On Board
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Step on board for an expedition like no other On Board’s expedition cruises venture into Tasmania’s wildest corners. Explore remote lands where mountains rise from the deep, towering sea cliffs meet wild Southern Ocean and isolated islands hide pristine beaches. Experiences include: + Port Davey expeditions: 4-night or 6-night Port Davey Escape + East Coast Expedition + South Coast Cruise + Port Davey Photography Expedition + Exclusive Charters + Floating Functions & Events Tasmanian owned and operated since 1998, we know these waters intimately. Jump on board for the adventure of a lifetime.
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5.0
76 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jane E
1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Friends
A stunning trip to Maria Island. Privileged to have the opportunity to see the coastline on the luxurious Odalisque 3 with On Board Expeditions. The staff were first class professional and informative. The chef provided delicious Tasmanian cuisine and beverages. A remarkable experience and memory.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jane,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a stunning trip to Maria Island with us. It's always a privilege to share the beauty of Tasmania's coastline with our guests.
Creating lasting memories is what we're all about, and we're grateful to have been a part of your journey. We can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures!
Cheers, Piet, Alice, Jess and the On Board team.
Written 11 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bernadette L
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
I recently had a wonderful mini break to Tasmania’s East Coast on Odalisque 111. From the moment I was welcomed aboard I was made to feel at home. Our skipper Matt was fabulous along with Jess our hostess, chef Sharon and knowledgeable guides Peter and Doozie. All amenities were luxurious and along with magnificent Tasmanian food and wine made for an amazing trip. The scenery up the East Coast was spectacular and I would highly recommend you book an East Coast Escape with On Board.
Bernie
Bernie
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bernie,
We're thrilled to hear about your wonderful experience on Odalisque III during your East Coast mini-break in Tasmania. It's fantastic that you felt at home from the moment you arrived.
Our team, from Skipper Matt to Hostess Jess, Chef Sharon, and guides Peter and Doozie, all strive to provide unforgettable experiences. We're delighted that you enjoyed the luxurious amenities and the delicious Tasmanian food and wine.
Tasmania's East Coast is undeniably stunning, and we loved having you onboard. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another expedition with us in the future!
Cheers,
Piet, Alice, Jess and the On Board team.
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle W
Hobart1 contribution
Mar. 2023 • Couples
This trip to this amazing part of Tasmania was fantastic in so many ways. It had everything that we love: a sensibly sized custom built vessel, a float plane arrival, pristine wilderness, small numbers, amazing scenery, wonderful dinghy adventures to hard to get at places, delicious food, energetic walks, hot showers, flushing loos, warm cabins, big picture windows,
and enough wine, beer and gin to keep everyone totally satisfied. The Captain , Crew and Chef were terrific at their respective jobs and we just had a wonderful time. Each day was different, the weather was suitably Tasmanian, so changing constantly and we felt we were in very good hands the whole time. It was one of the most thoughtful and unique holidays that we have had. It is a credit to the owner, Pieter and family who have worked very hard to make this unique experience, such a success.
and enough wine, beer and gin to keep everyone totally satisfied. The Captain , Crew and Chef were terrific at their respective jobs and we just had a wonderful time. Each day was different, the weather was suitably Tasmanian, so changing constantly and we felt we were in very good hands the whole time. It was one of the most thoughtful and unique holidays that we have had. It is a credit to the owner, Pieter and family who have worked very hard to make this unique experience, such a success.
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michelle,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your trip to this remarkable part of Tasmania was such a fantastic experience on so many levels.
From our sensibly sized custom-built vessel to the thrill of a float plane arrival, it's evident that you embraced every aspect of your adventure.
Our dinghy adventures are a real highlight, providing access to those hard-to-reach places, and we're glad they left an impression. It's fantastic to know that you relished the delicious food, invigorating walks, and the comfort of our onboard amenities, from hot showers to warm cabins and those incredible picture windows.
Our Captain, Crew, and Chef will be over the moon to hear your praise. They are dedicated professionals who love what they do, and they're passionate about ensuring our guests have a wonderful time.
It's true that Tasmania's weather can be as diverse as the landscapes themselves, and we're pleased to hear that you felt safe and well-cared for throughout.
We hope to welcome you back onboard again in the future!
Cheers,
Piet, Alice, Jess and the On Board team.
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate W
1 contribution
Feb. 2023
Odalisque III is an amazing boat. The experience of Pieter and the On Board design team has shone through as they have captured everything you would want (and more) to make the voyage a comfortable and memorable one.
Due to weather, we didn't manage to utilise the outside area as much as we would have hoped, but having the large expansive windows in the two different lounging areas allowed you to still feel immersed in the scenery when you were on board. In your bedroom, if you left your blinds up, it was breathtaking to wake up in the morning and watch the views through the window or lay awake at night and watch the stars.
