Certified B Corp Intrepid Travel has purchased The Edge of the Bay property in Coles Bay, supporting Tasmania’s tourism sector and expanding its footprint beyond tours.The acquisition of the 20-room property, situated on 18-acres with sweeping views of Wineglass Bay and The Hazards, marks the next step in Intrepid’s global accommodation strategy and is its second property in Australia, following the acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge in Far North Queensland in 2023.
The Edge of the Bay was established in 1980 by Jill and Ray Johnston and the family has operated it since then. To honour that legacy, Intrepid will continue a people-first, community-led approach. The company will develop nature and community-based experiences in partnership with the local community and will work with the traditional owners of the land, the Palawa people, to conduct a cultural heritage assessment of the area.
Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said the company’s accommodation strategy is rooted in creating meaningful experiences that respect both place and people.
“Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities and boosting travel’s economic contribution within the local community,” Thornton said. “We’re bringing our 35 years of experience operating locally led tours in 118 countries to the accommodation space – giving our customers another way to be Intrepid, while ensuring tourism continues to benefit the people who call these places home.”
Tourism directly and indirectly supports around 50,800 filled jobs in Tasmania or 15.6 per cent of total Tasmanian filled jobs, the highest share in the country.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark welcomed the investment, highlighting Tasmania’s global appeal as a destination:
“Tasmania is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for global travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences. Whether exploring ancient rainforests or pink granite mountain-tops, savouring fresh local produce or participating in experiences that have a positive impact, Tasmania presents a remarkable opportunity for international adventurers to connect with nature while indulging in premium food and produce.
Intrepid’s investment is a strong show of confidence in Tasmania as a destination and will help extend the local benefits of tourism further across our seasons. It’s also a timely reminder of the value of long-term, sustainable investment in places that matter to locals and visitors alike.”
The company will also embed Greening Australia, a local partner of its not-for-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation, into the property through introducing new nature-based guest experiences, as well as fundraising for the NGO.
James Murray, Philanthropic Partnerships Manager, Greening Australia said Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s most ecologically rich and visually stunning regions.
“It’s exciting to see Intrepid take on a site that sits so closely with nature, helping visitors connect more deeply with what makes this part of the world so special. We’re looking forward to working together as we restore nature, care for the land and its biodiversity, and explore what’s possible when tourism supports the health and future of our environment,” Murray said.
In addition to The Edge of the Bay acquisition, Intrepid also announced today the acquisition of a 17-room Riad in Marrakech, Morocco, one of the travel company’s most popular destinations. The adventure travel company also has a multi-year lease on a hotel in Hoi An in Vietnam. The company has plans to grow to 20 properties worldwide in the next three years.
In Marrakech, Intrepid’s new traditional Moroccan guesthouse covers 470m2 and is located with 5 minutes’ walk of the famous medina. The property was acquired from a private owner and Intrepid will fully operate the property from July 2025. Guests will be able to enjoy culinary experiences in the medina and onsite, with chefs being recruited via Intrepid’s foundation partner, the Amal Association, which provides culinary skills training to women in Morocco.
Celine Hurelle, Intrepid’s General Manager of Accommodation said: “At the heart of this strategy is Intrepid’s accommodation philosophy: to offer an immersive stay that acts as a gateway to explore the destination and connect meaningfully to its community, culture and environment, while providing a comfortable base to relax.”
Intrepid’s properties can be booked independent of Intrepid tours and will be responsibly operated, designed to give customers a true Intrepid experience while giving back to the community.
The Edge of the Bay resort will continue to operate as usual in the short term, with Intrepid set to introduce gradual enhancements focused on sustainability, local storytelling and community engagement.
