Luxury Kimberley cruise operator Kimberley Quest has been acquired by locally owned and operated Western Australian (WA) company Pinnacle Travel Group.

WA Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti welcomed the acquisition, saying it was a great result for local tourism.
“Our government is all about supporting local jobs and businesses, so it's fantastic knowing that a WA operator has taken over the well-established Kimberley Quest and will further support dozens of local jobs.”
“We had a bumper season last financial year, with more than $333 million generated for our economy by the cruise sector and hoping for an even bigger and better season in 2023-24.”

Pinnacle Travel Group Director Luke Crispin outlined how they came to acquire Kimberley Quest and how the business will integrate into their operations.
“We were able to secure Kimberley Quest by having strong relationships in the industry. It was an off-market acquisition which further expands our growing portfolio of tourism offerings. Kimberley Quest will provide us with another unique and iconic marine business in one of WA's most spectacular areas – the Kimberley.”
“Kimberley Quest will work hand in hand with our current Rottnest Island operation, allowing us to share and further train staff and crew. Kimberley Quest is already an incredible product, and as such there won't be any operational changes but rather the Broome-based Kimberley Quest staff will now have the backing of our Head Office for support in all areas, from operations and marketing to HR and accounts.”

The acquisition has allowed Pinnacle Travel Group to expand its existing locally operated land and marine-based tourism offerings throughout WA, with products suited to all markets from $25.00 hop-on/hop-off coach tours to luxurious $25,000 two-week Kimberley cruises.

Pinnacle Travel Group Directors James Mulholland and Luke Crispin first met in the marine tourism industry as Rottnest Island ferry deckhands in the late 1990s. Over the years, they gained experience and expertise in engineering and skippering roles with various local and international businesses.

They began their journey as business partners in 2012 with the acquisition of Rottnest Fast Ferries, and subsequently created Pinnacle Travel Group with the goal of becoming Australia's top provider of quality experiences with locally owned family values.

Today, Pinnacle Travel Group has a strong presence in WA and includes a range of premium tourism brands, including industry-leading ferry services, coach day tours and seasonal products. A team of nearly 300 employees helps them achieve their vision of providing unparalleled experiences to their customers, and acquisitions such as this create unique career opportunities and progression pathways within the Group.

Director James Mulholland reflected on how well Kimberley Quest aligns with the foundation of the company and their current tourism experience offerings.
“We began with Rottnest Fast Ferries, so the acquisition of Kimberley Quest somewhat brings us back to where we started; we have expertise in marine, touring and transport. We are proudly WA's largest locally and privately owned tourism business. This latest acquisition brings an unwavering commitment to providing our team with the best possible products and tools to ensure our customers the best experiences and life-changing tours.”

The acquisition also provides Pinnacle Travel Group with a continuous presence in Broome to bolster its existing seasonal operations, highlighting the Group's deep commitment to expanding its role in the local economy and tourism sector and to promoting WA as a must-visit destination to Australia and the world.

“Now, our agents and partners can seamlessly plan trips to WA, benefitting from a single operator offering tourism from Wave Rock to the Pinnacles, through the stunning South West region, Perth and surrounds and all the way up to the breathtaking North West of our great State”, commented James Mulholland.

Australia's North West CEO Bill Tatchell commented on the acquisition, outlining the benefits to the Northwest tourism industry.
“Adding Kimberley Quest to the Pinnacle Travel Group portfolio ensures the Kimberley and the Northwest are promoted to new markets and can be easily included as part of a WA itinerary.”
“The investment by Pinnacle Travel Group is more than just a sign of the confidence that they have in the Kimberley Quest product and the regions tourism appeal, it demonstrates a commitment to supporting the local economy with operational expenditure, employment, and ongoing tourism dollars.''

James Mulholland explained that securing Kimberley Quest has enabled Pinnacle Travel Group to offer a career progression pathway for their marine crew, allowing them to initiate their journey on deck with the Rottnest operations. They can then acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to transition seamlessly into Kimberley operations while completing their marine qualifications.
“Crew members may commence their roles as junior deckhands, with the potential to advance to captain or engineer positions on the ships and offshore supply vessels. Similarly, some of our guiding staff have expressed interest in moving between Kimberley Quest and our Perth tours”.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall congratulated Kimberley Quest on the acquisition and expanding its portfolio of tourism offerings.
“Kimberley Quest is an incredible, award-winning tourism experience, showcasing the best the Kimberley has to offer – these unique experiences are essential to WA's tourism offering, providing visitors an insight into the State's exceptional natural environment,” he said.
“Through local and seasonal employment across the portfolio, Pinnacle Travel Group is supporting long-term skill development in areas such as marine tourism.”

