Intrepid Travel has made headlines again with the announcement of its acquisition of the prestigious Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland for $5 million.
Established in 1992 and a part of the Morris Group since 2013, the Daintree Ecolodge encompasses six hectares of pristine wilderness in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
Testament to its excellence, the resort was crowned Oceania’s Leading Green Hotel by the World Travel Awards in 2022.
Intrepid says this latest acquisition is in line with the purpose-led company’s strategy to grow beyond tours by expanding into complementing new verticals, including sustainably-led stays.
James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, expressed the company’s intent: “As we diversify our offering, the Daintree Ecolodge acquisition marks a significant step in our evolution into an iconic lifestyle brand.
“Venturing into the lodge segment has always been a dream for us, and this move will introduce our brand to a new clientele while resonating with our core tour offerings.”
Visitors to the Daintree Ecolodge can indulge in its organic food-filled on-site restaurant, rejuvenate in the wellness day spa and reconnect with nature on the property, which includes its own private and pristine onsite waterfall.
The nature-based accommodation choices – Lagoon, Canopy, and Rainforest Bayans – are coupled with nearby activities, notably guided rainforest excursions led by the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people.
Beyond its allure for travellers, the Daintree region holds immense ecological and cultural significance. At an estimated age of 180 million years, It claims the world’s oldest tropical lowland rainforest mantle and is a sanctuary for two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the illustrious Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest itself.
Further highlighting Intrepid’s local involvement, Thornton added, “Daintree Ecolodge enhances our portfolio. It paves the way for more localised community engagement and presents a growth opportunity, connecting us with a fresh market segment.”
Last year, Intrepid proudly announced its 50 per cent joint partnership with CABN, an off-grid “guilt-free, sustainable luxury” start-up with 27 unique cabins scattered across South Australia and an ambitious plan to launch many more.
A likewise champion for sustainability, the Daintree Ecolodge is committed to eco-friendly practices. It is both an Eco-Certified Advanced Ecotourism Property and a recognised Climate Action Business. Moreover, solar panels fuel a significant part of the resort’s operations alongside a number of sustainable initiatives, ensuring a carbon-neutral stay for guests.
The lodge is a 90-minute drive from Cairns International Airport, acting as a gateway to international destinations like Tokyo, Auckland, and Singapore. Port Douglas, a prominent Great Barrier Reef exploration base, is a short 40-minute drive away. Guests can also embark on day trips to renowned spots such as Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.
In sync with its acquisition, Intrepid offers a plethora of multi-day tours in the Daintree, fostering close ties with local suppliers and the Kuku Yalanji community.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Thornton shared, “We’re thrilled to usher in this new chapter at Intrepid. With over three decades in the travel domain, we’re eager to extend our responsible travel ethos to a wider audience through this new venture.”
For more, head to daintree-ecolodge.com.au or www.intrepidtravel.com.au
