Alice
Monday, July 30th, 2012
Iconic and patriotic, Dorothea Mackellar’s My Country tugs on the heart strings. The lyrical poem highlights Australia beyond the reaches of popular tourist cities; instead favouring off-kilter terrains and untold landscapes.
Big, bountiful and utterly beautiful Australia teems with awe-inspiring settings. Discover the true essence of this bronzed, wide-sweeping land with a trip off the beaten track.
New South Wales, Northern Rivers
“God’s Country”, “the Rainbow Region” and “Summerland”, are just a few of the monikers assigned to New South Wales’ Northern Rivers. Brimming with lush rainforests, quaint villages, imposing headlands and a pristine coastline, the Northern Rivers district is emblematic of utopia.
Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay is the region’s most distinguished township, fostering New Age philosophy, raw creative energy and ideals of escapism. A short drive south, the small surfing town of Lennox Head hosts one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks and a unique tea tree-stained freshwater lake. A few minutes into the hinterland, the Alstonville-Dunoon plateau is home to patches of ancient rainforests like Victoria Park and Booyong Reserve, and the cascading waterfalls of Dalwood Falls and Minyon Falls. While on the fringes of the Tweed Shire, imposing former volcano, Mount Warning witnesses mainland Australia’s first rays of sun each morning.
Long days, almost-perfect weather, never-ending beaches, first-rate accommodation and delicious food, the Northern Rivers has elements to impress even the most discerning city slicker. But beware… many who come for a weekend, often stay for a lifetime.
For more information about what to do and see, and where to shop and eat, in the Northern Rivers, view our Byron Bay destination guide.
Uncover the beauty of the Northern Rivers…
Virgin Australia operates flights to Ballina/Byron Bay daily, direct from Sydney.
Take the hassle out of planning your trip away, our partner, Blue Holidays offers exceptional Ballina/Byron Bay holiday packages from $454, per person.
Go off the beaten track and discover the Northern Rivers by car. Our car hire partners have cars to suit all terrains and adventures.
Victoria, Hepburn Shire
From the ocean to the country, rural Victoria is loaded with natural splendours. Hugging the bight of Bass Straight, The Great Ocean Road is heralded as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Rich red earth is met underneath bright blue skies in the Sunraysia district – one of Australia’s most prominent wine regions. While Australia’s longest river, the Murray snakes along the state’s boarder, supporting a variety of unique river life unseen anywhere on earth.
Just an hour and a half’s drive north west of Melbourne, the shire of Hepburn particularly provides for sensorial holiday experiences. Home to Australia’s largest concentration of natural mineral springs, famous for their relaxing properties, Hepburn Shire – specifically the villages of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs – promotes holistic health and traditions of healing. Explore the areas mystical appeal… Bath in or drink from the waters of one of the region’s mineral springs. Picnic under the period rotunda at Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve. Hike through bushland at Mount Macedon. Or get caught up in the mystery of the infamous Hanging Rock.
Unconventional, but full of unique and natural wonder – alongside acclaimed restaurants and cafes, farmers markets, roadside stalls and cellar doors – Hepburn Shire is an inspiring region, well worth venturing off the beaten track to visit.
Hepburn Shire is located 90 minutes from Tullamarine airport…
Virgin Australia operates flights to Melbourne daily, direct from all Australian capital cities and most major regional ports.
Take the hassle out of planning your trip away, our partner, Blue Holidays offers exceptional Daylesford holiday packages from $419, per person.
Go off the beaten track and discover the Hepburn Shire by car. Our car hire partners have cars to suit all terrains and adventures.
Western Australia, The Kimberley
There are few regions more quintessentially Australian than The Kimberley. Located in in the northern throes of Western Australia, the area is one of the remotest, wildest and most beautiful expanses on earth.
The desert meets the sea – in the form of famous 22 kilometre white-sand Cable Beach – at The Kimberley’s southern gateway, Broome. To the south of Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point’s red cliffs preserve dinosaur footprints. Spanning from Broome to Kununurra, Gibb River Road dissects some of the earth’s most rugged terrain, with access to spectacular wildlife and stunning gorges. While World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park boasts The Kimberley’s most renowned star, the Bungle Bungle range – the ultimate Outback playground.
