Luxury Lodges of Australia has expanded its collection for the first time in several years, welcoming Tasmanian expedition operator, On Board, into its elite stable.
Purpose-built for exploring Tasmania’s wild and remote frontiers, Odalisque III by On Board launched in in 2023. Odalisque carries a maximum of 12 guests in seven cabins to some of the farthest reaches of the state’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness.
On Board’s signature experience is a five-day discovery of Port Davey on the remote Southwest coast, a spectacular region inaccessible by road. Home to a protected marine park, the Southwest National Park and UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the vast Port Davey harbour region is one of the world’s few remaining places of raw, untamed beauty and the destination for epic, unforgettable adventures.
The Tasmanian-owned, family-operated experience begins and ends in Hobart with a 40-minute scenic seaplane transfer to the floating wilderness lodge. A feast of Tasmania’s finest sustainable seafood, wines and whiskies awaits, while lodgings offer all the soft luxuries, framed by expansive, ever-changing views of untouched waterways, peaks and forests via knee-to-ceiling windows.
Once in the Southwest National Park, guests join expertly guided adventures exploring Bathurst Harbour and its surrounding ancient rainforests, buttongrass plains and quartzite mountain peaks. Guests walk the untracked sands of wild Southern Ocean beaches and the islands, with a chance to spot rare and endangered wildlife and learn of Tasmania’s Aboriginal people and their culture and history.
Sustainability has been at the centre of Odalisque III’s design. With intimate groups of just 12 guests, a minimal footprint is maintained when exploring sensitive wilderness areas. All guests are inducted by expert guides and made familiar with biosecurity practices to protect the fragile environment. Food miles are kept to a minimum, and locally produced, crafted and created elements feature across every aspect of the boat.
Founder Pieter van der Woude said the family-operated business was thrilled to have On Board join Luxury Lodges of Australia.
“We feel very privileged to join some of Australia’s most innovative experiential tourism providers and together offer unforgettable, life-changing experiences of our nation’s landscapes, cultures and our style of warm, authentic Tasmanian hospitality,” said Mr van der Woude.
Penny Rafferty, Executive Chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia said the addition of On Board added to the depth and diversity of their portfolio of experiential luxury with its privileged access to rarely visited corners of the Tasmanian UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area.
“On Board’s carefully considered itineraries crafted and led by expert local guides with decades of experience along this coastline offer guests the kind of uniquely Australian experience that aligns perfectly with the Luxury Lodges of Australia DNA,” Rafferty said. “These experiences are a compelling complement to those at our other Tasmanian member, Saffire Freycinet. A great reason to plan an extended stay in Tasmania.”
Luxury Lodges of Australia’s other cruise member is True North Adventure Cruises.
Find out more about On Board here.
Celebratory Offer:
Cruise bookings with On Board made before 9 December 2023 will receive an AUD$1,800 travel credit per cabin towards their journey to Tasmania. Valid for travel dates between 10 November 2023 and 30 May 2024. For full offer details and to reserve your a cabin contact hello@onboardexpeditions.com.au or visit onboardexpeditions.com.au/luxury-lodges-celebratory-offer. Mention ‘Luxury Lodges Celebratory Offer’ at time of enquiry and booking.
