Australia’s Journey Beyond Acquires Iconic Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Journey Beyond, an Australia-based experiential tourism group, has announced an agreement to acquire the Crocodile Hotel operations in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the uniquely shaped “Croc Hotel” is an Australian tourism icon. Journey Beyond says the acquisition continues its mission to connect guests with the country’s most remarkable places through authentic and immersive hospitality.

The company says the addition of the Crocodile Hotel complements its existing Northern Territory icons, including The Ghan and Ayers Rock Resort, and strengthens the commitment to showcasing the rich Indigenous culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Top End.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Crocodile Hotel to the group,” said Chris Tallent, CEO of Journey Beyond. 

“This property is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway to the heart of Kakadu. With significant investment planned for the property, we look forward to building awareness and growing demand whilst honouring its heritage and delivering the exceptional experience and quality that our guests expect.”

The Crocodile Hotel is one of the Australia’s most distinctive hotels, uniquely shaped to represent Kakadu’s most famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. The 110-room property is located in the township of Jabiru within the Kakadu National Park and features the Manjmukmuk Restaurant and Bar, conference facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and an on‑site art gallery showcasing local artwork.

Journey Beyond says it has extensive experience in positively working with Indigenous communities across Australia, including in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land and Western Australia’s Kimberley Region.  

The hotel is situated within Jabiru, upon land leased from the Mirarr Traditional Owners through Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Jabiru Town (GACJT). 

GACJT on behalf of the Mirarr Traditional Owners says: “This is a positive step in the delivery of the Mirarr Jabiru Masterplan which sees Jabiru as a key North Australian location for ecofriendly tourism, active outdoor tourism and Indigenous cultural tourism.”

Crocodile Hotel will join Journey Beyond’s portfolio of resorts and lodges and will continue to be led by the existing management team.

Journey Beyond is known for operating iconic luxury rail journeys, cruises, outback safaris, and unique cultural experiences.

It’s not the only Australia-based experiential tourism company making a foray into the hotel sector. Intrepid has been acquiring properties in Australia and elsewhere, are recently launched ‘Stay Intrepid,’ a curated collection of company-owned properties.