After more than 27 years carrying locals and visitors across Keppel Bay, the Allen family has announced the sale of its Great Keppel Island ferry and tourism operations, along with selected passenger vessels, to Keppel Ferry Co.
The sale marks the end of an era for one of the Capricorn Coast’s most recognised tourism operations, with Freedom Fast Cats first commencing services to Great Keppel Island in 1999.
Freedom Fast Cats itself will continue operating, with the business moving in a new direction and focusing on commercial passenger ferry leasing and bareboat charter opportunities throughout Queensland using its remaining passenger ferry fleet.
For Max Snr and Carmel Allen, together with Max Jnr and Mel Allen, and the wider Freedom Fast Cats team, the Great Keppel Island operation has been much more than a ferry service – it has been a significant part of the family’s life and a longstanding connection between the mainland, Great Keppel Island and the wider Keppel Bay Islands.
Freedom Fast Cats Director Max Allen Snr said the decision to step away from Great Keppel Island services had not been an easy one, but the family was proud of what had been built over almost three decades.
“When we started Freedom Fast Cats back in 1999, we could never have imagined the journey it would take us on or just how many people we would have the privilege of carrying across Keppel Bay,” Max said.
“It has been a huge part of our family’s life. We’ve seen Great Keppel Island and the Capricorn Coast go through plenty of changes over the years, but our belief in this region and its tourism industry has never changed.”
“After 27 years, the time is right for us to hand the wheel of the Great Keppel Island ferry and tourism operations over to the next generation of operators. We’re pleased these services are moving into local hands with people who know Great Keppel Island, understand the importance of reliable access to the island and share our passion for this special part of the world.”
“There’s certainly a bit of sadness in saying goodbye to our Great Keppel Island ferry and tourism services, but there’s also a great deal of pride. We leave knowing we’ve played our part in showcasing Great Keppel Island and the Keppel Bay Islands to hundreds of thousands of people over the years, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said Freedom Fast Cats had played an important role in the growth of tourism on Great Keppel Island and across the Capricorn Coast Region.
“For more than 27 years, the Allen family and Freedom Fast Cats have been an integral part of our region’s tourism industry, connecting visitors and locals with Great Keppel Island and helping showcase one of the jewels of the Southern Great Barrier Reef,” Mary said.
“I remember when they first commenced operations out of Keppel Bay Marina, before moving across to the harbour site as the business grew and larger vessels were introduced. It has been wonderful to see how the operation has evolved over the years and the contribution the Allen family has made to our tourism industry.”
“The Allen family and their team have made an enormous contribution to tourism in our region, not only through their ferry and marine services, but through their longstanding commitment to Great Keppel Island, the local visitor economy and the broader community.”
“On behalf of Capricorn Enterprise and our region’s tourism industry, we sincerely thank the Allen family for everything they have contributed over the past 27 years and wish them every success as Freedom Fast Cats enters its next chapter.”
Freedom Fast Cats has become a familiar sight on Keppel Bay, providing ferry transfers, island cruises, glass-bottom boat experiences, charters and marine services while helping generations of locals and visitors experience the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The Allen family’s maritime history stretches well beyond Freedom Fast Cats, with the family’s connection to ferry services, charter vessels and marine tourism beginning in Gladstone before continuing along the Queensland coast and ultimately to Keppel Bay.
Max also thanked the many employees who had contributed to Freedom Fast Cats’ Great Keppel Island operations over the years.
“A business like this is only as good as its people, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful people work alongside us,” he said.
“To everyone who has travelled with Freedom, worked with us, recommended us or simply waved as one of our boats headed across the bay – thank you.”
While Freedom Fast Cats will no longer operate ferry transfers and tourism services to Great Keppel Island and across Keppel Bay, the business will continue operating throughout Queensland, focusing on commercial passenger ferry leasing and bareboat charter opportunities.
The transition marks the end of a significant chapter for the Allen family on Keppel Bay, while continuing the tradition of locally operated access to one of the Capricorn Coast Region’s most treasured destinations.
