Intrepid Travel has acquired Experience Co’s Wild Bush Luxury business, adding a suite of iconic guided walks and premium wilderness lodges – including two Great Walks of Australia and two Luxury Lodges of Australia – to its growing portfolio.
The acquisition brings Arkaba Walk and Homestead in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania, and Bamurru Plains in the Northern Territory under the Intrepid banner. It represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to scale its premium, nature-based offering across Australia.
Brett Mitchell, ANZ MD at Intrepid Travel, said: “This acquisition is an important step in our ambition to lead low-impact, nature-based travel and invest in the future of Australian tourism. Travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to connect with the land, wildlife and culture, and by expanding our portfolio with iconic guided walks and premium lodges, we’re offering experiences that immerse them in some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.”
Experience Co. CEO John O’Sullivan added: “Wild Bush Luxury has been a much-loved part of the Experience Co portfolio, and we are incredibly proud of our contribution to the legacy established by previous owners Charlie Carlow and Ian Johnstone.
“However, following a strategic review, we identified that our ongoing growth as Australia’s leading adventure tourism company is best served by focusing on our scalable adventure experiences, including our Marine (Great Barrier Reef), Treetops Adventure and Skydive/Aviation portfolios.”
“We are delighted to hand over these important conservation experiences to Intrepid Travel. Their global reputation for sustainable tourism and immersive nature-based experiences makes them the right partner to continue Wild Bush Luxury’s story. We’re confident our trade partners will benefit from their expertise and commitment, and we look forward to working closely together to ensure a seamless transition for the WBL team, guests and the industry.”
Wild Bush Luxury’s premium walks and properties will officially join Intrepid in February 2026.
The deal positions Intrepid as one of Australia’s largest walking operators, significantly expanding its premium, low-impact offering and supporting the company’s new Climate Action Plan and decarbonisation goals.
