The owner of Kangaroo Island Brewery has announced a boycott against Sealink ferries, protesting what he describes as exorbitant travel costs to the renowned tourist destination. Mike Holden, the brewery’s owner, declared he would cease supplying beer to the ferries, citing repeated complaints from tourists about the unaffordable travel expenses to and from Kangaroo Island, located off the southern coast of South Australia.
“This is what we hear over and over and over again,” Holden stated, emphasizing the financial burden faced by visitors. He highlighted that a return ferry journey for a family of five with a vehicle can exceed $800, a price point he believes is prohibitive for many potential visitors.
Sealink’s Response and Community Impact
While Holden clarified that his issue was not with Sealink “as a company,” he expressed his unwillingness to align with them under the current pricing structure. “It’s hard for everyone to stick their head up and have a bit of a crack at Sealink because no one wants to bite the hand that feeds you,” he remarked, underscoring the delicate balance businesses must maintain.
A spokesperson for Sealink expressed disappointment over Holden’s decision but reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with Kangaroo Island businesses to promote the region. “We value the Kangaroo Island business community and will continue to work closely with them to showcase the island’s experiences and products,” the spokesperson said.
Calls for Government Intervention
Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly has long advocated for government intervention, calling for subsidies similar to those offered to travelers to Tasmania. Under the federal government’s Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme, travelers can receive rebates of up to $550 per car and $1,104 for cars and caravans. In the 2024/25 financial year, approximately $53.9 million was spent under this scheme.
Mayor Pengilly, however, expressed skepticism about the state government taking over the ferry service but maintained that subsidies could alleviate the financial burden on travelers. “Such measures could make a significant difference,” he noted, urging for a reconsideration of current policies.
Ferry Service Delays and Infrastructure Upgrades
Sealink was awarded the contract to continue providing ferry services to the island through 2039, with plans for two new ferries initially set to be operational by 2024. This timeline has since been pushed to June 2025, with the ferries being constructed in an Indonesian shipyard. Despite the delays, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Emily Bourke announced that the $73 million upgrades to the wharves at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw were completed to accommodate the larger ferries.
“The delay to the delivery of the new ferries is disappointing,” Minister Bourke acknowledged, “but Sealink has guaranteed they will be operational by June 1, 2026.” In the interim, cheaper fares for locals will be implemented starting November, along with additional daily crossings until the new ferries are in service.
Sealink anticipates the first of its new ferries to arrive at Port Adelaide by the end of the year.
Looking Ahead
The boycott by Kangaroo Island Brewery underscores the growing frustration among local businesses and tourists alike regarding the high cost of ferry travel. As the community awaits the arrival of new ferries and potential government intervention, the debate over ferry pricing continues to simmer.
With infrastructure upgrades complete and new ferries on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful for a resolution that balances the needs of tourists, local businesses, and the ferry service provider. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these changes will lead to more accessible travel to Kangaroo Island, ensuring its continued appeal as a premier tourist destination.
