There are famils… and then there are famils that go beyond. The Journey Beyond (Beyonder) incentive famil goes beyond simply showcasing a product; it gives you a genuine sense of what it feels like to travel through the heart of Australia. It’s the kind of experience that reconnects you with why you chose this industry in the first place.
Each year, Journey Beyond curates an unforgettable experience for the lucky incentive winners, and this year’s journey brought together Outback Spirit in the Red Centre, The Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide, and a stay at Monarto Safari Resort in S.A. Lucky me, I got to tag along.
From the heart of Australia
This year’s journey jumped straight into the heart and soul of Australia, kicking off in the Red Centre with a bespoke Outback Spirit tour.
From the moment we arrived, the sheer scale of it all hit us. Vast landscapes, meaningful storytelling and the realisation of how big this country really is. It was immersive, insightful and genuinely stays with you.
Seeing Uluru in person (for the first or tenth time) really puts things into perspective. There’s something about standing there, looking at it properly, that makes you stop and realise why it means so much.
From the very beginning, one thing was clear during this Journey Beyond famil: it was seamless.
As Asha Robertson from Geelong Travel & Aussie Trains puts it: “It was just everything they do – it’s above and beyond what they put into the work, the tours, the experiences, the accommodation. It was so seamless… you didn’t have to think about anything besides what you were wearing.”
The Ghan, and the feeling of it all
Then came The Ghan.
You hear a lot about it: the landscapes, the history, the food. But it’s not until you’re on board that you really understand why people talk about it the way they do.
As Olivia Harvey, General Manager of The Ghan, shared: “It represents everything we love about the Outback… but for me, it’s about the service, the experience on board, and the beautiful food and wines – how we make that memorable for each guest.”
Keen to see what’s new on board? Read about The Ghan’s latest dining experience here.
And it is memorable. But what surprised me most wasn’t just the scenery or the dining, it was the atmosphere.
I spent time across both Platinum and Gold Premium (where we stayed), and while Platinum is undeniably beautiful (the suites really are something else), I found myself gravitating back towards Gold Premium. It was more my vibe; it felt more communal. There was a conviviality to it that made the experience feel shared, not just luxurious. It struck that balance between premium and personal.
It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of insight you only get by being there. And it changes how you talk about it.
As Asha said, “Now I can tell clients – this is what I’d recommend. This is what I’d encourage against for the type of person you are, and what’s really going to benefit them.”
When it all clicks
One of the things I kept coming back to on this trip was how complete the experience felt when everything was connected.
Outback Spirit, The Ghan, Monarto… they’re all strong on their own, but together, they tell a bigger story.
Cara Toovey, Group Manager of National Sales at Journey Beyond explained it simply: “A lot of advisors don’t realise we have packages that combine rail, Outback Spirit and Monarto… so it’s about showing them how it all fits together.”
And once you see it like that, it just makes sense.
For Lori Litwack from Kimberley Experiences, it opened up a whole new way of thinking about itineraries: “I’m now looking at how to incorporate The Ghan as a way of getting to the Kimberley… to link it together as a journey.”
That’s the thing about experiences like this: they don’t just show you what exists; they shift how you think about things.
Understanding the product properly
And that’s exactly the point.
As Cara Toovey, Group Manager of National Sales at Journey Beyond, explains: “Seeing it firsthand gives advisors a much better understanding of who the product suits. It’s not your average tour… the logistics of rail travel are completely different. Once they experience it, they really get it.”
That deeper understanding builds confidence, not just in selling, but in managing expectations and delivering better outcomes for clients.
The moments you can’t manufacture
Then there are the moments you simply can’t replicate or describe unless you’re there.
Like sitting at breakfast at Monarto, coffee in hand, watching the animals wander past. Or being mid-conversation on the train as the light and landscape change outside the window.
For a deeper look at the Monarto Safari Resort experience, read Karryon’s review here.
Lorie captured that feeling perfectly: “You can be told about it as much as you like, but until you’re sitting there watching a giraffe while having breakfast… it’s the emotion of it. And then you just want to tell everyone – you have to come here.”
That emotional connection, that’s the real takeaway.
More than a reward
Of course, there was no shortage of indulgence along the way.
Exceptional food. Flowing champagne. Seamless service. Journey Beyond seems to create those “pinch me” moments at every turn.
But beyond the luxury, what stood out most was the intent behind the Beyonder experience.
As Babs Reynolds, Groups and Campaigns Manager at Journey Beyond, explains, “First and foremost, it’s about recognising our biggest ambassadors – our ‘Beyonders’.”
“They’re out there representing our brands every day, so this is about rewarding them and giving them the opportunity to truly experience what they sell.”
And the impact goes far beyond being on the trip.
“Once advisors experience the product, they can speak to it so much more clearly… and when they go back, they share that knowledge with their teams, their stores, their clients. It has a huge flow-on effect,” Reynolds adds.
Why this should be on your radar
If you’re an advisor who prides yourself on selling experiences, and not just itineraries, this is one incentive you want firmly in your sights.
It’s a reminder of what exceptional looks like in our industry.
As Babs puts it: “It’s not always about being the top seller – it’s about engaging, learning and being part of the Journey Beyond community.”
So, as the next ‘Become a Beyoner’ campaign looms, consider this your sign. Because if this year is anything to go by, you’ll want a seat on that journey.
I’m already making my case to be included again next year.
