A trip to Antarctica is widely regarded as the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Maybe it’s the penguins, the towering icebergs, the sheer mystique of a continent where only a handful of humans live year-round or the fact that it’s the most remote place on Earth – something about this isolated wilderness sparks our sense of adventure. But in reality, most of us don’t fancy a two-week cruise across choppy seas (or the eye-watering price tag that comes with it). If you fit into that boat, but still dream about Antarctica, here’s the perfect solution.
Back by popular demand, Antarctica Flights is returning for the 2025/2026 season, giving Aussies a rare chance to explore the southernmost continent in a single day – no passport required. Before you start picturing yourself chasing polar bears and making snow angels, this isn’t your standard holiday. You’ll experience Antarctica in a whole new way, without ever touching the ground (or breaking the bank).
So, what can you expect? A limited number of Antarctica Flights will depart Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth between November and February, offering a once-in-a-lifetime trip lasting around 12.5 hours. Forget cramped seats and tiny windows – passengers will board a privately chartered Qantas 787 Dreamliner with windows 65 per cent larger than a standard commercial plane, giving you exceptional views of Antarctica’s dramatic mountains, expansive glaciers and rugged coastline. And unlike a regular flight, passengers will have the chance to move seats throughout the journey, offering everyone prime viewing of this frozen wonderland.All meals and drinks are included – yes, that means Champagne too!
The coolest part is that no two flights are ever the same. Taking into account weather conditions and the ever-changing landscapes of the Southern Ocean, your captain will choose from one of 19 different flight paths. Around three hours into the 9,500- to 10,500-kilometre journey, expect to spot your first scattered ice, followed by dozens of icebergs and ice floes. Next, you’ll cross the South Magnetic Pole, with the jagged peaks of Antarctica’s mountains coming into view. From there, prepare for four hours of jaw-dropping, uninterrupted scenery over the Great White Continent before heading back to Australia.
Expert Antarctic expeditioners will join you on board to share insights about the polar environment and its history, with live crossovers to research stations on the ground. You can also sit back and relax while watching video screenings depicting life on the ground. Bonus points: every Antarctica Flight is carbon offset!
Prices start at a reasonable $1,199 for economy – cheaper than a flight from Australia to Europe these days – with premium business class seats also available. You can find out more about the Antarctic Flights and future dates here.