National ferry, cruise, tour and accommodation operator, SeaLink Travel Group is ramping up its services thanks to regional travel restrictions being lifted.
Well-known brands including SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruises have recommenced operations in SA, NSW, QLD and WA and the company is encouraging locals to get out and about in their own State and see some of the amazing experiences on offer.
Kangaroo Island
SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry services continued to operate throughout the COVID lockdown as an essential transport service. With easing of travel restrictions special self-drive packages are offered with free nights and discount vouchers to use all around the island. Visit sealink.com.au
Murray River
Captain Cook Cruises’ PS Murray Princess will set sail from Renmark on 23 June with a ‘Welcome Back’ 7 Night cruise to Mannum, her home port. The vessel has been in Renmark in dry dock having maintenance and survey work completed. Regular cruising will recommence in early July with 3 Night Weekend Discovery cruises and a 7 Night Upper Murraylands cruise departing 17 July. Visit murrayprincess.com.au
Rottnest Island
SeaLink Rottnest Island ferry services have recommenced with the island now being opened to visitors, following its closure after being declared an island for guests to complete self-isolation after returning to WA from overseas. Visit sealinkrottnest.com.au
Fraser Island
SeaLink’s resorts on Fraser Island will reopen from 19 June, including Kingfisher Bay and Eurong Beach Resorts. Ferry services are currently operating for day guests. Visit kingfisherbay.com
Sydney
Captain Cook Cruises Sydney Whale Watching cruises are back and will recommence 3 July when the number of whales passing Sydney is expected to break all records. Save up to 40% on selected cruises through to October. Visit captaincook.com.au
SeaLink Travel Group, who also operate ferry and tour services in the Northern Territory and Tasmania have been hit hard by COVID19. Some services were suspended such as ferry services to Tiwi Islands, cruises on the Swan River and Sydney Harbour, and touring services on Kangaroo Island. Others operated on heavily reduced timetables due to reductions on demand following strict travel restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.
Richard Doyle, GM Sales and Global Distribution, said “Some ferry services still operated through the COVID lockdown as they were deemed ‘essential services’ providing vital transport servicing our community. These included ferry services to Kangaroo Island in SA, Mandorah in NT, North Stradbroke Island, Bay Islands, Magnetic Island in QLD and Bruny Island in TAS.”
“It is great to see these services ramping up again and patronage increasing, with locals satisfying their pent-up desire to get out of their homes and travel.” he said.
The company advises that the governments’ social distancing rules will remain in place, along with COVID19 ‘Cruise Well’ protocols for strict hygiene and cleaning practises for all cruises, ferry services, tours and accommodation services.
