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Your Gateway to Magnetic Island and Sunsea Cruises
Sunferries was established in 1997 as a passenger ferry link between Townsville and Magnetic Island. The company demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction by providing a quality service at a realistic price for both local residents and the increasing number of tourists visiting Magnetic Island. The growth of Magnetic Island as a tourist destination is significantly attributable to Sunferries and the extensive national and international marketing undertaken by the company on behalf of the island businesses.
In early 2002 it was recognized that the absence of a major reef day trip from Townsville posed a serious obstacle to the development of the region as a competitive tourism destination for the domestic and international market. In response to this, Sunferries launched ‘Sunsea Cruises Great Barrier Reef Day Trip’, which currently operates to Kelso Reef five days per week and every day during school holidays.
In 2006 the entire ferry fleet and terminal was upgraded at a cost of more than $8 million and Sunferries established its ’ travel arm - Sunsea Travel. Structured staff training programs commenced which include, traineeships, developing product knowledge, extensive customer service training and sales training courses.
Substantial investment in infrastructure and company development, involvement in local industry and continual support of the community ensures that Sunferries is leading the way in the promotion and growth of Magnetic Island and North Queensland as a destination.
Company Values
- Through communication with our customers we will build relationships based on honesty and openness which can enhance our service to the community.
- Through effective communication, supervision, and training, provide encouragement for all employees to grow, be safe and make it a fun place to work.
- Through effective management we will ensure that all stakeholders benefit from our business.
- Through proper training, maintenance and management our operations will have a minimal impact on our environment.
Achievements
- 2007 Premiers Regional Export Awards – WINNER
- 2006 Australian British Chamber of Commerce Tourism Export – WINNER
- 2006 Premiers Regional Export Awards – WINNER
- 2006 Premiers State Export Awards – FINALIST
- 2006 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards – FINALIST
- 2005 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 2005 North Queensland Tourism Awards – HALL OF FAME
- 2004 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 2003 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 2001 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 2000 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
- 1999 North Queensland Tourism Awards – WINNER
Affiliations & Memberships
Sunferries is a member of the following organizations:
![]() Townsville Enterprise Limited
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![]() Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
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![]() Australian British Chamber of Commerce
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Tourism Queensland
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Queensland Chamber of Commerce
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![]() Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)
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Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA)
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Employment - We work in paradise. Do you?
Sunferries employs more than 70 staff over 5 departments, requiring different qualifications and experience levels. Each department is lead by a manager, supported by supervisors and then a team of enthusiastic staff who are the interface of the company. We are committed to employing people with the same values and high standards that the company adheres to. This includes exceptional customer service skills, friendly disposition, eagerness to advance their knowledge and career and a passion for the tourism industry.
If you are interested in any of the departments listed please forward your resume to us, or submit an application for any of the Positions Vacant.
Operations
Our operations team ensures that our ferry, reef and charter services operate to the highest possible standard and that customer satisfaction is maintained. This department consists of a team of skippers, engineers, deckhands/cruise attendants and dive staff that crew our vessels. Due to the size of our vessels and the nature of our business, various qualifications and skills levels are required for positions within the operations department:
| Skipper |
Essential Criteria: |
| Engineers |
Essential Criteria: |
| Deckhands/ Cruise Attendants |
Essential Criteria: » Elements of Shipboard Safety or Occupational Health and Safety at Sea » Excellent customer service skills » Willingness to be part of a small team Desirable Criteria: » Responsible Service of Alcohol » Deck or engineering qualification (Master 5/Coxswain or MED 3) » MROCP |
| Dive Crew |
Essential Criteria: |
Current Vacancies
Email your Resume
Finance
| Business Manager | Manages the Finance Department and is responsible for all financial and management accounting functions. This position also manages IT and the overall administration of the company. |
| Payroll & Finance Supervisor | Manages the payroll function of the company, assists the Business Manager and supervises the day to day operation of the Finance Department. |
| Accounts Payable Officer | Manages all aspects of the accounts payable function. |
| Accounts Receivable Officer | Manages all aspects of the accounts receivable function. |
| Finance Support Officer | Supports the Finance Department, reconciles the daily sales and prepares the banking. |
| Purchasing Officer | Manages the purchasing function and stock maintenance. |
Sales & Marketing
Our Sales and Marketing team is responsible for wholesale and retail sales of our products, as well as our regional, national and international marketing programs.
| Sales & Marketing Manager | Manages the Sales & Marketing Department and is responsible for the development and implementation of all marketing and sales strategies and activities, product development and public relations. |
| Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager | Is the 2IC to the Sales & Marketing Manager and is responsible for agent contracting, sales missions, product training and product promotions. |
| Groups & Charters Coordinator | Is responsible for contracting group rates and coordinating their travel. Also manages marketing and promotion of our charter operation and organisation of all charters. |
| Terminal, Sales & Reservations Supervisor | This position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of our Sales & Reservations Officers and reporting on sales figures. |
| Graduate Marketing Officers |
Supports the Sales & Marketing Team, and also assists with the planning and coordination of Magnetic Island Race Week. |
| Sales & Reservations Officers | This position is the core of the Sales & Marketing Department. Staff are responsible for retail and agent sales of our products and packages, promotion of Magnetic Island and administration of Sunsea Cruises Great Barrier Reef Day Trips. |
Maintenance
Our Maintenance Department is responsible for all asset maintenance, including vessels, vehicles, machinery and buildings. Staff are required to have a trade background in areas such as diesel fitting, mechanics, painting, etc. From time to time this department does take on apprentices.
Café
Our Café is a very busy department as it provides snacks and light meals for our customers and staff every day. Café staff are responsible for menu development, food preparation and food sales. Prerequisites for Café positions include a Food Handlers Certificate and high level customer service skills.






