Overview
Summer holidays throughout Australia are all about sun, surf and sand. That's what the nation is known for, after all. But, when winter hits, this country of ours boasts several ace places to hit the snow — including in the Snowy Mountains and the Victoria Alps.
Started planning your mid-year escape now that autumn is already upon us? Not usually a skier or snowboarder, but looking for somewhere to head this winter given that international travel is still off the cards for at least the next few months? To help Sydneysiders and Brisbanites head south for snow season, Qantas has just announced three new routes that'll take you closer to the snowfields (so you can spend less time travelling, and more actually making the most of your frosty destination).
If you're venturing from Sydney, you'll be able to fly direct to Cooma three days a week, which is great news if you're looking at holidaying in Perisher Valley, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales. The flights will leave Sydney on Thursdays and Fridays, and return on Sundays. Yes, they're tailor-made for weekend trips.
For those making the trip from Brisbane, the airline will fly the same route two days a week. It'll also head from Brissie to Albury three days a week, should you prefer to hit the slopes at Falls Creek or Hotham in Victoria instead.
The new routes will operate between July 1 and September 26 this year, and use QantasLink's turboprop Q400 aircraft. Prices will start at $179 one way from Sydney and $239 one way from Brisbane.
And, Qantas will obviously let you take ski and snowboard equipment as part of your checked baggage — because, if that's where you're heading, you'll need it.
For more information about Qantas' new Sydney–Cooma, Brisbane–Cooma and Brisbane–Albury routes, or to book, head to the airline's website.