Australia, always popular with Brits, came even closer in March 2018 with flight QF10, the new non-stop Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service from London Heathrow to Perth. Okay, maybe not closer by distance, but the 7,828 nautical mile (14,498km) direct flight certainly makes reaching Oz faster than ever.

How fast? You leave Heathrow at 13:15 and reach Perth at 13:00 the next day, in time to find your hotel, grab lunch, enjoy some tinnies or sip Margaret River Chardonnay in the sunshine. Perth’s relaxed west-coast vibe consistently puts the city high in liveability rankings. Attractions such as Rottnest Island, Kings Park Gardens and Fraser Avenue Lookout complement a great restaurant scene for guaranteed good times.

Will this new route finally get you to Oz?

Alternatively, stay on board to Melbourne. Or make one of 11 more same-day Australian connections. Oh yes, Perth is the perfect gateway to Australia’s wonders from Canberra to Port Hedland. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or want an excuse for a first visit, the new route could be what finally makes your antipodean dream come true.

That famous Sydney harbour bridge

What’s to do when you finally touch Australian soil? If not planting your feet firmly in Perth, Melbourne is home to Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Club, the 975ft (297m) high Eureka Skydeck, colourful trams, and engaging laneways that await exploration on foot. Hungry? Enjoy an acclaimed food and coffee scene; try Lygon Street, Southbank and Chinatown for delicious Italian, Modern and – surprise, surprise – Chinese cuisine respectively.

A 90-minute flight further east, Sydney’s attractions, including that famous harbour bridge and opera house, are genuine icons. A little further, Tasmania offers a refreshing contrast to main-land Australia plus, would you believe it, the world’s official ‘best’ whisky courtesy of William McHenry & Sons in Port Arthur!

400 words just isn’t enough

Alternatively, head north to Brisbane. Try the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, Mt Coot-tha and swimming with dolphins at Tin Can Bay for starters.

And what about Ayers Rock, aka Uluru? It’s impossible to capture Australia’s wonders fully in 400 words. The only way is to discover them for yourself. With the new Qantas flight and rumours of more planned (hint: watch London to Sydney), Australia’s allure only grows stronger.

Will 2019 be the year you leave Heathrow at lunchtime and arrive in Western Australia for next day’s lunch? Go for it!