How SeaLink WA is Redefining Marine Tourism in Australia’s West
In the vast and windswept landscapes of Western Australia, where red earth meets the Indian Ocean and some of the world’s most pristine coastlines stretch for hundreds of kilometres, a quiet force is steering the state’s marine tourism industry into uncharted, and undeniably premium, territory.
That force is SeaLink Western Australia.
What began as a marine transport service has, in recent years, evolved into one of Australia’s most awarded tourism operators. Through a portfolio that includes SeaLink Rottnest Island, Captain Cook Cruises, Swan Valley Cruises, and Bells Functions, SeaLink WA is reshaping what it means to travel by water — not merely as a mode of transit, but as a curated, world-class experience.
“We’ve invested in every touchpoint,” says Leycester Cory, General Manager of SeaLink WA and a recipient of the 40 Under 40 business leadership award. “It’s not about simply getting from A to B. We’re creating a product that can rival global standards while remaining uniquely Western Australian.”
This vision has propelled the company into national spotlight. Over the past five years alone, SeaLink WA has amassed an impressive array of accolades: Gold at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (2022), the prestigious Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, and multiple honours from the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards. In 2023, team member Katrina Green was recognised for Individual Excellence in Customer Service — a testament to the company’s commitment not just to infrastructure, but to the human element of hospitality.
Operating a fleet of ten vessels, from high-capacity ferries to intimate river cruisers, SeaLink WA’s offering is multifaceted. It services both leisure and corporate clientele with a seamless approach — integrating logistics, hospitality, and state-of-the-art marine engineering.
The Rottnest Island ferry service is a daily lifeline for thousands, offering up to 11 departures per day in the peak summer months. Meanwhile, bespoke dinner cruises and wine tastings along the Swan River elevate domestic tourism to a cinematic experience. Private charters via Captain Cook Cruises transform the river into a floating venue for product launches, networking functions, and milestone celebrations, whilst Bells Functions offers a bespoke waterfront venue for corporate functions and a multitude of events.
“Whether you’re launching a product or hosting a high-level delegation, we ensure it’s delivered to spec — on time, on brand, and on budget,” Cory explains.
SeaLink WA’s success is partly due to its operational agility. Event planners, tourism bodies, and government departments view the company not just as a service provider, but as a strategic partner capable of executing to international standards.
Behind the scenes, SeaLink WA’s infrastructure is built for efficiency: ticketless boarding, accessibility services, centralised planning hubs in Perth and Fremantle, onboard AV systems, and in-house commercial catering.
These features reflect a broader philosophy — that the best experiences feel effortless. And that’s what SeaLink WA consistently delivers.
Every itinerary is crafted in-house, ensuring a level of continuity and polish rarely found in segmented tourism services. Clients bring the brief; SeaLink brings it to life — often exceeding expectations.
But SeaLink WA’s ambitions are not limited to passenger numbers and event bookings. In an era where environmental credentials increasingly influence consumer decisions, the company is leaning into sustainability with intent and clarity.
From leading audited beach clean-ups at Rottnest Island in partnership with Eco Surf Australia and Keep Australia Beautiful, to rolling out a national Environmental Impact Report and exploring hybrid and electric vessel technologies, SeaLink WA is actively aligning its operations with global decarbonisation goals.
Plastic-free onboard policies, sustainable procurement practices, and support for community-led initiatives like Containers for Change further cement its commitment to responsible tourism.
As international borders stabilise and the global tourism market rebounds, SeaLink WA is doubling down on its commitment to Western Australia — not merely in scale, but in value.
“Growth for us isn’t just about volume,” says Cory. “It’s about the quality of every experience and the role we play in shaping how the world sees Western Australia.”
Future plans include deeper collaboration with Swan Valley wineries and Fremantle tourism operators, as well as continual upgrades to the fleet and digital experience — a move designed to keep SeaLink along with their other fleets Captain Cook Cruises and Swan Valley Tours on the cutting edge of global marine tourism trends.
In a sector often defined by transience and volume, SeaLink WA has carved out a different course — one where every journey, whether a ten-minute transfer or a three-hour dining cruise, is a masterclass in precision, style, and Western Australian pride.
Whether you’re a global executive seeking a polished corporate venue, a family rediscovering your backyard, or a tourist chasing new coastlines — the next time you look to the water, SeaLink WA may already be setting the course.
