SeaLink WA is expanding its services by introducing another boat to Rottnest Island and will offer a new daily departure from Barrack Street Jetty at Elizabeth Quay from 14 November, 2019.

The new service comes just two years after SeaLink commenced its Fremantle to Rottnest operation and is a direct result of the success of the business and the rapidly growing passenger demand.

Jeff Ellison, CEO of SeaLink Travel Group, owner of SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruises, said that since beginning operating from Fremantle, visitor numbers to Rottnest Island had reached record levels.

“Demand is continuing to grow and we believe the time is right to offer a new service with a new boat directly from the Perth CBD,” he said.

“We already offer leisure cruises out of Barrack Street Jetty to destinations including the Swan Valley and Fremantle through our Captain Cook Cruises brand, so this new boat to Rottnest is a logical extension of that service.”

Mr Ellison said a modern catamaran ferry, the Quokka II, would be used for the service and was currently being sailed from Sydney Harbour to Perth where it will undergo a minor fitout before commencing operation.

The vessel is 31.7 metres in length and features open-air and all-weather lounges. It has a top speed of 28 knots and is designed for open water cruising.

“A feature of the ferry is its exceptional speed and stability and we believe it will be ideal for the Perth to Rottnest Island route,” Mr Ellison said.

The Quokka II has a capacity of up to 300 people and will depart daily from Barrack Street Jetty direct to Rottnest Island. During peak periods, the Quokka II will also provide additional services between Fremantle to Rottnest, increasing capacity to the island by up to 1,000 passengers a day.

Mr Ellison said the new service would create new jobs for WA and continue to grow visitor numbers to Rottnest Island, increasing Western Australia's reputation for high quality tourism experiences.

Rottnest Island is an iconic tourism destination for not only Western Australians but also globally. The market for Rottnest Island has been constrained by lack of capacity during peak periods and this will only be enhanced by increased opportunities to access the Island.

SeaLink WA currently operates a 400-passenger high speed water jet catamaran ferry with multiple daily departures from Fremantle.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia welcomed the introduction of a new Rottnest ferry, saying it would help maximise accessibility and affordability for families and tourists wanting to enjoy WA's premier holiday Island.

Overall visitor numbers had also increased. There were 785,001 visitors to the Island in 2018-19 – a remarkable 21 per cent increase in visitor numbers over the two years following the McGowan Government's introduction a third ferry operator.

"The new ferry will help ensure Rottnest Island remains the perfect summer getaway for hardworking WA families and visitors to this great State," Mr Papalia said.

“More visitors mean more people through the door of local island businesses – and more business means more jobs."

For enquiries contact:

Andrew Lane, SeaLink WA, General Manager – 0438 413 944

 Jeff Ellison, SeaLink Travel Group, CEO – 0407 407 123

About SeaLink Travel Group

SeaLink Travel Group is one of Australia's most dynamic travel companies, bringing the nation's best tourism and transport experiences to the world. With more than 1,600 passionate staff across the country, we deliver fantastic services to more than eight million customers annually.  With a vessel fleet of 80 and a coach fleet of 62 vehicles, our Adelaide-based company has undergone a remarkable period of growth, emerging as a significant player on the national tourism and transport scene.

At SeaLink, we believe travel is about connecting people, sharing experiences and creating brilliant memories.  Our operations extend across New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, including:

• Cruises, ferry and charter services on Sydney Harbour, Swan River and on the Murray River
• Passenger, vehicle and freight ferry services from Kangaroo Island to the South Australian mainland, North Stradbroke Island and Southern Moreton Bay Islands to south-east Queensland and from Bruny Island to the Tasmanian mainland
• Resort accommodation, restaurants, touring and ferry services on Fraser Island, Queensland
• Day tours, extended touring and charter operations on Kangaroo Island and on the South Australia mainland
• Passenger ferry services in Townsville, Darwin and Perth
• Lunch and dinner cruises on the Swan River and on Sydney Harbour
• Ferry and barging services in south-east Queensland and Gladstone
• Exclusive 4WD foreign language adventure-based tours
• Retail travel agencies in Adelaide and Townsville
• Tour wholesaling to the travel trade
• Adventure, accommodation and bistro at Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

SeaLink successfully listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in October 2013 (ASX:SL