✈️ How to Fly from Kalgoorlie to Perth on the Cheap (If You Know What You’re Doing!)
Flying from Kalgoorlie to Perth can get expensive — but if you’re smart about it, you can fly for a fraction of the price. Here’s the best way to do it: use points first, then the WA Regional Airfare Zone Cap as your reliable backup.
💳 1. Use Frequent Flyer Points First
If you’ve been earning Qantas Points (or Velocity Points) through everyday spending, credit cards, or business travel, this is usually your cheapest option. Here’s why:
✅ Classic Reward Availability is Usually Good
On the Kalgoorlie–Perth route, Classic Reward seats are often available right up until a couple of weeks before departure, which is better than many other domestic routes in Australia.
Perfect for last-minute trips or if you haven’t planned months in advance.
✅ Typical Points Costs
Qantas: around 8,000 Qantas Points + AUD 80–90 in taxes/fees (one-way).
Virgin Australia: starts at 5,900 Velocity Points + around AUD 70–90 in taxes/fees (one-way).
🚨 Watch Out for Points Hikes!
If you’re using Points + Pay or booking “Any Seat Awards,” check how many points you’re spending.
If it’s costing you more points than the equivalent cash fare under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap, you’re better off saving your points and paying cash instead.
✈️ 2. When Points Let You Down — Use the Regional Airfare Zone Cap
If you can’t find award seats or need to book at the last minute, the WA Regional Airfare Zone Cap is your next best move.
✅ Flex Tier Fare — Get more value for your money:
More Status Credits — Earn more points towards Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Last-Minute Changes — Switch flights at no extra cost, perfect if your plans change.
Same Price — Flex Tier is the same price under the cap — no hidden costs or surprises.
✅ Excellent Availability — Even last minute! Unlike Classic Reward seats, Flex Tier fares under the cap are almost always available, even the day before.
✅ Predictable Pricing —
Return fares from Perth to Kalgoorlie are capped at AUD 398.
One-way fares are typically half the return cap.
🚨 Important Note: You Must Be an Eligible Resident
The Regional Airfare Zone Cap is available only to eligible residents of regional Western Australia.
You’ll need to provide proof of residence when you book — usually by uploading or providing details from a driver’s licence, utility bill, or another official document showing your residential address in an eligible postcode.
If you’re not an eligible resident, you’ll find out during the booking process — and you won’t be able to book the capped fare. So make sure you have your documents ready before you get too excited!
🤑 3. How to Earn Points (So You Can Use Them!)
Getting points is easier than you think! Here are two easy ways to start:
👉 1. Everyday Spending on a Points-Earning Credit Card
Cards like the Qantas Premier Platinum or American Express Velocity Platinum earn points on groceries, fuel, and bills.
Some cards offer generous sign-up bonuses (e.g. 70,000–100,000 points) if you meet minimum spend requirements.
👉 2. Partner Offers and Everyday Shopping
Link your Woolworths Everyday Rewards to Qantas or your Flybuys to Velocity — shop as usual and watch the points stack up.
Booking hotels, car rentals, and even fuel with participating partners can also earn you points.
🚫 4. Why Sales or Points + Pay Usually Don’t Stack Up
Sales fares and Points + Pay might sound good, but:
Sales — Often restrictive on baggage and changes, and not always available.
Points + Pay — Usually costs you too many points plus cash — often more than the Regional Airfare Cap.
Focus on Classic Reward seats first, then the Regional Airfare Cap.
✈️ Conclusion
Flying from Kalgoorlie to Perth doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by using your points — they’re often the cheapest way to fly, with better availability than most other regional routes in Australia. Just watch those fees (usually around AUD 80–90 one-way on Qantas) and avoid spending too many points — if it’s more than the cash cap, use the Regional Airfare Zone Cap instead.
Just remember — you need to be an eligible resident to qualify for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap. If you can’t prove your eligibility at the time of booking, you’ll be disappointed and won’t be able to secure the capped fare.
Whats your favourite way to get cheap flights to and from Kalgoorlie?