The ferry and tour operator made the acquisition as it expects a tourism lift from the recent opening of Elizabeth Quay, on Perth’s Swan River.

SeaLink managing director Jeff Ellison said the company believed WA was set for strong tourism expansion.

“We see significant upside with the opening in January this year of Elizabeth Quay, a major Western Australian development project open in Perth’s central business district adjacent to the Barrack Street Jetty,” Ellison said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ellison said the development would reconnect the city and the Swan River, bringing public spaces, business opportunities and much needed accommodation to Perth.

“There is potential to provide marine transport to the new football stadium and the expanded casino and the ability to offer further commuter services in Perth,” he said.

Captain Cook Cruises WA operates seven vessels in Perth, offering both tourism-focused river cruises and a commuter service for the state government.

The Captain Cook Cruises brand will be acquired as part of the purchase from the Goodbody family, which started the ferry operation in 1980.

The purchase includes seven vessels, plus two managed on behalf of the government.

Unaudited turnover for Captain Cook Cruises WA was $10 million in 2015.

AAP