Adventure travel company Leatherback Travel has been named Australia's 5th fastest-growing company in the 2025 AFR Fast 100, also making it Australia’s fastest-growing travel company – showing travellers want small-group adventures built around connection, not crowds.
"It was clear to us that there are people out there who don't want to travel alone," says Matthew Newton, CEO and Co-Founder along with his wife Rebeca.
"That's what Leatherback Travel adventure brands do – they get small groups of around 12 to 14 travellers connected with each other, who more often than not develop new friendships while exploring far-off places they imagined they'd never get to."
While Leatherback Travel may be a relatively new name on the travel scene, it's clearly not one that will disappear anytime soon. The company's revenue has risen to $9.5 million, reporting a compound annual growth rate of 207 percent – impressive for a company that started in 2019, paused for two and a half years during COVID, but was motivated to keep going by its early success.
Leatherback guests – travelling with brands including Camino Women, Fencox Travel, Magnificent Rail and Patch Adventures – venture to places like Iraq, Bhutan, Cuba, Algeria, and Uzbekistan. They're looking for real experiences with local cultures and food, and to meet people beyond the usual tourist spots.
"Around 12 percent of guests have travelled with us more than once this year," says Mat. "We try to speak to each guest when they return from a trip, and we know many have referred us to friends and family."
The momentum continues. Leatherback Travel has just launched Salt Caravan, a new brand for travellers who want to understand a destination through its food – connecting guests with the culture, stories and people behind what they're eating. The company also operates Carex Garden Tours, taking garden lovers to the world's most beautiful gardens, including private estates and contemporary-designed gardens.
"We're excited about what's ahead," says Mat. "Honestly, we have more ideas than we know what to do with. The trick is figuring out which ones to tackle first."
The family-owned and operated company has built a loyal following primarily among Australian and New Zealand travellers – travellers who want adventure, but don't want to go it alone – though brands like Carex and Salt Caravan reach global audiences.
About Leatherback Travel
Leatherback Travel creates small-group adventures where curious travellers connect with each other, local cultures and places they've always wanted to explore.
The company operates niche travel brands including Camino Women, Fencox Travel, Magnificent Rail, Patch Adventures, Carex Garden Tours and Salt Caravan – each designed for specific travel passions and communities.
Beyond travel experiences, the Leatherback Foundation teams up with communities to develop special projects that benefit locals, including:
- The remote Sou Soum Trail in Northern Laos, created in partnership with local villagers.
- Salemi Ceramics, a centre for contemporary ceramic art in Western Sicily, developed in consultation with the local community to help revive the region.