A familiar property is returning to Wolgan Valley after an absence of more than three years, but it’s going to look a little different – and most significantly, it’s returning under a different moniker and with new management.
In Sydney today, Emirates announced that its Wolgan Valley property will reopen as the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge, operated by Marriott International.
The resort was shuttered in 2023 when the only sealed road to the resort was closed.
Set to open in mid-2026, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, will feature 40 luxury lodges on 7,000 acres in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.
“We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts,” said Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark, who conceived the idea of building a resort in the NSW valley.
“For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Federal government, and for our partnerships with the State government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community who have helped Emirates make this project possible.”
Luxury with purpose
Since 2006, Emirates has spent $150 million on the resort. Now, it has set aside another $50 million for renovations as it works with Marriott to launch the first-ever Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
Speaking to guests at an announcement event at the Sydney Opera House, Emirates Divisional Vice President – Australasia, Barry Brown, said the company’s objective for the property is “simple”.
“To do justice to the extraordinary landscape by ensuring the experience matches the significance,” he remarked.
Brown said that guests can expect Australian-sourced design, landscaping and construction, with an investment that “reflects our confidence in Wolgan Valley… and the enduring appeal of premium nature-based travel”.
“Demand for authentic purpose-led luxury experiences have never been stronger,” he remarked.
“Travellers are seeking space, meaning and a deeper connection to place. Wolgan Valley is uniquely positioned to meet that demand and to strengthen Australia’s and New South Wales’ position on the global tourism stage.”
Brown also flagged the positive impact the resort will have on local tourism and the community “through the creation of jobs, both within and across the broader supply chain”.
“It will generate meaningful opportunities for local suppliers from fresh Australian produce to trade services and specialist skills.”
“This project has always been as much about the people as it is about the place.”
“We’re not changing Wolgan Valley”
Marriott International President, Asia Pacific (excluding China) Rajeev Menon said the new lodge would be a “major drawcard” for Marriott’s 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members, especially those seeking “immersive experiences that connect them deeply to the local area – something our luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising”.
“We’re honoured to collaborate with Emirates on this milestone development, which sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales,” he added.
In a nod to the significance of the location, Menon said, “Our role as hoteliers is not simply to build beautiful hotels, but to be worthy custodians of the places entrusted to us”.
“That responsibility grows even greater when a destination carries the environmental, cultural and significant emotional connection that Wolgan Valley does,” he told guests at the announcement.
“We recognise that Emirates Wolgan Valley is not just any luxury property. It is deep rooted in its destination. It is purposeful, and… it demands long term care, protection and commitment – and that’s precisely why Ritz Carlton is the right brand for this.
“I promise you that we are not about to change Wolgan Valley. We are committed to revealing the place more deeply through service, storytelling and an uncompromising respect for nature.”
Speaking to Karryon at the event, Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the announcement “shows the confidence that investors have in Australia and New South Wales”.
But more than that, he said the new resort “brings together all those things that we’re hearing from travellers”.
“They want something that’s different, and this ticks all those boxes, but they also want that luxury that goes with that,” he stated.
“So they want to get into nature, but they also want those nice meals at night and the spa and all of those things.”
“This is what travellers are telling us, and almost all of those elements come together with an announcement like this.”
What to expect
As part of the new experience, guests will arrive by 4WD via the Donkey Steps – a steeper (and bumpier) way to access the resort since the sealed road closed. They can also travel by helicopter, obviously at a greater cost.
Along with the restored original homestead, guests can look forward to reimagined wellness facilities, equestrian pursuits and a world-class spa, with a naturalist hub delivering conservation-led encounters in the UNESCO-listed region. The resort will also offer a guided wilderness sleep-out experience that aims to connect guests with their surroundings.
Each of the resort’s 40 lodges will boast private pools and exclusive amenities.
The new Ritz-Carlton property joins The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (opened 2019) and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (opened 2023) in Australia.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Wolgan Valley’s return as a Ritz-Carlton Lodge signals confidence in Australia’s premium nature tourism, blending global luxury muscle with conservation-led storytelling, local jobs and opportunities for travel advisors selling purpose-driven escapes.
