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.

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)
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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Embrace that Sunday feeling at Hamilton Island‘s newest resort

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays
Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island
Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.