Our History
1989 – Our Beginnings on Kangaroo Island
SeaLink's story began in 1989, providing an essential ferry connection between Cape Jervis on the South Australian mainland and Kangaroo Island.
In 1996, a group of South Australian investors and employees purchased the business from overseas owners, returning SeaLink to Australian ownership and laying the foundations for its future growth.
2013 – Becoming an ASX-Listed Company
In 2013, SeaLink Travel Group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), marking an important milestone in the company's development.
Over the following years, SeaLink expanded its marine transport and tourism operations across Australia, building a diverse portfolio of ferry services, harbour cruises, island destinations and regional tourism experiences.
By 2018, SeaLink had become Australia's largest marine transport and tourism business, connecting millions of passengers with destinations, communities and experiences around the country.
2019 – Expanding Our Tourism Portfolio
As SeaLink grew, its marine transport operations were complemented by an extensive portfolio of tourism businesses, including accommodation, sightseeing, cruises and destination experiences.
In 2019, SeaLink introduced Brilliant Travels, bringing together its tourism brands under a shared platform to showcase and connect travellers with experiences across Australia.
The portfolio included some of Australia's best-known tourism experiences, including Sydney Harbour cruises, K'gari (Fraser Island) resorts and touring, Whitsundays adventures, the Murray Princess, Adelaide Sightseeing and Western Australian river cruises and touring experiences.
These businesses contributed significantly to SeaLink's growth and established lasting connections with the destinations and communities they served.
2020–2021 – The Formation of Kelsian Group
In 2020, SeaLink Travel Group acquired Transit Systems Group, a major Australian bus transport operator. The acquisition transformed the company from a predominantly marine transport and tourism business into an international, multi-modal transport group.
In 2021, SeaLink Travel Group changed its corporate name to Kelsian Group, reflecting its growing portfolio of marine, bus and other transport operations in Australia and internationally.
The SeaLink brand was retained for its established marine transport and tourism businesses, recognising the company's heritage and reputation for connecting people and places.
2026 – A New Chapter for SeaLink
On 1 October 2026, Kelsian Group completed the divestment of its tourism portfolio to Journey Beyond, marking another significant milestone in SeaLink's history.
The sale included a collection of established tourism businesses across Australia, spanning cruises, resorts, sightseeing, touring and destination experiences. These businesses played an important role in SeaLink's growth and helped establish its reputation across the Australian tourism industry.
The divestment represents a new chapter for SeaLink, with a renewed focus on its core marine transport operations, essential ferry services, contracted public transport and island gateway connections.
SeaLink continues to operate marine transport services across Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, including connections to Kangaroo Island, Rottnest Island, Magnetic Island, Palm Island, North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, alongside contracted marine services on Brisbane's waterways, in Gladstone and across other locations.
