Newcastle Welcomes Hobart: A New Direct Air Link Opens Doors

From 2 December 2025, Jetstar will begin operating seasonal direct flights between Hobart (Tasmania) and Newcastle (New South Wales). This route, running three times per week through to April, marks the first non-stop service connecting the two cities. It is expected to significantly enhance travel convenience, draw more visitors to the Hunter region, and bolster the region’s visitor economy.

The initiative is supported by the NSW Government through its Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), which aims to attract new air routes as part of the state’s broader strategy to grow its visitor economy. With about 22,000 additional low-cost seats per year anticipated on this Hobart-Newcastle route, both tourism operators and local businesses are expecting positive spillover effects.

This expansion comes at a pivotal time for Newcastle Airport, following the opening of its new international terminal. The upgraded facilities reinforce the airport’s ability to attract more domestic and international routes. The Hobart service aligns well with NSW’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which includes ambitious targets such as AUD 91 billion in visitor spending, millions of new airline seats, more hotel rooms and serviced accommodations in Newcastle, and tens of thousands of new jobs in tourism and hospitality.

Local stakeholders have welcomed the route. Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, has emphasised how crucial these new connections are to regional growth. Kate Washington, Member for Port Stephens, noted the benefits for both inbound tourists and locals. Linc Horton, CEO of Newcastle Airport, described the addition of Hobart-Newcastle flights as a “big win” for connectivity and the local economy. t

Perth Serviced Apartments: A Parallel in Accommodation Strategy

Just as new air routes expand access between regions, the evolution of serviced apartments is changing how people stay when they travel or relocate. A good example is Perth, Western Australia, which has a well-developed serviced apartment sector that caters to business travellers, tour groups, medical visitors, and longer-term guests.

Properties like All Suites Perth Serviced Apartments offer fully furnished, self-contained short-stay accommodation in strategic locations. These apartments include studio, one-, and two-bedroom options with kitchens, laundry facilities, fast internet, and balconies in many cases. Their proximity to institutions like the Royal Hospital and the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre makes them especially valuable for guests who need both comfort and convenience.

Another is The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments, located on South Perth Esplanade by the Swan River foreshore. This boutique option combines scenic river views, access to the city centre via ferry, and home-like amenities with flexible stays. It shows how serviced apartments are well-suited to enhancing travel experiences, especially when air travel opens up new routes and makes networks more connected.

What This Means Going Forward

• Improved Access and Demand: The Hobart-Newcastle route will likely increase demand for accommodation in both regions. Serviced apartments may be a preferred option for travellers who stay longer or prefer more space and self-catering capabilities compared to traditional hotels.
• Tourism & Economy Synergy: New flight routes and higher quality accommodation work hand in hand. Places with strong serviced apartment offerings are better placed to convert visitors into longer stays, boosting local spending.
• Infrastructure & Local Strategy: Just as Newcastle Airport’s terminal upgrade enables new flights, local accommodation policies—like encouraging serviced apartments in key locations—can support regional visitation goals.
• Traveller Experience: For business, medical, or leisure travellers, connecting flight convenience (like Hobart to Newcastle) plus the comfort of serviced apartments — as seen in both Perth and Newcastle — represent a more modern travel experience that combines flexibility, cost efficiency, and comfort. Together, new flight links and quality accommodation options in Hobart are shaping the future of how Australians move, stay, and explore.