Destinations
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Tupac sang about his; Abraham Lincoln and George Washington publicly attributed their success to theirs; while Sandra Bullock won an Oscar playing someone else’s… Mothers, they come in all shapes and sizes, and wear different hats – woman, wife, daughter and friend.
Whether she is the archetypical mother who bakes treats and tends to damaged knees, or a dynamic career woman who juggles diverse roles; all caring and loving mothers deserve praise and reverence.
While a mother’s talents, strength and love should be acclaimed every day of the year, Mother’s Day is a great time for reflection and tribute, and the perfect opportunity to give back.
If you’re searching for an exceptional Mother’s Day present, look no further… we have a number of outstanding gift ideas that will show your mum, grandma, wife, sister or best friend just how much you care.
Gift Vouchers
In our opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than travel. Surprise your hard-to-buy-for mum with a Virgin Australia gift voucher. Valid for 12 months, our gift vouchers can be used towards all Virgin Australia flights and Blue Holidays packages. You can even put an extra bit of love into it by choosing the template. Find out more about Virgin Australia gift vouchers.
Mystery Breaks
Keep mum guessing this Mother’s Day with a Mystery Break. Mystery Breaks are a unique and exciting way to experience Australia. You won’t even be able to ruin the surprise, as destinations are not revealed until one to four days before travel. All packages include return airfares, accommodation, return airport transfers, baggage allowance, taxes and sometimes more! Find out more about Virgin Australia Mystery Breaks.
18th Biennale of Sydney
Held every two years, the Biennale of Sydney is Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts event. Showcasing bold and innovative contemporary art from around the world, this year’s exhibition will be presented from 27 June to 16 September in the heart of Sydney. Treat your mother to a spectacular display of culture and art, our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers Biennale of Sydney flights and accommodation packages, from $339. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s 18th Biennale of Sydney package.
Hamburg Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Hamburg Ballet, the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hamburg State Opera bring together some of the world’s greatest artistic talents for The Hamburg Season. Commencing 23 August at Brisbane’s QPAC, this once in lifetime cultural celebration will delight, entertain and inspire your mother. Our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers flights, accommodation and Hamburg Ballet ticket packages, from $541. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s Hamburg Ballet package.
The Mousetrap (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth)
The world’s longest running stage production, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap finally hits Australian shores this June, for shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. A murder mystery, known its twist ending, The Mousetrap is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that will have your mum asking “whodunit?” Our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers flights, accommodation and The Mousetrap tickets packages, from $491. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s Sydney, Melbourne and Perth The Mousetrap packages.
Hunter Valley Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tour
Treat your mum to acclaimed wines, a relaxing light lunch, and delicious chocolates and cheeses in the picturesque Hunter Valley. Our activities partner, GoDo offers a full day Hunter Valley tour, which includes hotel pick up, from $65. Virgin Australia operates flights to the Newcastle, direct from Brisbane and Melbourne, while our hotel partner HotelClub has a range of great deals on Hunter Valley and Newcastle hotels. Find out more about GoDo’s Hunter Valley Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tour.
Mother’s Day Lunch on Sydney Harbour
Discover Sydney’s beautiful harbour from a special Mother’s Day lunch cruise. Welcomed on board with sparkling wine and a lovely chrysanthemum, your mum will be treated to a delicious seafood and carvery buffet. Prices start from $68, for our activities partner GoDo. Virgin Australia operates flights to the Sydney from Australian and New Zealand capital cities and most major regional Australian ports. Our hotel partner HotelClub has a range of great deals on Sydney hotels. Find out more about GoDo’s Mother’s Day Lunch on Sydney Harbour.
Virgin Australia and partners Blue Holidays, HotelClub and GoDo have a whole host of other great Mother’s Day gift ideas.
For more information visit:
Flights and gift vouchers: Virgin Australia
Packages: Blue Holidays
Tours and activities: GoDo
Hotels: HotelClub
Friday, April 13th, 2012
Described by The New York Times as “Beijing’s naughty sister”, Shanghai is a thriving metropolis with a pioneering spirit that exudes adventure, excitement and attitude.
A trip to Shanghai is an eye-opening experience. Nicknamed “Whore of the Orient” during the Golden Age of the mid-1800s to mid-1900s, the city was once rife with opium dens, brothels, gambling houses and a strong crime trade. Populous and ever-morphing Shanghai has since transformed into the “Pearl of the Orient” – a sophisticated playground for expats and socialites, where the trials and triumphs of capitalism are omnipresent and all-embraced.
Typified by flashing neon lights, a bustling cityscape and one of the world’s most recognisable skylines, Shanghai is a trend and pace setting showpiece of China’s economy – where the East first met the West with exciting new-world assertiveness.
If you’re looking to explore China’s history visit Beijing… If you’re looking for a good time visit Shanghai. Flashy mega high-rises tower into the air, showcasing opulent restaurants and shopping facilities; while the streets are abuzz into the early hours of the morning with lively bars and nightclubs.
