The historic “Kangaroo Route,” one of the most iconic and traditional air routes in the world, is set to return in grand style in 2026, offering a unique travel experience that promises to revive the glamour of 1940s aviation. Created by Qantas, the national airline of Australia, this route is much more than a simple journey between Sydney and London. It symbolizes international connections, challenges overcome, and a historical legacy that will now be recreated with all the comfort and sophistication of modern times, keeping alive the memory of an era when traveling the world was a deeply transformative experience.
In 1947, Qantas launched the Kangaroo Route with the aim of connecting Australia to England, an innovative proposal emerging in a post-World War II world that was focused on reconstruction. This route represented much more than just a long-haul flight; it marked the beginning of a new chapter in commercial aviation and the connection of cultures. For Australians, it was a unique opportunity to travel to the heart of the British Empire, for those who could afford the long, expensive, and undoubtedly unforgettable journey.
The original trip lasted an incredible four days, compared to the more than 10 days required for the seaplane journeys introduced in 1938. The route included stops in exotic and remote locations such as Darwin, Singapore, Calcutta (now Kolkata), Karachi, Cairo, Tripoli, and finally London. The flight was operated with imposing aircraft, and the onboard experience was exclusive, limited to just 29 passengers who traveled accompanied by a highly skilled crew, consisting of three pilots, one navigator, one radio operator, two flight engineers, and three flight attendants. The journey was a blend of comfort and adventure, with stops in places that were not only refueling points but also fascinating destinations in their own right.
For passengers embarking at the time, the cost was significant: £525 per person, which, adjusted for inflation, is approximately £17,400 today, a high price for the era, but one that guaranteed an exclusive and historic experience. It wasn’t just about crossing the world; it was about taking part in a unique journey that blended technology, exploration, and luxury in an era when air travel was an almost mystical experience.
Now, in 2026, the Kangaroo Route will be recreated in an even grander way through an exclusive luxury tour promoted by the agency Captain’s Choice. Promising a nostalgic experience, but with all the comforts and luxury of modern times, the tour, called “The Pioneer Spirit of the Kangaroo Route,” will be operated on a chartered Qantas Airbus A330-300 and will offer a 14-day journey, recreating the historic route but with a touch of exclusivity and comfort for modern passengers. The inaugural flight will take place on February 3, 2026, following a similar route to the one originally operated by Qantas in 1947, with stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse, and Rome.
At each of these stops, passengers will have the opportunity to stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy personalized, exclusive experiences. Each destination has been carefully selected to offer cultural immersion, with visits and experiences that go beyond simple tourism. In Singapore, for example, travelers will stay at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Millenia and have access to private experiences, such as exclusive dinners and visits to tourist attractions after hours. In Colombo, passengers will have the chance to meet a local cricket legend before enjoying an exclusive dinner at the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s residence. In Rome, the experience will be even more enriching, with a private visit to the Vatican Museum after hours.
The journey has been planned to guarantee a luxury experience in every aspect. Passengers will not need to worry about anything, as all details will be carefully organized, including gourmet meals, business-class drinks, and first-class transportation between destinations. Additionally, along the way, participants will enjoy a series of surprises, such as retro gifts and even the opportunity to take part in a welcome dinner with a Super Constellation, the historic aircraft used on the original Kangaroo Route.
The cost of this luxury experience will be AUD 49,950 per person (approximately R$ 181,800), but this will include everything: flights, luxury accommodations, all meals and drinks, exclusive tours, transfers, tips, and of course, the flight experience. Seats are limited, with Business Class already sold out, and only 150 of the 269 available Economy Class seats will be sold, ensuring more space and comfort for passengers.
According to Bas Bosschieter, CEO of Captain’s Choice, the popularity of this experience is undeniable. “The Kangaroo Route holds a very special meaning for Australians, being a milestone in aviation history. It’s not just about reliving the past, but about looking at the evolution of aviation and how technology and comfort have improved over the years. This journey is a unique opportunity for travelers to experience what it was like to travel to the other side of the world during the golden age of aviation, but with all the comfort and sophistication that modern aviation can offer,” says Bosschieter.
He also emphasizes that the trip is not just a luxury experience, but also a historical immersion journey. “We are working to include personal stories of people who traveled on the original Kangaroo Route, including accounts from former passengers and ex-pilots of Qantas, who will share their memories and experiences with passengers throughout the tour.”
Additionally, Bosschieter mentions that the tour will be enriched with tributes to aviation history, including retro gifts and possibly even the presence of a Super Constellation, the classic aircraft used on the first version of the Kangaroo Route, during the welcome dinner. “It will be a true celebration of aviation history and the connection between Australia and the rest of the world,” he says.
The 2026 Kangaroo Route is not the only big innovation that Qantas has planned for the future. In 2026, the airline will also launch the highly anticipated Sunrise Project, which promises to revolutionize air travel with non-stop flights between Sydney and London, as well as Sydney and New York. With Airbus A350-1000 aircraft specially configured for flights of up to 20 hours, the Sunrise Project will allow passengers to make these ultra-long-haul flights with maximum comfort and no interruptions. This project is a continuation of Qantas’ legacy in aviation innovation, and it is expected to forever change the way transcontinental flights are conducted.
The name “Sunrise Project” refers to secret missions during World War II when pilots of the Australian Air Force flew long distances between Perth and Sri Lanka, uniquely experiencing two sunrises during the journey. In 2019, Qantas conducted experimental flights to test the limits of these long-duration flights, and the first Airbus A350-1000s for the Sunrise Project are expected to join the airline’s fleet in 2026, allowing Qantas to begin its long-distance non-stop flights. The expectation is that this new route will transform the flying experience in an even more revolutionary way, offering a new era of possibilities for travelers.
With these two historical milestones—the recreation of the Kangaroo Route and the launch of the Sunrise Project—Qantas is redefining the future of aviation, offering passengers a journey between the past and the future, with the promise of unforgettable moments and unmatched luxury experiences. For those wishing to relive the Kangaroo Route, 2026 will be a year of unique opportunities and a renewed historical legacy for the present and future generations.
