The G’Day Group has acquired what eminent naturalist David Attenborough once flagged as the eighth wonder of the world: the Undara Experience in Tropical North Queensland.
Undara Experience, on the edge of the Undara Volcanic National Park, 275km southwest of Cairns, is a gateway to the network of lava tubes caused by a volcanic eruption 190,000 years ago. These tubes are part of the world’s longest lava flow from a single volcano in modern geological time with vegetation that traces back to Gondwana.
Undara Experience was established by the Collins family, original settlers in the area nearly 160 years ago, who still graze cattle there six generations later. The Collins family has a deep connection to the area and will have an ongoing relationship with the property.
Owner and director of Undara, Bram Collins, said Undara Experience represents the values of the Collins family.
“The decision to sell Undara has been a difficult one. I am extremely proud of what we have built over the last three decades, including the incredible experiences we have created to connect people with nature.
“I would also like to acknowledge this has only been possible through the relationships we have held with the traditional owners, the Ewamian Aboriginal people, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and our long association with Savannah Guides,” said Mr Collins.
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“A combination of the changing border lockdowns, the next generation of Collins’ pursuing other interests, and after a record year there’s no better partner to hand over the reins to than the G’Day Group who have so many other iconic properties in their portfolio.”
G’Day Group CEO Grant Wilckens said Undara was the latest jewel in the G’Day Group crown of iconic Aussie tourism locations, which includes El Questro in Western Australia, Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory, and the Discovery – Rottnest Island (WA) glamping experience among others.
“The Undara Experience is a fantastic addition to our portfolio – very much aligned with our desire to be synonymous with the great Aussie holiday. It’s an internationally significant geological treasure and a wonderful attraction along the Savannah Way, which is the main touring route for travellers across northern Australia from Cairns to Broome,” said Mr Wilckens.
“For generations, the Collins family have done a great job in caring for this natural wonder and sharing it sustainably with tourists – we’re very proud to be taking on the job,” he said.
“The Undara Experience is also part of our vision to expand our tourism experiences into high-quality food and beverage, golf tourism and conferences.”
The property, which includes a mix of accommodation, tours and food and beverage, is the only accommodation and experience offering in the Undara Volcanic National Park and rates highly on Tripadvisor and Booking.com.
Its tours of the spectacular lava tube network and wildlife at sunset tours are popular with travellers and it hosts the Undara Outback Rock and Blues Festival every year.
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The park offers a range of accommodation options with 60 cabins comprising 18 Homestead Rooms, six Pioneer Huts, 18 Railway Carriage rooms, 29 swag tents and 93 sites, including 57 powered and 36 unpowered sites, with room for further development.
Facilities include large central open-air dining and bar, a pool, petrol pumps, communal campfires, shop, open-air stage, airfield, bushwalking trails, conference room and bike tracks.
The G’Day Group, which has more than 300 properties nationwide, including more than 80 Discovery Parks owned and operated parks and the licensed G’Day Parks network, has plans to boost visitation and length of stay by investing in digital marketing and additional tourist experiences. It also intends to improve facilities at the park, including a shady pool and improved wifi.
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The group, with more than $1 billion in assets, is investing more than $100 million in park acquisitions and developments in 2021–22, following similar investment in 2020–21, and has aspirations to become a $2 billion company in the near future.
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About G’Day Group
Founded by Grant Wilckens in 2004 with three properties in WA, the G’Day Group is now Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider with around 300 properties across Australia.
G’Day reached $1 billion company status in 2020, and is home to three brands; Discovery Parks (owned and managed parks), G’Day Parks (independently owned licensed parks) and G’Day Rewards (membership program).
G’Day is majority owned by Sunsuper. Founder and CEO Grant Wilckens is also the chair of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and board director of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Have you visited the Undara Experience? Where’s your favourite spot in North Queensland? Let us know in the comments section below.
– With PA
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