After a seven-year hiatus, there is renewed optimism that cruise ships will once again visit South Australia’s Copper Coast on the Yorke Peninsula. The area last welcomed a cruise ship in mid-2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted such visits.
The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has announced that a single cruise ship, the luxury vessel Seabourn Quest, will dock at Wallaroo Jetty on March 20, 2027. This vessel, which can carry around 458 guests, will make a one-day stopover as part of its broader South Australian itinerary, visiting highlights like Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Port Lincoln.
“I’m the first person they’ll see when they arrive,” said local tour operator Mr. Thirlway, emphasizing the town’s role as a welcoming gateway. “We’re already a pretty busy place, so it depends on the day whether we can accommodate many visitors.”
The town of Wallaroo, with a population of around 4,000, first celebrated cruise ship arrivals in 2019. Those visits brought welcomed economic activity, with passengers exploring local sights and boosting businesses. However, those opportunities were short-lived due to the pandemic.
The South Australian government reports that the 2023–24 cruise season was its most successful ever, injecting a record $227 million into the economy, according to a study by Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association.
Dylan Strong, CEO of Copper Coast Council, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming visit, stating the community is “keen to get their slice of the pie” and capitalize on the renewed interest in cruise tourism.
As plans unfold, residents and local businesses hope this visit marks the beginning of a sustained revival of cruise tourism in the region—bringing economic benefits and showcasing the Copper Coast’s natural beauty to the world once again.
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