Vineyard to Reef direct flights take off

Next Father’s Day imagine your dad living the dream by sipping world-class Shiraz in the Heart of the Barossa Valley at lunch, and by sunset, swimming in the Coral Sea in the Whitsundays, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

This idyllic escape is now a reality with the first direct flights between Adelaide and Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) taking off today connecting the two cities in less than three hours and creating 58,000 low- cost seats a year.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the direct route will operate three times per week and is a game-changer for our region as it opens a direct flight route for the 1.2 million people who live in the Adelaide region.

“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. “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. Whether they’re coming here for the first time or returning to explore even more, these visitors are vital to the continued growth and sustainability of our Whitsunday tourism industry.

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.”

Craig Turner, CEO of Whitsunday Coast Airport, said the economic benefits of new routes extend far beyond just tourism.

“For local businesses, this means more visitors walking through your doors, more customers to serve, and more opportunities to thrive.

“We know that when more people come to the Whitsundays, they don’t just visit—they invest in our local economy, creating jobs and supporting our vibrant small business community,” Mr Turner said.

“Any boost in tourism numbers will drive further investment in our infrastructure and services, ensuring that the Whitsundays continues to be a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.

“By tapping into new markets, we’re diversifying our visitor base, making our economy more resilient to seasonal fluctuations and external factors.”

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.”