Emirates to reopen Wolgan Valley as world-first Ritz-Carlton Lodge
Image: Emirates Wolgan Valley
Emirates has confirmed its flagship Wolgan Valley resort will reopen in late 2026 following a further $50 million investment and a new partnership with Marriott International’s Ritz-Carlton brand.
The property, to be relaunched as Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is expected to become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge globally. Located within the Greater Blue Mountains of NSW, the 7000-acre conservation-based resort has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury accommodation offerings.
Owned and operated by Emirates, Wolgan Valley opened in 2009 after a $150 million investment and quickly became a benchmark for high-end, nature-led tourism, attracting global attention and high-profile guests. That momentum was interrupted in late 2022 when a major landslide destroyed Wolgan Road, the only sealed access route into the valley.
With no safe way to transport guests, staff or supplies, the resort was forced to suspend operations as Australia’s tourism industry was still recovering from Covid. By mid-2023, ongoing uncertainty around road repairs and funding responsibilities led to the resort’s indefinite closure.
According to Emirates Divisional Vice President Barry Brown, the shutdown resulted in millions of dollars per year in lost operational costs, with 40 luxury villas sitting idle and regional employment and supply chains impacted.
More than three years later, Emirates has committed fresh capital to revive the asset, positioning the relaunch as a long-term play on premium nature-based travel and international luxury demand.
Speaking at an industry event in Sydney, Mr Brown described the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site as “unlike anything” he had experienced.
“We believe that places like Wolgan Valley deserve more than admiration,” he said.
“They deserve care, protection and long-term commitment. At Wolgan Valley, our ambition was simple … to demonstrate that luxury tourism can actively support conservation, creating a genuine win-win-win for the local community, the environment, and Australian tourism.”
Since construction began in 2006, Emirates has invested $150 million in the resort. The additional $50 million, with refurbishment works already underway, is aimed at repositioning the property as “a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place”.
“Our objective is simple, to do justice to the extraordinary landscape by ensuring the experience matches the significance,” Brown said.
“This continued investment reflects our confidence in Wolgan Valley to Australia, and the enduring appeal of premium nature-based travel … and to meet that demand, and strengthen Australia’s position on the global tourism stage.”
Access remains a key operational consideration ahead of reopening. With Wolgan Road still damaged, guests will initially arrive via a four-wheel-drive-only route known as the ‘Donkey Steps’, with helicopter transfers also available.
Brown said guests will park at the top of the escarpment before transferring into resort-operated four-wheel drives.
“It’s all part of the new immersive experience,” he explained.
On the longer-term restoration of Wolgan Road, Mr Brown said discussions with government agencies were continuing.
“The funding is coming from the National Emergency Management Authority … They’ve committed funding to that (road). We’re working now through the (local) Council to have the road possibly rehabilitated as soon as possible.”
Despite delays, he remains confident: “But we are patient people … and we can see the finish line coming this year.”
Jonathan Jackson, 3rd February 2026
