When you’re invited to a wedding, it’s usually you and a plus-one. You’re the star guest, your plus-one a welcome addition. Travel on The Ghan is like that – it’s the icon that attracts global travellers – and Journey Beyond products are the welcome add-ons, as Karryon’s Zoe Macfarlane and 11 lucky agents discovered on the recent Beyonder Mega Fam.
Last year, Journey Beyond announced their first Beyonder mega fam, offering top-selling agents a coveted place on an exclusive 10-day trip worth $20,000 each!
VVVVVVIP
If Journey Beyond was a wedding, it’d be one of those decadent affairs at a castle with a bunny ring bearer, a 17-course degustation, cannons and fireworks at midnight, and a veil longer than a train station platform.
This was the most lavish fam I’d attended, and to say we were spoiled is an understatement!
The star attraction of the inaugural Beyonder mega fam? Travel aboard The Ghan Expedition in the swanky new Gold Premium cabins.
The plus one? The pre-trip fam to two popular Ghan add-ons – Seven Spirit Bay and Kakadu National Park- and the Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls.
Plus-one: Seven Spirit Bay
When I found out my plus-one invite was to Seven Spirit Bay, a remote luxury lodge in the Northern Territory, I did one of those heel-clicks in the air. Mentally, anyway.
After travelling with Outback Spirit to the Kimberley in 2023 (one of my top three trips ever), heading with them to Arnhem Land was high on my list. Especially as they are the only tour operator permitted by the Traditional Owners to go deep into the region.
Seven Spirit Bay is a perfect addition to any Ghan trip. As three travel agents, myself, and Journey Beyond’s legendary Trade Marketing Manager, Andree Mitchell, found out on a three-night precursor to our Darwin to Adelaide Ghan Expedition journey.
Serenity unlocked
At the tip of the Northern Territory in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Seven Spirit Bay is as peaceful a place as you can find in Australia. Only accessible by private air charter or boat, you’re cut off from the humdrum of daily life (hurrah).
There are no other people besides the lodge guests, no shops to distract you, no TVs on site, and Wi-Fi is only available in the dining area, encouraging a true switch off.
That’s the Spirit
After months of go-go-go, it took a day or so to get into the Seven Spirit spirit. Assimilation to this (much) slower pace of life was supported by the fascinating tours to local sites of interest.
This included a gentle biodiversity stroll through nipa palms, an intriguing loop walk through the failed British Victoria Settlement outpost, and a fishing trip with the most fishing-enthusiastic skipper.
As all Journey Beyond stays and multi-day tours are all-inclusive, our time at Seven Spirit Bay meant an abundance of all-inclusive fine dining, too.
From succulent lamb to creative chicken concoctions, and a light and fluffy Swiss roll that proved the group’s dining highlight, we were in awe of the resident chefs’ ability to create culinary magic in the middle of nowhere!
Wild about it
While my research suggested there was interesting wildlife in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, I wasn’t expecting to see it so readily.
We spotted a nervous banteng (a graceful wild bovine), boisterous buffalo, and a rarely spotted Timor pony.
Gorgeous the Python dropped in at breakfast, and the also gorgeous golden-sand crescent beach is teasingly off-limits – even for walks. This is thanks to the 5-metre saltwater crocodiles and beefy lemon sharks that keep an eye out for wayward tourists.
As we waved a fond farewell to the remote lodge from our private chartered jet (as one does), we reflected that just one more night would have been ideal. One more night of sumptuous meals, one more night of that oh-so-comfy giant bed, and one more night of the exceptional service from every member of the Seven Spirit Bay crew.
What an incredible start to life as a Beyonder!
Plus-one: Kakadu
Five lucky agents joined Hannah Dare, Journey Beyond’s Business Development Manager (QLD), on a three-day Outback Spirit journey to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks.
Dare shares, “The eager Kakadu Krew had a blast across our seamless trip, exceeding every expectation. Our guide Pascal was compelling in his storytelling.”
The group’s curated itinerary proved a fabulous blend of nature, history, and culture, with highlights including the rock art at Nourlangie and Ubirr, a scenic flight over Kakadu, and stepping foot on Arnhem Land.
Donna Pearce, from Flight Centre Murray Bridge, found peace between Darwin and Kakadu. She shared, “In the Adelaide River floodplain, Fogg Dam was so tranquil. We enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by rich bird life and nature at its best.
“Staying at the famous Croc resort was a great, too; the food was phenomenal!”
For Dare, the trip touched deep, “Kakadu, the land and stories, will stay with me well beyond the journey. I will always carry wisdom from the Yellow Water Billabong cruise: ‘It’s not just my culture; if you’re Australian, it’s your culture, too’”.
Plus-one: Horizontal Falls
Joining Julia Mikhlik, Journey Beyond’s Business Development Manager (WA), two agents headed to Broome to take flight for the Horizontal Falls Luxury Overnight Stay. Mikhlik shares, “It was such a privilege showcasing such a unique and remote part of the Kimberley with the Beyonders. The luxury overnight tour is the ultimate way to experience the Horizontal Falls – it’s certainly an experience that will be treasured forever!”
Jessi Greer from Great Trains raved about her experience, “We were lucky enough to travel via Seaplane from Derby to Horizontal Falls to sleep aboard the luxury Jetwave Pearl houseboat.
“My highlights included feeling like one of the only people in the world as we cruised down a pretty creek, swimming (safely) with the tawny nurse sharks off the pontoon, and breathtaking Horizontal Falls, of course.
Greer continues, “Sunset with canapes, accompanied by delicious pearl meat and a glass of Moët was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!”
Darwin Harbour Cruise
The night before boarding The Ghan, our three groups united in the NT capital with a Darwin Harbour Dinner Cruise. The sleek tri-level catamaran, newly upgraded buffet, and Darwin’s famous sunsets make this Journey Beyond add-on a perfect complement to any Ghan or Darwin adventure.
Our VIP treatment continued on the cruise, with premier outdoor seating and free-flowing Bolly (Journey Beyond is Bollinger’s best Australian customer!). As Darwin’s sunset dialled up its charm, Bradley Campbell, Journey Beyond Rail General Manager, filled us in on what was to come aboard The Ghan.
Stay tuned for our Ghan Expedition review to discover how much one group of agents (and a travel writer) can truly be spoiled! All I’ll say is this: the announcement was so good, we shared a collective gasp.
Other party invites
Back to the plus one wedding analogy, I liken Seven Spirit Bay as the quiet friend you know you’ll have a relaxing time with, Kakadu the friend who’ll get up and dance even when the floor is empty, and Horizontal Falls the friend that everyone will be talking about for their je ne sais quoi.
Of course, other kinds of plus-ones make a wedding fun. Alternative Ghan Expedition add-ons include the Red Centre Spectacular, Top End Explorer, and Ultimate Territory Tour holiday packages, which pair Outback Spirit tours with Australia’s most iconic train.
There’s also, the newly introduced Monarto Safari Stay and Journey Beyond’s popular train and cruise packages.
Want to become a Beyonder, too?
The good news is that thanks to the resounding success of the first Beyonder mega famil, there will be another one in 2026 (you’re welcome).
Andree Mitchell shares why. “Our Beyonders are truly exceptional people, demonstrating why they are indeed ‘Beyond the Best’ and deserved their place on this exclusive famil. We ensured they were treated as VIPs every step of the way, highlighted by our signature Journey Beyond ‘surprise and delight’ moments.
“Building on this excitement, planning has already commenced for our 2026 Beyonders – so stay tuned for details on how you can secure an invite!”
