Government backs new flights to King, Flinders Islands
Tasmanians starved for their travel fix will be able to take advantage of new direct flights from Hobart to the Bass Strait islands. HOW TO GET TICKETS >>
Tasmania
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TASMANIANS starved for their travel fix will be able to take advantage of new direct flights from Hobart to King and Flinders Islands, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Thursday.
The three-times a week flights will start from the end of the month and will be the first regular link between the islands and the state capital.
The government will spend an estimated $225,000 underwriting the service during a trial period until the end of January.
Mr Gutwein encouraged people to use their travel vouchers to visit the islands.
“From the end of September, Tasmanians will be able to easily travel to King Island and enjoy some of the nation’s finest produce or possibly play on two of the world’s leading golf courses – Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes,” he said.
“Likewise they will be able to travel to and from Flinders Island which provides one of the most idyllic island experiences in the world with its pristine beautiful surroundings, excellent bushwalking and beautiful secluded beaches.
“We know access is critical to healthy communities and economies and we are pleased to facilitate this opportunity to these incredibly important Tasmanian communities.”
The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
President of King Island Tourism Adam Hely welcomed the news.
“Our beautiful little island in Bass Strait is home to some of the world’s finest cheese, beef and crayfish alongside three internationally renowned golf links courses,” he said.
“Yet many Tasmanians have never been here, likely because of the previously limited air access.
Chief Executive of West by North West Regional Tourism, Tom Wootton, described the establishment of Hobart to King Island flights as a ‘game-changer’.
“With around half the state’s population residing in the south, these flights essentially activate a new market for King Island and provide those southern Tasmanians with easy access to a genuine bucket-list destination.”
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