New Seaplane Arrives in Hobart
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said the seaplane is a key part of the collaboration between On Board and Above & Beyond Tasmania.
“Above & Beyond’s new seaplane will provide door-to-door access from Hobart to On Board’s Odalisque at Port Davey,” Mr Heroys said.
The Cessna Caravan seaplane is the first of its kind in Hobart. On Board’s guests will now be able to depart Hobart’s waterfront and Cambridge aerodrome and touch down in style beside the new expedition vessel Odalisque III in the remote southwest wilderness. Multi-day expeditions range from four to six-night cruises aboard the new 24-metre catamaran, exploring Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour aboard the high-end ‘floating lodge’.
On Board’s Managing Director and Skipper Pieter van der Woude said the scenic wilderness seaplane flight is a key point of difference for the tourism experience. “It is a spectacular way to arrive in a remote wilderness area,” Mr van der Woude said. “As the flight leaves Hobart, civilisation quickly falls behind. Our guests realise how expansive the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is and how special Port Davey really is.”
Access to remote World Heritage Wilderness
Above and Beyond Director Henry Ellis said guests can choose different flight options (weather permitting).
“For instance, they may head out overland via the mighty Federation Peak en route to the luxurious vessel and return via Southwest Cape on a coastal route back to Hobart,” Mr Ellis said.
The Cessna Caravan has a capacity for up to 10 guests and can also be booked for scenic flights and private charters all over the State. The new plane will enable Above & Beyond to carry larger groups and reach more destinations. It can carry twice the number of passengers and travel 50 per cent faster than the existing seaplane, the de Havilland Beaver.
Mr Ellis said operating in the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, On Board and Above & Beyond are conscious about maintaining a light footprint. “The seaplane will land close to the vessel, with a limited number of landings each year.”
Mr van der Woude said Odalisque is his third boat, the first designed as an all-purpose abalone diving platform.
“We believe Odalisque III will redefine luxury in Tasmania”, the 24-metre catamaran catering for just 12 guests.
“The experience will merge indulgence with adventure, rewarding you for effort, fine fare, and exclusive access to remote locations few will ever reach.”
