Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island soars to new heights with Qantas’ additional flights and iconic developments on the horizon

The expanded flight schedule includes 12 return flights per week during Summer 2023/24, featuring two flights on each weekday and daily flights on weekends.

Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, is being supported for a remarkable resurgence as Qantas and the South Australian Tourism Commission join forces to bring additional flights to the island. This partnership aims to uplift tourism and propel the island’s recovery from the recent challenges it has faced.

With a renewed sense of confidence in Kangaroo Island’s tourism sector, Qantas has confirmed plans to enhance flight connections between Kingscote and Adelaide. The expanded flight schedule includes 12 return flights per week during Summer 2023/24, featuring two flights on each weekday and daily flights on weekends. Additionally, there will be nine return flights per week during Winter 2024, ensuring convenient travel options for visitors year-round. Responding to community feedback, outbound flights from Kingscote to Adelaide will be shifted to a more favourable 5pm time-slot, accommodating the needs of travellers.

These added flights will provide a significant boost to Kangaroo Island’s visitor economy, especially as the completion of iconic developments, such as the Southern Ocean Lodge, draws near. During this week’s visit to the island for Country Cabinet, the Premier had the opportunity to witness firsthand the magnificent $55 million rebuild of the Southern Ocean Lodge. Bookings for this world-class accommodation are now open, with the first guests anticipated to arrive in early December.

The island’s tourism landscape will be further enhanced by the introduction of the new multi-million dollar Cliffs Golf Course, set to debut next year.

During the Country Cabinet visit, representatives from the State Government will engage with operators to discuss crucial topics in the tourism industry. These conversations will encompass aspects such as air and ferry access, infrastructure requirements, and sustainable growth plans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the island’s development.

Recent data reveals that regional visitor expenditure in South Australia hit a record high of $3.98 billion in 2022, coming tantalizingly close to the targeted $4.0 billion set for December 2025. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the resilience and potential of Kangaroo Island’s tourism sector, despite the setbacks caused by the 2019/20 bushfires and subsequent COVID-related restrictions.

Following the bushfires, the South Australian Tourism Commission has prioritized Kangaroo Island’s recovery by supporting nine additional tourism businesses and investing over $2.5 million in new products, marketing initiatives, event support, and the cruise sector. The island’s tourism industry is valued at $187 million, providing direct and indirect employment for approximately 1,500 individuals.

Kangaroo Island has also reaped the benefits of an outstanding cruise ship season, with 29 ship arrivals and more than 77,000 passengers and crew members welcomed to its shores. As part of the island’s revitalization, the revamped Oyster Farm Shop in American River has been unveiled, featuring a sustainable aquaculture and tourism offering supported by a $36,000 Tourism Industry Development Fund grant, totaling $120,000 in enhancements.

With Qantas’ expanded flight network, the imminent reopening of the Southern Ocean Lodge, and the ongoing development of new attractions, Kangaroo Island beckons travellers from around the world to experience its awe-inspiring landscapes and support the local community. Discover the allure of this remarkable destination and embrace the spirit of resilience and recovery that defines Kangaroo Island.

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