Captain’s Choice revives ‘legendary Kangaroo Route’

Private jet tour operator Captain’s Choice in 2026 will offer a new journey following in the footsteps of “the legendary Qantas Kangaroo Route.” Recreating the iconic route in a modern Qantas A330-300 aircraft, the Captain’s Choice ‘Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route’ will depart Sydney on 3 February 2026, with stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse and Rome en-route to London.

What Is the “Kangaroo Route”?

The “Kangaroo Route” refers to 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 moniker in the 1940s as a descriptor for the “hops” that were reminiscent of a kangaroo’s, covering long distances.

Captain’s Choice will follow 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. This updated route, however, will include sightseeing, exclusive experiences and stays in refined residences.

An Updated Itinerary

This 14-day private jet journey, said Captain’s Choice, is expected to “hold a special resonance for aviation enthusiasts.” Among the experiences celebrating “the golden age of flight” are an insider’s tour of an Airbus factory and a farewell dinner set under the wings of a Concorde aircraft.

The first stop is Singapore, where guests can explore the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum or admire artwork at the National Gallery Singapore. The stop concludes with a gala dinner set amid the Gardens by the Bay.

In Colombo, 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 a dinner at the prime minister’s residence.

Travellers, in Egypt, can enjoy a private dinner with 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.

Next, in Rome, travellers can partake in 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 and an optional day trip to Florence are other options.

Good to know: Guests will enjoy Business Class catering aboard a privately chartered Qantas Airbus A330, regardless of seating category. All dining, beverages, sightseeing, porterage, transfers and tipping is included.