Continuing its growth across Australia’s tourism sector, Journey Beyond has unveiled Island Connections, a new national brand for its recently acquired SeaLink marine operations, bringing together ferry and marine transport services under a single identity. The launch follows the completion of Journey Beyond’s acquisition of Kelsian Group’s national tourism portfolio, adding 14 tourism brands to the business, significantly expanding its footprint across Australia and reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading experiential tourism operators.
Island Connections unites Journey Beyond’s marine operations across Bruny Island (Tasmania), the Whitsundays, K’gari (Fraser Island), the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt and Darwin-Mandorah, providing guests with a seamless way to access some of Australia’s most remote and extraordinary destinations. Carrying more than 400,000 guests each year, the services connect travellers and local communities with island and coastal destinations from Tasmania to the Top End.
Kelsian’s national tourism portfolio spans cruises, accommodation, sightseeing, guided tours and marine transport operations across Australia. Complementing Journey Beyond’s existing collection of iconic rail journeys, cruises, unique accommodation and immersive experiences, the acquisition creates greater opportunities for travellers to explore Australia through seamless, multi-destination journeys. The addition also significantly strengthens the group’s marine offering, with Journey Beyond now operating more than 150 vessels and welcoming 2.6 million guests annually across its marine portfolio.
In Sydney, the acquisition includes Captain Cook Cruises Sydney, The Jackson and Starship Sydney, offering a range of premium harbour cruising experiences. In South Australia, Murray Princess and Adelaide Sightseeing join the portfolio, while in Western Australia, the addition of Captain Cook Cruises Perth, Swan Valley Tours and Bells Functions further strengthens Journey Beyond’s destination offering.
In Queensland, the acquisition expands Journey Beyond’s presence on K’gari (Fraser Island) through Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari Beach Resort and K’gari Explorer Tours, alongside Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours in the Whitsundays. The newly launched Island Connections brand will also encompass marine transport services across the Whitsundays, K’gari, Bruny Island, the Tiwi Islands, Darwin-Mandorah and Groote Eylandt, further enhancing connectivity to some of Australia’s most iconic island and coastal destinations.
Complementing Journey Beyond’s existing collection of iconic rail journeys, cruises, unique accommodation and immersive experiences, the expanded portfolio creates greater opportunities for travellers to explore Australia through seamless, multi-destination journeys. The addition also significantly strengthens the group’s marine offering, with Journey Beyond now operating more than 150 vessels and welcoming 2.6 million guests annually across its marine portfolio.
Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond, said the acquisitions mark an important milestone for the company and its continued growth across Australian tourism.
“This is an important moment for Journey Beyond, and we’re proud to welcome these highly regarded businesses, their people and their guests into the Journey Beyond group. These are established tourism businesses with strong connections to their destinations and their communities. We have a lot of respect for what they have built, and our focus now is on supporting our people and continuing to deliver amazing experiences for our guests.”
He added, “The portfolio is highly complementary to our existing experiences and gives our guests even more ways to explore Australia – whether that’s rail to reef, river to resort, or city to sea.”