Special thanks must be given to our wonderful crew: Matt, Mark, BJ, Nancye and Courtney. They were an exceptional team that worked well together. Their passion and knowledge for the South West certainly showed and their generosity in sharing this enriched our trip. They never appeared to tire from our barrage of questions and were great fun to be with on and off the boat.
It was always a pleasure to deal with Alice or Jess in the office who helped us navigate our 'changed' booking over the past few years. The boat, the crew and the scenery were definitely worth the wait. It will be a trip I remember for a longtime.
Due to weather, we didn't manage to utilise the outside area as much as we would have hoped, but having the large expansive windows in the two different lounging areas allowed you to still feel immersed in the scenery when you were on board. In your bedroom, if you left your blinds up, it was breathtaking to wake up in the morning and watch the views through the window or lay awake at night and watch the stars.
Special thanks must be given to our wonderful crew: Matt, Mark, BJ, Nancye and Courtney. They were an exceptional team that worked well together. Their passion and knowledge for the South West certainly showed and their generosity in sharing this enriched our trip. They never appeared to tire from our barrage of questions and were great fun to be with on and off the boat.
It was always a pleasure to deal with Alice or Jess in the office who helped us navigate our 'changed' booking over the past few years. The boat, the crew and the scenery were definitely worth the wait. It will be a trip I remember for a longtime.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words about Odalisque III, the On Board Design Team, and our wonderful crew: Matt, Mark, BJ, Nancye, Courtney Alice and Jess. Their passion and knowledge for the South West are truly remarkable.
We are delighted that you appreciated the expansive windows that allowed you to feel immersed in the scenery and to wake up to breathtaking views. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience for all of our guests, so it is great to hear that you will remember this trip for a long time. Thank you again for taking the time to share your valuable feedback and we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!
Cheers,
Pieter, Alice, Jess and the On Board team.
Written 27 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maureen050751
Perth, Australia45 contributions
Feb. 2023
The 4 nights and 5 day we spent with the outstanding team on the Odalisque111 was totally memorable.
Our trip was booked pre covid, so it has been a long time coming. The team at the office has been incredible with any questions and keeping us informed of all changes. Thank you, Jess, and Alice. Always happy to answer emails promptly and it was great to meet them on our departure date.
The team of 5 that looked after us for the trip were Matt (Skipper) Mark (Guide) BJ (Host/guide) Nancye (Host/guide) Courtney (Chef). All of them had incredible knowledge of the vast area known as Port Davey, flora, fauna and the amazing history of the area (which is extensive)
Courtney is a very talented chef. What came out of that small galley was incredible. I have some dietary requirements which were met with no fuss at all. Conversations with Courtney about the meals and cooking in general were great. Thank you.
The vessel has been very well thought out and was pure luxury to be on. All decor and products on board were tops. The wine and drinks list were extensive.
The scenery and walks in the areas were all stunning. We were privileged to see a young Tasmanian Devil on the beach one morning and a pod dolphins swimming and playing as the boat traveled to a mooring. Azure Kingfisher, Orange bellied Parrot, Beautiful Fire tail and many other birds plus a little orchid know as a Parson’s Orchid. There was also many fungi which is one of my loves.
Well done to all the crew. We will do the trip again or the other trip up the East Coast
Our trip was booked pre covid, so it has been a long time coming. The team at the office has been incredible with any questions and keeping us informed of all changes. Thank you, Jess, and Alice. Always happy to answer emails promptly and it was great to meet them on our departure date.
The team of 5 that looked after us for the trip were Matt (Skipper) Mark (Guide) BJ (Host/guide) Nancye (Host/guide) Courtney (Chef). All of them had incredible knowledge of the vast area known as Port Davey, flora, fauna and the amazing history of the area (which is extensive)
Courtney is a very talented chef. What came out of that small galley was incredible. I have some dietary requirements which were met with no fuss at all. Conversations with Courtney about the meals and cooking in general were great. Thank you.
The vessel has been very well thought out and was pure luxury to be on. All decor and products on board were tops. The wine and drinks list were extensive.
The scenery and walks in the areas were all stunning. We were privileged to see a young Tasmanian Devil on the beach one morning and a pod dolphins swimming and playing as the boat traveled to a mooring. Azure Kingfisher, Orange bellied Parrot, Beautiful Fire tail and many other birds plus a little orchid know as a Parson’s Orchid. There was also many fungi which is one of my loves.
Well done to all the crew. We will do the trip again or the other trip up the East Coast
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Maureen!
We are so pleased to hear that the team at the office, the crew on the Odalisque111, and our wonderful Chef Courtney were all able to make your trip even more memorable.
