People & Purpose

Expedition vessel Odalisque III was constructed in Hobart using 98% local materials and suppliers, including the Huon pine tables of the dining room, the soft local-made mattresses and the purpose-built adventure boats for exploring.

Tinted glass has been used throughout to help keep the cabin temperature stable. With large picture windows throughout the vessel, the tinted glass reduces the reliance on air conditioners on hot days and the overall requirement for energy production.

More than 30 local artists’, producers’ and makers’ works are displayed on the vessel, including organic skincare by Milie Organics and exquisite hand-made sea-green crockery made by local potters Small Fires Studio. The onboard reference library is stacked with fiction and non-fiction works by local authors. The local flavour carries through to the crew, 100% of whom are Tasmanian.

Head chef Courtney Drew and her team of culinary professionals are passionate about using only the freshest local ingredients. This keeps food miles to a minimum with 100% of produce is Tasmanian-grown or supplied locally. Guests will sample Tasmanian pinots from family run vineyards, and taste their way through four craft beers and ciders on tap before feasting on freshly caught seafood.

To support the conservation of wildlife in Tasmania’s national parks, marine reserves and Wilderness World Heritage Area, On Board has partnered with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) on a citizen science project.

During the six-month Port Davey season, On Board surveys, records and reports sightings of target rare, threatened and migrating species, such as the ground parrot, hooded plover, and water rat, as well as introduced species such as the Pacific oyster and long-spined sea urchin. In partnership with the NRE, specific sites relevant to each species have been identified. For example, when visiting the Old and Davey Rivers on tender excursions, guests and crew monitor for the azure kingfisher. Guests are also involved in setting and reviewing animal activity recorded on motion detection cameras. Any opportunistic sightings by guests and crew are also recorded, along with information such as the GPS location and a description.

On Board partner with Raptor Refuge, which rehabilitate and protect Tasmanian raptors, helping raise awareness and to date have donated more than $10,000 towards this worthy cause. Responsible tourism is core to On Board’s business design and innately connected with their purpose to inspire, educate and connect guests to Tasmania’s wilderness areas.