Qantas is planning to bring back one of its most famous routes, the Kangaroo Route for travelers in 2026. The Kangaroo Route started in 1947 and connected Sydney to London with stops along the way, giving passengers an exciting journey. Currently, Qantas is working with a luxury travel company, Captain’s Choice, to bring back this old route, combining the old charm with today’s comfort.
In 1947, Qantas started the Kangaroo Route, which was a big breakthrough in aviation history. The trip took four days and stopped in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Karachi, Cairo, Tripoli, and all the way to London. The flights were operated by a Lockheed Constellation, which could carry only 29 people. The journey was about the experience, offering a slow and exciting trip around the world, unlike the fast flights we have today.
Upcoming Kangaroo Route Flight
In 2026, in collaboration with Captain’s Choice, Qantas aims bring back the Kangaroo Route as a 14-day luxury tour called the “Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route.” The tour starts on February 3, 2026, in Sydney, and passengers will fly on a special Qantas Airbus A330-300. The route will follow the same stops as the original, including Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse, and Rome, ending in London.
This will be more than just a flight – it’s a full luxury experience. Passengers will enjoy the same journey as the original Kangaroo Route, but with modern comforts to make it even better. It’s a perfect mix of history and luxury for anyone who wants to relive a classic aviation adventure.
Moreover, passengers will enjoy special events like dining under the wings of a Concorde jet, visiting art galleries, taking cooking classes, and more. Whether you’re a fan of aviation or just love luxury travel, there’s something for everyone. Travelers will stay in great hotels and have unique experiences, such as meeting a famous cricketer and having dinner at the Prime Minister’s home in Sri Lanka.
In Rome, they’ll get a private after-hours tour of the Vatican Museum. The trip finishes with a tour of the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, and a farewell dinner under the wings of a Concorde jet.
Kangaroo Route Onboard an Airbus A330
Passengers will fly on a Qantas Airbus A330 equipped with 186 seats, making the experience feel cozy and special. While business class has sold out, there are still some economy seats available, with extra space for comfort. Everyone on board will get to enjoy business-class meals, including fine wines and delicious dishes from around the world.
This incredible trip costs a whopping AUD 49,950 (around $31,000). The price includes everything – flights, meals, luxury hotels, tours, transfers, and tips. However, despite the high price, it’s clear that people are excited to experience the history and luxury of the Kangaroo Route in a new, comfortable way.
The “Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route” brings back a sense of nostalgia for many Australians, as the original route is a big part of the country’s aviation history. Bas Bosschieter, CEO of Captain’s Choice, says the tour shows how far air travel has come since 1947. “We’re recreating the route, but with way more comfort than the original travelers had,” he explains. This makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for modern travelers.
CONCLUSION
By bringing back the Kangaroo Route, passengers can connect with aviation history in a way that feels personal and luxurious. Mixing modern comforts with historical meaning, this trip is one of the most unique travel experiences available today.
The timing of this tour is interesting because it lines up with Qantas’s Project Sunrise. By mid-2026, Qantas wants to launch the world’s longest nonstop flights between Sydney and London, as well as Sydney and New York. These ultra-long flights will be operated by the Airbus A350-1000. While the Captain’s Choice tour brings back the nostalgic Kangaroo Route, Project Sunrise represents the future of flying, with nonstop trips across huge distances.
The “Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route” is a rare chance to relive one of the most important journeys in aviation history. .
