Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is launching charter flights from Melbourne to Uluru in a bid to make the destination more accessible and affordable for Victorians.
Flights have been timed for two-night weekend escapes for a 13-week period from April 4 to June 29, 2014, and depart Melbourne at 9:00am on Fridays and depart Ayers Rock Resort at 3:00pm on Sundays.
Voyages’ Executive General Manager – Sales of Marketing and Distribution, Ray Stone, said demand and interest were the motivators for the new flights.
“Ayers Rock is a popular destination with Victorians, however feedback indicated that there was a real desire for a direct flight that allowed guests to make the most of their weekend,” he said.
Stone said two extra-long weekend three-night packages priced from $999 per person, would also be offered over the Easter (18-21 April) and Queen’s Birthday (6-9 June) long weekends.
Tourism Northern Territory’s CEO, Tony Mayell, has welcomed the new services.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Victorians to visit Uluru and connect with this special part of Australia,” he said.
“Ayers Rock Resort itself has undergone a complete rejuvenation over the last two years and with a three hour direct flight from Melbourne it is the perfect time to enjoy a short break and reconnect with your loved ones.”
The ‘Uluru Weekend’ packages, priced from AUD$899 per person, twin share, includes:
-Return flights from Melbourne
-Return airport transfers
-2 nights’ accommodation with full buffet breakfast
-Indigenous activities program including cultural dance performance, guided garden
-Walks, spear and boomerang throwing and Indigenous story telling experience
-Children 15 years and under stay free using existing bedding including breakfast
-Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability at time of check-in
-20kg and 7kg carry-on check-in luggage per passenger
The charter flights will be operated by Alliance Airlines with complimentary tea, coffee and water and a range of snacks available for purchase.