A London commuter soaks up some virtual sun.
Camera IconA London commuter soaks up some virtual sun. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Virtual reality brings Perth to London ahead of first direct Dreamliner flight

Staff WriterHills Avon Valley Gazette

LONDON commuters have been given a taste of Perth via virtual reality headsets.

Commuters from Oxford virtually met Rottnest Island’s quokkas, and snorkelled with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, through state-of-the-art headsets on their train ride.

After the UK’s coldest spell in five years, passengers were transported to WA’s sunny climate as part of Tourism Western Australia’s promotion of Qantas’ direct flights between London and Perth.

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The new nonstop Dreamliner service will be the fastest way to get to Australia from Europe, with the inaugural flight departing Perth to Heathrow on Saturday March 24, 2018, and returning Sunday March 25, 2018.

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Qantas’ first UK to Australia flights – in 1947 – took four days and nine stops, and now the nonstop London to Perth route will take 17 hours, bringing Western Australia closer than ever.

“Visitors from the UK will be able to fly nonstop to Perth with Qantas using the latest in aviation technology,” Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said.

“To celebrate this history-making flight, we wanted to give London commuters a taste of some of the extraordinary experiences waiting for them in Western Australia using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology.

“Western Australia boasts stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, flawless beaches, wonderful wine regions, and endless sunshine – everything you need to brighten up a cold morning commute.

“The direct flights have the potential to change the way people travel between Europe and Australia, and give us the opportunity to sell Perth and Western Australia as the place to start a holiday in Australia.”