Read more »
Friday, April 6th, 2012
In the realm of sport nothing quite shouts Australia, is as innately ‘True Blue’, or as characteristically ‘Occa’ as the AFL.
A game so different to other disciplines grouped under the ‘football’ moniker, the AFL was invented in Melbourne in the mid-19th century out of the desire for a winter off-sport. What started out as a match between two school-boy teams has grown into one of Australia’s favourite sports – supported by millions of face-paint wearing, team song chanting, jersey sporting die-hard fans.
Virgin Australia is proud to be one of these ardent fans, so much so that we’ve join forces with the code to become the “official airline of the AFL”. Our partnership has us following this year’s game results and teams with unrivalled passion.
We were there when Fremantle defender, Michael Johnson came good on his promise to make up for his lacklustre 2011 season. We witnessed Melbourne break convention, when they presented jumpers to their debutants in a huddle on the ground instead of in the rooms. We applauded West Coast’s forward Josh Kennedy as he booted goal after goal to help the Eagles secure a 49-point win over the Western Bulldogs. And we joined with the nation to pay our respect for AFL champion Jim Stynes when he lost his battle with cancer.
As round two gets well underway and the league gears up for round three, we have launched – in conjunction with the AFL Event Office and Blue Holidays – our Any Game Anywhere initiative.
Any Game Anywhere is a simple, fully customised website that enables AFL fans to choose their favourite team and destination, and book game tickets, airfares and accommodation all in a few easy steps.
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial, Liz Savage, said “We are very proud to be the official airline of the AFL, and Virgin Australia is excited to offer AFL fans a range of tailor made packages through this innovative new site. With the convenience of additional flights, more often, we are committed to getting fans to any game anywhere in the country”.
AFL General Manager – Commercial Operations, Darren Birch said, “Any Game Anywhere footy packages are available for all games throughout the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season along with 2012 Toyota AFL Finals Series. The Any Game Anywhere site is dedicated to the AFL code providing an interactive platform for fans, hosting a load of AFL content and news to keep fans updated on their team.”
Take the hassle out of planning your AFL weekend away… All packages include airfares, accommodation and a ticket to the game.
Virgin Australia operates flights direct to the birthplace of AFL, Melbourne, daily from all state capital cities and some major regional ports.
Our holiday program, Blue Holidays in conjunction with Tourism Victoria, also has a range of AFL packages on offer, from $324* per person.
Saturday, March 31st, 2012
We have just announced the next phase of our alliance with Singapore Airlines: the start of codeshare services on Singapore Airlines flights to Asia and beyond.
Virgin Australia guests can now book and travel on codeshare flights to Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Cape Town, Johannesburg and London.
Over the next few months, codeshare services to other destinations including India, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia will also be made available.
These announcements follow the launch of reciprocal frequent flyer recognition last year and the start of Singapore Airlines’ codeshare on Virgin Australia domestic flights last month.
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network and Yield Merren McArthur said: “Over the past few months we have been working closely with Singapore Airlines to ensure we provide a seamless first-rate travel experience for our guests. As a result of our new alliance, Virgin Australia guests will be able to travel from all over Australia to destinations throughout Asia and beyond on a single ticket.
“The alliance also enables eligible Members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem frequent flyer Points and Status Credits on Singapore Airlines operated flights and provides access for eligible guests to Singapore Airlines lounges across the globe”, Ms McArthur said.
In celebration of our new codeshare services, Virgin Australia is offering special fares*, including:
* Sale fares are on sale until 05 April 2012. Fares are correct as at 29 March 2012. Fares are per person return and inclusive of taxes and charges. Conditions apply; please see www.virginaustralia.com for further information.
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
A source of inspiration, a teacher, a guide, a saviour during wait times, a companion in the jet-lag hours, and a travel buddy on the road and in the air – a good book is atop most seasoned travellers’ must-pack list.
Before and while travelling it’s a good idea to read a book to gain a sense of culture and experience a taste of what’s to come. Over a million books are published every year; a feat that can make it hard to weed out the good from the bad. To help you choose what book to take away with you on your next trip we’ve pulled together a list of travel-centred recommendations.
On the Road by American writer Jack Kerouac is a largely autobiographical work, based on road trips made by a group of friends across America. The Telegraph Travel explained that the book should come with a warning: “proceed with caution; you may never be able to settle in one place again.” The 1950’s cult classic transports the reader from New York to LA, encountering music, poetry and wild antics along the way. Read more »
Friday, March 16th, 2012
New York City…
It’s the setting of a thousand films; the subject of Frank Sinatra’s famous lyrics: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”; and home to the United Nations’ headquarters and the world’s largest stock exchange. The thriving metropolis typifies the United States’ “Land of the Free” moniker – packing activity, culture and opportunity into every nook and cranny of every street and alleyway. There is no ‘bad’ time to visit The City That Never Sleeps… A constantly evolving calendar of events sees New York always engaged with things to see and do. However to experience the Big Apple in all its splendour, it’s hard to beat spring in the city.
