When the Radiance of the Seas cruise ship disembarks at Port Kembla on Sunday, October 30 it is set to create a sea of opportunity for surrounding areas, including Kiama.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Radiance of the Seas’ maiden visit to Port Kembla has been viewed as marking the start of a new era of tourism opportunities for the Illawarra and South Coast.
An estimated 2400 passengers, plus 800 crew will become the first cruise boat passengers to dock at Port Kembla aboard the Royal Caribbean mega liner.
The cruise company confirmed last year the 293m long mega liner would include Port Kembla in its seven-night East Coast and Tasmanian cruise from October 2016.
The ship will spend a day in port, allowing tourists from Australia and throughout the world to explore the Illawarra’s beaches, city, towns and attractions through day trips, courtesy buses and planned activity options.
The tour program for Radiance of the Seas passengers takes in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Southern Highlands.
This includes visiting Kiama Blowhole, the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk, waterfalls and the Southern Highlands.
Kiama councillor and former State MP Matt Brown is a council representative on the Kiama Tourism board.
The former Tourism Minister said it was “early days”, but there were encouraging signs for the municipality.
“I’m sure the passengers will really enjoy the Illawarra… The challenge is to have passengers want to do a day trip and come down to the Kiama area,” he said.
“Over time the Kiama section of the tour will be very popular.
“It’s the prettiest town in Australia by a long shot.
“It has excellent natural attractions, and also has excellent man-made attractions like the tree top walk and Jamberoo Action Park.”
Volunteer ambassadors will greet visitors with information and opportunities.
Cr Brown said even if those aboard missed out on the booked tours, ambassadors greeting them at Lang Park, Wollongong would still be able to promote methods of transport available to take them to Kiama for the day.
“Their (visitors’) feedback on their social media platforms will be crucial in generating interest from other passengers in the future to come to Kiama,” he said.
“It’s early days, but it’s a great trial.
“We’re putting together a strategy to try and make the most of this opportunity.”
Kiama and District Business Chamber president Marie Beikmanis said while the ship’s arrival may not have a noticeable impact the first time around, “in the future it will be an asset to have day trippers here”.
“It is a problem that we don’t have enough accommodation, so having day trippers can only be good for us,” she said.
Ms Beikmanis suggested a committee be formed of “interested parties who could make suggestions to encourage people from the cruises to come here, and what we can do to entertain them”.
“They could do things like small tours,” she said.
“Some people actually like to drive around an area themselves, so the possibility of hire cars so people can do that (could be another initiative).”
Carole Johnston, strategic tourism and marketing manager at Kiama Municipal Council said the cruise ships coming into Port Kembla were a great addition to the South Coast.
“It is a great opportunity to showcase Kiama and the South Coast,” she said.
“We see this as an opportunity to build brand awareness and put Kiama and the South Coast top of mind when considering where visitors will take their next holiday.
“Ultimately it will bring more tourists to the region, increasing visitor spend and driving new jobs.
“Kiama council will be offering bus tours on October 30 for passengers to experience Kiama for the day before returning to the ship.”