Whale-of-a-time with New Jetstar flights

New Jetstar flights are scheduled to touch down from May 26 for a whale-of-a-time in Hervey Bay.

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said Jetstar would fly into Hervey Bay three-times a week direct from Sydney.

“To have a direct airlink with Australia’s biggest city is fantastic news for Hervey Bay tourism,” Mr Tantari said.

“Jetstar’s direct flights are perfectly timed with Hervey Bay’s whale watching season.

“We know how important direct flights are to getting visitors out of the big city and on the water looking for whales in just over two hours.

“For Sydneysiders who have never seen these magnificent creatures breach the water are in for an awe-inspiring experience and some relief from Sydney’s cooler weather.”    

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Jetstar flights had been secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 million Aviation Recovery Fund.

“While Sydneysiders tick whale watching from their 2021 Queensland bucket list, the new Jetstar route has potential to deliver an $8 million boost to the Hervey Bay economy,” Mr Hinchliffe.

“Hervey Bay’s famous whale highway is one of Queensland’s great tourism experiences.

“Jetstar’s arrival with initially three 3 services per week will support 67 jobs for Hervey Bay’s economic recovery.    

“This is another initiative of the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 Million Aviation Recovery Fund to rebuild the airlinks that are so important to boosting visitor numbers in regions like Hervey Bay.”

Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said the airline is exciting about the expansion of its domestic network to promote more travel in Australia, as Hervey Bay marks the 20th destination for Jetstar.

“Domestic travel demand continues to be strong and we’re constantly reviewing our network to add flights where there is demand, including to new and exciting leisure destinations like Hervey Bay.

“With international borders closed, we know more and more people are planning to explore new places around Australia this year and we expect our flights to Hervey Bay to be a popular option for travellers.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Fraser Coast had built itself to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland, and the new air services would provide a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry.

“There are not many places in Australia where you can step off a plane after a 90 minute flight from Sydney to a reef, wilderness or whales experience at your doorstep,” he said.

“While the drive market to the Fraser Coast has been strong, we need connections in the sky as well and these new direct flights to and from Sydney will help our region as we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Seymour said the Council had worked hard with the Queensland Government and Jetstar to secure the new flights and was providing incentives through fee relaxations for a period of time.

“We have also partnered with Fraser Coast Tourism & Events to deliver a multi-media advertising campaign in the Sydney area, which includes targeted spots on the Kyle and Jackie O radio show, social media and newspapers,” he said.

“This campaign is in the market now and will be the perfect tool to get Sydney-siders to jump on a Jetstar flight direct to Hervey Bay.”

The Palaszczuk Government’s Aviation Recovery Fund has so far supported 23 services, estimated to generate more than $76.2 million in overnight visitor spending for regional Queensland economies and support 615 jobs.

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