Emirates and Marriott to Open Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia’s Wolgan Valley

Emirates and Marriott International Sign Agreement to Open Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia’s Wolgan Valley

Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a 40-key all-inclusive Ritz-Carlton Lodge, to be located within a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Scheduled to open in mid-2026, the project is planned as the first property globally under The Ritz-Carlton Lodge concept. The development forms part of New South Wales’ regional tourism landscape and is positioned within a nature-focused destination that emphasises environmental stewardship and a connection to place.

Since 2006, Emirates has invested approximately AU$150 million in the Wolgan Valley property, including the restoration of heritage structures, such as the original homestead dating back to 1832, and conservation initiatives focused on native flora and fauna. These efforts have included the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates has now committed an additional AU$50 million towards renovations, working in collaboration with Marriott International to reposition the property under The Ritz-Carlton brand.

During the period when Wolgan Valley Road was closed in 2023, Emirates continued to maintain the site with locally employed staff while operations were suspended. The company has stated that the reopening of the lodge could support approximately 150 jobs, along with opportunities for local suppliers and service providers in the region.

Access to the lodge will be provided via four-wheel-drive transfers along the Donkey Steps or by helicopter, forming part of the overall arrival experience.

Commenting on the announcement, Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, said the partnership with Marriott International reflects Emirates’ long-term commitment to Australia and to the Wolgan Valley region, extending beyond aviation into tourism, conservation, and community engagement.

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, said the agreement marks the global debut of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge concept and aligns with growing traveller interest in immersive, nature-based experiences connected to local destinations.

The lodge will be set within a protected conservation reserve, with development occupying a small portion of the overall site. Planned experiences are expected to focus on guided outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, and conservation-led programmes. The surrounding environment includes native flora such as the Wollemi Pine and wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, and rock wallabies.

Accommodation plans include 40 standalone lodges, each with private pools and tailored amenities. The project also includes plans for a guided overnight wilderness experience designed to offer guests time outdoors under minimal artificial light.

The main homestead is expected to include arrival spaces, dining venues, lounges, and wine-focused offerings highlighting regional and international selections. Recreational and wellness facilities are planned to include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian facilities, fitness areas, and a spa, alongside a dedicated naturalist hub to support guest engagement with the surrounding environment.

The Wolgan Valley lodge will complement The Ritz-Carlton’s existing presence in Australia, which includes properties in Perth and Melbourne, further expanding the brand’s footprint in the country.