South Australia's cruise industry worth a record $227 million
South Australia’s multi-million-dollar cruise industry has delivered a record-breaking economic impact during the 2023-24 season, injecting $227 million into the state’s economy and supporting 738 jobs. This well surpasses the 2022-23 cruise season, which injected $215 million into South Australia’s economy and supported 704 jobs.
Over the past decade, the cruise industry has been the fastest-growing sector in South Australia, contributing significantly to the state. The 2024-25 cruise season will see 20 first-time voyages from cruise lines with a greater port dispersal, as ships visit Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Robe and for the first time in almost 15 years – Victor Harbor.
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:
- Promoting South Australian ports and anchorages as a safe and highly appealing cruise destination
- Ensuring quality service, products and experiences are delivered to meet expectations of cruise lines and passengers
- Encouraging investment in new products, experiences and destination infrastructure,
- Increasing cruise line and passenger expenditure in South Australia
- 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.
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
SA cruise infographic 2023-24
A snapshot of the record-breaking 2023-24 cruise season in South Australia.
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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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How to work with cruise
There are many layers to the cruise industry, so this guide aims to assist South Australian tourism operators interested in providing experiences to the cruise market. This resource outlines how to create memorable shore experiences for passengers, identifies key partners, and explains the cruise distribution system.
The guide also provides information about various cruise lines and their passenger demographics, along with key contacts and links for further information.
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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