One of Australia’s most anticipated new hotels of 2025, Monarto Safari Resort, began welcoming guests just over a month ago. But the resort’s rollout moved up a gear this week, with the official opening event for the new property, which comprises 78 guest rooms and the 550-hectare Wild Africa Precinct, adding to the long-established 1,000-hectare Monarto Safari Park next door.
Managed by leading Australian tourism and experiential company, Journey Beyond, the new property ups the ante in wildlife attractions, with its safari drives probably the closest thing you’ll get to the real deal in Africa – without the hefty price tag or long-haul flights.
“For us at Journey Beyond, this is an exciting addition to our growing family of 17 iconic brands,” Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said at the formal opening of the resort at one of the park’s sundowner locations (where drinks and snacks are served at sunset on a safari drive).
“There’s no doubt that this will become one of the most iconic travel experiences in Australia. Just look over there, where the 78 rooms and suites overlook the stunning new Wild Africa Precinct created by Zoos South Australia.
“It features a magnificent restaurant, two bars, two swimming pools, conference facilities and a world-class spa. It truly is the first of its kind on this scale in the country. We are thrilled to have it as part of our journey.”
But at the heart of this new attraction – and indeed all of what Journey Beyond does – is the guest experience.
“We always aim to create experiences that complement our incredible assets, whether they be trains, planes, automobiles, hotels or vessels. This is vital to us,” Tallent explained.
And there’s more to come at Monarto – with new luxury accommodation set to open soon.
“This is just the beginning. Alongside this remarkable venue, we’re excited to introduce a 20-tented luxury safari lodge that will be nestled in the hills,” Tallent remarked said.
“It will feature its own restaurant, bar, and facilities, with plans to open early next year.
“This lodge will offer an extraordinary experience, with the tents arranged around a waterhole.”
“Guests will have balconies that come right up to the boundary, so if the giraffes are adventurous enough, they might peer into your room! Just be aware of that when you stay.”
The opening ceremony saw guests gather at a sundowner location within the new safari precinct of the park, where they heard from Tallent, resort owner (and visionary behind the property) Gerry Ryan OAM, and South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison.
Following a stirring welcome to country, attendees enjoyed local food, wine, music and of course, views over the new park and resort.
As the owner and operator of Australia’s world-famous Indian Pacific and Ghan rail experiences, Journey Beyond has a knack for turning tourism experiences into gold. So this will definitely be a space to watch.
Stay tuned for our full review of the new resort, including the park.
Karryon was in attendance at the opening event.
For more information on Monarto Safari Resort, click here.
For more info on Journey Beyond, click here.
