Journey Beyond has today welcomed its very first guests to stay wild at South Australia’s newest premium hotel, and the world’s largest open-range safari park, Monarto Safari Resort.
“This project has been carefully nurtured and developed alongside the amazing team at Monarto Safari Park over many years, and I am thrilled to see the doors finally open,” said Gerry Ryan OAM, Owner of the new attraction.
“With Journey Beyond at the helm of this unique destination hotel, every guest is assured an exceptional and memorable experience.”
Acknowledging the opening of a new tourist landmark, Senator the Honourable Don Farrell, Minister for Tourism and Trade, said “This Resort gives visitors a new way to experience one of South Australia’s treasures – Monarto Safari Park.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas added his praise, saying “The opening of Monarto Safari Resort presents a significant opportunity for South Australia, driving significant economic benefits for the state.
“The resort is creating jobs and has already drawn bookings from interstate and overseas visitors. This will have a flow-on effect and stimulate growth in surrounding areas. Moreover, the resort’s commitment to conservation and education reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.”
“Australia’s largest safari park already welcomes visitors from around Australia and the world,” Malinauskas said, adding the park has the potential to entice visitors to stay longer in the State.
The resort also features a world-class day spa rooted in nature ‘Marula’, the serene wellness retreat includes treatment rooms, vitality and cold plunge pools and sauna, alongside the ‘Kutjera’ restaurant, two swimming pools and 20 luxury tents that will open later in the year.
Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO said, “At the heart of all our brands are exceptional experiences that provide guests with an unparalleled journey. Monarto Safari Resort delivers this in spades connecting them with the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area.
Wildlife preservation and eco-tourism are aligned with Journey Beyond’s commitment to Journey Lightly.Dr Phil Ainsley, Zoos South Australia Chief Executive said, “Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of everything we do, it’s a natural partnership between Monarto Safari Park and the resort which will undoubtably become a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.”
“Our keepers have been working behind the scenes to introduce herds of African animals into Wild Africa and the new waterhole precinct. It will be a thrill for guests to watch giraffes and zebras grazing and hear the low rumblings of animals while they drift to sleep.”
Monarto Safari Resort merges African and Australian cultural influences, celebrating migration and nature. The design blends local materials like Kanmantoo Bluestone and Harlequin Granite with eclectic textures and natural tones. It highlights craftsmanship from both continents, creating a unique sensory experience deeply rooted in South Australia’s distinctive mallee landscape.
For those drawn to deeper encounters, the resort offers exclusive guest-only safaris across the 550 hectares of the Wild Africa precinct. At dawn and dusk, when the animals are most active, guests can board custom-designed vehicles for intimate game drives, led by knowledgeable guides. Guests might spot zebras silhouetted against sunrise or southern white rhinoceros emerging from the grassland. Back at the resort, a sundowner deck overlooking the watering hole promises another kind of spectacle.
A portion of each guest’s stay will be donated to programs that help protect and preserve the extraordinary animals and environment for generations to come.
See monartosafariresort.com.
