Adelaide-based SeaLink Travel Group has confirmed the settlement of purchase of Sydney tourism operator Captain Cook Cruises yesterday afternoon.

Included in the acquisition are 15 vessels currently operating in Sydney Harbour, a Murray River paddle wheeler incorporating onboard accommodation and related infrastructure, marina berths and licenses.

“The purchase of Captain Cook Cruises adds to our group’s expanding range of tourism and ferry operations including Kangaroo Island SeaLink and most recently Sunferries Townsville – now known as SeaLink Queensland – cementing our position as one of Australia’s largest tourism companies,” SeaLink Travel Group chairman Giuliano Ursini said in Sydney yesterday.

“We have experienced a remarkable period of growth in 2011 and our latest purchase is not only an investment in the SeaLink Travel Group, but an investment in the future of Australia’s tourism industry.”