Home to ancient rock formations, gushing waterfalls, expansive lakes and stunning beaches, The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas, and hosts ample opportunity to indulge in a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure.
For more information about what to do and see, and where to shop and eat, in The Kimberley, view our Broome and Kununurra destination guides.
Discover the majesty of The Kimberly…
Virgin Australia operates flights to Broome and Kununurra daily, direct from Perth.
Take the hassle out of planning your trip away, our partner, Blue Holidays offers exceptional Broome holiday packages from $855, per person.
Go off the beaten track and discover The Kimberley by car. Our car hire partners have cars to suit all terrains and adventures.
Monday, July 23rd, 2012
As the hype of Wimbledon starts to ebb and wane, our focus remains on tennis with the exciting announcement that we’ve signed on, for the fourth year running, to be the official airline and proud sponsor of the Australian Open.
Not only are we the Open’s official airline; our holiday program, Blue Holidays are also on board as an official tour operator.
In anticipation of the thrilling action of the Grand Slam, Blue Holidays are set to offer tennis fans an experience like no other, with the introduction of a range of tailor-made event packages for the Australian Open 2013.
Virgin Australia General Manager Marketing, Michael Betteridge, said “The tournament is one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar and following the success of the Australian Open 2012, Blue Holidays will offer new and exclusive packages allowing guests to book airfares, accommodation and courtside tickets in a few quick easy steps online”.
Join the colourful crowds this summer amid the festive atmosphere of Melbourne Park’s world-class tennis facilities … Catch all the courtside action and witness the world’s best players go head to head, with an Australian Open event package.
Blue Holidays Australian Open Tennis 2013 packages include return airfares to Melbourne, three nights’ accommodation and a Rod Laver Arena session ticket, from $613, per person. GAME, SET, MATCH!
Virgin Australia operates flights to Melbourne direct from Australian capital cities and major regional ports, and from international destination such as Christchurch, Auckland, Los Angeles, Nadi and Bali.
Where: Melbourne and Olympic Parks, Batman Avenue, Melbourne
When: 14–27 January 2013
Monday, July 2nd, 2012
If you’re a frequent flyer, flying internationally or a business traveller it makes sense to fly Business Class. In a nutshell, benefits include: speedy check in and boarding, and second-to-none comfort, flexibility, personal service and privacy.
Still not convinced? We’ve pulled together a snapshot of what we offer our Business Class guests.
At the Airport
Transfers: Arrive in style, on time. Eligible Business Class guests travelling on our international long haul services can pre-book a complimentary limousine service to and from the airport.
Valet Parking: Save time at the airport. Virgin Australia Business Class guests receive exclusive access to Sydney Premium Valet. Business Class guests departing from Sydney can also enjoy direct kerbside Virgin Australia lounge access with Sydney lounge Premium Entry and Valet.
Priority Check In and Boarding: Skip the queues and benefit from a more streamlined, fast-tracked check-in, security screening and entry process. Business Class guests are invited to check in and bag drop using our Priority Check-in facilities, and board the aircraft first via our dedicated Priority Boarding lanes at selected airports. As an added bonus, Business Class guests travelling with carry-on baggage only, can choose to check in at the Virgin Australia lounge.
Lounge: Relax in comfort, removed from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Business Class guests flying on our domestic network receive complimentary access to the Virgin Australia lounge. Lounge benefits and amenities includes: dedicated service desks, complimentary food and beverages, business facilities, entertainment, flight information services, and private waiting areas and bathrooms. Virgin Australia international long haul Business Class guests also receive access to selected international airport lounge locations operated by airline partners.
During the Flight
Comfort: Relaxing onboard has never been easier, or more enjoyable. Our Business Class guests are privy to luxurious seats with generous legroom and recline (as far as a fully flat bed when travelling on our long haul network), as well as stylish amenity kits.
Service: Experience all-inclusive, second-to-none service. Business Class guests are catered for by specialist cabin crew members, whom serve gourmet food and beverages from renowned Australian chef Luke Mangan.
