Some of Australia’s most acclaimed guided walks and remote luxury lodges will become part of the Intrepid Travel portfolio, as the company confirmed its acquisition of Wild Bush Luxury from Experience Co..
The deal includes the renowned Arkaba Walk and Homestead in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania, and Bamurra Plains in the Northern Territory. Together, these products represent two Great Walks of Australia and two Luxury Lodges of Australia – an expansion that deepens Intrepid’s investment in immersive, low-impact travel experiences across the country.
Brett Mitchell, ANZ Managing Director at Intrepid Travel, described the move as central to the company’s evolving vision. “This acquisition is an important step in our ambition to lead low-impact, nature-based travel and invest in the future of Australian tourism,” he said.
“Travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to connect with land, wildlife and culture, and by expanding our portfolio with iconic guided walks and premium lodges, we’re offering experiences that immerse them in some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.”
For Experience Co, the decision to sell was the result of a comprehensive strategic review, according to CEO John O’Sullivan, who noted that the company’s future growth lies in focusing on its scalable adventure offerings, including its Marine (Great Barrier Reef), Treetops Adventure, and Skydive/Aviation divisions.
“Wild Bush Luxury has been a much loved part of the Experience Co portfolio,” he said. “We are incredibly proud of our contribution to the legacy established by previous owners, Charlie Carlow and Ian Johnstone.
“We are delighted to hand over these important conservation experiences to Intrepid Travel. Their global reputation for sustainable tourism and immersive nature-based experiences makes them the right partner to continue Wild Bush Luxury’s story.”
The transition will officially take effect in February 2026. With the addition of Wild Bush Luxury, Intrepid becomes one of Australia’s largest walking operators, supporting its newly launched Climate Action Plan and broader decarbonisation goals.
