Low-cost carrier Jetstar is linking up two of Australia’s premier tourist destinations and celebrating the new holiday option with a special $99 ticket sale.
The budget airline, a subsidiary of Qantas, will fly direct from Adelaide, the beating heart of South Australia’s vibrant tourism economy, to Queensland’s the Whitsundays, which sits in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
The new flights kick off on September 1 and the ticket sale launches at 11am on Wednesday, with a one-way flight priced at $99.
The Adelaide-to-Whitsundays link will mark Jetstar’s 99th domestic route.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch these new direct flights between Adelaide and the Whitsundays,” Jetstar executive manager for customers Jenn Armor said.
“For the first time ever from September 1, 2024, flying between these two destinations will take just under three hours, continuing Jetstar’s mission to make travel more accessible with great low fares.”
Three flights a week will take off on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, with more than 58,000 low-cost seats a year.
The September flights from Adelaide depart at 3pm and arrive at 6.20pm, while the Whitsundays flights to Adelaide depart at 6.55pm and arrive at 9.15pm.
The new route is expected to pump more money into the tourism-heavy economies of both destinations.
Whitsunday Coast Airport boss Craig Turner said the new flights would open up “endless possibilities” for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation and experiences.
“South Australians can tick off bucket-list items like snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef or visiting the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, while Whitsunday locals can visit South Australia and sample some of the world’s best wines or explore the unique wildlife sanctuary Kangaroo Island.”
The Whitsundays also sits above the Mackay and Bowen Basin region in Central Queensland, which boasts a growing population.
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said the fares would attract interest from holiday-makers.
“South Australians should jump on-board these launch fares to experience the wonder of the Whitsundays and more Queenslanders can now access the wildlife, outback and wineries on Adelaide’s doorstep,” he said.