Sunshine Coast residents have been granted a long-awaited taste of freedom in the air with the recommencement of quarantine-free travel between South Australia and Queensland.
The first Jetstar service from Adelaide in more than two months has been welcomed with open arms at Sunshine Coast Airport after the South Australian Government announced the relaxing of restrictions on Tuesday.
Not only will the Adelaide-Maroochydore service be a much-needed shot in the arm for our regional tourism industry – enticing the affectionately called “Crow-eaters” to the spring sunshine – the direct flights also will provide Coast residents with a change of scenery to enjoy outside Queensland on the outbound trips.
While flight schedules are subject to change, Jetstar’s service will mainly operate three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And with $69 one-way fares available, the Barossa Valley shiraz is calling and we can feel Kangaroo Island’s icy Antarctic wind blast already.
No travel restrictions will be imposed from either state (although masks are still mandatory at all Queensland airports) as more than 4400 seats will be made available between the two destinations each month.
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Sunshine Coast Airport head of corporate relations Ayllie White said the relaxing of restrictions from both states was welcome news for the local tourism industry and business community.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming passengers back from South Australia without having to consider home quarantine, testing or restrictions imposed upon returning from Queensland,” she said.
“It is also great news for Sunshine Coast locals, giving them the chance to visit the Festival State straight from their doorstep.
“With pent-up travel demand remaining high, we expect the service will be very popular with local people seeking new horizons such as South Australia’s world-renowned wineries, food experiences and spectacular sceneries.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the region’s tourism industry was delighted to welcome South Australian visitors back to our region.
“We know there is pent-up demand by South Australians to travel again and will look to capitalise on this ahead of the September school holidays period,” he said.
“After an incredibly difficult winter for our tourism businesses, this news provides a much-needed boost for the Sunshine Coast tourism industry.”
Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said the return of the direct flights from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast was welcome news for our tourism industry, and perfect timing for school holidays.
“We look forward to welcoming our South Australian friends back to the region to enjoy a warm holiday soaking up our beautiful spring days here in Noosa,” she said.
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Jetstar still has half-off fares available for this route as part of the Federal Government’s Tourism and Aviation Network Support Program.
With fares starting from $69 one way, travellers can take advantage of these prices available for sale and travel until November 30 unless sold out prior. Bookings can be made here.
As part of the aviation partnership between Visit Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Airport and Tourism Noosa, a marketing campaign targeting South Australians will be launched in coming days.
South Australians can expect to see stunning imagery of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, coupled with tactical messaging across social media.
