Daintree Eco Lodge sold to travel group for $5M

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David Gardiner

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The boutique rainforest retreat, Daintree Ecolodge, has been bought by global company, Intrepid Travel. Picture: Daintree Ecolodge

An iconic rainforest retreat in the heart of Douglas Shire has been sold to a global travel company.

Bought from the Morris Group – which owns establishments including the Daintree Village Hotel and the Julatten Hotel – Intrepid Travel announced it had purchased Daintree Ecolodge for $5 million.

The 15-room, four-star boutique rainforest retreat is on Mossman-Daintree Road on the way into Daintree Village.

Intrepid Travel, founded in 1989 in Melbourne by friends Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester, describes itself as the world’s largest adventure travel company.

But acquiring accommodation assets is only a fairly recent business venture for the company.

Last year, Intrepid Travel became a 50 per cent partner in off-grid accommodation company CABN, which has 27 properties across South Australia.

“A move into the lodge space is a long-held aspiration for Intrepid and will connect our brand to an entirely new audience while seamlessly integrating with our core tour product,” James Thornton, Intrepid Travel’s CEO said. 

Mr Thornton said the acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge is in line with the company’s strategy to grow beyond tours by expanding into “complementing new verticals.” 

“As we continue to diversify our offering, this new acquisition will play a key role in our evolution towards an iconic lifestyle brand.”

The six-hectare Daintree property is set against pristine rainforest and offers guests a boutique accommodation experience, with on-site restaurant and bar, day spa, natural waterfall and walking track. 

Built in 1992, the property had been part of Morris Group’s portfolio since 2013. 

The resort has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of Oceania’s Leading Green Hotel in 2022 by the World Travel Awards. 

Intrepid Travel said Daintree Ecolodge makes a significant contribution to the local economy through its support for small business and employment of 15 permanent jobs, along with many casual roles throughout the year. 

The existing employees of the lodge will remain, and continue to be led by acting general manager Jody Westbrook.

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