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards<\/a> for Best New Tourism Business.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_CNuuwUS6SI”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1712022957204{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What to expect on board Odalisque III<\/em><\/h3>\n

The new expedition-cruiser Odalisque III<\/em><\/a> has been custom-built to offer a new level of luxury boutique accommodation. It provides unparalleled design made for just 12 guests. Six luxe cabins all feature queen sized beds with private ensuites. Grand windows offer panoramic views, meaning you, literally, wake each day to a different view of Tasmania’s coast. While d\u00e9cor is a nod to the dramatic colours of the southwest or the soft, sandy hues of the east coast. Bed linen is screen printed with Tasmanian botanicals like kelp and a rare flowering holly, lomatia Tasmanica<\/em>.<\/p>\n

From picture windows in the cabins framing the wilderness to striking art installations, organic toiletries made from the oil of Tasmanian trees, and handmade sea-green coloured crockery, it has a luxury wilderness lodge vibe \u2013 on water. So much so, the Odalisque III<\/em> is already a member of the prestigious Luxury Hotels of Australia and partnered with Saffire Freycinet<\/a> for an ultimate coast-to-coast experience.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”5″ images=”75652,75651,75743″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1667400300826{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1597204195011{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column]\n onboardexpeditions.com.au<\/span>\n <\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1712023496909{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Discover World-Heritage Wilderness<\/h3>\n

On Board\u2019s exclusive Port Davey mooring offers unique access to remote locations inaccessible by road. Port Davey is part of the Southwest National Park, filled with a stunning rugged landscape between the Southern Ocean and Bathurst Harbour. Tailored itineraries explore the wilderness on foot and by boat. Four- or six-night itineraries include daily guided walks, shore excursions, and return scenic wilderness flights from Hobart to Port Davey.<\/p>\n

And with two tinnies (tenders) at the ready, you have the opportunity to explore the Breaksea Islands.\u00a0The Breaksea Islands are a chain of jagged isles, rising from the sea like sentinels. History is etched into the sculptured lines and craggy overhangs of the 12-metre quartzite walls.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”75654″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1712023722965{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Activities<\/h3>\n

Stretching over an area three times the size of Sydney Harbour, as part of Tasmania\u2019s Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), Port Davey together with Bathurst Harbour is home to myriad of natural treasures waiting for you to explore. See the rich and rugged landscapes with guided walks across the mountain peaks of Balmoral Hill, filled with local wildlife. Discover the sea caves, serene rivers, and estuaries of breathtaking Bathurst Harbour. Take a tender vessel to Davey River Gorge and wander through an ancient forest of Huon pine. Kick off your shoes and walk the fine sands of the Southern Ocean by Stephens Bay. Activities cater to all your nature and adventure-seeking tastes.<\/p>\n

Every day brings a new adventure. Fire-red sunrises greet our mornings, the sinking sun paints the sky pink and orange. There are no roads. Apart from light aircraft, the only way in is by boat or a seven-day hike. Cocooned in nature, the outside world ceases to exist. Devices fall silent, replaced by the art of conversation. You will tread softly through forests and meander along narrow tannin-stained waterways.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1597204171231{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”5″ images=”75741,75649,75752,75751″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1673504928315{margin-bottom: -10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1673510401381{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Sustainable and self-contained<\/h3>\n

Built in Hobart with a focus on using local materials and designed to have a low impact on the environment, Odalisque III<\/em> is fully self-contained, including black water holding tanks working to Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Parks and Wildlife Service standards. Artisan makers crafted much of the furniture, including handmade ceramics, tableware, and artwork, in Tasmania. Tinted glass avoids excess air-conditioning, and cruises avoid single-use plastic. All just some of the sustainable practices on board.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”75753″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Wine and dine as you cruise Tasmania<\/h3>\n

Come nightfall, reward yourself after a day of activity with sundowners on the boat deck. Or relax in the elegant Wheelhouse Lounge with a glass of sparkling wine. Before feasting on Tasmania’s finest produce created by a private chef. From backstraps of Doo Town venison and platters of crayfish plucked by divers in nearby waters, to heirloom vegetables grown in the Huon Valley, dishes are a feast for our eyes as much as palates \u2013 and of course each is paired with fine Tasmanian fine wines, beers, ciders or whiskies.<\/p>\n

The Wheelhouse Lounge has sumptuous soft seating, surrounded by books and artworks by talented Tasmanian artists, including Michaye Boulter, is an elegant spot to end an active day.\u00a0The bar is fully stocked with local sparkling wine, award-winning Tasmanian Pinot, and four Tasmanian beers on tap. Its open helm creates a relaxed feel to mingle with other travellers and dive deep into conversation with the skipper. With expansive water views, multiple lounges and outdoor dining spaces, and a sun deck, Odalisque III<\/em> is the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of catamarans that doesn’t compromise comfort.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”75826″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Sensational sea-to-plate dishes<\/h3>\n

Head chef Courtney Drew creates fine dining dishes that celebrate the best of Tasmanian produce, working with local suppliers and the seasons on tantalising recipes. The intimate dining room is made for a casual dinner party with plush leather bench seating and more of those stunning panoramic views.<\/p>\n

Sea-to-plate dishes with Tasmanian seafood like crayfish, oysters, and abalone are freshly plucked from the sea to make seafood risotto or a bowl of delicate Spring Bay mussels. Plus, a decadent selection of dishes from the land – Wallaby shanks and slowly braised beef cheek \u2013 are just a few current menu favourites.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”5″ images=”75742,75648,75824,75825″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1667545840690{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Oyster image \u00a9 Dearna Bond<\/em><\/h5>\n

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Bespoke Tasmania cruise itineraries<\/h3>\n

Signature experiences are tailored to you including a 3-hour river cruise up the wide, tree-lined bends of the Davey River. To delving into the sea caves of the Breaksea. Or visit the remote, ex-tin-mining settlement of Melaleuca and tread the Needwonnee Walk to uncover the tales of the traditional custodians of Tasmania. Excursions are led by an experienced local crew who shares their insightful knowledge to bring each location to life.<\/p>\n

Locally owned and family-operated since 1998, On Board knows the Tasmanian waters intimately. To create the most indulgent Tasmania cruise adventures on its southern coast.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1597204195011{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column]\n Cruise Tasmania with On Board<\/span>\n <\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]