Hey Australia, your next regional escape just got a whole lot cheaper.

If you weren’t already aware, regional Australia is having a moment. From charming country towns to laid-back coastal escapes, Aussies are increasingly heading further afield in search of slower holiday spots.

Now, Qantas is making those getaways even more enticing – and a lot more affordable. As rising fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures continue to shape the way we travel, our national carrier has launched a major sale across more than 50 regional routes.

Here’s what you need to know

Originally established in May 2001, QantasLink was launched as the official regional carrier for Australia’s flagship airline. Today, it services more than 100 regional routes across the country, marking 25 years of regional connectivity. To celebrate this milestone, Qantas has slashed rates for roughly 170,000 QantasLink seats, with prices starting as low as $99.

“As an airline founded in regional Australia, we know how important aviation is in keeping this country connected. We’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played over the past quarter of a century and to celebrate the milestone we’re putting every destination on sale," says QantasLink CEO, Mark Dal Pra.

Kicking off earlier this week, the celebratory sale covers more than 50 destinations, from coast to country, outback to island. It’s the perfect excuse to finally book that romantic getaway, head back to your hometown and visit loved ones or simply explore one of the many amazing towns that call Australia home.

“From Weipa in the far north to Launceston in Tasmania and Exmouth in the west, there are great value fares available, giving customers the chance to see friends and family or explore more of our amazing backyard," says Dal Pra.

A destination for every traveller

QantasLink’s birthday sale includes flights to 56 regional destinations across every Aussie state. Whether you’re craving a sunny weekend by the beach or a cosy autumn weekend away, there’s a pocket of Australia to suit every kind of traveller.

For a winter weekend

If you’re keen to embrace the cool change, there are plenty of places that do winter right. Fly from Sydney to Orange for just $125 to visit the region’s award-winning wineries and sample a variety of cool-climate drops. Or head out to Armidale for the same price and delve into one of Australia’s top country towns of 2026.

For an outback experience

While there are myriad ways to experience the outback, some destinations capture its quiet, ancient magic better than others. For just $339, fly from Sydney to Uluru and bear witness to Australia’s beating heart up close. Or head to Broken Hill this August for the epic Mundi Mundi Bash music festival, with flights for $195.

For a coastal reset

With temperatures dropping, the urge to escape overseas may be kicking in. But instead of dropping thousands on a long-haul flight, why not fly from Sydney to Byron instead? For just $105 and an hour in the air, you’ll be by the sea and soaking up the sun in no time. Or head to Broome to experience year-round sunshine for $465, departing Sydney.

For a foodie fiesta

Those who prefer to follow their taste buds can fly from Sydney to Melbourne for just $185. Eat your way through the Victorian capital’s top restaurants, sampling everything from local ingredients to global flavours. Or head to South Australia (Sydney to Adelaide) for $226 and see which restaurants receive Australia’s first Michelin stars.

For an art-driven adventure

Home to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra is the ultimate destination for art lovers. With flights for just $155 departing Sydney, you’ll be admiring Monets in no time. Looking for something a little more eccentric? Fly from Sydney to Hobart for the same price to make the most of quirky museums and ultra-cool events like Beaker Street Festival (6–17 August).

For an off-grid escape

Sometimes, we just need to switch off – and where better to do so than Exmouth? As the gateway to WA’s Ningaloo Reef, fly from Sydney to Learmonth for just $480; it’s all coastal walks, marine life encounters and luxe glamping stays from there. Or for a little extra, fly from Sydney to Gove (Nhulunbuy) to experience Arnhem Land’s raw natural beauty – it’s worth every cent.

The fine print

Before you start planning your regional escape, there are a few key details worth noting. To secure discounted fares through QantasLink’s birthday sale, flights must be booked and paid for between Wednesday 20 May and Tuesday 26 May at 11:59pm – unless sold out prior.

While your window for travel spans from July 2026 to April 2027, discounted flights are only available on select travel dates. Airfares quoted in this article apply to one-way flights in economy class and include checked baggage, as well as complimentary in-flight food and beverages.

While the sale offers travellers the chance to explore more of regional Australia for less, QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra says the airline is keen to give back to Aussies even more.

“We’re continuing to invest heavily in QantasLink, including through dozens of new aircraft, as well as cabin and regional lounge upgrades, so we can continue to serve regional Australia for the next 25 years."

All prices and availabilities listed are accurate at the time of publication.