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Discovery and Cruising
Activities
  • 5 days cruising
Accommodation
  • 4 nights aboard Odalisque III
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$11600AUD

Trip Code: OPD

Trip highlights


  • 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.
  • 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.
  • There’s an endless possibility of adventures to have, creatures to meet and tales to be told. Remember, itineraries are tailored and fluid. So specific interests – perhaps botany or bird-watching – can be catered for by our experienced, hand-picked guides.
  • Visit a remote and spectacular harbour experienced by just a privileged few each year.

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!)

Activities:

Itinerary

Your experience begins with a scenic wilderness flight aboard our dedicated seaplane, landing on the water directly next to expedition vessel Odalisque III. Your meeting point for this flight experience is conveniently located centrally on Hobart’s waterfront, near Franklin and Macquarie Wharfs. Experiences either start at 7.45 am (for an 8.30 am flight) or 10.45 am (for an 11.30 am flight). You will be advised prior to departure as to your individual flight times and the exact location of the meeting point. Please ensure you have eaten breakfast before arriving. On the flight, you will get a bird’s-eye view of the jagged mountain ranges and rugged coastline of the vast Southwest National Park and a feel for just how far Port Davey is from civilisation. You will be able to choose from different flight options. Weather allowing, the flight will head out overland via the mighty Federation Peak en-route to our luxurious vessel and return via Southwest Cape on a coastal route back to Hobart. Our itineraries are as changing as the wind and tide in this remote, wild country. Our crew will develop a daily itinerary based on the latest weather report, and guests’ interests - whether that be hiking, beachcombing, bird spotting, history lessons or simply soaking up the scenery from Odalisque. Every experience is unique and tailored. Below we have includes some southwest highlights to give you an idea of how you might spend your days. Upon booking, please advise us of your interests in the area so that we may accommodate them.

Meals:  L,D

Climb wilderness peaks - Stretch your sea legs with a hike. Peaks such as Mt Rugby, Mt Stokes, Mt Beattie and Balmoral Hill offer top-of-the-world vistas of distant ranges, languid waterways and remote coastline. Scenic strolls - For those wanting something less heart-testing, there are plenty of walks along deserted beaches, through the rolling, prehistoric hills and to historic mining and pining sites. Rainforest to buttongrass - It’s a choose your own adventure here. Walk all different aspects of this beautiful country, from ancient rainforests to buttongrass plains, from celery top pine-crusted islands to pristine, sandy beaches. Untracked beaches - Wander pristine beaches backed by huge dunes, unmarked except for marsupial footprints. Stephens Bay, bordered by the Southern Ocean, is our favourite cove for a gentle seaside stroll and refreshing ocean dip. Far-flung islands - The jagged Breaksea Islands guard the entrance to Port Davey, protecting the harbour from the wild swells of the Southern Ocean. By tender, head ashore for sunset drinks on the Celery Top Islands, a group of tiny islands nestled in the middle of Bathurst Harbour. Remote river gorge - Marked by steep rocky cliffs, the Davey River Gorge is tucked up the tannin-stained waters of the peaceful, lower reaches of the Davey River. This pristine river is the only major river system in Australia utterly untouched by humankind.

Meals:  B,L,D

Secret sea caves - On a calm day, explore the hidden network of sea caves of the wave-battered Breaksea Islands. When there is swell, admire the impossibly rocky coastline, blowholes and arches from a distance. Winding, wild rivers - Explore the meandering, Huon pine-lined bends of pristine riverine environments. The Old and Davey Rivers are two of our favourites, their tannin-stained waters feeding into Bathurst Harbour and their banks home to azure kingfishers. Birdwatching & photography - Shallow inlets and sheltered lagoons, like Moulters Inlet, are a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike. Tender excursions into these areas reveal mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks and plenty of native waterfowl, including swans and ducks. Rare orange-bellied parrots - This threatened bird is one of only two species of migrating parrots. At last count, there were just 140 left in the wild. During the breeding season (January to March), we have an excellent chance of spotting this brightly-coloured creature from the viewing hides at Melaleuca. Where the wild things are - In nature’s playground, decipher the tracks of wallabies, quolls, wombats and Tasmanian devils. Check for overnight activity from the nocturnal residents, with the aid of night-vision motion-detection cameras. Scan sea and sky for dolphins, seals and native birdlife, including eagles, albatross, azure kingfishers and ground parrots. Sea whips and sea pens - Within the dark-tannin waters of the marine reserve live delicate animals normally only found in the murky depths of the ocean, including sea pens, sea whips and corals. Only seen by experienced divers, these creatures are an important part of this area’s fragile marine ecosystem, holding a special place in our hearts.

