Reef Cat: Ready to Roar

Fri, 23 Aug 2024

By Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma new boat: Reef Cat

Tangalooma Island Resort is thrilled to announce the addition of the Reef Cat to its boat fleet, a vessel steeped in history and modernised for contemporary maritime experiences. This iconic boat, which once held the world record for pulling 100 water skiers simultaneously in the 1980s, has been revitalised to provide top-notch services to guests traveling to the resort and embarking on unforgettable whale watching adventures.

Reef Cat can accommodate up to 300 passengers with a mix of indoor and outdoor space across its three spacious levels, offering a unique blend of comfort and accessibility. The top level has a panoramic viewing sundeck with generous seating. The lower deck is fully accessible, featuring a disabled bathroom equipped with a baby change table, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. It also has a fully functioning bar with coffee and tea facilities and snacks. The Resort runs four scheduled return services from Brisbane to Tangalooma every day.

Having previously served as a passenger ferry in North Queensland, the Reef Cat was acquired by Tangalooma in 2020. The resort has since invested $4.5 million over two years to upgrade the vessel, integrating the latest in marine technology, state-of-the-art Rolls Royce engines, and enhanced passenger comforts. This investment underscores Tangalooma’s commitment to providing exceptional service and experiences to its guests.

David James, Director at Tangalooma, expressed his enthusiasm for the Reef Cats’ role in the resort's future growth:

"The Reef Cat not only expands our capacity to sustainably accommodate more visitors, from Brisbane and South East Queensland, but it also aligns with our vision for the future. As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, we anticipate a surge in tourism, and the Reef Cat positions us to meet that demand with ease and efficiency."

Richard Neale, Marine Operations Director at Tangalooma, highlighted the advanced features of the new addition:

"The Reef Cat is equipped with the best and newest marine technology, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all passengers. We are excited to offer this enhanced experience to our guests, whether they are visiting the resort or enjoying our renowned whale watching tours."

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Tangalooma Island Resort

Take the world's 3rd largest sand island…add a splash of sunshine, balmy sea breezes, a dash of discovery and a handful of adventure, and you've got Tangalooma Island Resort. An island oasis, just a 75 minute cruise from Brisbane.

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