Explore Travel/Destinations/International

Forget trekking to Sydney: southeast NSW gets its own flight link to Bali

The major new flight route saving regional Aussies a trip to Sydney Airport.

The new route will benefit many Aussies living in regional NSW. Picture by Josh Withers/Unsplash

Updated June 30, 2026, first published June 22, 2026

Regional NSW holidaymakers no longer have to travel to Sydney to fly to one of Australia's most popular overseas holiday destinations.

Virgin Australia has launched a brand new international route from Canberra direct to Bali, Indonesia.

The direct flights offer three return services a week, leaving Canberra in the afternoon and returning overnight.

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The new route also provides a new, closer flight option for regional NSW residents from Cooma, Batemans Bay, Bega, Merimbula, Jindabyne and surrounding suburbs.

Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, said the airline had already seen a "strong response" from customers since seats went on sale in January.

"This route not only gives Canberrans and surrounding regional communities a more convenient way to travel overseas, it will also help drive inbound visitation and economic activity for the ACT by making it easier for international visitors to experience everything Canberra has to offer," Minogue said.

Canberra Airport chief executive officer, Stephen Byron, said: "Direct international services are incredibly important for the Canberra region, and this new Bali service is a wonderful milestone for our community."

"It gives travellers more choice, strengthens our connection to the world, and makes it easier for people across the region to access one of the most popular holiday destinations on our doorstep."

Indonesia is one of Australia's most popular overseas holiday destinations. Aussies returned from 128,910 161,700 trips trips to the archipelago in April 2026, accounting for 14.8 per cent of all resident returns.

Virgin says the new route will operate seasonally from April to January.

The airline has also been expanding its domestic Pets in Cabin services following strong demand.

Pet owners in South Australia are the latest to be able to book the service, with the first flight taking off from Adelaide on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Pet-friendly flights will initially be offered between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Virgin Australia says the service, which allows passengers to fly with cats and small dogs in the cabin on certain routes, has had 1500 pets taking to the skies since its launch in October 2025.

Routes are also available Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, for $149 per animal, per flight.

This article was first published on Explore on January 28, 2026, with the headline: 'Bali bound: Virgin Australia launches first-ever direct international flights from Canberra'

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.