Intrepid Travel has announced plans to acquire 20 boutique properties around the world over the next three years, marking a major expansion into the accommodation sector. The move follows a successful first year of operations at its Daintree Ecolodge in Far North Queensland.
The company’s next property purchase is expected to be in Tasmania, with an official announcement anticipated as early as this week.
The new strategy will operate under the name An Intrepid Stay and represents a shift towards becoming a broader travel lifestyle brand. The expansion was unveiled by Intrepid Travel ANZ Managing Director Brett Mitchell and General Manager of Accommodation Celine Hurelle, a former Accor executive, during a media event at the Daintree Ecolodge on Friday.
Daintree Ecolodge, located north of Mossman, currently offers 15 eco-friendly cabins. The property has been granted approval to add five more cabins in the near future.
“You’ll see a huge focus going forward on domestic travel,” said Mitchell. “Coming out of COVID, we really tried not to waste a crisis. We looked for ways to play a more meaningful role in people’s lives, more regularly.”
Intrepid’s broader vision includes creating more community-focused and sustainable travel experiences. The company aims to expand beyond small group tours and build a network of accommodations aligned with its ethical values. This includes promoting itineraries that are 100% First Nations-owned within Australia.
“We’re thinking about how we can create and innovate in ways that align with our beliefs,” Mitchell explained. “We want to help our customers and push the travel industry toward more responsible practices.”
Founded 36 years ago by Melbourne entrepreneurs Darrell Wade and Geoff Manchester, Intrepid Travel has long championed sustainable tourism. It became 100% carbon neutral nearly two decades ago and is now a certified B Corporation. The company serves over 250,000 travellers annually in more than 100 countries and manages around 1 million nights of accommodation globally.
The move into accommodation began as part of a post-COVID diversification plan, developed by co-founder Wade over several years. The company’s long-term goal is to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2030. In 2024, Intrepid celebrated a record year, marking 35 years in business and earning recognition as Australia’s second-fastest-growing company.
However, the expansion has faced challenges. In 2023, just months after acquiring Daintree Ecolodge, Cyclone Jasper hit the region. Since then, the lodge has been rebuilt and refreshed. It now offers a modern eco-stay experience, integrating First Nations culture, sustainability efforts, and conservation projects, including rainforest restoration through tree planting on former sugar cane land.
With its renewed focus and clear direction, Intrepid Travel is positioning itself not just as a tour operator, but as a leading advocate for responsible travel and immersive, sustainable accommodation.
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