Journey Beyond has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated Monarto Safari Resort, a first-of-its-kind luxury lodge set within South Australia’s iconic Monarto Safari Park.
Welcoming its first guests this week, the $40 million, 78-room, five-star resort, located an hour’s drive from Adelaide, has been in the making since 2019.
Owner Gerry Ryan OAM said, “I am delighted to welcome our very first guests to the property today. This project has been carefully nurtured and developed alongside the amazing team at Monarto Safari Park over many years, and I am thrilled to see the doors finally open.”
“With Journey Beyond at the helm of this unique destination hotel, every guest is assured an exceptional and memorable experience. I invite all who come to Monarto Safari Resort to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding land and animals roaming it, knowing that their stay directly supports vital conservation initiatives at the park.”
The Monarto Safari Park is the largest safari experience outside of Africa. Since officially opening to the public in October 1993 as a breeding and pasture area, the park is now home to more than 500 animals roaming in vistas as far as the eye can see.
A portion of every guest’s stay contributes to Monarto’s conservation programs. “It’s a holiday experience with meaning,” Ryan added.
Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said, “At the heart of all our brands are exceptional experiences that provide guests with an unparalleled journey. Monarto Safari Resort delivers this in spades, connecting them with the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area. Monarto Safari Resort is the largest of its kind in Australia and places you in the front row of nature’s greatest theatre.”
Earlier this year, Karryon reported on the resort’s opening plans. Read more here: Journey Beyond opens bookings for Monarto Safari Resort
What can guests expect from South Australia’s wild new resort?
Guests staying at the resort have direct access to Monarto Safari Park’s 550-hectare Wild Africa precinct. They can join exclusive safari drives at dawn and dusk, which are prime times for wildlife activity. Think zebras silhouetted at sunrise or rhinos emerging from the grasslands.
The resort also features a world-class day spa rooted in nature called ‘Marula’ with treatment rooms, vitality and cold plunge pools, and a sauna.
There are also conference and function spaces, as well as the ‘Kutjera’ restaurant, two swimming pools, and 20 luxury tents, all part of the luxury Safari Lodge, which is set to open later in the year.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas praised the launch, saying, “The opening of Monarto Safari Resort presents a significant opportunity for South Australia, driving economic benefits for the state. The resort is creating jobs and has already drawn bookings from interstate and overseas visitors. This will have a flow-on effect and stimulate growth in surrounding areas.”
“Moreover, the resort’s commitment to conservation and education reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. Australia’s largest safari park already welcomes visitors from around Australia and the world. The addition of Monarto Safari Resort is an outstanding addition to the park and our state, and will allow guests to linger longer during their stay.”
Where design, conservation and culture come together
Monarto Safari Resort’s architecture and interiors seamlessly blend African and Australian cultural influences, utilising local materials such as Kanmantoo Bluestone and Harlequin Granite. Designed by Studio Gram, the property reflects South Australia’s ochre palette and mallee terrain.
Studio Gram director Graham Charbonneau said, “The interiors take their cues from the Monarto landscape; its dryness, its low horizons, and its ever-changing palette of ochres. We also embraced the Australian idea of casual luxury — spaces that are refined but not precious, where the experience is led by the environment rather than the architecture.”
Guest rooms and shared spaces are designed to maximise views of the central watering hole while maintaining a respectful distance. “It was about creating proximity without interference,” Charbonneau added. “A design that enables awe without disruption.”
Dr Phil Ainsley, Chief Executive of Zoos South Australia, said, “Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of everything we do. It’s a natural partnership between Monarto Safari Park and the resort, which will undoubtedly become a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.”
“Our keepers have been working behind the scenes to introduce herds of African animals into Wild Africa and the new waterhole precinct. It will be a thrill for guests to watch giraffes and zebras grazing and hear the low rumblings of animals while they drift to sleep. The resort is immersive by design.”
Room rates at Monarto Safari Resort start from $285 per night for Savannah King or Twin rooms. For enhanced views, Waterhole King or Twin rooms are available from $345 per night. Note that a minimum stay of two nights, including at least one Saturday night, is required.
For more information, visit Monarto Safari Resort
