Journey Beyond, owner of “experiential” attractions from The Ghan train to the observation deck and restaurant at the top of Melbourne’s landmark Eureka Tower, has changed hands for $600 million in a deal timed perfectly for the rebound in holiday travel.

The Australian Financial Review can reveal that Sydney buyout firm Quadrant Private Equity has sold Journey Beyond, which also operates the Rottnest Express ferry service to the idyllic car-free holiday island of Rottnest 19 kilometres off Perth, to American travel and transportation group Hornblower.