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Kangaroo Route Reborn: $70k Luxury vs. Budget Travel
8 Feb
Summary
- A luxury 1947 Kangaroo Route journey costs $70,000.
- A budget version of the same trip costs about $9,300.
- The modern trip takes 14 days, compared to the original 4.
The historic "kangaroo route" flight path from Sydney to London, first operated by Qantas in 1947, has been revived as a 14-day luxury travel experience. This modern rendition includes premium food and accommodation, with business class tickets priced at $70,000 and economy at $50,000.
Adjusted for inflation, the 1947 economy ticket price of £525 is comparable to approximately $44,000 in 2025 dollars. The new itinerary spans 14 days, a significant extension from the original four-day journey, and includes updated stops in Colombo and Rome, replacing Karachi and Tripoli.
Despite the substantial cost of the luxury package, a budget-friendly alternative is available. A senior travel specialist quoted approximately $9,300 for a similar itinerary using commercial flights, including accommodation. However, this budget option sacrifices the convenience of a private charter, featuring longer travel times and layovers.
The environmental impact of the revived route is also a concern, with a Qantas Airbus A330-300 generating approximately 3,801kg of carbon emissions per passenger. Alternatives like bus and train travel for certain legs are suggested to mitigate this impact.
