The vaccine is being rolled out, and there’s been little, if any, community transmission of the virus of late, which means it’s time to start seriously thinking about your travel plans.

International flights are likely to launch once again in late October, so until then, it’s time to get out into regional Australia and support businesses that have done it tough over the past 12 months.

The federal government will announce $1.2B tourism and aviation package that will help people get back into travelling around the country.

It’s expected that the government will provide 800,000 subsidised tickets over the duration of the scheme which will include Easter, and the winter school holidays.

You’ll get a 50% discount on tickets to eligible locations between April 1 and July 31.

How do I get the half-price flights?

All you have to do is head to your preferred airline’s website and book from April 1. Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar are the airlines expected to be eligible.

What destinations will be available?

Expected locations so far are the Gold Coast, Cairns, Whitsundays, Mackay, Hamilton Island, and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland; Lasseter and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory; Merimbula in NSW, and Kangaroo Island. With more expected to be announced.

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