Cruise returns to South Australia in 2022-23

Cruising has made a buoyant return to South Australia, with more ships set for the state’s shores in 2022-23 than prior to the pandemic.

The 2022-23 cruise ship season has more than 100 scheduled cruise visits to South Australian ports and anchorages. It is on track to top the 82 visits made in what was a bumper season in 2018-19 – when the sector contributed $145 million to the state’s visitor economy.

Of the cruise visits scheduled for the state in 2022-23, there are several expedition vessels – a sector of cruise built up in SA in 2021 and one that has flourished during the pandemic. Expedition vessels are able to visit more remote destinations around the state, such as Flinders Island and Troubridge Island. 

Over the past decade, the cruise industry has been the fastest-growing visitor economy sector in South Australia, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is the lead State Government body for the cruise industry in South Australia and welcoming cruise ship visits to our state, and we work closely with regional tourism organisations and other industry stakeholders to bring the maximum benefit to SA. 


South Australian ports and anchorages

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols outline the expectations for cruise lines operating in Australia. The Protocols were developed on the instruction of National Cabinet and in conjunction with industry.

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 that call into Port Adelaide to clarify what can and can't be taken on board.



Key resources

South Australian Tourism Commission Cruise Ship Action Plan 2025

Focus: Cruise Ship Industry in South Australia
Released: 2021

We have developed the South Australian Tourism Commission Cruise Ship Action Plan 2025 to ensure our state continues 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 want to explore and experience South Australia for themselves. 

Find out more about getting involved in a cruise line shore excursion program and working with an inbound tour operator to book your product with this handy checklist.

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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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More information

If you are a tourism operator or an industry representative seeking more information about South Australia's cruise industry, get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

For the most up-to-date cruise ship schedule, visit the Flinders Ports website.