New South Wales in Australia is preparing to welcome an influx of visitors from Japan, as the first direct Qantas flight between Sydney and Tokyo and landed yesterday. The non-stop overnight service landed at 8:30am and departed from Haneda Airport, one of the city’s bigger airports and recognised several times by Forbes Traveller as the most punctual in the world.
The non-stop service is expected to be hugely convenient to Japanese travelers, especially as Haneda Airport is located just 30 minutes from the CBD on the monorail, and the overnight flight should fit well with many schedules. As part of a three-year partnership between Destination NSW and Qantas to promote the state to the world, these new flights are expected to open up the region to many more visitors.
Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events said of the new service: “This new route makes it easier for Japanese visitors to travel to Sydney to experience our pristine beaches, vibrant and diverse events, Aussie hospitality and our State’s outstanding food and wine experiences.”
In 2014, more than 140,000 people travelled from Japan to New South Wales, and it is expected that the new direct flights will see that number increase.
Sydney travel packages
As part of the partnership, Qantas and Destination NSW will also release a series of travel packages which should appeal to visitors jetting in from Tokyo.
Some focus on the food and wine aspect of New South Wales, some center around key events like the Sydney Running Festival, the Rugby Sevens and Handa Opera, and others offer up destinations around the region like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
For a more flexible self-drive holiday in and around Sydney, visitors can pick up a car rental from Sydney Airport and from there, New South Wales is their oyster. It’s a good idea to have a look at our Australia Driving Guide first to ensure safe travels!
Quick destinations from Sydney
With such convenient flights between Tokyo and Sydney, it’s easy to fly in and pick up a car rental for a quick Australian getaway. There is plenty to see within a short drive from the airport, so even a few days or a week can be enough to feel like you’ve experienced some of Australia.- The Central Coast and Newcastle lie to the north of Sydney, a string of lovely beach communities and beautiful coastline culminating in the laid-back city which is the gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region. To get to Newcastle from Sydney airport is less than three hours’ drive - but we recommend you spend some time on the Coast along the way.
- The Blue Mountains are the perfect destination for nature lovers. Fresh air, stunning scenery and more await in this range of mountains less than two hours from Sydney. Highlights include the Three Sisters rock formation, Wentworth Falls and the amazing Zig Zag Railway.
- Just three hours to the southwest of Sydney is Canberra in Australian Capital Territory, a city which will be popular with those who like history and/or outdoor pursuits. It is home to Parliament House, the National Gallery and Australian War Museum, and surrounded by some great nature reserves and state forests.
- Of course, if you want to stay within the city limits there’s plenty to do there too. Sydney’s CBD is great for shopping and dining, there’s the Opera House and Botanical Gardens to visit, the fabulous Bondi Beach and lots of events around the city and suburbs. A rental car means you can visit the parts of Sydney a little further out than most tourists go - Parramatta, Manly and more.
Sydney not the spot you were interested in flying out of or exploring? Airport Rentals has you covered with car rental deals from all of your favourite Australian spots including Adelaide Airport, Cairns Airport, Launceston Airport, Melbourne Airport and all of the locations far and few in between. Fly direct from Sydney and grab a New Zealand car hire from Christchurch Airport, Auckland Airport or head north with a car rental from Dubai Airport or a trip to the motherland with a UK Airport car rental.
