Frequently Asked Questions
BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING
Please visit our fares page. To view the most up to date information as pricing is subject to change without notice at any time without notice.
Seasonal specials may be available from time to time, however terms and conditions apply.
If you encounter a problem while making your reservation, please contact our reservation office PRIOR to completing your reservation and payment.
For the most up to date timetable information please check our Timetable page on our website. Any last-minute changes can be found on our website, social media or by calling directly if you are unsure.
CAR – Travel by car from Adelaide on National Highway one to Port Wakefield then follow highway B85 to Kadina following the signs to Wallaroo. Along the way you will see blue ferry signs directing you to our Spencer Gulf Ferry Terminal. Or check here using Google Maps
BUS – Yorke Peninsula coaches operate a bus service departing from Franklin Street Bus Station. Please check their bus schedules for departure times.
From Port Lincoln or Whyalla, follow the Lincoln Highway, the turn off for Lucky Bay is signed on the highway. The Lucky Bay road is fully sealed. Alternatively you can enter your location information on Google Maps
Car parking is available at both terminals, however is NOT secure. Spencer Gulf Searoad takes no responsibility for the cars of passengers left at either terminal. There is no parking within the ferry terminal facility, however free public carparks are available on either side of the terminal at Wallaroo and to the side of the Ferry terminal at Lucky Bay. Please talk to our friendly staff as to where you leave your vehicle if you are travelling as a walk on traveller.
The Eyre Peninsula offers a range of exciting things to see and do. Please visit www.eyrepeninsula.com
The Yorke Peninsula offers a range of exciting things to see and do. Please visit www.yorkepeninsula.com
Please check the terms and conditions of your hire car company as to whether your hire car is able to travel on the ferry.
MAKING MY RESERVATION
All reservations require payment by a credit card at the time of booking. This will confirm your reservation. Visa and Mastercard are the types of cards accepted by our payment machines.
Bookings made by the reservation office are only confirmed once payment has been made. EFTPOS and Credit Card facilities are available at both terminals and cash is also accepted. Cheques are not accepted and will not be accepted as form of payment.
Direct Deposit payment can be made but payment must be received prior to the date of departure. Please note that direct deposit payments can not be made for online reservations or accepted on the day of booking.
Online Reservations can be made on the day of departure up to 2 hours prior to departure time. Our online booking portal then closes after this time. Bookings that are made after this time will need to be called through to reservations on 08 8823 0777.
Reservations using a Spencer Gulf Searoad travel voucher or credit note MUST be called through to the reservations office as voucher payments are not accepted online. No discounts can be applied to credits/voucher bookings.
If a seasonal special is available, please be sure to follow all steps for obtaining the discount. This usually means placing promotional code in the promotions box online.
Should you encounter a problem with the discount code DO NOT complete the transaction. Please call reservations during office hours on 08 8823 0777 or via email admin@spencergulfsearoad.com prior to completing your reservation.
Please note that seasonal discounts have their own separate terms and conditions that may vary from our general terms and conditions. Please check the terms and conditions of the seasonal specials prior to making your reservation.
Terms & Conditions for seasonal discounts.
Black Friday_Cyber Monday Terms & Conditions 2024
15% Towing discount Terms and Conditions 2024
15% Caravan Park Towing.
Fringe Deals
No, you do not need to take a vehicle on the ferry. Walk on passengers and bicycles are more than welcome, however transfers to and from the ferry terminal are to be made by the passenger and not the responsibility of Spencer Gulf Searoad Pty Ltd.
Yes, the driver fare is included in the cost of a vehicle, this includes cars, trucks, motorbikes etc. All other accompanying passengers travelling in the vehicle need to be booked on and paid for. This includes Children under 3 and under who travel free of charge. If accompanying passengers are not booked on there may be a chance they will not be able to travel due to passenger numbers.
Yes. We advise at the time of booking and upon arrival to indicate if your vehicle is an EV or Hybrid.
We work with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to ensure our operating practices comply with safety obligations, including managing specific loading and transporting requirements for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (EVs).
As per AMSA’s Safety Alert dated 26th October 2023, We have assessed the risks associated with transporting electric and hybrid vehicles and taken steps to implement specific procedures in the prevention, detection and mitigation of fire incidents involving these vehicles.
Yes, however the vehicle must be registered and have someone at each terminal to drop off and collect the vehicle. Spencer Gulf Searoad accepts NO responsibility for the vehicle travelling unaccompanied. Regular vehicle rates apply and staff should be notified upon booking and check in if this is what you wish to do.
Children 15 years or younger are not permitted to travel without the care of an adult. No exceptions.
Yes, we advise all clients to pre-book to avoid disappointment.
Pets are very welcome and are able to travel at no charge. For health and safety reasons pets cannot enter accommodation/café areas.
Limited undercover seating is available outside of the accommodation area if you wish to take your pet out of the car (they must be kept on a lead or in a cage). We do not allow pets to be tied to the vessel and left unaccompanied at any time during sailing. If assistance is required please talk to a member of our friendly crew.
Alternatively pets can stay in the vehicle during the sailing however should you want to check in on the pet it is required that a member of crew accompany you to check due to safety regulations.
We are working on it – Watch this space.
