On Board expeditions is celebrating its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of rare and privileged access to Tasmania’s wild southwest, where fewer than 150 guests each year experience Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour aboard the purpose-built small expedition ship and ‘floating lodge’, Odalisque III, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia.
Founded by Pieter van der Woude and shaped into a family-led expedition experience over the past decade, On Board has become known for connecting guests to the landscapes, stories and flavours of Tasmania’s far southwest. Its recent inclusion in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 further underscores the significance of this rare Australian tourism experience on the global stage.
On Board’s anniversary shines a light on one of the country’s most exclusive wilderness experiences – a journey into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that combines seaplane access, small-group exploration and immersive time in the wilderness in one of Australia’s most remote and protected regions.
To mark the occasion, one lucky Australian resident and their guest will have the chance to win the experience of On Board’s signature four-night Port Davey Escape, including return scenic seaplane flights from Hobart and an all-inclusive stay aboard Odalisque III, the 24-metre purpose-built expedition catamaran representing the latest evolution of the On Board experience. To enter the competition, complete with a 100-word submission describing an imagined moment in Port Davey.
From the moment guests depart Hobart’s waterfront by seaplane, the journey reveals a part of Tasmania few ever see, sweeping over the Arthur Range, ancient forests and winding waterways before touching down beside the vessel in a landscape without roads, towns or conventional access.
Over four nights, expedition days unfold according to the time, tide and guest preferences, with guided walks, tender excursions, quiet encounters with remote shorelines and opportunities to witness wildlife including dolphins, seals and migratory birdlife in an environment shaped by weather, water and deep time.
The appeal lies in the rarity of access and the depth of connection to the Tasmanian wilderness. With a maximum of 12 guests on board, On Board offers a deeply personal way to experience the quartzite peaks, still waterways, cultural living history and elemental beauty of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Tasmanian produce, local wines and understated onboard luxury allow the wilderness to lead.
Luxury Lodges of Australia Executive Chair Penny Rafferty said On Board’s 10-year milestone reflected the spirit of innovation, exploration and warm hospitality that defines the collection, while also shining a light on one of the country’s most extraordinary and least-accessible wilderness experiences.
“We are so proud to celebrate the living legacy of innovation, exploration, creativity and hospitality created by the van der Woude family and their incredible team of passionate Tasmanian hosts, guides, skippers and chefs,” Ms Rafferty said.
“We extend our congratulations to the team at On Board on 10 years of remarkable expedition cruising and on the success of Odalisque III, which has introduced a new, purely Tasmanian expression of luxury hospitality and genuine discovery in Tasmania’s wild southwest wilderness,” she said.
On Board’s Port Davey Escape prize is valued at $23,200. Entries close on July 16, 2026, with the winner announced on On Board’s Instagram and Facebook. Entry details and conditions are available via the website here: https://onboardexpeditions.com.au/celebrating-10-years.
