The upgrade of the ports at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw is now complete, improving safety and efficiency and better supporting ferry services between the mainland and Kangaroo Island.

The two ports are part of the essential link between Kangaroo Island and the mainland for cars, freight, and passengers.

The Kangaroo Island Ferry Service carries approximately 500,400 passengers, more than 146,000 cars, and 14,000 freight vehicles per annum.

The state government says the upgrade includes new fit-for-purpose facilities, which will support an increased number of ferry services and faster turnaround times, along with improved safety for passengers and the new, larger SeaLink vessels, particularly during adverse weather and storms.

Unfortunately, delivery of the two new ferries has been delayed. SeaLink has advised the new vessels will be not operate between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw until 1 June 2026.

In the interim the state government has guaranteed an additional daily return service and cheaper fares while the current ferries continue to service KI.

The Resident Vehicle Saver fare, originally planned to start with the new ferries, will now be available prior to the arrival of the new boats, with KI residents to be able to book a vehicle on the boat for $30.35, a saving of $48.55. 

From November 1, the new saver fare will be available on two morning departures from Penneshaw and two evening departures from Cape Jervis.

To support farmers ferry livestock freight fees will be held at the lower rate of $39.60 until the end of 2026. 

SeaLink will continue its infrastructure work in both Cape Jervis and Penneshaw in preparation for the new ferries.

It will require a three-day suspension of all services to replace the ramps for the new roll-on, roll-off ferries.

The three-day shutdown period will occur in May, following the busy summer season, Easter long weekend and April school holidays. SeaLink will finalise the timing in consultation with the community.

Donna Gauci is SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO.

“We look forward to delivering two new larger state-of-the-art ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi, for Kangaroo Island that will deliver a ferry service that meets the evolving transport needs of the community well into the future. “

The cruise season will not be impacted by any works with cruise ships to continue to berth at the temporary berthing pontoon as they did last year. It will begin in October 2025 marking the arrival of the first cruise ship of the 2025-26 season at Penneshaw.