Cheaper fares for residents, more services and two new larger state-of-the-art vessels are guaranteed with SeaLink securing a long-term contract to continue to run ferry services between the mainland and Kangaroo Island.
Experienced ferry operator SeaLink - which has provided ferry services to KI since 1989 - has won a competitive market-based tender, meaning it will operate ferry services to and from KI until at least June 2039, with two further five year performance based extension options.
As part of the new deal, SeaLink has agreed to slash fares for KI residents within months.
From early March 2022, a standard adult fare for KI residents will drop from $31 to $6.80 and the standard vehicle fare for residents will be reduced from $98 to $65.
The new contract will come into effect on 1 July 2024 and will see SeaLink deliver the following major improvements:
- 40% increase in services provided over the year
- 78% reduction in KI resident adult and child fares (to be introduced from March 2022)
- Up to 68% reduction in KI resident vehicle fares
- 37% reduction in freight charges
- Two new modern larger vessels with improved passenger amenity, reduced motion sickness and drive through capability for vehicles (drive on – drive off with no turning required)
- Investment in new port infrastructure
- 50% increase in freight & vehicle capacity
- Customer technology innovations including: automatic resident ID checks, self-service purchase and check-in, Commuter App and licence plate recognition
- Commitment to upgrade the passenger terminal facilities at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw
- Continued and increased commitment to KI tourism, including a significant investment budget in collaboration with the SA Tourism Commission.
"We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with tourism and hospitality operators during the pandemic and we are focused on ensuring both sectors are ready to take full advantage of our strong position as we emerge from the COVID shadow," Premier Steven Marshall said.
"These new prices will be exciting news to the hip pockets of KI residents and the increase in services will further entice tourists to one of the most beautiful locations in the nation."
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the new contract was a big win for Kangaroo Island and all South Australians.
"This new contract with SeaLink is fantastic news for tourism, local business and for residents on Kangaroo Island, with more services, cheaper fares for residents, cheaper freight and new larger capacity vessels making the Island an even more desirable destination," Minister Wingard said.
"Once the new contract has fully come into effect, it will be easier than ever to visit and experience the natural beauty and pristine environment of KI.
"In another win, reduced resident fares and vehicle charges will be introduced from early 2022 despite SeaLink's current contract not expiring until 2024.
"This will deliver a significant reduction from current fares for residents and will include discounts for concession holders, students and children who live on the Island.
"The massive drop in fares of between 68 and 81 per cent will reduce the cost of living for residents who regularly use the service.
"There will also be 11 services each direction per weekday from September through April under the new contract.
"This is an increase of 30 per cent on the average number of services per weekday during the same months in the two years pre-COVID.
"Travellers will also benefit from two new and improved vessels and infrastructure that comes at no cost or risk to taxpayers.
"SeaLink will design, build and commission the new ferry vessels within the next few years and this will be accompanied by an upgrade to the wharf and harbour infrastructure to enable these new vessels to operate."
Mr Wingard said SeaLink was a proven performer, having provided passenger, vehicle and freight services on the Cape Jervis-Penneshaw route since 1989.
"SeaLink's international tourism know-how and connections are vital to the Kangaroo Island industry," he said.
"SeaLink has made it clear they are in this for the long haul, committing to invest in the rebuilding of tourism accommodation lost in the 2020 Kangaroo Island Bushfire in another win for local tourism.
CEO of SeaLink's parent company Kelsian Group Limited, Clint Feuerherdt, said SeaLink will drive new investment and visitation to South Australia while delivering an incredibly affordable, reliable and regular transport outcome for Kangaroo Island residents.
"We have a 32-year history of the safe and reliable delivery of this critical ferry service across the treacherous and exposed Backstairs Passage and under this new contract we will continue to serve the residents, businesses and tourists of Kangaroo Island until at least 2039," he said.
"We will also deliver a significant increase in our schedule and capacity that will help sustain the future growth of the Kangaroo Island economy. The additional capacity and confidence we have in continuing to build visitation is the key to being able to offer cheaper fares to residents on this route.
"In selecting SeaLink, the Government of South Australia has a partner who has a deep commitment to continuing the promotion of the island and successful operation of this important transport link."
The Kangaroo Island Ferry Services contract includes an initial 15-year term with two five-year extensions.
New Kangaroo Island Fare Tables:
Fares Comparison |
Unit |
New Fare (inc. GST) |
Current Fare (inc. GST) |
Reduction (%) |
Start Date |
Resident Adult |
$ per Passenger |
6.80 |
31.00 |
78% |
Early March 2022 |
Resident Concession |
$ per Passenger |
5.10 |
16.00 |
68% |
|
Resident Student |
$ per Passenger |
5.10 |
27.00 |
81% |
|
Resident Child |
$ per Passenger |
3.40 |
16.00 |
79% |
|
Resident Infant |
$ per Passenger |
Nil |
Nil |
N/A |
|
STANDARD KI Resident Vehicle |
$ per Vehicle |
65.00 |
98.00 |
34% |
|
SAVER KI Resident Vehicle* |
$ per Vehicle |
25.00 |
79.00 |
68% |
Mid 2024 |
Freight* |
$ per lane metre |
25.00 |
39.61 |
37% |
Mid 2024 |
* Fares shown for 2024 may vary as they are based on 2022 fares and will be subject to annual indexation in line with factors including wages, fuel and CPI growth.
Peak Season Service Levels:
Weekday Timetable |
Services per Day September to April |
Current |
At least 5 |
From early March 2022 |
At least 7 |
From 1 July 2024 |
At least 11 |
New vessels
SeaLink will design, build and commission two new larger (59.7m) long diesel fuelled catamaran vessels within the next few years. The new vessels will have improved passenger amenity, reduced motion sickness and drive through capability for vehicles (drive on – drive off with no turning required).
