Qantas sale aims to boost outback tourism after devastating Queensland floods

Qantas has launched a major sale on its Queensland routes, as the state continues to recover from the devastating flooding caused by former tropical cyclones Alfred and Dianne.

Fares start at just $99 one way, with the airline offering discounted seats to more than 30 destinations across the state - from bustling coastal cities to remote outback towns still feeling the effects of recent weather events.

Launched in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, the 72-hour sale aims to revive tourism and bring much-needed visitors - and dollars - back to local communities, particularly those hardest hit in Western Queensland.

A state still cleaning up

Western Queensland towns such as Winton, Longreach and Mount Isa are still struggling with road closures, flood-damaged properties and disrupted services following torrential rain and swollen river systems.

While the floodwaters have begun to recede, the clean-up is far from complete.

For many communities in the region, tourism is a lifeline.

“Visitors mean business,” says Winton Shire Council.

“It’s not just hotels and tours - it’s fuel, food, supplies and jobs.

“Every visitor helps.”

Winton turns 150 - and reflects on its history

Winton, known as the birthplace of Qantas, will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025 - and locals say there’s no better time to explore the heart of the outback.

The town played a pivotal role in the formation of Australia’s national airline, with early meetings of the airline’s founders held in Winton in the 1920s.

From Banjo Paterson’s legendary bush ballad, Waltzing Mathilda, to the birth of Qantas, opal mining, Aboriginal heritage and the famous Dinosaur Trail, Winton is what makes this part of Queensland so special, says Winton Shire Council.

The sale also includes regional destinations such as Longreach - the gateway town to outback regional Queensland and home to the Qantas Founders Museum, where visitors can take a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the national airline.

From coast to country

From coast to country The Qantas sale covers 15 Queensland hotspots, including the Gold Coast, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and lesser-travelled gems such as Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba.

Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said the sale was about “getting people moving again”.

“Queensland destinations are among the most popular on our network each year,” Svensson said.

“We’re proud to be working with Tourism and Events Queensland to help drive more visitors back to the region after the recent weather events.”