The Kangaroo Route was made famous by Qantas last century and describes the commercial passenger air routes flown between Australia and the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere. The route has been operated since the 1930s but earned its legendary moniker in the 1940s as a descriptor for the “hops” that were reminiscent of a kangaroo’s, covering long distances.
During the journey, which is now underway, guests will experience an almost identical flight path as the one Qantas first wholly operated in 1947. At that time, the route from Sydney to London took four days and seven stops to complete, with just 29 passengers aboard a Lockheed Constellation aircraft. In true Captain’s Choice style, however, the journey has been reimagined with exceptional sightseeing, exclusive experiences and stays in refined residences.
Departure Celebrations
Guests officially began their Kangaroo Route adventure at an exclusive welcome dinner at the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms last night, February 3rd. Insights were shared by Dr. Michael Ben-Meir, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria and Wendy Miles (nee Fysh), the daughter of Qantas co-founder Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh. The evening culminated with a beautiful performance by the Qantas Girls Choir.
The following morning, guests were surprised at the gate ahead of their Kangaroo Route adventure by Qantas staff wearing vintage Emilio Pucci uniforms from the 1970s, as a nod to the golden age of travel. Guests spanned couples and solo travellers; many of whom were drawn to the journey for its strong sense of nostalgia and aviation history, often with a lifelong interest in iconic aircraft and classic routes. Most guests were also Australian, with a few British and American representatives seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines exceptional comfort with extraordinary access.
Says Bas Bosschieter, Chief Executive Officer of Captain’s Choice, “Today marks the departure of a long-held dream for the Captain’s Choice team, bringing the legendary Kangaroo Route to life for our guests. Given our history with Qantas across many private charters, including our first-ever journey 30 years ago, it feels fitting for Captain’s Choice to be the custodians of this iconic route recreation. This journey has all the hallmarks of a Captain’s Choice adventure – an extraordinary collection of destinations, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and a deep connection to history and culture.”
The Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route
This exclusive private jet journey embodies the signature luxury of a Captain’s Choice experience and holds a special resonance for aviation enthusiasts. From an insider’s tour of an Airbus factory to a lavish farewell dinner set under the wings of the iconic Concorde, every moment is designed to celebrate the golden age of flight, with charming touches that evoke the glamour of air travel past and present.
First stop on the adventure is Singapore, where guests will explore the revered Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum or admire world-class masterpieces at the National Gallery Singapore. Aviation aficionados will enjoy privileged trade-day access to the prestigious Singapore Airshow. The stop concludes with a spectacular gala dinner set amid the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay.
In Colombo, the itinerary is tailored to diverse interests. Guests may choose to explore the fortified city of Galle, witness the age-old tradition of stilt fishing, partake in an intimate cooking demonstration in a local home, or meet a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer before an exclusive dinner at the prime minister’s residence.
One of the journey’s most unforgettable highlights awaits in Egypt—a private dinner with breathtaking views of the Pyramids of Giza. In Cairo, Captain’s Choice guests receive privileged access to the feet of the Sphinx and a private guided tour of the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum, home to Egypt’s most treasured artefacts.
In the magnificent ancient city of Rome, travellers will enjoy an after-hours private tour of the Vatican Museum, followed by a stylish exploration of the Eternal City in a vintage car. A hands-on cooking class reveals the secrets behind authentic Italian pasta, while an optional day trip to Florence allows guests to delve into the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo.
The Captain’s Choice Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route Private Jet Journey is currently underway until the 16th of February 2026. For the full itinerary and inclusions, please visit www.captainschoice.com.au/Kangaroo. This is just one example of the unrivalled journeys that Captain’s Choice is renowned for, with an array of Australian and international departures available for 2026 and beyond.