WHEN cruising in Queensland was on a record growth trajectory, family run Kangaroo Bus Lines acquired 10 luxury coaches to specifically cater for the cruise market. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and cruising was suspended, Kangaroo’s business fell by about 30%. Following the significant hit to his business, Kangaroo Chief...
WHEN cruising in Queensland was on a record growth trajectory, family run Kangaroo Bus Lines acquired 10 luxury coaches to specifically cater for the cruise market.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and cruising was suspended, Kangaroo’s business fell by about 30%.
Following the significant hit to his business, Kangaroo Chief Executive Officer Darren Webster (pictured) is backing calls for federal and state governments to engage with cruising and agree to a pathway for domestic sailing to resume.
The coaches, each valued at around $550,000, were obtained over a three-year period, with Webster saying it was nothing for Kangaroo to have had up to 30 per day devoted to a Brisbane call by a cruise ship.
“It was a substantial investment and included a couple of custom-built stepless vehicles to cater for the elderly and people with disabilities… there was also the investment in ground staff and training to make them seamlessly part of the cruise line’s brand,” he said.
“The buses did a mixture of shore excursions to places such as Australia Zoo and other attractions in Brisbane and its immediate surrounds, through to shuttle bus services.
“We invested heavily in capital to support cruise operations and even though the ships are no longer here, the capital still is.”
Webster said there was often a reference to “we are all in this together” but there was little recognition tourism-connected businesses such as his were haemorrhaging money at an alarming rate each day.
