Revived ‘Kangaroo Route’ Takes Flight: Seven Stops in Two Weeks
The revival of the iconic “Kangaroo Route” officially commenced on February 4, 2026, with the inaugural flight QF1337 from Sydney to Darwin. This significant journey, organized by Captain’s Choice, signals a nostalgic return to the route originally launched by Qantas in 1947. Excited passengers, totaling 131, gathered at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, where the flight received a warm reception.
Highlights of the Kangaroo Route Journey
This two-week journey, comprising seven stops, follows a similar itinerary to the original Kangaroo Route. The stops include:
- Darwin
- Singapore
- Kolkata
- Colombo
- Cairo
- Rome
- Toulouse
The revival provides an updated travel experience, including more leisurely flight durations. Most segments range from three to five hours, with the longest leg from Colombo to Cairo lasting approximately eight hours. To ensure passenger comfort, only half of the seats were made available for booking.
Nostalgia and Experience Aboard
Passengers enjoyed a unique experience, with flight attendants wearing vintage Qantas uniforms designed by Emilio Pucci from the 1970s. Ground staff also donned outfits to match the retro theme, evoking memories of an era characterized by elegance.
Unlike the original Kangaroo Route, where the trip to London took five days, this modern iteration offers comfort and accessibility. Travelers are presented with a range of enriching activities, such as:
- A visit to the Darwin Aviation Museum
- Access to the Singapore Air Show
- A guided tour of Airbus’s Final Assembly Line in France
- Entry into one of Egypt’s ancient pyramids
- An after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums
Additionally, cricket enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage with a member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning cricket team, blending cultural experiences with sports history.
Passenger Insights and Pricing
Ticket prices for this premium experience start at $49,950. Many of the participants are aviation enthusiasts, including Keng Wong, who expressed his lifelong passion for aircraft. He noted, “I fell in love with the Lockheed Constellation,” reflecting the sentimental connection many travelers have with aviation history.
The idea for this immersive journey began in late 2017, with plans to launch in 2020. Captain’s Choice’s chief executive, Bas Bosschieter, has orchestrated this one-time offering to celebrate Qantas’s legacy.
Attentive Service and Dining Experience
Onboard service is thorough, with 12 staff members attending to guests, including captains, cabin crew, and catering professionals. Passengers are treated to business-class dining, with menu options including:
- Croque monsieur
- Gruyere and mushroom quiche
- Lamb and rosemary pie with mushy peas and crispy potatoes
This extraordinary revival of the Kangaroo Route presents both a tribute to aviation history and an opportunity for modern travelers to relish a unique and luxurious travel experience.
