Tasmanian expedition operator On Board is marking its 10-year anniversary with the launch of a special Port Davey Escape giveaway, offering travellers the chance to experience one of Australia’s most remote wilderness regions.
Decade milestone for Tasmanian expedition brand
The family-owned company is celebrating a decade of operations in Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed southwest, where it has built a reputation for intimate, place-led expedition experiences.
To mark the milestone, On Board is giving away a four-night Port Davey Escape expedition for two aboard its purpose-built vessel, Odalisque III.
Building a reputation in luxury expedition travel
Over the past 10 years, On Board has evolved into a recognised name in boutique expedition cruising, achieving milestones including:
- Membership of Luxury Lodges of Australia
- National recognition at the Australian Tourism Awards
- The launch of Odalisque III, built in Hobart using 98 per cent Tasmanian materials and suppliers
- Expansion into seaplane access through Above & Beyond Tasmanian Seaplanes
The company has also contributed to citizen science initiatives and wildlife conservation partnerships across the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Remote Tasmania at the heart of the experience
Operating in Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, On Board specialises in small-group expeditions focused on immersive exploration, sustainability and local storytelling.
Founded by diver and skipper Pieter van der Woude, the company has remained family-led since its official launch in 2016, with daughter Alice van der Woude helping shape the guest experience and brand direction.
“Port Davey has a way of setting the terms,” said Alice van der Woude, Director of Marketing and Experience.
“It is not something you arrive and conquer. It reveals itself slowly, and over time it becomes part of you.”
Luxury and sustainability combined
The 24-metre Odalisque III has been designed to deliver an intimate expedition experience, combining remote wilderness access with premium Tasmanian food and beverage offerings, including boutique wines and locally sourced produce.
As a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, On Board continues to position itself within the growing experiential luxury travel sector, targeting travellers seeking meaningful and low-impact adventures.
The anniversary campaign also follows recent international recognition, with On Board named on TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026” list.
