World Expeditions is an Australian-founded adventure travel company established in 1975, evolving from Himalayan trekking pioneers into a global adventure travel group operating across all seven continents, united by a commitment to responsible, small group travel.

1975-1989 | The Himalayan Beginnings

World Expeditions traces its roots to 1975, when our inaugural trekking holidays launched in Nepal under the name Australian Himalayan Expeditions. As demand grew, so did our horizons - expanding into other Himalayan regions and then into South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

By the late 1980s, our name evolved to World Expeditions, reflecting a broader global vision while staying true to our founding principles: small groups, high-quality adventures, and responsible travel that supports local communities.

1990s | Australian Firsts & Global Reach

The 1990s were defined by innovation and expansion. In Australia, we pioneered some of the country’s most iconic adventure experiences, including the first commercial rafting trips on the Franklin River and early expeditions along the Larapinta Trail.

The merger with Tasmanian Expeditions strengthened our domestic leadership, while the creation of Australian Walking Holidays provided a dedicated home for our growing Australian portfolio.

As the internet reshaped travel planning, World Expeditions established offices in Auckland, London and Ottawa - creating an international community of travellers long before global travel became commonplace.

2000s | Europe Opens Up

In 2007, recognising growing demand for active European travel, UTracks was launched. Specialising in guided and self-guided walking and cycling holidays, the brand quickly expanded.

This growth was strengthened by the acquisition of Walkers Britain (2012) and Sherpa Van (2016), forming one of Europe’s most comprehensive active travel programs, today offering more than 400 itineraries across the continent.

2010-2013 | New Zealand & Giving Back

In 2011, Adventure South NZ joined the group, bringing world-class cycling and walking experiences across New Zealand - from the Otago Rail Trail to alpine treks in the Southern Alps.

Our long-standing commitment to philanthropy took formal shape with the establishment of the World Expeditions Foundation and Community Project Travel (CPT), supporting education and humanitarian projects in countries including Nepal, Peru, Tanzania and Vietnam.

In 2013, the World Expeditions Travel Group was officially formed, bringing our growing family of brands together under one shared vision.

2013-2018 | Purpose-Driven Growth

Travel became a powerful vehicle for positive change with the launch of Huma Charity Challenge in 2013, helping charities raise significant funds through meaningful adventure challenges.

Our belief in adventure as a tool for education led to the creation of World Expeditions Schools (WES), delivering service-learning and global travel programs for students worldwide.

This period also saw strategic growth through brands such as Great Canadian Trails , Trail Journeys (New Zealand cycling specialists), and the acquisition of the Blue Mountains Adventure Company, strengthening our Australian operational base.

2020-2022 | Adapting & Expanding

In response to changing travel needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian Cycle Tours launched in 2020, offering flexible, self-guided cycling adventures closer to home.

Growth continued internationally with the introduction of Great Walks of New Zealand and the acquisition of Adventure Travel West in the United States - extending our reach into North America’s iconic national parks.

Today | One Philosophy, Many Paths

Today, the World Expeditions Travel Group brings together a diverse collection of adventure travel brands, united by a shared belief: that travel should be active, immersive, and responsible.

From our beginnings as Himalayan trekking pioneers to our global presence today, we continue to redefine adventure travel - always guided by our philosophy to take the paths less travelled and leaving a small footprint.