The new route, operated by a Boeing 737-800NG, connects the Apple Isle to the mainland and provides an additional 128,000 seats a year between Melbourne and Hobart. Mr Sharp said travellers on both sides of Bass Strait had embraced the new daily Melbourne to Hobart service as evidenced by the strong forward bookings on the route.

​“With Economy fares from Hobart starting at $79 and Business class seats from $349 it’s understandable they are being snapped up by those looking for an alternative to the sky-high prices and unreliable services being offered by other airlines.  All our flights to the weekend are practically full,” Mr Sharp said. “This is why more and more Australians are enjoying our trademark reliability and affordable fares delivered with country-style hospitality.” 

Premier Rockliff said this new route will provide even more options for travel for Tasmanians and visitors alike.  “This is yet another sign of confidence in our tourism industry that has bounced back from the pandemic and is once again firing on all cylinders,” the Premier said.  “We welcome the additional capacity to support not only growth in our visitor economy, but the opportunity to further boost Tasmanian service exports and deliver more options for time sensitive freight. “Victoria is our largest visitor market, and this gives even more options for visitors to come down to Tasmania and enjoy the amazing experiences we have to offer. “This new service has begun ahead of the busier warmer months, which will be welcome news for local businesses who will benefit from the increase in trade, as well as Tasmanians looking to head interstate.”

​Hobart Airport’s Norris Carter said the arrival of Rex was great news for travellers.  “Hobart Airport is delighted to welcome Rex,” Mr Carter said.  “Their arrival brings new competition to the Hobart - Melbourne route and on connections beyond Melbourne.  “More competition brings more choice and lower fares, which is great news for Tasmanians and visitors alike,” Mr Carter said. 

Book your Melbourne to Hobart flight here 
​Then book your southern Tasmania accommodation here 

This type of freedom is something truly unique and will allow you to cover more ground than you could ever imagine if you opt for public transport. What’s more, you are not limited to the routes that public transport can take to you, giving you the opportunity to get off the beaten track if you choose to do so. On the other hand, you can stay firmly on the track where you will meet more people, have lots to do and enjoy a little more comfort along the way. Whichever direction you choose to go, you can be sure that embracing the open road is undoubtedly the best way to see this amazing country. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic driving routes in Australia to help you prepare for your ultimate Aussie adventure.

Alice Springs to Darwin
Starting our list in Northern Territory, this is a road trip that spans just short of 1,500 kilometres. Beginning in Alice Springs, this epic journey is all about the uniqueness of the Outback. The five to seven-day trip may seem a bit tiring at times, as it is a desert, but you can be sure that there will always be plenty to keep you occupied and entertained. One of the really fun parts of this road trip is that at a certain point, it turns tropical, and you feel like you have just entered a completely different world. By the time you hit Darwin, you will have gone from the dry, dusty Outback, to the tropics in just a matter of days.

Clare Valley To The Flinders Ranges
Next, we are heading to the opposite end of the country, to the southern coast, in beautiful Clare Valley. This is a trip that many people opt for each year, as it is another one that can see some drastic changes along the way. Clare Valley is a relaxing, picturesque spot that may seem like a dream but it is very much real. The trip starts out in lush valleys, filled with wineries and small townships, and heads towards a rocky, remarkable mountain range in the Outback, named just that, Mount Remarkable. Once you hit this landmark, everything will change, and you can make your way to the Flinders Ranges for some spectacular views.

The Great Ocean Road
There is something to be said about a name, and this next aptly-named road trip is one that you do not want to miss. There is no other country in the world to have any road trip comparable to this well-travelled yet still incredibly mind blowing coastal drive. If you enjoy the water and all that the Australian coastline has to offer, this is possibly the greatest road trip on the planet. Start the Great Ocean Road drive in the surfing capital of Torquay, visitors will work their way south some 500 kilometres, with scenic ocean views, a number of remarkable landmarks, and an interesting change of scenery as you get to the endpoint in Nelson.

New England National Parks
There is one beautiful road trip you can take that will include all of the New England National Parks, starting in New South Wales, and heading inland to the hills for just short of 900 kilometres. This road trip is for those travellers who enjoy things a little more country. The area is known as the country-music capital of the country, and you will find all things country, with an Aussie twist of course. The road ends in Yamba, but not before you get a straight stretch to visit a variety of historic and scenic national parks along the route.

Sydney To Byron Bay
Also called the Pacific Coast road trip, this little jaunt is just shy of 1,000 kilometres, and takes you from one popular tourist city to another. Starting in Sydney, you will be treated to miles of open road with a view of the coast, with many options for activities and entertainment when you decide to stop. You will find yourself travelling through a number of gorgeous resorts settled on the beach, and if you take your time, you can kick back and enjoy the sun and sand on the way. At the end of the trip, you end up in beautiful Byron Bay, which is a full-on tourist destination in and of itself with countless things on offer to keep you entertained. 

Embark On The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
There truly is a lot of open road in Australia, and the above-mentioned trips are really just the tip of the iceberg. Whatever you are looking for in a road trip, you can be sure that there is a route that will suit your unique preferences. Take your time, do your research and put a plan in place that will set you up for the road trip of a lifetime in beautiful Australia.​