about us
FREEDOM FAST CATS
meet the team
Based in Rosslyn Bay Harbour, Freedom Fast Cats offer ferry transfers as well as a wide range of cruises to the Keppel Bay Islands. These vessels are also available for private charters, commercial crewed or bareboat charters and for long or short term contracts.
Freedom Fast Cats has been proudly owned and operated by the Allen family since 1999.
The history of maritime tourism in the Allen family dates back to 1950, when Lew Allen established the first resort on Quoin Island – off the shores of Gladstone. Around this time Lew Allen bought a ferry called Freedom 1, marking the first of 26 vessels (and counting) to be owned by the Allen family.
In 1968, Max Allen (son of Lew Allen) started his own business, Max Allen Cruises. Max operated charter vessels and ferries along the Queensland coast, from Gladstone to the Torres Strait. The company undertook many maritime activities including diving and fishing charters, research support, surveying and salvages.
Max Allen Cruises became Freedom Fast Cats in 1999, running a daily ferry service to Great Keppel Island. Today, Freedom Fast Cats is managed by Max Allen, his wife Carmel Allen and their son Max Allen Jnr. The family business currently runs five ferries and two glass bottom boats.
FREEDOM FAST CATS
more about us
FAQS
FREEDOM FAST CATS
how to get here
HOW TO GET TO FREEDOM FAST CATS, ROSSLYN BAY…
Tropical Luxury Cars Yeppoon – Offer door to door service in their luxury 6 person Mercedes van or for that special event they can offer a pink limousine. Furthermore, TLC can meet your air and rail connections. Contact phone 0421 209 620 or email tlcyeppoon@gmail.com
Book A Bus Yeppoon – Kelly can collect large families or groups in her 11-seater bus directly from your accommodation and have you at our doorstep before your departure time. Contact Kelly on 0466 575 654 or alternatively via email bookabusyeppoon@gmail.com
Youngs Bus Service – Youngs Bus Service departs near most accommodation places on the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton. To plan your connection head to the Translink website journey planner https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner. Your end location will be Vin E Jones Dr near John Howes Dr HnR, Rosslyn. Phone (07) 4922 3813
Taxi Cab – Black and White Cabs on 133 222
Cap Coast Storage not only can store your car and van overnight, but they also offer a shuttle bus service that can collect you from your accommodation and bring you to our doorstep. Contact them on 0488 004 785 or via capcoaststorage@gmail.com
Bicycle Paths – The Capricorn Coast has an extensive pathway system. The coastal path stemming from Yeppoon through to NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park in Mulambin and provides linkage to us here at the harbour. If you do not have your own mode of transportation, our shire has now introduced Neuron electric scooter hire which stems from Yeppoon to our front door in Rosslyn Bay! Ask your host where the nearest location is to find the hire e-scooters and then download Neuron’s user-friendly app from Apple or Google app stores and you’ll be on your way in a matter of minutes. For information head to https://scootsafe.com/ to learn about the local riding rules and to check our their instructional videos.
As Great Keppel Island does not have a jetty and ferries disembark passenger directly onto the beach, wheelchair accessibility to the island difficult however our crew are trained to assist those with otherwise limited ability onto the beach. Whilst we do our best to accommodate wheelchair guests with cruises where you stay onboard, we also face the issue of onboarding up a narrow ramp to the vessel which makes wheelchair access difficult, if not impossible. We do notify guests prior to booking on our wheelchair policy and office staff are aware of the wheelchair and access restrictions and onboard vessel staff training is provided through the Vessel Safety Programs.
On Great Keppel Island we generally see very few stingers (jellyfish) year round. Stingers are more commonly seen during the warmer months – December to March. If we are made aware of stinger sightings, we will advise passengers on the ferry. Stinger suits are available for cruise members if necessary. Visit beachsafe.org.au for the latest safety advice.
If you are travelling to Great Keppel Island for the day, there is a large car park across the road from the Pier One terminal. If you are staying overnight on the island, there is a security car park facility available at 422 Scenic Highway, Rosslyn Bay. Phone 0488 004 785 for bookings and prices.
Yes, dogs are allowed on our ferry transfers to Great Keppel Island, but not on cruises. Great Keppel Island also allows dogs on the island. Please ensure that you have a leash and clean up after your animals while on the island.
Bookings can be made online via our booking services for both ferry transfers and cruises. However, they can also be made at our office directly, or over the phone. Please ring +61 (07) 4933 6888
Online bookings for ferry transfers close 1 hour prior to departure – late bookings may be available. Please ring +61 (07) 4933 6888
Please view our timetable for current times and prices. All cruises require bookings. Some spaces may become available on the day of travel however to avoid disappointment we advise booking in advance.
Yes, we cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Simply make our staff aware of any dietary requirements you have when booking.
Great Keppel Island is a short 30-minute ferry ride from Rosslyn Bay harbour. The distance to Great Keppel Island from the mainland is approximately 9.7 nautical miles (18km).
FREEDOM FAST CATS
GRASSHOPPER TRAVEL
OUR TRIP ADVISOR AWARDS
OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
FOLLOW US