Privacy: Enjoy room to move and distance from your neighbour. Business Class seats are roomier than the rest. Business Class guests also have access to private Business Class restrooms.
To top it off, Business Class guests receive extra baggage allowances and exceptional flexibility when changing and cancelling bookings.
Next time you fly, consider Business Class. You deserve it! The added investment is worth the perks, excitement and comfort you’ll receive in return.
Friday, June 22nd, 2012
Winter is here. It’s cold. You’re struggling to get out of bed. Your car windows are fogged up. Your cupboard is full of packet soups. And you’re complaining a bit more than usual.
There’s only one remedy for way you’re feeling… it’s time to shake off the winter blues, and embrace the seasonal change with a trip to the snow!
June marks the start of the Southern Hemisphere ski season, and sets Australian and New Zealand ski fields and resorts abuzz with powder hounds, socialites, families and novices.
Read more »
Friday, June 15th, 2012
You’ve just experienced the trip of a lifetime. You’ve picnicked beneath the Eiffel Tower, spotted celebrities in Hollywood, rode a camel in the Liwa Desert, drank Pimm’s by the Thames, and gorged on spaghetti in Milan. Nothing can burst your bubble, you’re on a high… then the jet lag sets in.
Jet lag. It’s one of only a few downfalls of international travel. But the good news is, it can be partially prevented.
To help you reset your body clock, sleep better, wake up focused, and stay alert during the day, we’ve pulled together a list of ways to minimise jet lag.
Read more »
Thursday, June 7th, 2012
Regardless of whether you have secured Olympic tickets, London is set to be the place to be this July–August. The atmosphere derived from the games is sure to be electric, and the sense of community nothing short of extraordinary. To top it off, anyone who has lived in London will tell the same tale… summer in the city and its surrounds is reason enough in itself for celebration!
Discover the Olympic city this summer, with our London 2012 activity guide.
Read more »
Monday, June 4th, 2012
Our world is full of exciting and remarkable cultures, traditions and events; many of which need to be seen to be believed. To inspire you and help you discover life’s full potential we have scoured the globe to fashion a series of World’s Top lists.
To kick things off, we have sourced our top five Northern Hemisphere’s summer music festivals.
Must-attend Music Festivals…
Read more »
Friday, May 25th, 2012
Sydney is a veritable food utopia with a world-class reputation, bolstered by internationally-acclaimed chefs, fresh locally-grown produce and stunningly scenic settings.
From The Shire to Parramatta and Coogee to the Northern Beaches, alfresco restaurants, lively gastro pubs, on-trend bars, boutique cafes, ethnic eateries, and fresh food markets dot the city, offering inspiration and satisfaction at every turn.
While out-of-towners generally visit Sydney to shop or take in art, the theatre or sports; the city’s food scene is reason enough to spend a weekend in the picturesque metropolis. In recognition and celebration of the city’s dining scene, we’ve pulled together a weekend guide to food in Sydney.
Read more »
Friday, May 18th, 2012
The baggage you take on a trip away can have a critical effect on your overall travel experience.
At the airport the right baggage can allow you to move through check-in, security and boarding, and enable you arrive at your destination, with ease in a timely manner. The wrong baggage could be refused carriage, cause unexpected fees, or see your personal goods damaged.
When it comes to air travel there are two types of baggage that you need to consider: carry-on and checked.
To help you make the right decision when purchasing or choosing baggage for your next trip away, we’ve pulled together a guide of key things to look for in carry-on and checked baggage.
Read more »
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Out of an overwhelming desire to make fashionable sports attire (activewear), former aerobics instructor, Lorna Jane Clarkson founded one of Australia’s most inspiring multi-million dollar businesses, Lorna Jane.
Two decades later, with more than 120 stores worldwide and 337,000 Facebook followers, Lorna Jane is not only an industry leader, but also a household name. On any trip to an Australian gym you’re guaranteed to find the brand’s iconic logo sported by ladies of all shapes and sizes, and confidence and abilities.
Recognising the brand’s positive effect on females, our holiday partner, Blue Holidays invites you on Breakations with the girls to be inspired over lunch with Lorna Jane.
Read more »
