Australian-operated Journey Beyond offers an extensive portfolio of experiential tourism adventures across the continent and beyond, all
Australian-operated Journey Beyond offers an extensive portfolio of experiential tourism adventures across the continent and beyond, all available to book directly via their website.
Journey Beyond is Australia’s leading experiential travel group, with 13 brands dedicated to bringing unique and iconic experiences to life. Journey Beyond was formed in 2016 and comprises tourism brands, including iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxe lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; Melbourne Skydeck and fine-dining at Eureka 89. www.journeybeyond.com
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in world-class travel experiences and transportation. It comprises three divisions – Journey Beyond, American Queen Voyages and City Experiences. Hornblower Group’s heritage dates back nearly 100 years, with the establishment of Boston Harbor Cruises in 1926 in Massachusetts, United States. Hornblower Group subsequently began in 1980. Across its growing portfolio, the organisation has a long-standing history of expertise and innovation, with a footprint that spans 111 countries and territories today, with iconic offerings including a range of water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruises, extended rail journeys, and ferry and transportation services. www.hornblowercorp.com
Train journeys:
The Ghan – regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, for more than 90 years, The Ghan has traversed the rugged countryside between Adelaide and Darwin to deliver an all-inclusive authentically Australian experience, from gourmet meals with a focus on regional ingredients and premium beverages to Off Train Experiences that connect guests with the landscapes they travel through, whether in Marla, Manguri, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs or Katherine. Operates from March to November. The journey takes 2-3 days; prices start from £780pp; journeybeyondrail.com.au/the-ghan
Indian Pacific – The Indian Pacific traverses mountain ranges and passes through arid deserts and goldfields, rocky valleys and subtropical savannahs on a monumental transcontinental crossing. Named for the two oceans the train encounters on its journey, the Indian Pacific travels between Perth and Sydney on a spectacular 4352km crossing. Off Train Experiences include the Blue Mountains, Adelaide, the almost-ghost-town of Cook, and remote Rawlinna, a little outpost on the Nullarbor Plain. Operates year-round. The journey takes 2-4 days; prices start from £680pp; journeybeyondrail.com.au/indian-pacific
Great Southern – With its rugged coastline, sun-kissed beaches, forested peaks, and exhilarating capital cities, the stunning journey between Brisbane and Adelaide feels like nowhere else in Australia. Journey Beyond’s newest rail journey showcases spectacular scenery over three months of the Australian summer as it transports guests from buzzing cities through diverse landscapes and past natural marvels, featuring Off Train Experiences in coastal Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens, Canberra and Melbourne. Operates from December to February. The journey takes 3-4 days; prices start from £181pp; journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/great-southern
The Overland – a fan favourite for over 135 years, this train travels between Adelaide and Melbourne. Operates year-round. Takes one day, and prices start at £65pp; journeybeyondrail.com.au/the-overland
Touring:
Outback Spirit – Australia’s leading small-group outback tour operator offers more than 25 itineraries in some of Australia’s most remote and remarkable landscapes, including a 6-day Red Centre tour that takes in
Uluru, King’s Canyon and the Field of Light, can be paired with a journey on The Ghan. Extended tours include Arnhem Land, Cape York and the Kimberley, with tours including authentic Indigenous experiences and access to land sacred to the Traditional Owners. Outback Spirit also operates an exclusive network of safari camps and lodges. All tours are conducted in groups of between 12-26, depending on the destination, to provide an engaging and intimate experience. Prices start at £2,323pp for six-day tour in twin share; outbackspirittours.com.au
Unique Stays:
Sal Salis – an intimate, eco-luxury tented camp, metres away from World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef – the ultimate off-grid escape and a chance to reconnect with nature. Prices start from £1,200pp for a twin tent; salsalis.com.au
Reefsuites – Australia’s first underwater accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef. Prices start from £550pp, for a double or twin room; cruisewhitsundays.com/reefsuites
Reefsleep – a unique overnight experience and the opportunity to sleep on the Great Barrier Reef in a glamping-style Reefbed on the deck of a pontoon moored on the edge of Hardy Reef. Prices start from £342pp, with an overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef; cruisewhitsundays.com/reefsleep
Seven Spirit Bay – operated by Outback Spirit, this is an iconic Northern Territory wilderness lodge located on the Cobourg Peninsula and only accessible by boat or aircraft. Staying in one of Seven Spirit Bay’s ultra-luxurious habitats gives access to a range of activities, including exploring the pristine waters of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Seven Spirit Bay is also a recognised fishing destination. The all-inclusive 7-day Seven Spirit Bay & Darwin Short Break starts from £3,095pp for twin share, sevenspiritbay.com.au
Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury Stay – 24 hours of all-inclusive excitement, with helicopter flights, powerboat cruises, a guided fishing charter and a relaxing cruise through the crystal blue waters of Talbot Bay, the Horizontal Falls, and the ancient rock formations of Cyclone Creek. Guests stay overnight on the newly refitted luxury houseboat, Jetwave Pearl. Prices start from £894pp ex Broome, horizontalfallsadventures.com.au
Cruise experiences:
Cruise Whitsundays – island transfers and day cruises to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. Day trips start from £71pp; cruisewhitsundays.com
Darwin Harbour Cruises – cruises around magnificent Darwin Harbour, with pre-booked food and beverage packages available. Multiple departure times, including sunset cruises. Prices start from £60pp for sunset cruise; darwinharbourcruises.com.au
Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney – luxury cruises around beautiful Sydney Harbour on Journey Beyond’s exclusive 78ft luxury cruiser, Spirit of Migloo. Prices start from £34pp for a sundeck cruise, including a welcome drink and regional tasting platter; journeybeyondcruises.com
Rottnest Express – sets sail from three locations in Fremantle and central Perth, transporting guests to wonderful Rottnest Island with on-board guided commentary. Also offers bike hire, bus and adventure tours. Prices start at £29pp; rottnestexpress.com.au
Iconic experiences and attractions:
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures – half-day, full-day and overnight tours to Horizontal Falls, including seaplane flights, cruises to the Horizontal Falls and more. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures also operates a floating base of houseboats for overnight experiences. Prices start at £704pp; horizontalfallsadventures.com.au
Melbourne Skydeck – the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, offering spectacular views and state-of-the-art tech and AI experiences. Prices start from £15pp;melbourneskydeck.com.au
Eureka 89 – fine-dining experience and event venue in Melbourne, with views to match. Diners can sample seasonal tasting menus and wine pairings designed by award-winning chef Renne Martillano. Prices start at £84pp for 5 course tasting menu, and £105pp for 7 course; eureka89.com.au