Description
Launched in early 2020, the company realises the vision of Simon Thornalley, a young Indigenous man of Torres Strait Island descent who was born on the Sunshine Coast and introduced to his sailing lifestyle by his parents who were world class sailors and environmentalists themselves. That vision was to establish a unique tourism experience that would inspire a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and the ocean.
Collaboration with Local Traditional Owners of the Kabi Kabi First Nation people ensures that Saltwater Eco Tours delivers an authentic local visitor experience, sharing the timeless wisdom of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Alongside his partner Jenna, Traditional Owner Aunty Bridgette Chilli and their experienced crew the company prides themselves in authenticity, passion and a genuine love for Saltwater!
In the short time since launching, the company have received many awards and accolades including:
Eco Tourism Certification, Respecting Our Cultural Certification, TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Award 2021-2022, Best of QLD Experiences 2022, Young Achievers Award - GOLG (QTIC 2021) and continual 5 - star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Review.
In 2022, Saltwater Eco Tours expanded their offerings through their catering. Led by creative cook Josie Brown, the catering services include a Commerical Food Truck, Grazing Tables and corporate canapes, and has appeared at various events and festivals around the Sunshine Coast.
This beautifully restored traditional sailing vessel was launched in 1925 after being built to the same plan as the “Spray”, the boat used by Joshua Slocum to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe, covering more than 46,000 miles between April, 1895, and June, 1898. She is now thought to be the oldest Spray sailing in Australia and possibly the world.
Above deck, there is plenty of space for up to 35 guests and the addition of a roller furling headsail makes getting underway an easier task than it was in Slocum’s day. Below deck there is no sign of hardship or age. She has berths for seven, a full head, a stainless-steel galley and a large and comfortable saloon. The partially enclosed cockpit has comfortable seating for up to ten guests.
