The tri-weekly flights will arrive and depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning and are expected to bring 3500 visitors to the state each month.

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Tasmanian-born Judith Wilson was a passenger on the inaugural flight and said the direct route meant she was able to visit her family and friends in Lilydale.

She said flying direct was an improvement and hoped the airline would keep the fare at a manageable price.

"It's certainly much easier than having to get off in Melbourne and the flights much shorter and if Virgin keeps the price as it is at the minute I will certainly keep taking advantage of it," she said.

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Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said the flights would boost tourism in the state's North.

"Research shows that South Australians typically stay for an average of 10 nights, and there's certainly much to explore," he said.

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