Meals:  B,L,D

Aboriginal cultural heritage - Go back in time and discover evidence of a long and unceded indigenous occupation. Take an interpretive walk that shares the story of the Needwonnee people of the south west. Tales of piners and miners - The area has a rich history of pining, mining and fishing which has left its mark. Examine the tin mining sites at Melaleuca, hear stories of the ‘King of the Wilderness’ Deny King and explore an old fisherman’s shack on the edge of the rainforest. Dinner-table stories with your guide - Hear colourful tales of the characters who shaped the region’s recent history – from romantic-but-doomed explorers to hardy Huon-pine lumberjacks, from brave crayfishers to drunken whalers. Our guides know it all. And what they don’t, they make up with a smile. Lose yourself in reflections of a prehistoric world - The mirror-calm, tannin-stained waters of Bathurst Harbour reflect untouched, natural landscapes. Reflections so perfect, it’s hard to tell up from down. Which is just how we like it. Scenic sunsets at Bramble Cove - Settle in for the evening to watch the show as the sun sets on the textured, rocky mountains which rise to the heavens from the shores of the sheltered anchorage at Bramble Cove.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your experience ends with a return scenic seaplane flight back to Hobart. The finishing point is on Hobart’s waterfront, near Franklin and Macquarie Wharfs. Return times to Hobart are generally between 3 and 6 pm. These can vary and will be confirmed closer to departure. We highly recommend that guests do not arrange onward travel for at least 24 hours after the experience’s scheduled end time in case there are any delays to flights.

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • Daily guided walks, shore excursions & wilderness cruises by tender
  • Tailored itinerary including walking, historic sites, birdwatching, photography, beachcombing...
  • Luxury accommodation onboard expedition-vessel Odalisque
  • Expert local crew including interpretive guide, skipper, host and chef
  • Return scenic flights from Hobart to the southwest wilderness via seaplane
  • All meals featuring gourmet Tasmanian produce
  • A curated range of local wine, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Weatherproof rain poncho for tender excursions
  • Use of waterproof expedition bag for luggage transfer

  • Airfares to/from Tasmania
  • Accommodation before and after the trip
  • Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Suitability

Discovery and Cruising

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This adventure requires a reasonable level of fitness, and we believe that any adventure holiday is more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit. During the day you’ll carry your own daypack, in which you’ll have your lunch, a water bottle, camera, etc. You will also need to be able to get in and out of the tender boats that are used for the excursions each day. You can choose from a range of daily activities including swimming, historic sites, birdwatching, photography and hiking.


Departure dates


Notes

NB:
Our Coastal Cabins are our included Standard Cabin. You may pay a supplement to upgrade to our Southwest Suites.
NB:
In addition to the World Expeditions deposit, you will also be required to pay an additional deposit of 20% of the trip cost (paid in your local currency at the current rate of exchange). The balance of the tour price is payable 90 days prior to departure.

Priceper person from

$11600AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Port Davey Luxury Cruise Experience trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

We are happy to cater to dietary requirements, please just let us know at the time of booking. We’re also happy to be advised of major dislikes so that our chef can design a menu accordingly.

We support multi-generational travel and welcomes guests of all ages aboard Odalisque. Guests wishing to indicate their preferences concerning travelling with children are encouraged to advise us when making a booking

Power is available onboard to charge up any devices, including cameras. Odalisque is equipped with 240v household power points and USB charging stations in the cabins and lounge areas.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December, January, February and March. Autumn has still, sunny days and particularly beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Winter runs from June through August, a time particularly delightful in the mild year-round climate of Tasmania’s east coast. As Tasmania sits beside the Southern Ocean, exposed to the wild winds of the Roaring Forties, the climate can vary greatly - on any given day.

The average maximum daily summer temperatures sit between 17 and 23°C and winter daily temperatures between 3 and 11°C.

Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, with an average of 626 mm is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while the southwest coast’s annual average of 2,100 mm ensures the rainforest and buttongrass thrive.

We provide an all-inclusive experience. The only additional fees are purchases from our top-shelf drinks list, which is an optional addition to our splendid selection of cool climate wines, crisp craft beers, slow-sipping spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

Our expedition cruises don’t run to a set itinerary. Rather, we tailor each experience to suit guests’ interests, guided by the weather. The experience can be as active or as relaxing as you like – there are plenty of opportunities to go ashore for walking, beachcombing and birdwatching, or you may prefer to choose a soft lounge aboard the Odalisque, sip a boutique Tasmanian beer and take in the wilderness scenery from a soft lounge aboard Odalisque.

The expert wilderness guide, who knows everything there is to know about the history, plants and wildlife of the area, will plan your daily tender and shore excursions. The next day’s adventures are often the topic of conversation around the dinner table the night before.

Solo travellers are welcome aboard Odalisque. We provide the following three options.

Single occupancy fares are available for a private cabin and guaranteed departure on a particular expedition. Single occupancy fares are available less 25% of the twin-share rate.

Standby Singles is available to guests who are flexible with their travel times. Guests are placed on a standby list for their preferred expedition and will be contacted 30 days prior to departure should there be availability. Alternatively, you can view expeditions departing in the next 30 days here and contact us to book if you see availability. Standby Singles will only be charged at the twin-share rate per person (no single supplement).

Single Guest Match is suitable for guests who are flexible in their departure dates and willing to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender. Like the Standby Singles, they will be placed on a standby list and will be notified as soon as a match becomes available. Once confirmed, they will only be charged at the per person rate (no supplement charged). Unlike the Standby Singles, it is possible to obtain confirmation well ahead of departure if we can match you with another solo traveller of the same gender happy to share a cabin.

