In partnership with Newcastle Airport.

Hero image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Newcastle Airport’s long-awaited Perth flights have now taken off with Qantas, making it easier than ever for travellers to head west (or beyond). Flying from Newcastle means a stress-free start to the journey, with no need to tackle M1 traffic or long train rides south. With direct flights to Perth and non-stop onward connections to London and Paris, this route opens up a faster, more convenient way to explore Western Australia or Europe.

Why fly from Newcastle Airport?

• Only a 25-minute drive from Newcastle CBD

• Global connections of larger airports without the long queues and crowds

• Easy parking

• Quick check-in and security

Whether you're a FIFO worker, visiting family, travelling for business, or simply chasing a summer escape, this flight is the most convenient way to get to the west coast.

Everything you need to know

Newcastle to Perth flights

• Airline: Qantas

• Days: Mondays, Fridays and Sundays

• Departure time: 15:20

• Arrival time: 17:20

• Duration: 5 hours

Perth, Western Australia: Your summer getaway

The Wild West is just a five-hour direct flight from Newcastle, where landscapes seem otherworldly and there’s no shortage of adventures to have. Venture here on a summer holiday to hop from one white sand beach to the next, go wine tasting at charming wineries and chill out in the cool capital. Within the heart of Perth, watch the sunset over the city skyline at King’s Park, chill out at a cool café and enjoy farm-to-table dining at a restaurant overlooking the Swan River. Choose a hotel in coastal suburbs like Cottesloe or Scarborough, where pretty beaches are always just a short stroll away.

Just outside Perth’s city limits, you’ll find yourself in a world where wildlife outnumbers people and the landscapes are truly one of a kind. Head to Nambung National Park to see the striking limestone pinnacles rising from rust-red earth, or make your way to Lancelin, where massive sand dunes offer the perfect place for sandboarding.

On Rottnest Island, 20 kilometres offshore, snap a selfie with a quirky quokka (deemed the happiest animal in the world). Maybe it’s the secluded beaches, ultra-clear water and bubblegum pink lakes that make these marsupials so merry? Go snorkelling, bike riding, surfing or just relax the day away.

Less than a three hour drive from Perth, Margaret River is a must-visit for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wander through tranquil trails beneath towering karri trees, enjoy tastings at family-run wineries, indulge in farm-fresh meals and artisan chocolate, surf a world-class wave, and experience the wilder side of Western Australia in just a few days.

Direct flights from Newcastle to Perth operate three times per week with Qantas on Friday, Sunday and Monday.

London, UK: Celebrate a classic Christmas

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London. With direct connections from Newcastle to Perth and onwards to London, your holiday begins closer to home. And while London is certainly worth visiting any time of the year, Christmastime is pure magic. The city is accented with fairy lights and cheerful carols set the soundtrack to your trip.

Warm up with a mug of spiced cider and shop for last-minute gifts at one of the Christmas markets throughout the city. Wander the Christmas markets at Southbank Centre and Leicester Square for handmade crafts and live performances, or snap photos under twinkling lights at Trafalgar Square. Shop for holiday gifts along Oxford Street or beneath the festive displays at Covent Garden.

Hyde Park goes all out during Winter Wonderland, which opens mid-November. Ice skate around a frosty rink, go for a spin on the Ferris Wheel, try your luck at winning an arcade game prize, dine on international comfort foods, and say hello to Santa.

Head home with a suitcase full of souvenirs from world-famous department stores like Harrods and Selfridge. You’re bound to find something you can’t get at home.

Route: direct from Perth (PER) to London (LHR)

Airline and flight number: Qantas QF9

• Departs: between 18:35 and 19:35

• Arrives: between 05:05 and 06:05 the next day

• Day: Daily

• Flight time: 17 hours 30 minutes

Paris, France: Ski slopes and city lights

Swap your sunscreen for a scarf and enjoy a proper winter escape. With a quick stop in Perth, you can be sipping vin chaud in Paris or skiing the French Alps on a streamlined trip starting from Newcastle. The city is exceptionally romantic during winter. Cosy up under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, warm up while admiring art at the Louvre, wander under the stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle and embrace Parisian café culture.

Over a dozen Christmas markets pop up throughout Paris from early December. Treat yourself to roasted chestnuts, French onion soup, raclette and tartiflette. Decadent cheeses paired with fresh bread are also a given. Shop for cashmere and mohair scarves, hats and gloves to wear again during Australian wintertime. Some of the most magical markets are found at Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, Trocadéro and Montmartre.

Within hours of arriving in Paris, you can escape into the French Alps to go skiing at world-renowned resorts. Whether you’re chasing powder or the pastries, there’s a slope for everyone. Chamonix is perfect for thrill-seekers and experienced skiers, with dramatic scenery and legendary runs beneath Mont Blanc. Les Deux Alpes combines year-round glacier skiing with a fun après-ski scene and is ideal for all levels. For a luxurious getaway, Méribel delivers elegant chalets, slopes for all skiing abilities and easy access to the vast Three Valleys ski area.

Qantas flights connect Perth directly to Paris on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with an average flight time of around 17 hours. The Newcastle to Perth to Paris flights align on Mondays and Fridays.

Route: direct from Perth (PER) to Paris (CDG)

Airline and flight number: Qantas QF33

• Departs: between 19:35 and 20:20

• Arrives: 06:45 the next day

• Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (best aligning with Newcastle to Perth flight on Mondays and Fridays)

• Flight duration: 17 hours 10 minutes