SeaLink Marine & Tourism (SeaLink), Australia’s largest marine transport operator, will introduce a third ferry, Quokka 3, into service for Rottnest Island from Fremantle, representing the largest tourism transport investment in the Perth region since COVID hit.
The latest vessel represents a $6M investment by SeaLink into the local region, preparing the company for a resurgence in tourism, according to Kelsian Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt, SeaLink’s parent company.
“On the back of the multimillion-dollar renovation to the Island undertaken by the Rottnest Island Authority, now is the perfect time for SeaLink to increase our capacity and service to Rottnest,” he said.
The new $6 million investment is in addition to the $12 million investment SeaLink has already made since it began services to Rottnest Island in 2017, totalling $18 million of local investment in the region over the last four years.
“We are emerging from the cloud of COVID, with our eyes firmly placed on the future.
“Rottnest Island with its beautiful beaches and bays and the adorable Quokkas will make this destination the front-of-mind getaway for locals and tourists to go and visit,” he said.
The 400-seat state of the art Capricornian Class vessel perfectly complements the two existing SeaLink vessels operating to Rottnest Island and provides SeaLink with a total capacity of over 1100 seats to the Island.
Andrew Lane, General Manager of SeaLink WA explains the significance of this boost to the local operation.
“With the extra capacity and departures that Quokka 3 will bring, we will be able to connect 4500 people to Rotto on any given day, providing a huge boost to the Island tourism as well as creating 20 new local jobs,” he said.
In addition to the new ferry, SeaLink will also increase its summer schedule providing up 15 trips between Fremantle and Rottnest Island, meaning that people visiting the Island will have more choice when travelling to and from Rottnest Island.
“SeaLink proudly operates the newest fleet to Rottnest Island offering an unsurpassed level of comfort and customer service to passengers and we look forward to welcoming visitors on board,” Feuerherdt said.
WA Tourism Minister the Hon Roger Cook MLA said he was delighted with the expansion of SeaLink’s fleet for summer. “SeaLink’s significant investment is a great vote of confidence in the future of the Western Australian tourism sector. It shows that SeaLink is committed to helping to grow tourism in this great state.” “SeaLink’s investment is also wonderful news for people travelling to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) by increasing the range of ferry services.”
“Visitors to the island will enjoy recently completed enhancements to the Settlement Mall and The Basin, and will be impressed by a striking new welcome statement at the base of the main jetty.”
The Quokka 3 vessel will join Quokka 1 and 2 and will commence services on Boxing Day, 26 December 2021.
Take advantage of some great deals with SeaLink including kids travel free and mid-week specials by visiting SeaLink Rottnest.
