CAPTAIN’S CHOICE TO RECREATE THE ICONIC KANGAROO ROUTE IN 2026
Captain’s Choice will reenact the fabled tour route in February 2026, to create an unforgettable private jet journey of a lifetime
Captain's Choice, renowned for crafting unparalleled travel experiences, has announced the launch of an epic new journey that will follow 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 3rd February 2026, with stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse, and Rome en route to London.
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.
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. In true Captain’s Choice style, however, the journey has been reimagined with exceptional sightseeing, exclusive experiences and stays in refined residences.
The Pioneering Spirit of the Kangaroo Route
This exclusive private jet journey embodies the signature luxury of a Captain’s Choice experience and will hold 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 can 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.
Throughout this meticulously curated journey, every detail has been thoughtfully arranged. Guests will enjoy Business Class catering aboard the privately chartered Qantas Airbus A330, regardless of seating category. All dining, beverages, sightseeing, porterage, transfers and tipping are seamlessly included. From the finest accommodations to extraordinary experiences, this is luxury travel effortlessly delivered with the Captain’s Choice signature style.
Says Bas Bosschieter, Chief Executive Officer of Captain’s Choice, "Bringing the legendary Kangaroo Route to life has been a long-held dream for the Captain’s Choice team. Given our history with Qantas across many private charters, including our first-ever journey 30 years ago, it seems fitting for Captain's Choice to be the custodians in the recreation of this iconic route. This journey has all the hallmarks of a Captain’s Choice adventure—an extraordinary collection of destinations, the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to history and culture. We are absolutely delighted to make this vision a reality in 2026. It is one of our most ambitious and exhilarating journeys yet, and we cannot wait to share it with our guests."
