A Melbourne based adventure travel business is expanding its focus on specialist traveller segments, with six brands now covering women-only adventures, solo travel, food, gardens, walking and culturally focused journeys.
Leatherback Travel was founded by Mat and Rebeca Newton in 2019 and operates trips across the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, the Balkans and other destinations.
The group’s portfolio has been built around traveller groups its founders believe are underserved by traditional touring products.
Patch Adventures specialises in small group journeys for women, including itineraries in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Central Asia, while Camino Women focuses on walking and hiking trips in destinations including Morocco, Laos and Papua New Guinea.
Magnificent Explorers offers cultural and rail journeys, including programs across the Balkans and India, while Fencox Travel is designed for solo travellers and removes the additional cost traditionally associated with travelling alone.
Salt Caravan centres its itineraries on food, with access to local kitchens, markets and producers, while Carex Garden Tours uses gardens and horticulture as the basis for exploring destinations.
The business is also using tourism projects to support local communities. One example is the Salemi Ceramics Studio in Sicily, which aims to help sustain a centuries old local craft and contribute to the town’s economy.
Leatherback Travel was ranked fifth in the AFR Fast 100 in 2025, with the company describing itself as Australia’s fastest growing travel business on the list.
Demand has also extended to some of its more unusual programs, with Patch Adventures’ Iran departures previously selling out twice, including one departure within 24 hours.
The group says its future focus will remain on small group travel, cultural connection and specialist products designed around travellers whose interests may not be well served by mainstream itineraries.