The scenery and wildlife you encountered were truly special - we are fortunate to be able to offer such unique experiences in this part of the world. We look forward to welcoming you back for another trip soon!
Cheers,
Pieter, Alice, Jess and the On Board team.
Written 27 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clair M
4 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
We had an incredible experience on board the new Odalisque III. Beautiful interior spaces and such generous and comfortable cabins. The scenery was magical. I felt so relaxed and fulfilled after the trip! Can’t recommend it enough. Food and staff absolutely lovely. We’re pescatarian and they catered for that really well. Great wine list and an espresso machine on board which is a big tick from me!
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sharing your amazing photos!! Such a joy to have you and Ben onboard - and to share such a special milestone with you :)
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer M
1 contribution
Jun. 2022
Travelling along the east coast looking up at the cliff structures instead of looking
down & seeing the many capes, waterfalls & bays was a highlight. Being able to moore in Chinamans Bay & walk the southern end of Maria Island. The hove to anchorages were sheltered & peaceful places to sleep at night. The tenders to get us ashore were very comfortable & made it very easy to get ashore to see wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, swans, honey eaters, herons & many other small birds which provided photographic opportunities of unique Tasmanian wildlife. Catching tuna which were being chased by seals which showed us up close how skilful they are in their hunting prowess. Albatross flying over the boat while dolphins raced along beside us, keeping pace with Odalisque. Everything was top class on board with Chef Sharon providing delicious food & the delightful guide, Peter Marmion who is so well informed about everything to do with Tasmania. Skipper Pieter is so knowledgeable with all things seafaring making sure we were comfortable & happy. A wonderful time enjoyed by all. Jennifer & Ron
down & seeing the many capes, waterfalls & bays was a highlight. Being able to moore in Chinamans Bay & walk the southern end of Maria Island. The hove to anchorages were sheltered & peaceful places to sleep at night. The tenders to get us ashore were very comfortable & made it very easy to get ashore to see wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, swans, honey eaters, herons & many other small birds which provided photographic opportunities of unique Tasmanian wildlife. Catching tuna which were being chased by seals which showed us up close how skilful they are in their hunting prowess. Albatross flying over the boat while dolphins raced along beside us, keeping pace with Odalisque. Everything was top class on board with Chef Sharon providing delicious food & the delightful guide, Peter Marmion who is so well informed about everything to do with Tasmania. Skipper Pieter is so knowledgeable with all things seafaring making sure we were comfortable & happy. A wonderful time enjoyed by all. Jennifer & Ron
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback Jennifer & Ron - it was an absolute pleasure having you both aboard.
You're right, it's a very different perspective being able to look up at the coastline. We're glad you had such a great time, and some great encounters with the wildlife that we see along our shores. I'll pass your feedback onto the rest of the crew!
Cheers,
Pieter, Alice, Sam and the On Board team.
Written 19 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terry V
Hobart, Australia17 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
This was my 9th. visit to Port Davey over a time span of 50 years, the area is still beautiful and unspoiled compared to my 1st. visit all those years ago, whilst I had been many times on this trip I got to visit areas I had never been to before, Port Davey is huge and it would take weeks to see it all. The crew were very professional and good ambassadors for the region (it was a tribute to their caring and professionalism they checked the positioning of the bush walkers dinghies at the narrows and would have been prepared to reposition a dingy if it was out of sequence), I am in accord with what others have written in their reviews, the only thing I can add is the food and wines were excellent, upon my return I purchased similar wines, the Bellevue Estate Shiraz from the McLaren Vale [The only non Tasmanian wine they had was exceptional]
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us Terry - that's hit the nail on the head with exactly what keeps us so passionate about the Southwest. That it hasn't changed in those 50 years! Glad you also enjoyed our wines... they're an important part of any expedition.
Cheers,
Pieter, Alice, Sam and the On Board crew.
Written 19 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aimee L
Hobart, Australia1 contribution
Feb. 2022
This trip is so unique. What a special way to experience the remote South West of Tasmania. It’s true, at 33 and 40 years old we were the youngest aboard, but that just meant our wine drinking buddies could teach us a thing or two, and we didn’t have to feel bad about being out of breath at the top of a hike! Mountain hikes, tinny tours and beach walks. We didn’t sit still much. We definitely earned our happy hour, which conveniently occurs at any time you decide. Being out of phone/wifi reception was so refreshing! I was still able to identify and learn about the various types of sea anemone, dolphins, birds and aborigine culture using a hard-cover book, via an index - it’s been a while since I did that!
