Intrepid Travel announces acquisition of Daintree Eco Lodge

Tour operator Intrepid Travel has announced the $5 million acquisition of the 15-room, four-star Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland.

Marking a significant move into the sustainable tourism industry, the purchases marks diversification of Intrepid Travel’s its offerings from multi-day tours into novel verticals that align with its purpose-driven philosophy.

Explaining the importance of the acquisition, Intrepid Travel Chief Executive, James Thornton advised “this new venture is a lynchpin in our transformation into an iconic lifestyle brand.

“It’s not just an expansion - it’s a revolution that allows us to target a new audience while harmonising with our core tour offerings.

“Venturing into the lodge segment has always been a dream for us, and this move will introduce our brand to a new clientele while resonating with our core tour offerings.”

Established in 1992 and a part of the Morris Group since 2013, the Daintree Ecolodge encompasses six hectares of pristine wilderness in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

On-site amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, an indulgent day spa, and a naturally occurring waterfall.

Testament to its excellence, the resort was crowned Oceania’s Leading Green Hotel by the World Travel Awards in 2022.

Last year, Intrepid entered into a 50% partnership with CABN, an off-grid accommodation firm boasting 27 unique properties throughout South Australia. CABN’s upcoming CABN X at Seppeltsfield is generating significant industry buzz and is slated for its grand opening this month.

Thornton added “we’re thrilled to usher in this new chapter at Intrepid. With over three decades in the travel domain, we’re eager to extend our responsible travel ethos to a wider audience through this new venture.”

The Daintree area is an ecological marvel, uniquely hosting two UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

In economic terms, Daintree Ecolodge is an economic fulcrum in the community, employing 15 permanent staff along with casual roles, supporting local businesses.

Sustainability is at the core of this acquisition with Daintree Ecolodge an eco-certified advanced Ecotourism Property with a Climate Action Business certification.

Solar panels are abundant, offering a greener alternative for power. Intrepid Travel, renowned for its commitment to responsible travel, ensures that all stays at the resort will be entirely carbon-neutral.

In the pipeline, Intrepid Travel has an ambitious itinerary for the Daintree area, extending its multi-day tours like the five-day Queensland Daintree Explorer, eight-day Daintree and Cape Tribulation Adventure, and the 18-day East Coast Encompassed.

In association with its acquisition, Intrepid offers a plethora of multi-day tours in the Daintree, fostering close ties with local suppliers and the Kuku Yalanji community.

Acting General Manager Jody Westbrook will continue steering the lodge under the Intrepid umbrella.

Images: Daintree Eco Lodge (top and below, credit: Daintree Eco Lodge) and Intrepid Travel Chief Executive James Thornton (middle).