Port Davey Luxury Cruise Experience

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