A small family-run Tasmanian tourism operator has put the state’s remote south-west on the global map, earning a place on TIME Magazine’s prestigious “World’s Greatest Places” list for 2026.
The Port Davey Highlights cruise, run by Hobart-based operator On Board, was recognised among the world’s most exceptional destinations – showcasing the raw beauty of Tasmania’s far south-west to an international audience.
The two-night cruise takes visitors through Tasmania’s remote Southwest National Park.
TIME Magazine described Port Davey as one of the “most remote and protected destinations on the planet”.
The publication highlighted the area’s pure air, dramatic headlands and pristine waterways in a location with no roads, towns or hotels.
Pieter van der Woude, founder and skipper, established On Board’s wilderness expeditions to share Tasmania’s far-flung coastal corners with those appreciative of natural and wild places.
His daughter Alice has worked alongside him since the business’ first expedition cruise to the south-west in 2016.
Alice said learning about the recognition from TIME was thrilling for the family.
“We’re a family-run operation operating off an island on the edge of the world,” she told Pulse.
“To be picked up in TIME, which is celebrated as a great international magazine … makes us feel very proud.”
“It feels like we’re doing things right.”
The business has operated expeditions for 10 years and launched its current vessel four years ago.
The Port Davey experience runs seasonally from December to May, while the company also offers east coast cruises and private charters.
Van der Woude said the company had already seen increased inquiries and bookings following the announcement.
“[It] just shows the strength of accolades in magazines like that,” she said.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark praised the recognition as exciting for the entire state’s tourism industry.
“Travellers are coming to Tasmania seeking authentic experiences they can’t find anywhere else,” Kingston Clark told Pulse.
What Pieter and his daughter Alice have built with On Board’s Port Davey Highlights experience is exactly that.”
“They’ve found a way to share one of our most remote and rarely seen corners with the world and done it with the kind of care that only comes from a lifetime of connection to a place.”
On Board’s Port Davey Highlights expedition was one of only four Australian inclusions on the list.
The others were the Sea Sea Hotel at Crescent Head in NSW, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in WA’s Pilbara and the Sydney Fish Markets.
