Intrepid Travel Acquires Wild Bush Luxury: Expanding Premium Nature-Based Tourism in Australia with a Focus on Sustainability and Unique Experiences

Published on December 10, 2025

Intrepid Travel, a global leader in sustainable tourism, has announced its acquisition of Experience Co’s Wild Bush Luxury business. This strategic move is designed to expand Intrepid’s portfolio of premium, nature-based experiences in Australia, adding a collection of iconic guided walks and luxury lodges to its already impressive offerings. With this acquisition, Intrepid strengthens its position in Australia’s competitive adventure tourism market, emphasizing sustainability and meaningful connections with nature, wildlife, and culture.

Expanding the Portfolio: Iconic Australian Experiences

As part of this acquisition, Intrepid Travel has taken over Wild Bush Luxury’s distinguished range of guided walks and premium accommodations. These include two of Australia’s most celebrated trekking experiences: Arkaba Walk and Homestead in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania, and the exclusive Bamurru Plains safari camp in the Northern Territory. These properties and experiences are integral to Intrepid’s broader strategy to provide travelers with authentic, immersive, and low-impact nature-based travel.

This acquisition marks a pivotal step for Intrepid Travel, which is aiming to enhance its offering for travelers seeking more meaningful ways to explore Australia’s breathtaking landscapes. By adding these iconic experiences, the company is also reinforcing its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact while supporting local communities.

Strategic Alignment with Sustainability and Low-Impact Travel

Brett Mitchell, the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Intrepid Travel, described the acquisition as a critical move in the company’s broader ambitions to lead the future of low-impact, nature-based tourism. He emphasized that travelers today are increasingly looking for ways to engage with the land, wildlife, and culture in a sustainable manner. Intrepid’s new portfolio, enriched by Wild Bush Luxury’s properties, provides just that—an opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes while adhering to sustainable travel principles.

This acquisition is also aligned with Intrepid’s Climate Action Plan and decarbonization goals. By expanding its footprint in the premium walking and eco-lodge segment, the company aims to ensure that these experiences are not only enriching for the travelers but also for the environments they visit, promoting responsible tourism that protects Australia’s natural heritage.

Wild Bush Luxury’s Legacy and Transition to Intrepid

Wild Bush Luxury has long been a respected name in Australia’s luxury adventure tourism sector. Its collection of premium eco-lodges and walking tours has made a significant contribution to conservation-based tourism, offering travelers the chance to connect with nature in some of the country’s most remote and pristine locations.

However, after a strategic review, Experience Co. identified that the company’s future growth would be best served by focusing on its scalable adventure experiences, including its Marine (Great Barrier Reef), Treetops Adventure, and Skydive/Aviation portfolios. As a result, Experience Co. made the decision to sell Wild Bush Luxury to Intrepid Travel, a company whose values and expertise align with the future of these conservation-based experiences.

John O’Sullivan, CEO of Experience Co., expressed confidence that Intrepid Travel is the right partner to continue Wild Bush Luxury’s legacy. He acknowledged that Intrepid’s global reputation for sustainable tourism and its commitment to immersive, nature-based travel experiences make it the ideal custodian for the business. He also noted that Experience Co. looks forward to a seamless transition for the Wild Bush Luxury team, their guests, and trade partners, further strengthening the tourism industry in Australia.

What’s Next for Intrepid and Wild Bush Luxury?

The Wild Bush Luxury portfolio will officially be integrated into Intrepid’s offerings in February 2026. This transition will make Intrepid one of Australia’s largest walking tour companies, providing a diverse range of premium, low-impact travel experiences. The addition of these iconic properties and tours reinforces the company’s mission to offer travelers enriching, sustainable travel opportunities that minimize their ecological footprint.

Enhancing the Tourism Landscape in Australia

This acquisition positions Intrepid Travel as a major player in the Australian tourism industry, with a growing portfolio that spans guided walks, luxury lodges, and eco-tourism experiences. It also supports the company’s broader sustainability goals and the growing demand for nature-based, low-impact travel options in Australia and globally.

In addition to expanding Intrepid’s premium experiences, this move has the potential to positively impact local communities. The addition of iconic locations such as Arkaba Walk and Bamurru Plains will bring economic benefits to the surrounding regions, particularly through employment, local sourcing, and sustainable tourism practices.

As tourism continues to recover and evolve, Intrepid’s focus on sustainability, local engagement, and conservation-based travel will position it for long-term success, providing travelers with opportunities to explore Australia’s remarkable landscapes responsibly.

Conclusion: Intrepid’s Future in Sustainable Tourism

Intrepid Travel’s acquisition of Wild Bush Luxury reflects its commitment to expanding its sustainable tourism offerings in Australia. By adding iconic properties and experiences like the Arkaba Walk and Bamurru Plains, Intrepid strengthens its position as a leader in low-impact, nature-based travel. This move is also an essential step in achieving Intrepid’s Climate Action Plan and decarbonization goals. As the company integrates Wild Bush Luxury’s experiences into its portfolio, it not only expands its reach within the Australian market but also sets a strong precedent for the future of sustainable travel globally.