First direct flights connect Whitsunday Coast Airport to Adelaide

Looking for your next getaway? A new route connecting South Australia to the sunny Whitsundays offers travellers the best of both worlds from rolling vineyards to the Coral Sea.

Whitsunday Regional Council mayor Ry Collins and Whitsunday Coast Airport CEO Craig Turner marked the first direct flights to Adelaide with Jetstar in September 2024. Photo: Contributed

Two of Australia’s premier tourism destinations have been connected for the very first time by new direct flights, in exciting news for fans of snorkelling as much as sauvignon blanc.

Whitsunday Coast Airport celebrated the first direct flights to Adelaide on Sunday with Jetstar, with the under three hour trip now operating three times a week.

Whitsunday Regional Council mayor Ry Collins said the route to South Australia was a game-changer, opening the region up to the 1.2 million people living around Adelaide.

“New routes like Adelaide are not just about adding more flights to our schedule, they represent a tremendous opportunity to open the Whitsunday region to a whole new market of visitors,” he said.

Whitsunday Coast Airport marked the first direct flights to Adelaide with Jetstar in September 2024. Photo: Contributed

“With these flights, we’re making it easier than ever for people from across Australia to discover the Whitsundays.

“By increasing our accessibility, we’re broadening our appeal to a wider audience.

“This expanded connectivity also reinforces our position as a premier destination and signals to the world that the Whitsundays is open, accessible, and ready to provide unforgettable experiences.”

Whitsunday Coast Airport CEO Craig Turner said the new route was good news for local businesses with “more visitors walking through your doors, more customers to serve, and more opportunities to thrive”.

Mr Turner said that by tapping into new markets, the airport was diversifying its clientele and becoming more resilient to seasonal fluctuations.

Interim Tourism Whitsundays CEO Aimee Cameron said their members were excited to welcome South Australian visitors keen to make the most of our region’s beautiful warmer weather.

“With a variety of water and land-based activities, excellent dining options, exciting events, diverse accommodation, and experiences to suit families, youth, adventure seekers, and luxury travellers, the Whitsundays truly has something for everyone,” Ms Cameron said.