Walk on passengers are able to take cabin luggage only. Luggage must stay with passengers at all times. Spencer Gulf Searoad takes no responsibility of misplaced, lost or damaged luggage.
Freight – including boxes, eskies, swags and sack trucks is NOT accepted on board unless it is transported in a registered vehicle. Please call reservations if clarification is required.
Dangerous goods vehicles will not be carried on board the vessel. Refrigerated containers will not be allowed to be operational at sea. No dangerous goods of any kind will be carried on board unless in an approved container and secured in your vehicle.
To change or alter your reservation please contact reservations on 08 8823 0777 PRIOR to commencement of your first leg of travel. Changes to your reservation can be made however some charges may apply, depending on the fare type booked at the time. Please check your terms and conditions of booking.
Cancellation of fares must be made by contacting reservations. Fares will be held in credit for 12 months and a credit voucher will be provided. Credit vouchers can be transferred at the voucher holders’ consent, however reservations must be notified. As per our terms and conditions ALL fares are non-refundable
CHECK IN
Yes, all vehicles and passengers including walk on passengers are required to check in and receive their boarding pass for entry on the vessel. Please note your reservation number is NOT your boarding pass. This includes clients who have booked through external agents.
All passengers/vehicles are expected to arrive at the ferry terminal for check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure the vessel is loaded on time for departure.
Spencer Gulf Searoad takes no responsibility for missed ferry departures due to late Check In.
Please note that once everyone one who has booked an paid for travel has arrived there is a chance that the vessel may leave up to 10 minutes prior to the assigned departure time.
Bringing your printed confirmation is helpful although not necessary. Having your booking number with you on arrival is preferred. Check In using your surname is also fine however photo ID may be required.
Clients travelling with a student or pension concession are MUST show their ID upon arrival.
Yes, you do drive your own car onto the ferry. Should you need assistance please advise our crew who will be more than happy to help.
It will depend on where you are positioned on the ferry upon loading. The vessel is loaded for stability which may mean you may be first on but not necessarily the first off. Disembarking does not take long.
Yes. Upon check in we ask that you advise our friendly reservation consultants that your vehicle is an EV or Hybrid. This will allow our staff members to allocate you to the appropriate loading lane so the crew can park you in the allocated EV/Hybrid lanes on the vessel.
THE JOURNEY
Each sailing can take up 2 and a half hours each way, pending weather. Not including embarking or disembarking. The sailing is approximately 60kms one way.
Due to safety regulations passengers are advised to remove anything they may need during sailing prior to the vessels departure. Passengers can only access the vehicle deck with a member of crew and only if it is safe to do so.
Our vessel has some mobility impaired inclusions, and a disabled toilet is available in the accommodation area. A wheelchair ramp has been fitted at the front of the vessel for people who are unable to navigate stairs. A member of crew should be notified should you wish access to the ramp.
A variety of hot and cold food and drink is available for purchase on board in our café. Limited options are available for people with gluten and lactose intolerances. Some vegetarian options are also available. Please check our menu for what may be available on the day. From time to time some options on our menu may not be available due, our friendly café staff will advise at the time if something is not available.
EFTPOS facilities are available on board the vessel however due to WIFI constraints it is intermittent. A minimum spend may be required ($10 AUD), please check with the café staff. There are no cash out facilities. We do suggest bringing some cash may be helpful.
Built to latest world standards our vessels on board features include; an air-conditioned hospitality lounge, café, tv screens, wireless internet access, outdoor observation deck, disabled access and bathroom facilities.
*Children’s toys are not available for hygiene and safety reasons. Feel free to bring your own toys on board for your children to play with.
Wireless internet access is available. Access codes are available from the café. Please note that due to mobile coverage issues, access may not be available the whole trip.
COVID-19 MEASURES
We are committed to the safety of our customers and staff and have implemented the following measures to keep everyone safe:
- Increased cleaning and sanitising of the terminals and vessels
- Additional cleaning and sanitising overnight
- Hand sanitizers throughout the vessels and terminals
- Reminding customers, the importance of hygiene through notices in the bathrooms.
- Encouraging social distancing of 1.5m through public announcements, barriers and floor decals
- Plenty of open deck space and fresh air in the upper accommodation areas.
- Online bookings for contactless bookings
- Contactless payment
- All staff trained in Department of Health COVID-19 infection control.
For further details and up to date information about Coronavirus please GO HERE
What can you so to minimise the risk?
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best way to minimise the risk of COVID-19. You should:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- If unwell, avoid contact with others. Consider deferring travel and seek healthcare advise.
- Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures (1.5m)
- Following social distancing markers on board the vessel.
If you are feeling unwell or want more information on the recommended personal control measures, visit www.health.sa.gov.au
What are we doing to clean the vessel?
Staff clean and sanitise the ferry after every sailing, including the wiping down of hard surfaces (tables, counters, handrails, door handles and bathrooms.) The vessel undergoes a secondary cleaning and sanitising overnight.
Can Customers stay in their vehicle during the crossing?
Due to regulations drivers and their passengers are not able to stay in their vehicle on the car deck during crossing. All passengers must go up to the accommodation area. If you require fresh air you may do so on the top deck.
Are we screening customers prior to boarding the ferry?
The Government is not advising transport companies to screen customers as it is not an accurate way of detecting people with the illness.