QantasLink’s Bendigo-Sydney flights get major makeover

Down and back: The new service will depart Sydney at 1.25pm on flight days, arrive in Bendigo at approximately 3pm, and return to Sydney by around 5pm. Photo: FILE

THE City of Greater Bendigo has responded to enquiries from the Bendigo Times regarding talk of upcoming changes to the Bendigo–Sydney flight service departing Bendigo Airport.

A spokesperson said the City of Greater Bendigo has been advised by Qantas of forthcoming changes set to take effect from the end of October 2025 (Sunday 26 October according to Qantas’ booking website). Qantas told the City it will introduce a revised schedule that includes “turnaround” flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The new service will depart Sydney at 1.25 pm on flight days, arrive in Bendigo at approximately 3 pm, and return to Sydney by around 5 pm.

The City said the revised schedule offers more convenient options for weekend getaways and longer stays, making it easier for visitors to experience everything Greater Bendigo has to offer.

However, it appears the five-times-per-week 6.45 am flight from Bendigo will be scrapped, meaning those who wish to travel from Bendigo to Sydney and back on the same day will have to embark from Avalon or Tullamarine airports. Otherwise, they’ll have to incur the expense of overnight accommodation in Sydney.

According to the Booking.com website, a modest hotel room in Sydney’s CBD ranges between $150 and $300 per night.