Events
Abu Dhabi – Formula for Fun
It’s only been in existence for three years, but the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has already garnered a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most anticipated showcases.
At the forefront of technology, innovative design and events planning, the Grand Prix is celebrated as the Middle East’s most illustrious sporting affair, attracting the world’s biggest names in motorsports, music and business, and a crowd of more than 50,000.
This year, racing legends like Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton will line up on the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit from 2–4 November. Off track, F1 ticket holders will be treated to an exciting programme of free entertainment, which in the past has included world-class music acts like Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Prince.
For those who can’t make it to Abu Dhabi on the weekend of the Grand Prix, the F1 experience continues year-round at Ferrari World – the world’s first Ferrari amusement centre and largest indoor theme park, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster.
Rich in reputation and wealth, Abu Dhabi is an ideal city for a luxury getaway. Combine the opulence and grandiose of everyday life, with the roar and excitement of the Etihad Airways Grand Prix and the UAE capital is a red-hot destination of distinction.
Plan Your Abu Dhabi Holiday
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix holiday packages and Abu Dhabi holiday packages:
Take the hassle out of planning your holiday, our partner Blue Holidays offers exceptional Brisbane holiday packages, from $2978 and $1870 respectively, per person.
Flights to Abu Dhabi:
Virgin Australia operates flights to Abu Dhabi, direct from Sydney and Melbourne.
Fly Business Class to Abu Dhabi and enjoy Priority Check-in and Boarding, a generous baggage allowance, lounge access and superior on board space and comfort (including gourmet food and wine).
Abu Dhabi car hire:
Take to the road and discover Abu and the UAE with a hire car from one of our partners.
Abu Dhabi hotels:
Establish a great base from which to explore Abu Dhabi. Select from a wide choice of hotels and resorts with our hotel partner HotelClub.
Blue Holidays Serves Up Exceptional Australian Open Packages
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
World’s Top Music Festivals
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…
Be Inspired Over Lunch with Lorna Jane
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.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
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.
Spring Racing takes off at Virgin Australia Terminals across the country
Research released today by Virgin Australia[1] shows that over the next few days, baggage carousels will be filled with up to 40,000 hats and over 55,000 lip glosses, which will be flown especially to Melbourne for The Cup and the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.
With most believing that the Spring Racing Carnival is more about the social occasion, champagne and fashion (74%) than the racing (22%), it’s no wonder that getting their luggage there on time and intact is a top priority. Virgin Australia’s research revealed that the baggage carousels may be filled with an estimated $40 million worth of luggage this racing season.
Nikki Phillips flying with Virgin Australia to Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival
Virgin Australia Group Executive Corporate Communications, Danielle Keighery said the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival is a positive boost for the Australian economy and the tourism industry in general.
“The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival has developed a reputation as one of the most important events on the sporting calendar, attracting domestic and international visitors alike. Last year, the carnival generated $728 million[2] for the Australian economy, with a similar contribution expected this year”.
“We are committed to supporting the Australian tourism industry and will be putting on 36 additional flights into and out of Melbourne over the key racing period[3]. Virgin Australia is well-prepared to transport Australia’s latest fashion trends as 40,000 hats, 110,000 dresses and pairs of heels make their way through carousels across the country”, Ms Keighery said.
Virgin Australia’s top tips for packing for the Spring Racing Carnival:
* Check the dimensions of your hat box. If it exceeds the carry-on allowance, check it-in at least 30 minutes before your flight.
* Pack an extra pair of shoes. A day at the races carries the high risk of broken high heels, mud and sore feet.
* Prepare for all weather conditions. With the unpredictability of the Spring season, you never know when you might need a warm jacket or an umbrella.
Other findings from the survey included:
* For most women Melbourne Cup is an excuse to splash out on new clothes and accessories with 80% of women willing to purchase a new dress for the race
* The average amount Australian women are prepared to spend on new items to look their best at Melbourne Cup is $370 – and that’s even before they have placed a bet
* Dirty shoes (48%), broken heels (42%) and fashion faux pas (23%) at the top of peoples ‘stress list’ when it comes to attending the races, explaining the sheer volume of luggage that travels to Melbourne
* The must-have beauty items for the race include lip-gloss (51%) and concealer (36%)
[1] Galaxy Research conducted 6/10/11, with a sample of 1510 respondents aged 18-64 across Australia.
[2] Figures provided by Victorian Racing Club and based on National Gross Economic Benefit – the total amount generated by the MCC in Australia by all Australians and international visitors.
[3] Refers to 29 October to 5 November 2011.
To book flights with Virgin Australia, visit the website here
V Australia supports Rock n Roll Auction to raise funds for Disaster Relief Appeal
The Queensland Music Network (Q Music) recently launched an online Rock N Roll Auction to raise money for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal – an online event featuring items and experiences generously donated from artists around the globe.
‘Money-can’t-buy’ experience auctions opened yesterday and include the chance to meet Katy Perry at her Brisbane concert and a VIP trip to the massive Coachella Festival in the USA flying courtesy of us, V Australia.
The Rock n Roll Auction has already raised over $5,000 in funds for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal and there are still more items left to be bid on including:
• a ten year VIP ticket for the Laneway Festival
• a private show by The Gin Club
• a chance to Less Than Jake side of stage at the Soundwave Festival
• a limited edition Reg Mombassa print
• signed items from Iggy & The Stooges, Talking Heads, Cold Chisel, Primal Scream, Bon Iver, Silverchair, Gotye, The Ten Tenors, Deborah Conway, Little Birdy, Human Nature + more!
To view and bid on auction items go to www.rocknrollauction.com.au. The auction bidding is happening on eBay and all money raised will go to The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, which has been extended to help those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi as well as those affected by the Qld floods.
So made a bid and help out those in need!
NOTE:
Included are two premium economy return flights to LA with V Australia.
This prize doesn’t include transfers between the airport and festival or any accommodation. The successful bidder will need to arrange these themselves.
2010 Sydney New Year’s Eve
How will you Make Your Mark this New Year’s Eve?
Be one of the first in the world to mark the new decade as Sydney dazzles you with its world-class event and a spectacular Midnight Fireworks Display on Sydney Harbour.
Australian Open
Our sister airline, Virgin Blue, is one of the sponsors of the 2011 Open, but that’s not the only reason we’re counting down the days to the big event. The world’s tennis superstars will take to the courts in Melbourne Park. Click here for more information or better yet book your Blue Holidays package here.
Behind the scenes at SSMF
In September we rocked LA’s Sunset Strip with Virgin America for SSMF and it was quite the event. From the huge crowds, to the amazing performances (Slash, Fergie & Smashing Pumpkins just to name drop a few), our fabulous Fly Girls and VIP party and the Andaz, we caught it all. Read more »
