Journey Beyond has completed its acquisition of Kelsian Group’s Australian tourism portfolio. The deal brings 14 cruise, accommodation, touring and marine businesses into the group, including Captain Cook Cruises, Kingfisher Bay Resort and the Murray Princess.
The deal expands Journey Beyond’s presence in Sydney, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. It adds to a portfolio already anchored by rail journeys including The Ghan and Indian Pacific.
Businesses across five states and territories
The acquired businesses are:
- Sydney: Captain Cook Cruises, The Jackson and The Starship Group on Sydney Harbour
- South Australia: the Murray Princess paddle-wheeler and Adelaide Sightseeing
- Western Australia: Captain Cook Cruises Perth, Swan Valley Tours and Bells Functions
- Queensland: Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari Beach Resort and K’gari Explorer Tours on K’gari (Fraser Island), plus Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours in the Whitsundays
SeaLink’s ferry operations in the Whitsundays, K’gari, Bruny Island in Tasmania, and the Northern Territory will operate under a new brand, Island Connections. The Northern Territory services cover the Tiwi Islands, Darwin to Mandorah and Groote Eylandt.
Wider scope for packaged itineraries
The acquisition gives Journey Beyond a broader range of product that can be combined with its existing rail, cruise, accommodation and experience brands. For wholesalers and advisors, the group now offers more ways to build multi-part Australian itineraries through a single supplier.
Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said the new businesses complemented the existing portfolio.
“The portfolio is highly complementary to our existing experiences and gives our guests even more ways to explore Australia – whether that’s rail to reef, river to resort, or city to sea,” Tallent said.
He said the group intended to keep the individual character of each acquired business.
Journey Beyond has not detailed any changes to trade distribution or booking arrangements for the acquired brands.
Adelaide-based group expands portfolio
K’gari Explorer Tours
Journey Beyond is headquartered in Adelaide and was formed in 2016. Before the acquisition, the group operated 22 brands across Australia and New Zealand, including:
- The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland
- Outback Spirit
- Cruise Whitsundays and Rottnest Express
- Ayers Rock Resort
- Melbourne Skydeck
- Grand Pacific Tours
