Frequent fliers between Geraldton and Perth might not be surprised to learn they are paying one of the highest fares in Australia.

Based on price per kilometre, the Geraldton-Perth route is the country’s fifth most expensive domestic aviation route.

This has come to light in data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics from surveys of “best discount” fares in December 2005, 2007 and 2012.

A BITRE spokesperson explained that “best discount” fares are the cheapest return fares that are still available three weeks ahead of the travel date.

The three most expensive routes, all serviced by Qantas alone, were Bundaberg-Brisbane (281km) at $1.81 per kilometre, Devonport-Melbourne (412km) at $1.27 and Armidale-Sydney (381km) at $1.09.