Port Davey Escape Wild Walks Tasmania Expedition
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
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.
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.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Coastal Cabin
Southwest Suite
Vessel Type: Catamaran
Length: 24 metres
Passenger Capacity: 12
Built: 2022
Brand-New Expedition Catamaran
Purpose-built in 2022 for an intimate wilderness experience in Tasmanian waters, the vessel houses just 12 guests in its six stylish cabins. Aboard there are two spacious guest lounges, three outdoor viewing decks and an open bridge – all with magnificent water aspects. Go beyond your comfort zone without giving up your creature comforts, on Odalisque III.
Tender Vessels
Daily tender excursions are made aboard our two tenders – 15ft aluminum dinghies which we affectionately call ‘tinnies’. These twin tinnies are versatile, safe and fast vessels. They’re well suited to handling the weather conditions of Tasmanian waters, which can change quickly, and have comfortable, stable seating. These tenders are ideal for exploring rocky inlets and sea caves, due to their maneuverability and easy handling.
Our tinnies were built to handle the best (and worst) of Tasmania’s wind, rain and waves. So that our guests too can head out whatever the weather, On Board provides weatherproof rain ponchos for all tender excursions.
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 III
• 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
Exclusions
• Travel insurance;
• Pre- and post-departure travel arrangements, including accommodation and transport to the collection point and from the return point designated by On Board;
• Any expenses not defined as an inclusion in the pricing including tips, personal clothing, medical expenses, items of a personal nature and emergency evacuations (air or sea, including emergency evacuation aboard the vessel Odalisque)
Small Ship Cruise
Highlights
• 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.
Our Associates Include
