Boat Torque 1980 - 2002
Captain Cook Cruises (WA) was established in 1980. At that time, it was owned by Boat Torque Cruises, which operated services to Rottnest Island.
In 1982 Tony Baker was appointed General Manager of Captain Cook Cruises (WA) and John Goodbody was an Engineer with the company. After the America’s Cup Defence in 1987, Tony and John purchased Captain Cook Cruises under the name Vyscot Pty Ltd.
When Tony and John took over Captain Cook Cruises (WA), two vessels were in operation – the MV Captain Cook and the MV Swan Explorer. In May 1990, they purchased the MV Jolly Jumbuck and the trading name Swan River Scenic Cruises. From 1992 – 1997, Captain Cook Cruises (WA) leased and operated the MV Perth from Metrobus.
The MV James Stirling was built in 1995 and successfully launched on 16 October. The MV James Stirling continues to operate as the flagship of Captain Cook Cruises (WA) and has become an iconic feature on the Swan River.
Captain Cook Cruises 2002 - 2016
On 11 September 2002, Captain Cook Cruises (WA) purchased the entire upstream operation formally owned by Boat Torque Cruises. This encompassed 3 vessels (River Lady, Lady DeVine, and River Bells) and additional office and jetty space.
In 2006 Captain Cook Cruises (WA) purchased Water’s Edge Winery, where the upstream cruises would stop for wine tasting. Water's Edge Winery was sold in 2013 and has since been demolished to create residential apartments. The upgraded full-day Swan Valley package now includes Sandalford Estate as the new upstream destination.
In 2009, Captain Cook Cruises (WA) purchased the MV RiverCat and MV Queen of the Valley from Oceanic Cruises, bringing the fleet to seven vessels.
In 2013, John and Dale Goodbody bought Tony Baker's half of the business to become the sole owners of Captain Cook Cruises (WA). Along with attaining the boat company, they also purchased the Bells Functions Venue and Kitchen located on the first level of Barrack Street Jetty in Perth. Besides operating as a function space, Bells Functions also provides Captain Cook Cruises (WA) with a full commercial kitchen where the catering for our lunch and dinner cruises are prepared.
SeaLink Marine & Tourism 2016 - present
On the 29th of April 2016, SeaLink Marine & Tourism purchased Captain Cook Cruises (WA) from John and Dale.
As a major national transport and tourism operator, SeaLink Marine & Tourism bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the business. SeaLink Marine & Tourism provides tourism and transport services in some of Australia’s top travel destinations including Sydney, K’Gari (formally Fraser Island), the Whitsundays and Kangaroo Island.
In November 2017, SeaLink Marine & Tourism added an 8th vessel, MV Quokka1, to the Captain Cook Cruises (WA) fleet and launched a new service to Rottnest Island. In 2019, SeaLink began offering Rottnest Island services from Perth with the purchase of MV Quokka2. Capacity on the ferry services to Rottnest Island was further expanded with the most recent addition to the fleet, MV Quokka3, in 2021.
Captain Cook Cruises (WA) and SeaLink WA’s dedication to business excellence was recognised nationally at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. After gold at the WA state level, SeaLink WA won gold nationally in the fiercely contested Major Tour and Transport Operator category.
With over 40 years of experience, Captain Cook Cruises (WA) continues to be the premier operator of tourism vessels on the Swan River. We pride ourselves on our strong customer service focus and professional approach to the tourism industry. Under the stewardship of SeaLink Marine and Tourism, Captain Cook Cruises (WA) continues to grow its reputation as a leader on all routes along the Swan River.
The future is bright for SeaLink Marine & Tourism and Captain Cook Cruises (WA) with a growing tourism market and riverside developments creating many opportunities for the organisation.