Kimberley Quest has won multiple WA Tourism Awards in the unique accommodation and tour and transport categories.
Pinnacle Travel Group Directors Luke Crispin and James Mulholland have had long-held ideas for Broome and now have the opportunity to further develop their operations in the area.

To find out more about Pinnacle Travel Group and Kimberley Quest visit
www.kimberleyquest.com.au
www.pinnacletravelgroup.com.au

Media Contact:

Jared Brazier, jared.brazier@pinnacletravelgroup.com.au (+61) 439 983 784

ABOUT KIMBERLEY QUEST
Kimberley Quest is a multi-award-winning luxury tourism experience showcasing the rugged and pristine beauty of WA's Kimberley region through its extended wilderness expedition cruises. With cruise options ranging from 4 to 21 nights in length, Kimberley Quest takes guests to some of the world's most remote, untouched and spectacular areas that only a select few are lucky enough to experience. The custom-built vessel, Kimberley Quest II, was designed for relaxing and exploring the magnificent Kimberley coastline in complete comfort and style. The fully air-conditioned vessel is equipped with a helipad, spa and large ensuite cabins, and has comfortable indoor and spacious al fresco areas – providing plenty of room to take in the panoramic scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

Accommodating just 18 guests and 6 crew, offering a holiday of a lifetime with fellow travellers in luxurious and intimate surrounds.

ABOUT PINNACLE TRAVEL GROUP
Pinnacle Travel Group is a proudly Western Australian family-owned and locally operated tourism group, offering a diverse portfolio of premium tourism brands from industry-leading ferry services, coach touring and charter services, and niche seasonal products. With over 40 years' combined experience in the tourism industry, Pinnacle Travel Group is committed to providing unrivalled services to its customers. Pinnacle Travel Group's brands include:

- Australian Pinnacle Tours, specialising in luxury coach and 4WD vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering tours to all of Western Australia's must-see destinations.

- Pinnacle Coachlines, with over 40 years of experience offering high-quality transportation services and solutions to various industries and clients across Perth and regional Western Australia. Its fleet of coaches is diverse and can be customised to meet the unique requirements of different sectors, including private, tourism, corporate and mining.

- Rottnest Fast Ferries, Western Australia's only locally owned and operated Rottnest ferry company. Departing daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, Rottnest Fast Ferries offers the largest selection of Rottnest Island travel packages, allowing visitors to choose exactly how they'd like to spend their time on Rottnest.

- Quokka Coaches, providing a broad-range of Rottnest Island transport and touring needs including island tours, accommodation shuttles and on-demand private transfers.

- Whale Watching Perth, providing customers with an unforgettable experience of encountering the magnificent humpback whales on their annual migration along Western Australia's coastline. Whale Watching Perth is the sole operator with a marine scientist from AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia) on board, who offers live and informative commentary.

- Explore Tours Perth, offering small group experiences in and around Perth. Customers can explore the best of Perth and its surrounds with a range of options, including half- and full-day tours, walking tours, private charter tours and shuttle buses.

- Lancelin 4x4 Adventures, with purpose-built 4WD coaches offering unique tours of Lancelin's pristine white sand dunes, including four-wheel-driving and sand-boarding.

- Integrity Coachlines, offering a crucial lifeline for remote communities, Integrity connects Perth to Broome, serving destinations like Geraldton and Carnarvon. As the sole coach company linking Broome and Perth, Integrity ensures vital public transport access for rural WA, bridging gaps for locals and visitors alike. Explore the vast beauty of Western Australia affordably with our reliable services.

- Gray Line Perth, discover Perth's hidden gems. Explore charming neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and renowned beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough. Indulge in local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs. With comfortable transportation and expert guides, immerse yourself in Perth's magic stress-free.