Journey Beyond, Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, has announced the acquisition of Sailaway Port Douglas, a tour operator offering Great Barrier Reef adventures in North Queensland.
The move builds on a successful 2025 that has seen Journey Beyond’s trade bookings increase by 53% to date. It also follows on from Journey Beyond’s first expansion outside of its native Australia, with the acquisition of New Zealand business Grand Pacific Tours in August. Journey Beyond Acquires New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist Grand Pacific Tours | ittn.ie
Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO, said: “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.”
The acquisition aligns with Journey Beyond’s current reef offerings; Cruise Whitsundays has delivered unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences from 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.
Steve and Katrina Edmondson, founders of Sailaway Port Douglas and pioneers in snorkelling and sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, said: “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”.
