Direct flights to launch between Hobart and Newcastle

Good news for wine lovers from the Hunter Valley wanting to visit Tasmania. And vice versa.

Jetstar today announced the first direct flights from Hobart (above) to Newcastle, with sale fares available from $59 one-way (good luck!). 

The news came as QantasLink relaunched two routes out of Hobart, with flights to Perth restarting last month and flights to Canberra set to take off in late October.

These three routes will boost Qantas Group capacity by more than 76,000 seats a year in and out of the Tasmanian capital, supporting tourism and providing more travel options for residents.

The Hobart to Newcastle route will initially run from December 2, 2025, until April 21, 2026. 

Jetstar's seasonal service will operate three times a week using Airbus A320 aircraft.

To celebrate the new route, Jetstar is offering sale fares from just $59^ one-way. The 24-hour sale will start at 11am AEDT today at jetstar.com.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the new route will provide a major tourism boost across Hobart and the Hunter.

“The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline - and arrivals are set to soar yet again."

Tasmanian Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jane Howlett said the new route is a landmark addition to Tasmania's aviation network.

"The Tasmanian Government is proud to work with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to deliver this new route and unlock opportunities for Tasmanians and visitors alike," she said.

“Tasmania is a world-class destination for Australians wanting to experience unique landscapes and fine food and produce."

Jetstar launches Newcastle-Bali flights

Jetstar has announced it will take off from Newcastle to Bali for the first time on October 21, 2025.

Operating three times a week using Jetstar’s A321LR fleet, the Newcastle to Bali (Denpasar) route will provide more than 70,000 seats annually between the two destinations.

With a direct flight time of just over six hours, the new service will eliminate the need for passengers from the Newcastle region to take connecting flights, making it easier than ever for people to experience Bali’s beaches, cultural heritage, and hospitality

This milestone marks Newcastle’s return to international travel, the first ongoing international route since 2020, and reinforces Jetstar’s continued growth.

The announcement of the new route also comes just one month after Jetstar launched direct flights from the Gold Coast to Bali, commencing August 1.

Bali remains Jetstar’s most popular international destination, with around 100 flights taking off to Bali each week.

Jetstar Group CEO Steph Tully said the new international route is an exciting milestone as Jetstar continues to significantly expand its network.

"We're thrilled to be the airline to launch Newcastle’s first international flights in more than five years with our new direct service from Newcastle to Bali,” she said.

“Jetstar is committed to making travel more accessible, and people living in and around Newcastle will no longer need to drive to other airports to fly overseas, which means more time and money can go toward their holiday.

"We want to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for their support in making travel more accessible”

Qantaslink offers new flight options

Good news for would-travellers based in Hobart and Newcastle. 

QantasLink is set to launch new routes from Perth to Newcastle and Hobart later this year, avoiding stopovers in Sydney or Melbourne.

With flights taking off in September, QantasLink will be the only airline offering a direct flight between Perth and Newcastle.

Operating three times a week, the new flights will provide over 45,000 seats each year between the two cities, supporting FIFO workers and mining industry operatives with a non-stop air service into Western Australia.

A direct Perth-Hobart service will also be reinstated by the airline for the first time since 2023 and operate three times a week most months of the year, adding an additional 32,000 seats annually.

Both routes will offer customers improved connectivity into Perth and the airline’s growing western hub, with one-stop connections to a range of Qantas international destinations including London, Paris and Rome (seasonal).

The flights will be operated by QantasLink’s Airbus A319 aircraft. The A319 aircraft, which currently operate intra Western Australia flights have 150 economy seats.

The new services are available for booking on qantas.com now with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way (sale ends June 2).

"We’re really proud to continue our support for Western Australia’s resource and tourism sectors, with our newest QantasLink routes linking Perth to Hobart once more and Perth to Newcastle for the first time," said Rachel Yangoyan, CEO QantasLink

“These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel.”

New morning service between Newcastle and the Gold Coast

Flyers on the Newcastle to the Gold Coast route are soon to have a choice of carriers.

FlyPelican has announced it will launch a new service from Newcastle to Gold Coast Airport from March 24.

The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, leaving at 7am and arriving within 1.5 hours, with a 30-minute turnaround before the return flight, the Australian Aviation website reports.

The new service will use a Jetstream 32 aircraft with a capacity for 19 passengers with a checked baggage allowance included.

“FlyPelican is thrilled to expand our network, with our focus on getting local people where they need to go,” company CEO Marty Hawley said.

“We are now filling a key gap for travellers to and from the Gold Coast that are in need of a morning departure.”

Newcastle Airport acting CEO Andrew Warrender also noted that the morning departure times are ideal for business travellers and align with the business’ aim to improve connectivity for the Hunter region.

FlyPelican will compete with Jetstar on the route.

Hunter winemakers to show off their wares

Some of the finest winemakers in the Hunter Valley will be conducting Sunday tastings at new Newcastle venue Vecina throughout April.

Vecina, Flotilla’s new neighbour in Newcastle’ trendy Wickham quarter, will transform into a pop-up cellar door during the fourth Newcastle Food Month.

