Kimberley flights on sale

SALES are open for the only direct flight link between Melbourne and Kununurra in the East Kimberley region (TD 27 May), a seasonal service that APT has ensured “perfectly supports” its Kimberley program in 2020.

To be operated by Alliance Airlines, with seats sold via Virgin Australia, APT said it worked closely with Alliance and Virgin, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley and Tourism Western Australia to align the route with its program.

The route has been declared a “game changer for Australian tourism” by the East Kimberley Marketing Group, with thrice weekly services to begin on 15 May 2020, in line with APT’s first departure of the 10-day Grand Kimberley Coast cruise.

The luxury travel operator has already secured a number of the available seats so customers can add connecting flights between Melbourne and their home city, including New Zealand (TD 29 May).

East Kimberley Marketing Group Chair Michael McConachy said, “The direct air service will offer a time and cost-efficient option for travellers to the region and is the culmination of three years hard work by the stakeholders.”

The services are flagged to open up access for both domestic and int’l travellers to destinations including the Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), Mitchell River National Park, Lake Argyle, the Ord River, El Questro and Home Valley Station.

Operations will run between May and Aug, capturing the peak tourism season in the destination and fares lead in at $399 for Economy class.

The route will utilise a Fokker 70 aircraft, fitted with eight Business class seats and 65 seats in Economy class.