Journey Beyond confirms latest acquisition amid ‘continued success’ in UK market

Journey Beyond has acquired sailing and snorkelling operator Sailaway Port Douglas as it expands its experiential offering in Australia’s Tropical North Queensland.

 

Sailaway Port Douglas operates four luxury catamarans, providing excursions to Mackay Coral Cay, located on the outer Great Barrier Reef, and the Low Isles, set northeast of Port Douglas.

 

Journey Beyond - which operates a portfolio of rail journeys, cruises, attractions and lodges across Australia - said Sailaway Port Douglas shared the brand’s “deep commitment to sustainability” by promoting reef conservation and responsible tourism.

 

It added that the acquisition “will enhance the group’s share of reef visitation in Queensland and strengthen its position as a leader in marine tourism”.

 

Journey Beyond also oversees Cruise Whitsundays in the region, which is set to launch a new $15 million vessel in 2027.  

 

The acquisition announcement came as Journey Beyond reported a 53% increase in trade bookings from the UK and Europe for travel in the 2025-2027 period.

 

The group said it was seeing "continued success in Europe” with both direct and trade bookings from the UK increasing by 50% when compared to the same period in 2024.

 

Chief executive Chris Tallent said: “We are excited to welcome Sailaway Port Douglas to Journey Beyond’s growing portfolio of iconic brands and experiences. This acquisition continues our dedication and commitment to showcasing Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders.”

 

Sailaway Port Douglas founders Steve and Katrina Edmondson added: “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.”

 

Journey Beyond also recently expanded its experiential portfolio in western Australia with the acquisition of dive specialist Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo.