Broome flights still on the cheap

Travellers will be able to take advantage of cheap flights to Broome for at least another year, with the State Government extending its discounted fares scheme.

A trial of one-way fares from as low as $179 began on selected Qantas flights last year in an effort to boost intrastate travel to the town.

More than 20,000 fares between Perth and Broome were bought after the measure was rolled out, with 90 per cent of all available discounted tickets booked during the Broome dry season.

State Tourism Minister Paul Papalia announced today the trial would be extended until June 2020 after a strong uptake of the lower airfares.

Passengers will be able to fly for $199 during Broome’s peak tourist season — between August 17 and October 16 and June 20 to August 16 in 2020 — and for $179 in the low season, from October 17 this year to June 19, 2020.

Mr Papalia said the cheap fares were working and the extension was beneficial for the local economy, as well as jobs and growth.

Broome Visitor Centre manager Mel Virgo said low fares were the key to increasing visitation.

The discounts are available on one-way fares travelling from Friday to Sunday and booked 60 or 45 days in advance.