South Australia's cruise industry worth a record $215 million

Cruising made a buoyant return to South Australia in 2022-23, with 103 cruise and expedition ship visits to our state’s shores bringing 227,900 passengers and crew to the state. This has seen the economic impact of cruise in our state grow 48 per cent since 2018-19 to $215 million. 

Over the past decade, the cruise industry has been the fastest-growing sector in South Australia, contributing significantly to the state. The 2023-24 cruise season is set to be no different, with a record number of visits scheduled across South Australian ports and anchorages. 

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is the lead State Government body for the cruise industry in South Australia. To further grow the sector, we have developed the South Australian Cruise Ship Action Plan 2025 and are committed to: 

  1. Promoting South Australian ports and anchorages as a safe and highly appealing cruise destination
  2. Ensuring quality service, products and experiences are delivered to meet expectations of cruise lines and passengers
  3. Encouraging investment in new products, experiences and destination infrastructure,
  4. Increasing cruise line and passenger expenditure in South Australia
  5. Increasing safe regional dispersal from cruise lines and passengers when they visit our state. 

South Australian ports and anchorages

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

For the most up-to-date cruise ship schedule for South Australia, refer to the Flinders Ports website.

Cruise ships berth at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal at Outer Harbor, Adelaide.  

More port information, including facilities available and how to get there, visit the Flinders Ports website. 

There are multiple cruise lines which offer itineraries and segments starting and/or finishing in South Australia.

Please refer to the links below for some Adelaide itineraries:  

 

Expedition vessels are smaller ships with no more than 300 passengers onboard.

These ships are able to visit more remote destinations around the state, such as Flinders Island and Troubridge Island.  

The SATC works closely with Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) who contract products for cruise shore excursion.

Refer to the SATC cruise shore excursions guide for more information about what's required to get involved in the cruise sector.

When it comes to alcohol, what can be taken on board? Are bottles of alcohol permitted? Does a corkage fee apply?

We've outlined the alcohol policies of cruise lines which call into South Australia to help clarify what can and can't be taken on board.

Key resources

Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal, Outer Harbor on a sunny morning. Two large cruise ships are docked.

Infographic: record economic impact for SA's cruise industry

South Australia's cruise industry is now worth $215 million, up 48% since 2018-19. Check out our latest infographic to find out more.

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South Australian Tourism Commission Cruise Ship Action Plan 2025

Focus: Cruise ship industry in South Australia
Released: 2021

The South Australian Tourism Commission Cruise Ship Action Plan 2025 sets out a vision for the state to continue to be a national leader and safe destination of choice by visiting domestic and international cruise lines.

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Attracting cruise shore excursions

When cruise passengers arrive in our state, they are looking to explore and experience South Australia. 

Find out more about getting involved in cruise line shore excursion programs and working with an inbound tour operator to book your product.

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Cruise South Australia

This brochure is for cruise lines and inbound tour operators as they plan the perfect itinerary for their clients to help them experience the very best of South Australia.

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