Freedom Fast Cats is a small family business operated by the Allen family since 1999. The history of maritime tourism in the family dates back to 1950 when Lew Allen established the first resort on Quoin Island, off the shore of Gladstone. Lew Allen bought a ferry called Freedom 1 setting the mark in history being the first of 26 vessels to be owned by the Allen family. In 1968 Max Allen (son of Lew Allen) started his own business, Max Allen Cruises. During this time, Max operated charter vessels and ferries along the Queensland coast from Gladstone to the Torres Strait, undertaking a vast amount of maritime activities including: diving and fishing charters, research, surveying and salvages. In 1999, Max Allen Cruises became Freedom Fast Cats and became a daily ferry service to Great Keppel Island. Today, Freedom Fast Cats is managed by Max Allen, his wife Carmel Allen and their son Max Jnr Allen. The family business now consists of five ferries and two glass bottom boats. Based in Rosslyn Bay Harbour, Freedom Fast Cats currently offer ferry transfers as well as a wide range of cruises to the Keppel Bay Islands. These vessels are also available for private charters, commercial crewed or bareboat charts and for long or short term contracts.