Move over Great Barrier Reef, Qantas is now connecting the east coast to Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef
Victorians can now fly directly to Exmouth, the heart of Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Qantas’ newest service marks the first interstate route into the capital of the country’s World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
The red-tailed Boeing 737 aircraft will operate two return services per week from 30 April 2023 until 26 October 2023, offering more than 18,000 seats in time for Exmouth’s next bustling tourist season.
The direct flight from Melbourne Airport to Western Australia’s Learmonth Airport in the state’s Mid North, will position travellers within a breezy 25 minutes driving distance of Exmouth.
Qantas is launching its new route with $399 one-way sale fares. While this isn’t exactly a cheap offering, the direct five-hour flight shaves three hours off Qantas’ existing journey via Perth.
Three extra hours in Exmouth can put you anywhere from swimming on the surface with the biggest sharks on earth to exploring the beguiling underwater world of Australia’s largest fringing coral reef.
This is a bucket list item you’ll want to tick 
Swimming with the whale sharks is a must when in Exmouth
Where the desert meets the reef, Australians have certainly discovered all Exmouth has to offer while taking time to explore our own backyard during the pandemic – Exmouth was named Australia’s top small tourism town at the recent 2022 Australian Tourism Awards.
While the local Coral Coast population are likely cringing at the thought of more tourists come next season, they too will benefit from first ever direct access to the east coast.
Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new service would open up the Coral Coast for more travellers, boosting the region’s tourist economy.
“Australian’s have spent the last few years exploring their own backyard more than ever before, and this new route responds to that increased demand, providing our customers with a direct route to one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular destinations,” he said.
Is Exmouth on your travel bucket list?
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