Australia's global Kangaroo Route returns with a $50K price tag

The once-in-a-lifetime aviation tour will span 14 days and seven global destinations.

Luxury travel company Captain’s Choice will reenact Qantas’ iconic 1930s Kangaroo Route with a luxurious, modern twist.

In a nod to Australian aviation history, you can now relive the journey on its Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route, set to take off from Sydney to London in February 2026.

A map of the new Kangaroo Route by Captain's Choice — The recreated Kangaroo Route will hit seven global destinations.

What was the original Kangaroo Route?

Created in the 1930s by Australian airline Qantas, the Kangaroo Route was a weekly flight path that would carry passengers between Australia and London over 12 days. The route’s name was coined the following decade in the 1940s, as each stopover across the eastern hemisphere resembled the hopping of our beloved native marsupial.

At this time, it was the fastest way for Aussie travellers to reach the UK, initially taking a total of 58 in-flight hours. Today, it’s a trip that takes no more than 24 hours in the air. Add or subtract a few extra hours and we can now reach most corners of the globe in less than a day.

Image of a plane coming into land at the airport — Travellers on the original route spent 58 hours in the air. (Image: Rich Higgins)

But the beauty of the Kangaroo Route was in its experience, with the long distance outweighed by the diversity of each stopover. The very first flight took place in 1935 between Brisbane and London, executed with now-defunct Qantas airline partner Imperial Airways.

Over the course of 12 days, nine passengers made an unbelievable 38 stops across the globe. By 1947, Qantas had fully taken over the route and began flying out of Sydney.

The Kangaroo Route had also been streamlined to just seven stops over the course of four days onboard a Lockheed L-749 Constellation. Travellers would touch down in places like Darwin, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Egypt and Italy (among others) before landing in England’s capital.

Lockhead Constellation plane — The first-ever Kangaroo Route flight was on a Lockhead Constellation. (Image: Aeon Aviation Photography)

Considering the extended travel time, life onboard was good. With three pilots, two flight engineers, a navigator, a radio operator and three dedicated cabin crew, passengers were in good hands. Dinner was a seafood salad paired with a grapefruit and pineapple cocktail, plus a variety of inflight amenities too.

How will the new Kangaroo Route compare?

Inspired by the legacy behind this incredible journey, Australia-based travel brand Captain’s Choice is recreating the Kangaroo Route with its own unique twist. Slated to depart Sydney on 3 February 2026, the Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route will hop between seven different destinations before landing in London on 16 February.

Following an almost identical flight path, the 14-day itinerary includes stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Cairo (Egypt), Toulouse (France) and Rome (Italy).

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore — Guests can visit Singapore’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. (Image: TommL)

Beginning in Singapore, guests can visit the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or admire world-class art at the National Gallery Singapore. Aerophiles will relish privileged trade-day access to the Singapore Airshow, too. Then sit down for a spectacular gala dinner at Gardens by the Bay, one of the best places to visit in the city.

In Colombo, choose between exploring the ancient city of Galle, watching traditional stilt-fishing, visiting local homes for cooking demonstrations and meeting legendary Sri Lankan cricketers. Come evening, you’re invited to dinner at the prime minister’s residence.

A traditional stilt fisherman in Colombo, Sri Lanka — Witness traditional stilt fishing in Colombo. (Image: hadynyah)

Cairo is a true highlight, with exclusive access to the Sphinx and a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum. And your private dinner with uninterrupted views of the Pyramids of Giza will stick in your memory long after you’ve left.

A final stop in Rome includes an after-hours private tour of the Vatican Museum, a vintage car ride and an authentic Italian cooking class. Join the optional day trip to Florence to delve into the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo.

A Qantas A330-300 Airbus — Passengers will fly on a privately chartered Qantas A330-300. (Image: Ryan Fletcher)

No more than 186 guests will fly with Qantas onboard a private Airbus A330-300, renowned for its space, comfort and efficiency. The aircraft also features eco-friendly green technologies and releases less CO2 emissions compared to previous models.

During flight hours, you’ll be treated to Business-Class catering, with food, drinks, sightseeing, porterage, transfers and tipping all included. On the ground, guests stay at only the finest accommodation, including Singapore’s five-star Ritz-Carlton Millenia and the St Regis Cairo with views across the Nile River.

Reservations for the 2026 Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route with Captain’s Choice are now open, priced from $49,950 all-inclusive.

The new Kangaroo Route by Captain's Choice — Reservations for the Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route are open.

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meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

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Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

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woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

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Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

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Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

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Australia’s global Kangaroo Route returns with a $50K price tag

The once-in-a-lifetime aviation tour will span 14 days and seven global destinations.

What was the original Kangaroo Route?

How will the new Kangaroo Route compare?

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