Destination Southern Tasmania welcomes Jetstar’s announcement of the first-ever direct flights between Hobart and Newcastle.
Launching 2 December 2025, the seasonal service will operate three times weekly until April 2026, offering more than 22,000 affordable seats between Tasmania’s capital and NSW’s second-largest city. The route connects Hobart with a catchment of 1.4 million people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley, creating new opportunities for southern Tasmania’s tourism businesses.
The service forms part of the Qantas Group’s Tasmanian expansion, which will add over 76,000 new seats annually. Supported by the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, the connection strengthens the state’s position as a premium and accessible destination.
With 88% of Tasmania’s visitors exploring the south, this new route represents a significant economic opportunity. The Hunter region’s established tourism profile aligns naturally with Tasmania’s wilderness, heritage, and food and wine experiences.
Hobart Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker said the flights “unlock the largest population area in Australia not yet directly connected to Hobart, great news for Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors.”
This milestone supports Tasmania’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, targeting 1.6 million interstate visitors and $5.6 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.
Flights commence 2 December 2025, operating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout summer.