I’ve never eaten so much in my life. Shout out to Chef Courtney for 110% keeping us plentifully fed and for being so resourceful with leftovers (savoury muffin anyone?). Dietaries absolutely accommodated and accounted for. Shout out to our tour guide Pete who is hilarious and so charismatic and who knows everything about everything - what he doesn’t know he makes up but you’ll never know it ;) Shout out to our Skipper Pieter who has a lifetime of sea-worthy skill and knows how to keeps things real with a good story or two. Dining with the crew really is the best way to end the day. Our bunks were private and comfortable. There were plenty of blankets and heating to keep us warm. We had our own hot shower ensuite and plenty of room for our belongings. The scenery is stunning. The experience is unique. The stories are mind blowing. The people are unforgettable.
I’ve never eaten so much in my life. Shout out to Chef Courtney for 110% keeping us plentifully fed and for being so resourceful with leftovers (savoury muffin anyone?). Dietaries absolutely accommodated and accounted for. Shout out to our tour guide Pete who is hilarious and so charismatic and who knows everything about everything - what he doesn’t know he makes up but you’ll never know it ;) Shout out to our Skipper Pieter who has a lifetime of sea-worthy skill and knows how to keeps things real with a good story or two. Dining with the crew really is the best way to end the day. Our bunks were private and comfortable. There were plenty of blankets and heating to keep us warm. We had our own hot shower ensuite and plenty of room for our belongings. The scenery is stunning. The experience is unique. The stories are mind blowing. The people are unforgettable.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jon & Aimee - an absolute pleasure hosting you aboard Odalisque. We always find it hard to flick the phone back on when arriving back from the Southwest - it's a welcome escape from the day-to-day.
We'll pass this onto the crew, look forward to seeing you back on board soon.
Cheers,
Pieter, Alice, Sam and the On Board crew.
Written 19 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan L
6 contributions
Feb. 2022
We had an amazing experience aboard Odalisque. Beginning with the plane ride from Par Avion to Port Davey our guide was telling us about everything from the Huon Valley to the history, mountains and changing landscape as we landed in Melaluca.
On arrival we were greeted at the plane by Skipper Pete and Chef Courtney. Our bags were collected and sent ahead of us so that they would be waiting for us on arrival in our rooms on the boat. We saw the happy faces of the group who had just finished their trip and were getting ready to head back to hobart.
We spent some time exploring Melaluca’s bird observatory (Many Orange Belly Parrots spotted), aboriginal history and the old mining history with our guide Peter Marmion before getting on the tender and heading out to see Odalisque.
Over the next few days we experienced an amazing curated trip of the Bathhurst harbour and the 50+ years of experience between our guide and skipper.
Something that stands out about Tasmanian Boat Charters and the Odalisque crew is that while 6 of us had booked the trip it ends up feeling like there are really 9 of you on the trip (3 of whom just work a lot harder than the rest of us). Our Skipper, Guide and Chef all became such a great part of our experience that it would not have been the same without them.
This is truely a unique catered experience, the food is amazing and you certainly will no go hungry on this trip. Accommodation is very comfortable and it’s great having your own bathroom and hot shower onboard the boat.
Port Davey is one of those places you have to experience nothing I could right down here will really do it justice.
Highly recommend this trip as well as the entire team who run and operate Tasmanian Boat Charters
On arrival we were greeted at the plane by Skipper Pete and Chef Courtney. Our bags were collected and sent ahead of us so that they would be waiting for us on arrival in our rooms on the boat. We saw the happy faces of the group who had just finished their trip and were getting ready to head back to hobart.
We spent some time exploring Melaluca’s bird observatory (Many Orange Belly Parrots spotted), aboriginal history and the old mining history with our guide Peter Marmion before getting on the tender and heading out to see Odalisque.
Over the next few days we experienced an amazing curated trip of the Bathhurst harbour and the 50+ years of experience between our guide and skipper.
Something that stands out about Tasmanian Boat Charters and the Odalisque crew is that while 6 of us had booked the trip it ends up feeling like there are really 9 of you on the trip (3 of whom just work a lot harder than the rest of us). Our Skipper, Guide and Chef all became such a great part of our experience that it would not have been the same without them.
This is truely a unique catered experience, the food is amazing and you certainly will no go hungry on this trip. Accommodation is very comfortable and it’s great having your own bathroom and hot shower onboard the boat.
Port Davey is one of those places you have to experience nothing I could right down here will really do it justice.
Highly recommend this trip as well as the entire team who run and operate Tasmanian Boat Charters
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Jonathan - we are really glad you both enjoyed your time onboard Odalisque. An absolute pleasure having you onboard and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!
You're right - it's a unique part of the world and one that is hard to describe! Our privilege to be able to share it with you.
Kind regards,
Sam and the Tasmanian Boat Charters Team.
Written 3 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience