Yesterday, Australia’s leading experiential tourism group Journey Beyond celebrated ‘Are You Ready to Journey Beyond’, this year’s theme at an annual showcase to highlight what’s to come in 2026 and beyond. Leading travel media and trade industry names came together in Sydney in true Journey Beyond style for lunch at the award-winning Bennelong, filled with portfolio updates and new announcements.
The proceedings commenced with a Welcome to Country by Dunghutti Elder Aunty Margret Campbell owner of Cultural Tourism Business, Dreamtime Southern X.
As Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond’s CEO, welcomed guests, he said “2025 was a transformative year for Journey Beyond. Our portfolio grew from 16 to 20 brands as we announced the addition of five remarkable experiences: Monarto Safari Resort, Grand Pacific Tours, Exmouth Dive & Whaleshark Ningaloo, Sailaway Port Douglas and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. This momentum has energised our entire organisation.
The future is bright, and we’re boldly committed to standing here in two years’ time, celebrating something extraordinary; with annual revenue approaching one billion-dollars.”
Key announcements during the day included South Australia’s newest unique luxury stay ‘Safari Lodge’ at Monarto Safari Resort is ready to welcome guests from 2 April.
“The Safari Lodge, further expands our offering of immersive, and unique tourism experiences and complements our extensive eco-lodges across Australia.” Tallent said.
Voyages CEO Matt Cameron-Smith announced the 10-year anniversary of the critically acclaimed Field of Light Uluru by the internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro at Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre’s signature Dreamtime Walk celebrating 40 years.
“In 2026, Voyages will celebrate two significant milestones: the 10th anniversary of Field of Light Uluru, and the 40th anniversary of the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. Munro’s spectacular light installation has welcomed more than 750,000 guests since it first opened in 2016, driving incredible demand to the spiritual heart of Australia. Meanwhile, the Dreamtime Walks guided by the local Kuku Yalanji people has become an unmissable cultural experience for visitors to Port Douglas and Far North Queensland.” Cameron-Smith said
One of the biggest announcements on the day was the $30 million investment into Cruise Whitsundays’ guest experience. Highlighted by the evolution and refurbishment of Reefworld and its relaunch as an overnight-only pontoon, reserved exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuites guests to connect with the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef.
Alicia Triggs, Executive General Manager Sales and Partnerships at Journey Beyond says “This next phase cements Reefworld as a globally unique, reef-immersive stay. Overnight guests will feel like they have the Great Barrier Reef entirely to themselves from the first snorkel of the day to the champagne moment, watching the sunset in this most remote iconic breathtaking destination before retiring for the evening under a canopy of stars.”
Whilst Cruise Whitsundays’ newly refurbished Heart Pontoon will return to Hardy Reef in April 2026 as the exclusive base for Great Barrier Reef Adventure day tours”.
Triggs also recognised that the Journey Beyond brand continues to strengthen not only in Australia but on the international stage. “Journey Beyond is honoured to be recognised on the world stage. Being named by Time Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025 and included in the Wall Street Journal’s ‘10 Best Places to Go in 2026’ is a tremendous acknowledgement for The Ghan. We’re equally proud to see both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific ranked among the world’s best train journeys in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller UK and Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards.
Journey Beyond’s Executive General Manager Marketing, Justine Lally, says the response to the newly launched luxury suites Aurora and Australis has exceeded all expectations, with 2026 departures already close to sold out.
“We’re thrilled by the demand for our new suites,” Lally said. “With bookings filling so quickly, we’re encouraging travellers to secure their preferred 2027 dates as early as possible.”
Lally also announced a continued investment in Journey Beyond Rail, confirming that renowned global design firm Woods Bagot has been appointed to deliver a full interior redesign of the ever-popular Platinum sleeper cabins. The first phase of the refurbishment will be delivered in 2027, upgrading six sleeping carriages and two lounge and dining carriages over a two-year program.
“The upgrade of our Platinum cabins represents a $5 million investment in maintaining the guest experience on our iconic rail journeys. These refreshed spaces will offer even greater travel style , elevated design, and thoughtful touches that reflect the unique character of our trains. Our guests already choose Platinum for its space, privacy, and premium service, and this refurbishment will take that experience to an exceptional new level”. Lally added.
David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond provided an update on the new chapter for The Ghan. The new northbound itinerary will be extended to a three-night, four-day experience, Donald said “By extending the northbound journey, we’re allowing travellers to slow down, deepen their connection to Country, and discover Outback Australia in a way that is both immersive and unforgettable.
“The journey begins with a signature dinner in South Australia’s acclaimed Clare Valley wine region, where guests are introduced to the flavours and stories that define the place. From there, Off Train Experiences in the Flinders Ranges spending a full day immersed in one of Australia’s most breathtaking and culturally significant landscapes.”
Together, these announcements emphasise Journey Beyond’s unwavering commitment to redefining experiential tourism in Australia. From new rail investments and immersive reef stays to milestone cultural celebrations and expanding luxury accommodation, the year ahead marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter for the group.
With bold ambitions, strengthened global recognition, and an ever-growing portfolio of remarkable experiences, Journey Beyond continues to lead the way in creating journeys that inspire, connect, and stay with travellers long after they return home.
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Event Images | https://journeybeyond.canto.global/b/QB1KD
