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

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.

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.

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)

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

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