Journey Beyond has strengthened its commitment to delivering exceptional Australian tourism experiences, announcing an agreement to acquire Sailaway Port Douglas, a leading operator of premium reef adventures in Tropical North Queensland.
Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO says, “We are excited to welcome Sailaway Port Douglas to the Journey Beyond growing portfolio of iconic brands and experiences. This acquisition continues our dedication and commitment to showcasing Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders.”
Operating a fleet of four state-of-the-art sailing catamarans, Sailaway Port Douglas offers boutique sailing and snorkelling experiences to Mackay Coral Cay on the outer Great Barrier Reef, the idyllic Low Isles, a coral cay island and the must do Sunset Sailing. These experiences perfectly align with Journey Beyond’s promise to go further, in taking guests beyond, complementing the group’s extensive marine offerings.
Journey Beyond’s Cruise Whitsundays have delivered unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences from the Port Airlie and Hamilton Island for over 20 years. The addition of Sailaway Port Douglas will enhance the group’s share of reef visitation in Queensland and strengthen its position as a leader in marine tourism.
Both businesses share a deep commitment to sustainability. Journey Beyond’s ‘Journey Lightly’ pledge to protect the essence of Australia’s special places aligns seamlessly with Sailaway Port Douglas’ eco-tourism ethos, which promotes reef conservation and responsible tourism.
Steve & Katrina Edmondson founders of Sailaway Port Douglas and pioneers in snorkelling and sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, share their enthusiasm about passing the baton to Journey Beyond “Journey Beyond are now the proud custodians of our legacy, and like Sailaway Port Douglas, they embody an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for their customers. We’re confident the future of Sailaway Port Douglas is in steady hands, and we wish them every success as they take the helm and continue to drive growth and investment in the region.”
Once regulatory processes are finalised, Sailaway Port Douglas will operate within Journey Beyond’s Marine Division under Simon McGrath Executive General Manager, Marine Experiences who said, “We are delighted to welcome this outstanding business and the Sailaway Port Douglas team into the Journey Beyond family. Together we look forward to collaborating with the team to continue to enhance visitation to Port Douglas and the overall unparalleled experience that connects them with the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef”.
