A tiny island nation in Micronesia is about to get more direct flights from Australia.
This year, Australia became Palau’s fastest-growing major tourism market. While the visitor numbers are still small, they are increasing quickly.
The destination sits southwest of Guam and north of Indonesia, and is about a six-hour flight from Brisbane.
On Wednesday it was announced Qantas would increase its weekly service between the Queensland capital and Koror (Palau’s largest city) to twice a week services during the peak season, which is December through to the end of March.
And the Aussie airline would continue flying there weekly through to at least November 30, 2027.
The non-stop flight between Australia and Palau is named the Palau Paradise Express and funded by the Australian Government.
It first launched in May 2024 operated by Nauru Airlines before the contract was awarded to Qantas in December 2024.
Qantas international CEO Cam Wallace said the second weekly flight was a direct response to “growing demand”. The airline has carried more than 15,400 passengers on the route so far.
“Two services a week give Australians more choice about how long they spend in Palau,” Mr Wallace said. “You can now fly out on a Wednesday, get four days on the reef and be home by Sunday.”
Flights will depart Brisbane on Wednesday and Saturday, and return from Koror on Thursday and Sunday.
But while Palau is excited to be getting Aussies’ attention, it doesn’t want to be the next Bali.
Palau Visitors Authority managing director Kadoi Ruluked told news.com.au in July that Palau has no intention of becoming a mass tourism destination like other Aussie favourites, Indonesia, Thailand or Fiji.
“What truly sets Palau apart is the Palau Pledge, every visitor signs it on arrival, a commitment stamped directly into their passport, promising to act in ecologically and culturally responsible way for the sake of our children and generations to come,” Mr Ruluked explained.
“No other destination in the region asks that of its visitors by law. That commitment is backed by a deliberate choice not to be a mass tourism destination.
“What’s untouched, stays untouched, giving travellers access to a natural world that’s becoming harder to find elsewhere. Combined with warm Palauan hospitality, that is what makes Palau truly special.”
Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh also told news.com.au that Palau isn’t a competitor to Bali or Thailand for the mass-market family or budget traveller.
“It’s an alternative for a very specific niche: serious divers, marine life enthusiasts, and travellers who specifically want somewhere that’s relatively untouched and undiscovered,” he explained.
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The nation is made up of over 300 coral and volcanic islands and is most popular among older Australians.
About 30 per cent of Aussie visitors are aged 60 and over, and just over 20 per cent are aged in their 50s.
Mr Ruluked said they tend to be adventurous, conservation-minded visitors who value nature, outdoor activities and genuine cultural connection.
Expedia ranked Palau second on its ‘2026 Island Hot List’ this year, only behind New Caledonia.
Expedia travel expert Sarah King said the nation “still feels like a bit of a secret” despite only being a six-hour flight away.
“Palau really hits the sweet spot for Aussies,” Ms King said. “From the iconic Rock Islands to the unforgettable experience of Jellyfish Lake, travellers can enjoy world-class scenery and adventure, with average accommodation rates of $300 per night.”
The Australian Government said the flights strengthened Palau’s economy through tourism and business opportunities, contributing about $10 million to the country’s economy in 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Palau as a “close friend of Australia” on Wednesday when announcing the government had extended its investment through to November 2027.
“This announcement will allow more Australians to visit this stunning Pacific holiday destination and ensure connections between our countries grow even stronger,” he said.
“The Palau Paradise Express is a significant contributor to Palau’s economy and this expansion will deliver a steady boost for tourism and business operators across the region.”