We tailors activities to suit guests of all abilities and interests. Walking is a popular activity in our itineraries, and with options ranging from 15 minutes to 6 hours, there’s always something for everyone. Your crew will advise guests of the difficulty level of any walks prior to departure. If a certain activity is not for you, we will provide an alternate activity. For all excursions, our crew are always on hand for guidance and assistance.

Should you have any physical limitations or mobility issues, please notify our reservations team prior to your departure.

If you have any questions about the activities or are concerned about whether our cruise expeditions can cater to your fitness level, please get in touch.

Absolutely nothing! Our guides will carry anything that you might need on any day walks. Of course, you are welcome to carry your own day pack. In fact, some guests prefer to carry their camera, water bottle and a warm layer.

You’ll need to bring comfortable activewear suitable for a range of activities – from hiking to cruising in the tender – appropriate for the range of weather conditions we’ll be exposed to – from hot, sunny and still to cold, windy and wet. Guests may like to change out of the day’s expedition attire into something fresh for dinner, but we like to keep it casual and relaxed onboard. There is no dress code for dining. For more information, please take a look at our pre-departure information sheet

We recommend taking a pair of lightweight and sturdy hiking boots, as some of the walking tracks can be muddy, rutted or overgrown.

You’ll also need to take a second pair of shoes for wearing when on the vessel. Trust us, you’ll be wanting something dry and clean to put on. We recommend a shoe that’s comfortable and easy to get on and off eg. Sneakers or ‘boat shoes’.

A full list of what to pack can be found in the pre-departure gear list.

There is limited phone reception in Tasmania’s coastal waters, with reception patchy at best.

In the Port Davey region, there is no mobile phone reception at all. We see this as an opportunity for total escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is however a satellite phone which guests can be reached on, should any friends or family need to make urgent contact.

When packing for your expedition we recommend that all guests pack lightly and into one soft luggage bag.

Guests joining us on an expedition itinerary with a light aircraft flight are limited to 12kg per person of personal luggage (including carry-on) as weight restrictions apply. Any luggage which exceeds the 12kg per person allowance can be stored with our Hobart team, with all bags weighed upon check-in.

For convenience and protection against the elements on all expeditions, we provide a waterproof expedition bag made of soft, weatherproof canvas for guest use on all expeditions. The bag is approximately 48cm long with a diameter of 34cm and a capacity of 45l.

The waters that Odalisque cruises in are generally quite calm, as they’re mostly protected from the swells of the Southern Ocean. This is particularly the case on the Port Davey Escape and Southwest Immersion expedition cruises, which operate within the safe harbour of Port Davey.

Only a short period of any expedition will be in open sea, therefore for the majority of the experiences guests will find the conditions generally fine. We also design itineraries and routes with the comfort of guests in mind. We do recommend that passengers who have a history of travel sickness or are concerned to bring their own sea sickness medication as a precaution.

Flights into Tasmania’s south west will not depart in extremes of weather and poor visibility. As such, changes to scheduled flight departure times can and do occur, with delays of several hours not unexpected. This is the nature of travelling to such a remote area.

In the event of inclement weather or if the flight provider is unable to operate the flight for any reason, we will work with the flight provider to ensure that guests are transferred on the next available day/time window in which the transfer can proceed safely.

In relation to flight changes of 12 hours or more, the following policy applies:

-Where there is a delay to the scheduled start date by 12 hours or more, guests will be provided with one of the following options:

1. Where circumstances allow, the operator will endeavour to extend the experiences’ scheduled end date (eg. by an additional day) to match the scheduled duration. This requires guests to have flexibility in their itinerary to allow for such an extension. We strongly recommend that guests do not arrange onward travel for at least 24 hours after the scheduled end date and time.

2. The operator will provide an experience of a shortened duration within the scheduled dates. In most cases, this will be an experience no more than one night shorter than the scheduled duration. In this case, guests will be compensated for the shortened duration. A refund will be calculated based on a per night rate less 25%, and offered for each night the booked duration has been shortened. The per night rate is calculated by dividing the expeditions’ total cost by the total scheduled duration in nights.

3. Transferring payments to another available departure date

-Where there is a delay to the scheduled end time by 12 hours or more, guests will stay an extra night(s) aboard Odalisque and will be charged a per night rate at a 25% discount. The night rate is calculated by dividing the expedition’s total cost by the total scheduled duration in nights.

-Where the scheduled end time is brought forward by 12 hours or more, guests will receive a refund calculated on a per night rate less 25%, and offered for each night the booked duration has been shortened. The per night rate is calculated by dividing the expeditions’ total cost by the total scheduled duration in nights.

World Expeditions or our operator will not be held liable for any costs of guests associated with their travel, accommodation or any other matter due to any flight on any aircraft which does not proceed as scheduled. We highly recommend that guests ensure their travel insurance policy covers any costs associated with flight delays.

We highly recommend that guests do not arrange onward travel for at least 24 hours after the experience’s scheduled end time.

We will request details of any onward travel or accommodation upon your return to Hobart, so that in the case of any delays, alternative arrangements can be made on your behalf.


Trip reviews


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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