G’day Group acquires Glen Helen Lodge
Australia’s largest regional accommodation group has expanded its footprint in the Northern Territory with the acquisition of Glen Helen Lodge, which will re-open next month, having been closed since the height of COVID-19.
The G’day Group has multi-million dollar plans to develop the property over the coming years. Under consideration is glamping tents, modern cabins, an infinity pool and a restaurant with a viewing deck that looks over Glen Helen Gorge.
Glen Helen is the only accommodation in the West McDonnell Ranges National Park. Its reopening and the future investment in the property will be a huge boost to tourism through the Red Centre.
The G’day Group is currently recruiting for hospitality staff with the property employing around 20 people, with an extra 80 jobs created during the construction period in 2023. Where possible, the G’day Group will employ locals and contract local businesses.
Alongside the company’s recent acquisition of Kings Canyon, the acquisition creates a strong NT footprint for the G’day Group.
Chief Executive, of the G’day Group, Grant Wilckens, said that the company has been investing heavily in the northern part of Australia.
“We’re really excited about our accommodation offering in northern Australia. From the $10 million upgrade we have planned for Broome, through to our Kununurra property and recent acquisitions of El Questro, Kings Canyon and Glen Helen Lodge, we have a strong presence across some of the most spectacular landscapes Australia has to offer.”
“Glen Helen has a rich history, and after we enhance the experience on offer, more people will appreciate its beauty and significance,” said Grant.
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Michael Gunner said we are working hard to make sure the Territory is Australia's comeback capital and a large part of that relies on tourism.
“The Territory is always alive at this time of the year, but this year in particular, we are really seeing an early peak in the tourist season.
”Our accommodation throughout the NT is at capacity and that’s a good problem to have. The more accommodation available, the more tourists we can accommodate and better the investment in our region.”
The G’day Group is Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider with almost 300 properties across Australia.
For more information, contact: Myles Wallace, G’day Group Communications Manager, 0432 866 094 or email mwallace@gdaygroup.com.au
About G’day Group
Founded by Grant Wilckens in 2004 with three caravan parks in WA, G’day Group is now Australia’s leader in regional accommodation experiences with more than 300 properties across the country.
G’day Group is home to Discovery Parks, a network of more than 85 owned and operated properties, including iconic regional resorts at Kings Canyon, Rottnest Island and the world famous El Questro. The company also owns G’day Parks, a network of 220+ independently owned licensed parks and more than 200,000 G’day Rewards members, and Australia’s number one regional travel community, Wikicamps.
G’day Group reached $1 billion status in 2020 and has ambitions to double in size in the next five years. The company is majority owned by Australian Retirement Trust and founder and CEO Grant Wilckens is the Chair of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and a Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
