This morning has brought the exciting news that Jetstar will commence its Melbourne-Busselton direct flight route from 1 February.
This is a huge development for our region’s tourism industry and we are particularly excited for our member businesses who’ve been working with us to become ‘Airline Ready’ over the last 12 months.
Next steps for operators
As visitors become aware of the opportunity to fly into Busselton, they will begin to research their holiday online. If you provide bookable accommodation or experiences, now is a good time to ensure that your inventory is up to date with any online travel agencies (OTAs) you work with.
Please also ensure that your listing page at Margaretriver.com is up to date, as this is the number one online authority for travel inspiration and advice on the region.
MRBTA has also developed an industry toolkit to assist businesses preparing to maximise the airline opportunity – please find this below.
PRESS RELEASE
- Jetstar to be the first commercial airline to link the east coast to the Margaret River Region
- Direct flights from Melbourne to Busselton start on 1 February with three flights per week
- Comes as Western Australia’s borders open to Victoria and New South Wales today for the first time in eight months
Melburnians will soon be able to take a break in one of Western Australia’s top travel destinations, with Jetstar announcing it will commence direct flights to the Margaret River region from early next year.
After the original planned launch in March 2020 was postponed due to border closures, the new flights will take off from Melbourne to Busselton from 1 February, providing more than 1,100 weekly seats on the route.
With three return flights per week, the service is expected to bring more than 60,000 visitors to the Margaret River region over the next three years, contributing more than $40 million to the WA economy in that time.
This follows the Western Australian government’s announcement that its border will reopen to Victoria and New South Wales travellers from today, after being closed for eight months.
Comments from Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans:
“After a long period of border closures, we’re pleased to confirm the new start date for the route which will offer the only direct flights linking the east coast to the Margaret River region.
“In recent weeks, we’ve seen firsthand the huge appetite Victorians have for travel after what has been a tough year, and we expect demand for these flights will be strong.
“Margaret River is renowned for its food, natural beauty and surf beaches and offers a great variety of experiences for travellers looking to explore more of Australia in 2021.
“It’s also great news for Western Australian tourism, with the new service predicted to provide a huge boost in visitor numbers at a time when local operators need it most.”
Comments from the City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley:
“The commencement of Jetstar flights from Melbourne is fantastic news.”
“We’re optimistic that with the tight health regimes in place, the service will be extremely popular.”
“It’s been a long time between holidays for many Australians and I can’t recommend a more beautiful destination than the South West corner of Western Australia.”
“We’re ready and eager to welcome interstate travelers.”
Comments from Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association Joint CEO Sharna Kearney:
“This is an important milestone for the region and we commend the perseverance of Jetstar, the State Government and the City of Busselton who have been unwavering in their commitment to ensuring that this route commences as soon as possible after borders reopen.”
“Since the original route announcement in October 2019, local tourism operators have spent considerable time working with us to become ‘Airline Ready’ and now they finally have the opportunity to see this hard work come to fruition.”
“We cannot wait to welcome visitors flying into Busselton and to share with them everything that the Margaret River Region has to offer. The route commences just as our peak period ends, and interstate visitors will be able to enjoy our pristine beaches, walk trails, attractions and award-winning restaurants in relative tranquility. It is also a wonderful time of year to visit our wineries as the vineyards come to life with harvest activity.”
Schedule and lead in fares:
Fares are available on Jetstar.com from $149 (one way).
Flight Days of operations: Mondays – Wednesdays – Saturdays
Flight JQ900
Melbourne to Busselton
Departure 08:05
Arrival: 09:10
Duration of flight: 4h05m
Flight JQ901
Busselton to Melbourne
Departure: 09:45
Arrival: 16:15
Duration of flight: 03h30m
The services are supported through a partnership with the Federal government, the Western Australian government and the City of Busselton.