The first of the two new Kangaroo Island ferries went into service this morning leaving Penneshaw for the approximately 45-minute journey to Cape Jervis on the South Australian mainland.
A SeaLink spokesperson said the Wanggami left at 5.30am where it was all smooth sailing with blue skies and the sun coming out.
At 60 metres long and 20 metres wide, the vessel is approximately 10 metres longer and two metres wider than the current ferries, providing 150m more vehicle lane length.
The second new vessel, Ruwi, will be identical in design to the Wanggami when it arrives and both feature eight vehicle lanes, with drive-through in the same direction design.
The Wanggami went into service at Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. PIC: SeaLink
This will make for safer and faster vehicle loading and unloading that enables shorter turnaround times and more daily departures.
The new vessels also offer spacious passenger lounges with a range of seating options, a larger centrally located café, large-format windows, lift access to all three decks, accessible amenities on every level, a spacious sundeck, and a dedicated pet lounge.
SeaLink South Australia General Manager Tracy Croft said the new vessels would build on SeaLink’s long history of serving the Kangaroo Island community.
“Our ferry service is an essential connection for Kangaroo Island, supporting residents, businesses, freight operators and visitors every day,” she said. “These new vessels will strengthen that service through greater operational flexibility, more daily sailings and a modern and more comfortable and accessible journey for our customers.”
While Kangaroo Island is a huge highlight for most grey nomads who make the effort to get across, it is not cheap to get there. SeaLink says variable pricing may apply to fares based on passenger demand and time of travel.
A car towing a caravan would count as two separate vehicles, and each passenger on the ferry also has to pay an approximate $49 fee on top of the vehicle fee.
SeaLink’s website lists current one-way prices as being from:
Another thing for grey nomads to bear in mind is the popularity of the crossing at peak times, which means it pays to book larger vehicles such as caravans well in advance to ensure there is sufficient space on board.
# Have you been to Kangaroo Island? Is it something you recommend other grey nomads make the effort to do? Comment below
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