As winter thaws out, alfresco dining fills New York’s…
sidewalks, patios, decks, rooftops and terraces with chattering friends, spilling drinks and heaped plates. Enjoy cocktails and sushi overlooking the West Village at Sushi Samba’s rooftop bar. Casual and quirky Yaffa’s in Tribeca is a New York institution, open 24/7 with outdoor tables offering a great vantage point from which to spot celebrities. Shake Shack’s Madison Square Park outdoor court brims with social burger fiends – the store is so popular that its website helps guests “check the line and save time” with a ‘Shake Cam’. The Yard at the Soho Grand is one of the city’s hippest and most coveted outdoor spaces; the perfect place to bask in the sun and indulge in plates from the grill. New American-style dining is presented against a stunning backdrop at Bryant Park Grill on a glorious sun-drenched rooftop. Closed for the winter, The Loeb Boathouse comes to life in the spring, with an outdoor terrace perfect for marvelling at couples adrift on paddle boats on Central Park’s famous Lake . Read more »
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
What happens when an overdue break meets a short vacation? They run away together on a Breakation.
But what is a Breakation you say?
The team at Blue Holidays, the holiday partner of Virgin Australia, have essentially created the “new” short vacation, where your much needed break becomes a mini holiday!
Our point of difference is that fact that these holiday packages are individually tailored to the different people planning the trip. It’s not just couples who can have fun and reconnect — there are short break escapes for everybody, from the boys’ adventure to the girls’ getaway and the much-needed mini family holiday. Read more »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
We have today announced the opening of our first-ever Lounge at Mackay Airport as well as including extra weekday flights between the central Queensland city and Brisbane.
On sale today for travel from 5 March 2012, the new service will see us operating a total of 78 flights per week between Mackay and Brisbane, which is the greatest frequency offered by any airline on this route (we also operate a daily direct, return Sydney-Mackay service on our Embraer aircraft). Read more »
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
We have today announced with our alliance partner Singapore Airlines, the first two milestones of our recently approved alliance: new international and domestic routes to Darwin and the launch of frequent flyer programme co-operation.
As part of a joint plan to increase services to northern Australia, Singapore Airlines’ regional full service airline, SilkAir will begin a four-times-weekly service between Singapore and Darwin from 26 March 2012, and Virgin Australia will complement these services with a daily service between Sydney and Darwin from 2 April 2012.
We have also confirmed that from 20 December this year, we will commence reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, enabling KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Virgin Australia’s network and Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Singapore Airlines operated flights. Reciprocal lounge access is also available for eligible customers.
Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial and SilkAir Chairman, Mr Mak Swee Wah, said: “We are delighted to be adding Darwin to our network and providing more travel options for our customers as a result of our alliance with Virgin Australia. Our partnership enables us to better service this important market, particularly with the introduction of a strong business class product and extensive international connections.
Silk Air A320 (M Radzi Desa-airliners.net)
“The launch of reciprocal frequent flyer programme ties will also be particularly exciting news for our loyal customers. Our partnership with Virgin Australia will be delivering tangible benefits to customers, with more choice for domestic and international travel combined with seamless service.”
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network & Yield Management, Ms Merren McArthur said: “The alliance with Singapore Airlines enables us to open up important new routes in Australia and Asia and we have moved quickly to identify and realise this opportunity with our new partner”.
“Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory’s popular tourist destinations and is an increasingly important commercial hub. Together with Singapore Airlines we will be able to offer visitors from Singapore, Asia and Europe the opportunity to visit the Northern Territory and then travel onto Sydney and the East Coast of Australia. Our services will also be attractive to business travelers who now have the option of a quality business class service from Sydney to Darwin and on to Singapore and beyond.”
“From next week, Virgin Australia customers will be able to enjoy the first benefits of the alliance, with the ability to earn and burn frequent flyer points and status credits on Singapore Airlines’ network of destinations and access over 14 lounges around the world. We look forward to bringing our customers further exciting benefits as the alliance develops,”, Ms McArthur said.
We can also announce that we will open a lounge at Darwin Airport for our eligible Virgin Australia guests as well as those of its alliance partners.
We expect to commence codesharing on each other’s services from early 2012.
Do you have travel to Singapore planned in 2012? Will this new news change how you book your flights?
Monday, November 28th, 2011
An eagle-eyed Virgin Australia follower has picked up that the recent construction at the Gold Coast (OOL) Airport is for our new Lounge!
Announced earlier this year, the Lounge will join a list that includes the recently redesigned and renovated Melbourne and Brisbane Lounges, as well as Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.
Designed by renowned architect Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the Lounge will be a key tool to providing an improved experience for those Guests visiting an important tourism destination such as the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Lounge
The Lounge will be completed in 2012.
Are you excited by this addition to our Lounge network? Will you make good use of the Lounge?
