East coast visitors can secure their opportunity to experience the unique scenery, stunning natural attractions and local events of Australia’s North West, with tickets for the Kimberley Express flights from Melbourne to Kununurra now on sale.
Launching on May 15, 2020, the direct route initiative is the result of a partnership between the State Government, through Tourism WA and the Kimberley Development Commission, and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, the East Kimberley Marketing Group, Alliance Airlines, Virgin Australia and APT.
This inaugural Friday flight is specially-timed to give visitors the chance to join in the excitement of Kununurra’s 10-day Ord Valley Muster, which pays homage to all the East Kimberley Region has to offer.
With a flight time of less than five hours one-way, the Alliance Airlines-operated service will be sold through Virgin Australia and will run three times a week.
Economy tickets are priced from $399 one-way and business class tickets are priced from $1499 one-way.
Tourism WA will showcase the flights as part of a dedicated $250,000 marketing campaign in the second half of this year to promote the Australia’s North West region as an ideal holiday destination to the Victorian market.
The new service has already received strong support from global travel company APT, who will use the flights as part of new cruise packages they are selling which will operate between Wyndham and Broome in 2020.
The flights will also be incorporated into APT’s short break travel packages, which will include trips to the world heritage-listed Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park and the Ord River region.
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This is an exciting day for the East Kimberley: this collaboration between industry and local and State Government is opening up the region to the Eastern States.
“The East Kimberley was showcased magnificently on the ABC’s top-rated Mystery Road: this, plus the fantastic local events calendar, make this perfect timing for flights to launch.
“To any Melburnians shivering through a southern winter: start planning now to escape the cold next winter in our stunning East Kimberley.”
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“It’s great news that the timing of the first flight lines up with some of the highlights of the local events calendar, giving people even more of a reason to travel to the region.
“An added bonus of the flights, is that from 2020, APT will have a Kimberley cruise itinerary from Broome to Wyndham, which will also have great benefits to the local economy.
“I would also like to acknowledge the initiative and enthusiasm of The East Kimberley Marketing Group, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, the Kimberley Development Commission and local businesses whose work has made these direct flights happen, bringing more jobs, money and visitors to the region.
“It’s important that people have the opportunity to discover our unique and diverse regional areas when they visit WA and that’s why we’re committed to improving regional aviation access and affordable airfares.”
