Intrepid Travel fully acquires JOOB

July 2025

Intrepid Travel has taken full ownership of JOOB, the Australia adventure tourism business and destination management company (DMC).  

This acquisition builds on Intrepid’s initial majority investment in JOOB in 2022 and strengthens Intrepid’s commitment to growing local adventure tourism in Australia. 

“With this acquisition, we are deepening our investment in walking and trekking experiences, First Nations tourism, and regional product development, aligned to our 2030 growth strategy,” said Brett Mitchell, Managing Director ANZ at Intrepid Travel. 

JOOB operated trips in every Australian state and territory (except the ACT), with depots across Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Alice Springs and Melbourne, and seasonal operations in Darwin and Cairns. Its brands walking tour specialist Inspiration Outdoors, adventure operator Waratah Adventure Tours, and have long delivered guided, nature-based travel in Australia’s most iconic destinations. Going forward, these trips will carry Intrepid branding on the ground, further expanding the reach of the Intrepid brand across the country. 

Intrepid Travel Australia DMC General Manager and JOOB founder, Simon Mendelawitz said “It’s exciting to be part of Intrepid’s continued investment in Australian adventure tourism. I’m proud to be continuing in my role as General Manager, and see strong opportunities for growth, new partnerships, and delivering even more meaningful experiences across the country.” 

Last year, Intrepid Travel acquired the assets of Kimberley Wild Expeditions (KWE) in Western Australia as part of its 2030 Strategy to strengthen operational capabilities across Australia. The acquisition included KWE’s vehicle fleet and the lease of the Bungle Bungle Camp, while KWE continues to operate the Kimberley Travellers Lodge and maintain a partnership with Intrepid as an agent. 

For a full view of Intrepid’s business and future plans, head to their Integrated Annual Report.