The dates are Sunday 7, 14, 21 and 28.

So think wines, bites and cool tunes.

Sunday April 7 - Hungerford Hill + Sweetwater Estate

Winemaker Bryan Currie of Sweetwater Estate and Hungerford Hill, will showcase a selection of his best wines from both estates, perfectly paired with snacks from Vecina.

Sunday April 14 – Vinden + Sabi Wabi

The second session of the series is with winemakers Angus Vinden of Vinden Wine and Peta Kotz of Sabi Wabi, who will showcase a selection of their contemporary wines paired with snacks from Vecina.

Sunday April 21 – Thomas + De Iuliis

The third session of the series of four is with winemaking mates Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines and Mike De Iuliis of De Iuliis Wines.

Sunday April 28 – Charteris + Mercer

The final session of the series of four is with lical stars Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines and PJ Charteris of Charteris Wines, who will showcase a selection of their multi-regional wines.

Tickets at flotilla.com.au. $95 per person including wine tasting and snacks. Session times: noon & 2.30pm.

Newcastle to gain a hip new venue

Newcastle's transformation continues with the imminent reopening of the Lucky Hotel in the city's East End.

Not only does the hotel have a new fit-out, it will also have Gordon Ramsay-trained chef Stephen Scott manning the pans.

The Lucky Hotel, once known as The Oxford, is now operated by Sydney pub group Tilley and Wills, who also runs the Greenwood in North Sydney, The Buena in Mosman, the Paddington Arts Factory, Richmond Inn and Cabana Bar.

The launch party will be held on September 8 and the big reveal is embargoed until then, but I did manage to source one image (above).

Exposed bricks will pay homage to the Lucky's past - the hotel dates back to 1880 - while new concrete structures will lead to what is promised to be "one of the best beer gardens in the country" with a three-storey atrium and living green wall.

The revitalisation has been curated by interior designer Sandy Grice, who has worked for Merivale, QT and Pullman Resorts.

“We wanted our guests - whether repeat visitors or new - to feel familiar with the venue but also provide a lot of surprises," says general manager Drew Parsons.

"We took a lot of influence from photographer Slim Aarons to the Racquet Club from 1930’s Palm Springs. There is something new behind every door, a lot to look at and a lot of fun."

Acquired by Sydney businessman Martin Scott in early 2022, The Lucky will have a gourmet focus.

“We seek out the best pubs in great locations and basically do a number on them," says Tilley & Wills CEO Nick Wills.

"We add our touch which means great food, excellent drinks lists, and hire the best people in the business. This site gave us the perfect foray into creating Sydney-style pub hospitality in regional NSW’s largest city.”

Chef Scott spent several years in London working under Gordon Ramsay where he started as sous chef at The Warrington in Maida Vale, progressing through the ranks to Claridge’s then into Maze Grill in Mayfair.

Scott returned to Australia in 2016 to head up Matt Kemp’s new kitchen at the Charring Cross Hotel before moving across to the Matt Moran stable as head chef at The Paddington Inn.

“I was attracted by the vision of the team and new owners wanting to move beyond standard pub grub and offer something more akin to our contemporary capital city and international gastro-pubs," he says.

"We have some of the best produce in the country on our doorstep and we intend on showcasing it."

Wills adds: “It seems like in the blink of an eye this part of the city of Newcastle has just been totally transformed, it’s bustling with cool restaurants, bars, cafes, delis, hip hotels." 

The accommodation comprises 30 guest suites with courtyard or city views, all with updated en-suite bathrooms.

The hotel will be open seven days a week with the kitchen and garden courtyard open for lunch and dinner.

See theluckyhotel.com.au

Image: A sneak peek through the curtains from a room looking into the courtyard. David Griffen Photography. 

Newcastle unveils a month of gourmet celebrations

There can be few cities anywhere on the planet that have made such a success of re-branding themselves than Newcastle, two hours north of Sydney. 

The once-grimy mining centre is now equally known for its gastronomy. 

The city will host the inaugural month-long Newcastle Food Month in April and will join 80 other global cities as it presents for the very first time, Le Diner en Blanc on Saturday, April 10 when over 1000 people will take to the city streets dressed in white for a Parisian-inspired pop-up dinner.

Newcastle is home to an ever-growing number of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. 

 

Event organiser Louise Maher from Newcastle Events said “Over the next five years our aim is that the Newcastle culinary scene becomes one of our most recognised assets and that the Newcastle Food Festival becomes one of Australia’s leading regional food festivals, drawing diners from around Australia to celebrate with us.

 

“Barely two hour’s drive from the nation’s capital, New South Wales’ second-largest city has never been more accessible and has the people, the wine and the produce to support the thriving foodie culture that we’re seeing in Newcastle.

 

“We’re so fortunate to have the Hunter Valley - renowned for its wines, and Port Stephens - known for its pristine seafood on our doorstep and a plethora of amazing produce and talent accessible to us.” 

Newcastle Food Month will include more than 100 food-focused events, including Plate Dates with over 60 local venues each offering their specialities on a plate with a matching beverage for just $25. 

The full program is now available at newcastlefoodmonth.com.au