Journey Beyond adds Monarto Safari Resort to growing portfolio

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Journey Beyond will manage the Monarto Safari Resort, west of Adelaide, the largest open plan African experience in the country, and will open a hotel and lodge, and add 500 new wild animals to the park.

“Outside of Africa, it’s as big and interactive and immersive as you would get. It’s quite extraordinary,” Journey Beyond CEO, Chris Tallent, said.

Jayco caravans founder Gerry Ryan has already invested “well over $60 million” into developing Monarto Safari Resort, with Journey Beyond now managing and operating what will be “the most iconic safari resort in Australia”, Tallent said.

Owner Ryan said he is delighted Journey Beyond will be leading the operations at Monarto Safari Resort.

“With their expertise in crafting exceptional travel experiences and their proven track record in managing high-end properties, they are ideally suited to oversee this iconic resort. Renowned for their outstanding guest service and meticulous attention to detail, I am confident they will uphold the high standards we all aspire to,” he said.

“Our mission has always been to offer guests an unparalleled experience that connects them with the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area, and I am excited to see how Journey Beyond will bring this vision to life.”

Wildlife preservation and eco-tourism are aligned with Journey Beyond’s commitment to Journey Lightly.

“We’re really looking forward to this partnership and working with Journey Beyond,” Zoos South Australia chief executive Elaine Bensted, said. “Their extensive knowledge of regional tourism, coupled with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, will ensure that the resort will become a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.”

The Wild Africa development will feature a 78-room premium hotel to open on 28 May with bookings from 3 February. That will be followed by a 20-tent luxury safari lodge to open next summer.

SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m

An infinity pool, wedding reception facilities, and premium restaurants are also part of the development plans.

“I invite you to stay wild, the resort is nestled within Monarto Safari Park and Wild Africa precincts, situated in the heart of the picturesque Murraylands, offering breathtaking waterhole views and an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace,” David Donald, executive general manager at Journey Beyond said.

“It’s more than just a hotel; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic wildlife experiences. Here, you can connect with wild Africa, witness the beauty of diverse species, and indulge in the serenity of your surroundings, making your stay a truly unforgettable adventure.”

The Monarto acquisition adds to the existing Journey Beyond portfolio of The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland; Premium small-group outback tour operator Outback Spirit; Eco-luxe lodging Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; Aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane
Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; Melbourne Skydeck; and Fine dining experience Eureka89.

The news came on the same day Journey Beyond unveiled its new “next-level platinum” era of rail travel in Australia with the introduction of its most luxurious and largest cabin class yet – the Aurora and Australis suites – on The Ghan and Indian Pacific.

Want Bollinger with your Weeties? Journey Beyond’s new Ghan and Indian Pacific suites

Feature image: Monarto Wild Africa Hotel from a 2019 concept.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Journey Beyond

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