Suppose Fremantle needed a reminder that it sits firmly at the beating heart of Australia’s cruise story. In that case, the 2025 Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference will deliver it with bells, whistles and a luxury yacht gliding past the welcome party for good measure.
From 3–5 September 2025, Fremantle hosts more than 150 delegates from across the globe, as the ACA returns to Western Australia’s historic port city for the first time in two decades. And in an opening act made for the history books, Western Australia’s Tourism and Great Southern Minister, Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, will formally open proceedings at the Welcome Function on Wednesday evening.
The chosen stage? None other than Gage Roads Freo, perched on the edge of Fremantle Harbour. And as the speeches begin, Scenic’s ultra-luxury discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, will glide past against the setting sun, marking its inaugural visit to Fremantle. A coincidence? Hardly. More like a choreographed spectacle to rival Sydney’s fireworks.
“This is a significant moment for ACA and for Fremantle,” said Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association. “Minister Whitby’s presence, along with Scenic Eclipse II sailing past the function, sets the tone for a conference focused on innovation, regional opportunity, and industry collaboration.”
WA’s Cruise Industry: A Billion-Dollar Performer in Waiting
For Minister Whitby, the numbers speak volumes.
“WA’s cruise industry generated $385 million in economic impact in 2023–24 and supported more than 1,200 local jobs, making it a vital contributor to Western Australia’s tourism sector,” he said. “I look forward to this event building on that success, strengthening industry partnerships, and highlighting the vital role cruise plays in driving regional tourism.”
It’s a statement worth noting. In a tourism sector often dominated by aviation headlines, the cruise industry has quietly grown into one of WA’s most valuable economic engines. Fremantle, Geraldton, Broome, and Albany are not just port calls; they’re gateways that funnel international spend directly into local businesses, restaurants, and tour operators.
Local Leadership on Show
The Welcome Function will also highlight Fremantle’s leadership. Deputy Mayor Jenny Archibald is confirmed to attend, while Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge will join delegates at Friday’s conference breakfast. There, attendees will hear from Stu McLeod, CEO of the Fremantle Foundation and better known to many as the guitarist for the ARIA award-winning band Eskimo Joe.
McLeod is set to share reflections on Fremantle’s creative heartbeat and role in shaping the city’s identity beyond the dockside cranes. This is a timely reminder that the value of cruise tourism extends far beyond ships and shore excursions; it’s about showcasing a region’s cultural pulse.
Anchoring Success Across Every Region
This year’s conference theme, Anchoring Success Across Every Region, is far more than a catchy tagline. It encapsulates ACA’s mission to ensure that benefits flow well beyond the major ports as Australia strengthens its foothold in the global cruise market.
Over the three-day program, delegates will dissect the future of the Australian cruise industry with a line-up that reads like a who’s who of global cruising:
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State of the Industry & Future Outlook with Gavin Smith (Royal Caribbean), Peter Little (Carnival Corp), Ben Angell (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Jill Abel, moderated by BDO’s Scott Lovett.
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Emerging Tourism Trends keynote from Sally Cope of Tourism Australia.
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Princess Cruises’ Strategy in Australia with Matthew Rutherford.
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Decoding Deployment with Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Mystic Cruises senior executives.
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Shore Excursion Redesign is for different generations and features NCLH, APT, and the New Zealand Cruise Association.
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Setting Up Ports for the Next Decade with insights from Port of Brisbane, Port Authority NSW, Carnival, and Kimberley Ports.
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The Rise of Expedition and Ultra-Luxury Cruising features Ponant, Silversea, Coral Expeditions, Tourism WA, and Select Fresh Providores.
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Reflections and Regional Resilience with speakers from Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean, and Vanuatu Tourism.
The breadth of the agenda clearly energises Abel.
“This year’s program is our most ambitious yet bringing global insights, operational expertise, and regional innovation into one place,” she said. “Fremantle is the perfect setting to ignite the next phase of growth in the Australian cruise industry.”
Why Fremantle, Why Now?
It’s no accident Fremantle has been chosen after a 20-year hiatus. The city’s waterfront transformation and WA’s resurgent tourism momentum make it an ideal platform to showcase Australia’s cruising future. From ultra-luxury expedition ships bound for the Kimberley, to mega-liners charting the southern coast, WA’s ports are increasingly integral to cruise itineraries in the Asia-Pacific.
The symbolism is powerful: Fremantle isn’t merely playing host. It’s positioning itself as a leader in the national conversation on cruise growth, regional dispersal, and sustainable practices.
Backed by the Best
Tourism Western Australia, Business Events Perth, and the City of Fremantle heavily support the 2025 ACA Conference. Together, these partners underline the importance of cruises to the local and national visitor economies.
Registration details are available via the official ACA Conference website for those still on the fence. Seats at Fremantle’s table are filling quickly — and with the Scenic Eclipse II providing the opening night theatre, the conference is set to be one of the year’s most memorable tourism gatherings.
By Michelle Warner
