Airfares from $29! Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin drop week-long sales

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Three of the country’s major airlines have just announced jaw-dropping deals.

Knowing the best time to book flights is like playing the stock market: prices are constantly fluctuating and timing is everything. Add in dealing with unexpected flight cancellations and it can be a process fraught with stress. If only airlines could drop their deals at the same time…

In a rare twist of fate, it seems three of Australia’s biggest airlines have listened. This week, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin have all announced massive sales within days of each other, saving you hundreds of dollars on flights. We’re here to break down the best deals, so all you have to do is book.

Virgin: domestic flights from $49

Virgin plane taking off from airport
Virgin announced Aussie-wide flights for just $49. (Image: Ryan Fletcher)

Virgin Australia’s seven-day sale (from 24 February to 2 March) is encouraging Aussies to explore their own backyard, with one-way trips starting from just $49. You’ve got plenty of options too, as the deal spans flights departing between 30 April 2025 and 11 February 2026. That’s right, for less than $50, you can fly from Sydney to Byron Bay, one of the country’s most popular airline routes. Byron is best in summer, when you can take full advantage of its beautiful beaches. But even in the off-season, a year-round temperate climate means this coastal town always has unforgettable experiences on offer.

Byron Bay Lighthouse on the NSW North Coast
Book a flight from Sydney to Byron for less than $50. (Image: Lord Baileys)

Add an extra $10 and you can visit destinations like Brisbane, Proserpine, Launceston and Melbourne. Or fly into Sydney for just $65 and you’ll find plenty of ways to splash that cash you saved on flights. Not only is the NSW capital home to the best coffee shop in the world, but a diverse dining scene and a fabulous annual events calendar make it the perfect urban escape.

Fancy something different? Luckily for you, there are almost too many routes to choose from. If you’re willing to spend just a little more, you can fly from Melbourne to Canberra for $89, Adelaide to Launceston for $99, Cairns to Sydney for $105 or even Brisbane to Uluṟu for only $129.

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Jetstar: over 100 national and international routes at half-price

Jetstar plane taking off from airport
Over 100 Jetstar routes are selling for more than half price. (Image: Ryan Fletcher)

Jumping onto the bargain bandwagon, Jetstar has slashed its prices for both national and international flights for one week only (ending 3 March). Over 450,000 fares are on sale now, connecting travellers to more than 100 routes around Australia and the world.

Domestic flights start at just $29 – yes, you read that right – and touch down in some of the country’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Think Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Launceston, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and more. With prices this low, you might as well throw a dart at a map and book a flight wherever it lands.

Devils Corner winery in Tasmania
Tassie is known for its award-winning cellar doors. (Image: Andrey Chernev)

Why not pop down to Tassie for the weekend? Fly from Sydney to Hobart for $29 per person to explore the city’s historic neighbourhoods, meet laid-back locals and sample the island state’s best wineries nearby.

But Jetstar’s flight frenzy is not limited to our land girt by sea – a variety of one-way international flights are on sale too. Fly from Perth to Singapore from $145, Melbourne to Bali for $199, Sunshine Coast to Auckland for $175 or Sydney to Vanuatu for $185. And there’s more where that came from, too.

Qantas: fly business class for less than $400

Qantas plane taking off from airport
Qantas has launched a week-long sale. (Image: SCM Jeans)

Ever wanted to fly business class on a budget? For seven days only (24 February – 2 March), Qantas is giving away one million business-class seats from just $369 one way. Frequent flyers with the airline can also exchange just 23,500 points for a business-class seat (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

The extraordinary deals cater to all kinds of travellers, with 60 destinations across the country to choose from. Keen to explore Tropical North Queensland? Fly from Brisbane to Proserpine, known as the gateway to the magical Whitsundays, for just $369 one way.

The Whitsundays in Tropical North Queensland
Fly into Proserpine to explore The Whitsundays. (Image: Jesse Shaw Photography)

Or jet to Victoria’s cultural capital of Melbourne from Canberra for just $399. Other routes include Hobart to Sydney, Adelaide to Perth and Alice Springs to Darwin – just to name a few.

The only catch isn’t really a catch at all; flights just need to be booked between 29 April – 26 June, 22 July – 18 September and 14 October – 10 December. Economy class seats are also up for grabs from just $109 one way during the same sale period.

Weekly travel news, experiences
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Note: all prices are accurate and deals are available at the time of writing, until sold out.
Qantas and Virgin planes on an airport runway
Book a flight with Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar before it’s too late! (Image: SCM Jeans)

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

    As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

    Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

    federal mill geelong in autumn
    Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

    It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

    Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

    Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

    Morning

    Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

    Pavilion Geelong in winter
    Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

    Afternoon

    After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct, a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery. Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery.

    Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnut
    Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

    Night

    For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre. Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar.

    Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

    Morning

    Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store. Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

    Afternoon

    To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective, which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

    two people trying the wine at Austin's wines
    Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

    Night

    Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

    table spread at two noble restaurant
    The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

    Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

    Morning

    For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker, an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail, visiting local producers like  Bellarine Smokehouse, Flying Brick Cider House and FarmDog Brewing.

    croissants at ket baker
    Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

    Lunch

    There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

    Afternoon and night

    Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington, where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel. Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

    waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel
    Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

    Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.

    Airfares from $29! Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin drop week-long sale - Australian Traveller