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G’day Group acquires Mount Surprise accommodation bolstering Savannah Way experience

February 22, 2023

Karen Sweaney

Attractions / Hospitality / Tourism /

Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider, G’day Group, has acquired Bedrock Village Caravan Park and Tours near Mount Surprise in Queensland’s tropical north - adding another destination along the popular Savannah Way touring route.

The five hectare property, which will be renamed Discovery Parks – Mount Surprise, incorporates 35 cabins and 105 tourist sites, family-friendly facilities such as a swimming pool and mini-golf course, along with the associated tourism business that currently offers full and half-day tours to the world famous Undara Lava Tubes.

Located three and a half hours south-west of Cairns, the acquisition provides natural synergies with nearby Undara Experience, which was acquired by G’day Group in late 2021, with the company now able to offer year-round guided tours of the Lava Tubes.

G’day Group Chief Investment Officer Amanda Baldwin notes “this is a fantastic complementary acquisition that builds our presence on a popular Queensland touring and self-drive route.

“While Undara closes during the wet season, Mount Surprise will continue to operate, offering overnight stays and meals to corporate customers. It is also a popular destination owing to its location on the primary Savannah Way touring route and usage as a regular overnight stop for the Savannahlander train journey.

“From an experience perspective, we can now also offer year-round tours to the Undara Lava Tubes through cross-selling opportunities and our operational expertise will also deliver immediate benefits for the guest experience at Mount Surprise.”

G’day Group will invest more than $2 million in start-up costs at Discovery Parks – Mount Surprise, including improvements to staff accommodation to attract seasonal tourism workers and upgrades to guest accommodation fitouts.

Destination marketing will also be a key focus for G’day Group post acquisition as it looks to capture a broad audience of travellers taking on the ultimate outback road trip across northern Australia.

G’day is majority owned by Australian Retirement Trust. Founder and Chief EXecutive Grant Wilckens is also the Chair of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Images from top: Bedrock Village Caravan Park; Image centre Savannahlander train journey. Credit G’Day Group; Image above: Undara Lava Tubes Credit: Tropical North Queensland