Sealink urges South Australians to support Kangaroo Island this long weekend
South Aussies keen to get back to Kangaroo Island this long weekend can still catch a ferry service but you might have to flexible.
SA News
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Sealink will return a second boat to its Kangaroo Island ferry service this long weekend, for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were enforced in March, as demand returns and social distancing measures are followed.
Many peak ferry times are already fully booked for the holiday weekend, but the boats are not filled to capacity due to social distancing restrictions.
The travel company is now urging South Australians to book a non-peak service this long weekend to still get to the island and pump money back into an economy ravaged by bushfires and the coronavirus.
“To ensure we are COVID safe we have capped passenger numbers on each vessel, currently reducing our normal capacity by nearly 50 per cent,” a Sealink spokesperson said.
They said the island community needed South Australians to be flexible for this year’s long weekend, even if it meant coming over on Saturday night and leaving on Tuesday.
“With many of the peak ferry times already booked out, we encourage people to consider an alternative departure time, as we all want to see as many people come to the island as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“We have also secured three nights for the price of two to help encourage off peak travel, ensuring guests have plenty of time to support and discover Kangaroo Island.”
The Kangaroo Island – You’ll Love It promotion also includes bonus offers and discounts with local tourism operators like the Oyster Farm Shop, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Island Beehive for $327 per person.
The Island was recovering from damaging bushfires that burned more than 200,000ha and destroyed 89 houses when the pandemic hit.
Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly encouraged people to come and support the region.
“We’re welcoming people with open arms quite frankly,” he said. Mr Pengilly said it was disappointing the ferries could only run at 50 per cent capacity but that it was understandable given the need for safety to be paramount.
He encouraged people to use the ferry service in non-peak times.
“We hope people come over and spend the weekend here if they can, even if people can come on Thursday … and make it an extra long weekend,” Mr Pengilly said.
Book a ferry to KI at sealink.com.au