This new Qantas route is a direct flight to tropical paradise

A new direct flight from Australia to Palau is just the ticket for holidaymakers eager to visit amazing dive sites and gin-clear water surrounding more than 300 islands. The inaugural Qantas flight from Brisbane to Koror took off in December, with the six-hour route departing on Saturday and returning on Sunday, which is good timing for a week-long stay. Qantas won the tender to operate the Palau Paradise Express on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft until at least November 2025; the route had previously been operated by Nauru Airlines.

CHECKING IN: Hassle-free check-in is completed at Sydney Airport for my flights to Brisbane and on to Koror. Bags are checked all the way through (there's a generous 46kg allowance), and I'm given access to Qantas business lounges in Sydney and Brisbane.

THE FLIGHT: The scheduled 2pm departure leaves on time, getting us in to Palau six hours later, at 7pm local time. It's a smooth ride in the Boeing 737-800, a narrow-bodied aircraft with 174 seats. A Qantas rep says there was an immediate surge in searches when the new route was announced, and that is now starting to translate into bookings. On our flight, everybody in economy could enjoy stretching out across three seats.

THE CLASS: There are 12 business-class seats arranged in three rows in a 2-2 configuration. The seats don't recline flat and don't have a seat-back screen, resembling more of a premium economy seat on other airlines. The maroon leather seats have a leg rest and elevated footrest, though not a huge amount of space between rows.

FOOD AND DRINK: Before the aircraft is even off the ground, we're offered sparkling wine, mimosas, G&Ts or whatever we'd like from the bar. About an hour after take-off, lunch of chicken curry, hot smoked salmon and potatoes, or harissa lamb is served. The curry, which comes with rice, has a satisfying heat and flavour. Also on the tray: sourdough bread and Pepe Saya butter, toffee and walnut pudding, and a Lindt ball. The bar is well-stocked with Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir, Flametree Chardonnay and other drinks. A substantial snack pack is handed out four hours into the flight, stuffed with goodies including chocolate, olives, dried fruit and crackers.

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ENTERTAINMENT: With no seat-back screens, if you want to watch a movie you have three options. First option is to watch whatever is playing on the small overhead screens located throughout the cabin (on this flight, it's Mamma Mia). Secondly, download the Qantas Entertainment app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. I didn't do this ahead of time, but I was able to download using the complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. Lastly, bring your own entertainment.

THE SERVICE: Warm, friendly and efficient, the experienced Qantas crew members assigned to the business cabin do a great job. They seem to be as excited about the new route as we are, chatting with us about plans for swimming and dinner in Koror.

IN A NUTSHELL: This new Qantas direct route makes it easy for Aussie travellers to get to Palau, a tropical island paradise that is blessedly unmarred by the problems of overtourism. Jump on the sale fares while they last and go there before the Bali and Fiji crowds discover it.