QantasLink has announced that it will be operating flights from Adelaide and Melbourne to Kangaroo Island from December this year. Flights from Adelaide will run three times a week from Monday December 4th, increasing to five times a week during the busier summer season.
Meanwhile, the first flight to Kangaroo Island will leave Melbourne on Sunday December 17th. This service will be seasonal, running three times a week from the start of summer until the end of January.
New flights to the island will open it up to more people, with its fascinating wildlife and stunning landscapes two of the main draws of Australia for many visitors and migrants to the country.
John Gissing, chief executive officer of QantasLink, commented: "We're excited to be adding a new destination to our network and we look forward to encouraging Australian and international travellers to explore all that Kangaroo Island has to offer.
"Kangaroo Island is just a short hop away from the mainland. With natural beauty and unique wildlife, the island has huge potential for growth as a tourism destination and is a fast-growing premium travel market."
South Australian premier Jay Weatherill added that the island is known all around the world for its "premium food and wine", which she expects to be another major draw for tourists, as well as residents of the country who have never explored this part of their homeland before.
QantasLink hopes that its new flights to Kangaroo Island will enable an extra 20,000 people each year to experience its unique charm via its 50-seat Q300 and 74-seat Q400 aircraft models.
The airline is advertising an introductory offer with discounted flights for the first passengers that book a seat on one of the new flights, which will be valid for travel until the end of April next year.