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New high-speed ferry for Rottnest

The West Australian
An artists impression of what Rottnest Fast Ferries new Harbour master ferry will look like after its refit.
Camera IconAn artists impression of what Rottnest Fast Ferries new Harbour master ferry will look like after its refit. Credit: Supplied

Visitors to Western Australia’s favourite holiday island will benefit from a significant boost in ferry capacity this summer, thanks to the acquisition of a new vessel by Rottnest Fast Ferries at Hillarys.

To celebrate the new vessel’s arrival the company has also announced the launch of a new daily Kids Travel Free offer which will allow two children per adult ferry fare to travel to Rottnest free any day of the week.

The new 37.2m catamaran, named Harbour Master, is scheduled to commence service on December 2020 from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Rottnest Fast Ferries is Western Australia’s only locally owned Rottnest ferry operator and managing director James Mulholland said the new vessel would enhance the experience for passengers.

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The vessel was acquired from World Heritage Cruises in Tasmania. It has has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces including three passenger deck levels.

Rottnest Fast Ferries managing director James Mulholland and director Luke Crispin take delivery of Harbour Master from World Heritage Crusies' Guy Grinning (centre)
Camera IconRottnest Fast Ferries managing director James Mulholland and director Luke Crispin take delivery of Harbour Master from World Heritage Crusies' Guy Grinning (centre) Credit: Supplied

The vessel is currently undergoing a refit in a Henderson shipyard to create maximum passenger comfort. Improvements will include a dedicated bike and luggage storage, disabled access, charging stations, Wi-Fi connectivity and a snack bar.

Rottnest Fast Ferries managing director James Mulholland said the new vessel would enhance the experience for passengers.

“Being a twin hull catamaran, the vessel provides increased stability, and we believe it will be the smoothest ride to Rottnest,” he said.

“Since taking over the business with director Luke Crispin, we’ve strived to enhance the experience for customers through continual investment. We feel immensely proud that in eight short years we have been able to deliver a third vessel to our fleet, a vessel that represents the very best Australian passenger ferry design and shipbuilding.”

WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said Rottnest Fast Ferries’ new Harbour Master vessel would add yet another reason for locals and visitors alike to take a trip to Western Australia’s island paradise.

“The State Government has been very focused on elevating the Rottnest Island experience above and beyond what we have settled for in years past, and this state-of-the-art vessel will make the experience even more enjoyable for travellers to the island,” Minister Papalia said.

To make a booking on Harbour Master and to find out more about Rottnest Fast Ferries visit Rottnestfastferries.

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