Qantas flights Melbourne - Exmouth direct from April 2023

[OZDUCK]

(I haven't seen this being discussed on AFF but I may have missed it. However using 'Search' brings up no matches.)

Anyway, Qantas will commence direct twice weekly flights Melbourne/Exmouth/Melbourne - Thursday & Sunday - on 30 April 2023 until October 2023 - peak season there. Introductory fares are $399 one way if booked 45 days in advance. This is obviously being subsidised by the WA Govt. It seems like it will be an attractive option for some.

(I just noticed AIRwin posted the same news in the 'regional services' thread as I was typing my post. )

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/agency-news/agency-news-october-22/east-coast-to-coral-coast-qantas-opens-first-direct-melbourne-exmouth-flights.html

Media statements | Western Australian Government

Media statements

www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

 

[exceladdict]

Very interesting!

 

[jrfsp]

Make sure you book accomm first !

Starts 10 days too late for the solar eclipse

 

[dajop]

Make sure you book accomm first !

Yes, a key constraint, which is I guess why there is no place for LCC's to enter WA leisure destinations (except for Margaret River, which does have better accommodation - quantity and quality). But a great place to visit, the accessibility of the reef, just offshore, and not a 3 hr boat ride as it is with the Great Barrier Reef, is a great asset.

Hope the flights work out but nice to see more of Australia open up with non-stop flights.

 

[jakeseven7]

Not a cheap vacation but an interesting new route. My boss has been twice, loves going there.

 

[Notyourbag]

Interesting new route addition - Melbourne to Exmouth twice a week commencing April 2023 (to October).
Heavily subsidised by the WA Government but I could see a bit of demand initially.

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnec...s-first-direct-melbourne-exmouth-flights.html

For someone who lives over East and did the Whale Sharks experience right before the WA Borders shut in 2020, It's a phenomenal experience and the Coral Coast IMO has the best snorkelling anywhere in Australia (Great Barrier Reef is very overrated with their bleached coral) and rivals Fiji and PNG.

 

[Cognac]

I highly, highly recommend booking accommodation before booking flights! I'm not sure why the WA government is subsidising this, Exmouth does not have trouble filling out over the busy season.

 

[pauly7]

Anyone on the inaugural?

 

[cove]

Turquoise Bay was stunning for us. You walk down the sandy beach and then you can drift with the tide over the reef. It is as good as Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots. Way better than Broome.
Yes book your accommodation and hire car.

 

[#flying]

Seems like an ideal route to run an E190, surprised they’ve gone with the 737. Range limitations perhaps?

 

[AIRwin]

Inaugural flight is on its way:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/flying-kangaroo-takes-off-between-melbourne-and-exmouth/

 

[AIRwin]

I hear this route has been Ex-ed?

 

[OZDUCK]

I hear this route has been Ex-ed?

Yep. - "A Qantas spokesman said it decided not to bring the route back in 2024 because it would not have enough 737 pilots available for the connection next year.".

Tourism businesses stunned as Qantas cuts Melbourne-Exmouth direct flights

WA's tourism minister and local tourism operators are disappointed in the decision by Qantas to discontinue direct flights between Exmouth and Melbourne from 2024.

www.abc.net.au