Jetstar announces direct flights between Hervey Bay and Melbourne

For the first time direct flights will operate between Hervey Bay and Melbourne, starting in the middle of next year, with one-way fares being offered from $49 to celebrate.

Jetstar is expected to announce Hervey Bay to Melbourne flights this week.Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The long-awaited direct flights from Melbourne to the Fraser Coast have been announced this week by Jetstar.

Taking off from June 20, 2024, and launched in partnership with Fraser Coast Regional Council, the three-per-week service will carry up to 1100 customers each week between the two cities.

It is the first time direct flights have been offered between the two cities.

To celebrate the announcement, Jetstar is holding a 12-hour launch sale from 11am on Tuesday, with one-way fares between Melbourne and Hervey Bay available from just $49, ending at 11pm unless sold out prior.

Jetstar operates four flights per week between Sydney and Hervey Bay, and once the Melbourne service begins, it will carry up to 3800 customers each week across the two routes.

Jetstar’s executive manager, customer, Jenn Armor said Hervey Bay was a largely undiscovered holiday destination for Victorians given there have never been direct flights.

“We know Melburnians love exploring Queensland, and with the strong demand we’ve seen for Hervey Bay out of Sydney, we’re expecting these new flights to be extremely popular.

“Often referred to as the whale watching capital of the world, the Fraser Coast region offers beautiful beaches with calm waters, perfect for family getaways.

“We’re excited to be able to provide a low-cost connection to this beautiful region in time for the mid-year school holidays, which in turn will boost local jobs and support tourism.”

A Jetstar plane takes off from Melbourne Airport. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour said having three direct flights between Hervey Bay and Melbourne every week was fantastic news for the Fraser Coast.

“Many residents have moved to Hervey Bay from Victoria, and these direct flights will help families and friends stay connected.

“It will mean grandparents seeing their grandchildren more often, for example.

“These flights will also be a huge boost for our tourism industry.

“It will open the door for more people to discover the world heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), the best whale watching in the world and all the other fantastic attractions and experiences we have here on the Fraser Coast.”

QantasLink operates daily flights between Brisbane and Hervey Bay, with Jetstar running a Sydney – Hervey Bay service three times a week.

In October 2017, Jetgo cancelled its plans to bring flights between Melbourne and Hervey Bay.

The announcement was made after low booking numbers plagued the service ahead of a planned launch on November 3, 2017.

Only one person booked on the first flight from Hervey Bay to Melbourne.

The Jetstar flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays between the two cities.