Gold Coast Hobart flights: Jetstar launch direct route
The easing of border restrictions has been a big boost for Gold Coast travellers, with Jetstar revealing a new direct route to a holiday hotspot. Here’s when the new flights will begin.
Lifestyle
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Jetstar will launch new flights between the Gold Coast and Hobart in December, providing the only direct link between the city and Tasmania.
The announcement follows news Tasmania’s borders will be open to Queensland from October 26.
From December 1, Jetstar will operate three return services weekly on an Airbus A320, delivering more than 1200 seats between the holiday hot spots each week.
The new flights will be available at jetstar.com from 10am today, with a 24-hour flash sale starting from 11am including 1500 fares from $89.
Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said it was the first time the airline had operated flights between the Gold Coast and Hobart since 2013.
“We’re excited to launch this service with support from the Queensland government, Destination Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Airport,” he said.
“It’s great help to be able to reconnect family and friends and give more people the opportunity for a holiday after what has been tough period for many.
“This new service will also help to boost tourism in the Gold Coast, creating jobs and supporting the local economy, and means more of our people are back at work, which is great news too.
“We predict our low-fares service will be popular with Queenslanders looking for a short few days away and those on a longer break taking time to explore the history and art, national parks and local food and wineries Tasmania has to offer.”
Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new service was set to generate $11.6 million in overnight visitor expenditure and support 90 jobs, providing a major boost for the region ahead of the busy summer season.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy. We’re working with airlines to secure new direct flights to the Gold Coast because we know that flights pump millions of dollars into local businesses and support local jobs,” she said.
“Like Queensland, Tassie has done a great job managing their health response to coronavirus.
“These flights will deliver a massive boost for the Coast.”
Here’s some itinerary inspiration for Tassie travellers:
1. PACK YOUR ESKY FOR AN EAST COAST ROAD TRIP
One of the most popular pilgrimages in our southernmost state, the Great Eastern Drive is easily accessible from Hobart.
Officially extending from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north, countless distracting detours expand the 175km chance to choose your own adventure.
Self-driving foodies will be in their happy place from Swansea to Freycinet, with pit stops at Devil’s Corner winery, Milton Vineyard, Kate’s Berry and Melshell Oyster Shack where you can slurp down a delicious dozen overlooking the activity of the Swan River farm.
Detour off the main highway to check out Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. The beguiling curves of Wineglass Bay attract all the attention, it’s just a matter of choosing an angle.
Wineglass Bay Lookout gets the majority of foot traffic, a steep but well-maintained hour’s walk with strategically placed seats to offset the trajectory.
To set foot on oft-photographed sand, it’s not the descent of around 1000 extra steps you should worry about — it’s getting back up them.
If you’re fairly fit, tackle the Mount Amos hike for a knockout view that will make you forget the straight-up scramble to get there.
Complete your Wineglass wooing with a scenic flight or cruise.
Scoff seafood straight off the boat in Bicheno. The Lobster Shack specialises in Tasmanian southern rock lobster, with boats launched metres from the eatery’s harbour perch.
Finish at Bay of Fires where deserted stretches of sugary sand are spliced by granite rocks lit with orange lichen … the trickiest decision is where to spread a towel.
2. HANG OUT IN THE HUON VALLEY
Sitting pretty on the edge of World Heritage Wilderness and popping whole paddocks between neighbours, the Huon Valley was social distancing long before it was on trend.
Just an hour south of Hobart you could be perching perch 30m above the forest floor at Tahune Airwalk, venturing underground at Hastings Caves or taking a dip in thermal springs.
Arrive hungry, because this is paddock to plate heaven.
Pull on gumboots and meet rare pig breeds with Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans or find out why Massaki Koyama’s Geeveston sushi is hailed by some as Australia’s finest.
Meet craft cider makers, where apples don’t fall far from the ciderhouse at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Frank’s Ciderhouse & Cafe or Pagan Cider.
Wander the artist studios and galleries, bring your sketch pad or sign up for a workshop.
Lots is happening in the creative space, including acclaimed producer and writer Posie Graham-Evans embarking on a McLeod’s Daughters TV series spin-off.
If you’re seeking inspiration, Posie has accommodation known as the Writer’s House.
3. SAVOUR THE SERENITY OF A FARM STAY
Sixth-generation farmers operating one of Tasmania’s first farm stays, Curringa Farm’s Tim and Jane Parsons love sharing their piece of paradise.
“It is a real working 300ha farm with 3000 sheep for meat and wool production, and vegetable seed crops of onions, cabbages, carrots and kohlrabi for international export alongside opium poppies for pharmaceutical use,” Tim says.
An hour from Hobart, Curringa capitalises on the serenity with secluded cottages boasting spas or freestanding baths.
“Families from Australian mainland cities cherish the space for kids to explore and connect with the country, or couples can snuggle down in secluded privacy while sheep bleat outside the window,” Tim says.
“We offer formal farm tours to see sheep shearing, working farm dogs with hundreds of sheep, interpretative crop and conservation forest walks.”
Guests can introduce themselves to Curringa’s chickens, alpacas, highland cows and horse, Honey, and pick their own raspberries and vegies in the summer.
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