The 17 best ways to earn Virgin Australia Velocity points

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Transform your approach to earning Velocity points with these practical tips designed to unlock maximum travel rewards through your everyday purchases and other significant promotions.

Velocity Frequent Flyer holds a wonderful standing among airline loyalty programs, serving as the rewards scheme for Australia’s second-largest airline, Virgin Australia. Velocity means fast, and that includes earning points! Whether it’s everyday spending, banking, travel or shopping, there are several ways to earn Velocity points and transform your travel experience.

Those Velocity points can be redeemed for flights and business class upgrades, plus accommodation, car rentals and products from the Velocity Rewards Store. From savvy spending habits to strategic partnerships, below we list the most effective ways you can earn Velocity points. Read on to discover how you can maximise your points to make each journey extraordinary.

Travel and earn | Big points earners | Everyday earning | Shopping and fun

Travel and earn

1. Take a flight with Virgin Australia or partner airlines

Hopefully, you know that taking a flight with Virgin Australia can see Velocity points land in your loyalty account. Frequent flyers earn five points per $1 spent on Virgin Australia flights, with Velocity silver, gold and platinum members earning a bonus of 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent respectively.

a Boeing 737-800 in Virgin Australia colour scheme taking off from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport on a late afternoon. The plane is bound for Gold coast Queensland
Taking a flight with Virgin Australia will see you earn Velocity points. (Image: Boeing746 via Getty Images)

Flying on a cash ticket with one of Velocity’s airline partners will normally score points too. The earn rate here depends on the airline, fare class and flight distance. Elite members will also receive their bonus if booked using a VA flight number. To find the number of Velocity points you could earn flying with a partner airline, check out the Velocity airline partner page .

Air Canada plane flying over mountains
Air Canada is a Velocity airline partner. (Image: David Syphers)

2. Book hotels through Rocket Travel

Booking your next hotel through the Virgin Australia Rocket Travel program unlocks three Velocity points per $1 spent on all bookings. There are also regular bonus offers that make each stay even more rewarding, with quadruple points (12 Velocity Points per $1) a common occurrence.

kimpton margot sydney lobby
Book the Kimpton Margot Sydney through the Virgin Australia Rocket Travel program.

3. Stay with a hotel partner

When booking directly with some of the largest hotel brands, you can receive Velocity points at checkout. Just be sure to include your membership number on the booking. Most brands will let you earn either Velocity points or hotel points, but not both.

  • Accor: one ALL point = one Velocity point
  • Choice Hotels: three points per $1 in Australia and NZ or 600 points per stay elsewhere
  • Crowne Hotels: three points per $1
  • G’day Parks: up to four points per $1
  • Hamilton Island Hotels: three points per $1
  • IHG: three points per $1 in Australia or 600 points per stay overseas
  • Shangri-La: three points per $1 in Australia or 1000 points per stay overseas
  • TFE: three points per $1
  • Virgin Hotels: 750 points to 35,000 points per stay
Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island
Earn three points per $1 spent at the Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Transfer hotel rewards to Velocity

If you already have hotel loyalty points with one of six hotel loyalty programs, these can be transferred to Velocity. The same can be said if you would prefer to earn hotel points for your stays and send them across to Velocity during a bonus promotion.

  • One Accor ALL point = one Velocity point
  • 2000 Choice Privileges points = 800 Velocity points
  • Three Marriott Bonvoy points = one Velocity point
  • 10,000 Hilton Honors points = 1500 Velocity points
  • 10,000 IHG One Rewards points = 2000 Velocity points
  • One Shangri-La Circle point = one Velocity point
Shangri-La The Marina Cairns
Transfer your Shangri-La Circle points for Velocity points. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

5. Take an all-inclusive holiday with Luxury Escapes

Luxury Escapes offers holiday packages jam-packed with extra perks, as well as tours, cruises and other experiences. If you fancy the finer things in life and enjoy earning points, Luxury Escapes is perfect. Eligible package deals earn one Velocity point per $1 spent.

Luxury Escapes Movenpick Phuket
Earn one Velocity point per $1 spent with Luxury Escapes.

6. Book a ride with DiDi

Rideshare app DiDi allows you to earn one Velocity point per $1 spent on all rides within Australia. There are also 1000 bonus Velocity points up for grabs when you download the DiDi app and link your Velocity number. If you’re a DiDi regular, the bonus is credited instantly, while new customers need to first take a ride to unlock the bonus.

To link your accounts, tap the “Velocity points" tab in the DiDi app.

DiDi Velocity vehicle
Earn Velocity points on your DiDi rideshares.

7. Take a rental car for a spin

Booking a car rental with Europcar , Hertz , Sixt , Dollar or Thrifty can come with Velocity points. Be sure to enter your Velocity Frequent Flyer number at booking to earn three points per $1 spent within Australia and New Zealand. If you are a Velocity Silver, Gold or Platinum holder, you will receive a boosted rate of 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent respectively.

For car rentals outside Australia and New Zealand, most providers offer 800 Velocity points per rental with the same bonus for elite members.

Sxit car rental company
Booking a car rental with Sixt can come with Velocity points. (Image: tupungato via Getty Images)

Big points earners

8. Utilise a Velocity points-earning credit card

One of the most painless ways to earn a huge chunk of Velocity points is by making use of a good credit card sign-up bonus. You can also earn Velocity points for paying with a credit card , helping to steadily increase your balance.

Plus, if a retailer or service provider is also a Velocity partner, like the ones listed in this guide, you can double-dip by earning points with the partner and also for the card payment.

There are quite a few comparison sites that can be used to locate the best Velocity credit cards , but of course, it is ultimately up to you to be financially responsible.

Virgin credit card
Get big bonuses with a Velocity points-earning credit card.

9. Take out pet insurance

If you’ve got a furry friend, it might be worth considering Medibank Pet Insurance. If your needs for coverage and desire for points align, you can earn up to 15,000 Velocity points on your policy. Be sure to use the promo code “VELOCITYPET" when purchasing an eligible Medibank Pet Insurance Policy by 21 October 2024.

Dog dressed up as Virgin Australia flight attendant.
Consider Medibank Pet Insurance for your furry friends.

10. Take out private health insurance

If you hold health insurance or are considering getting covered, be sure to get a quote from Medibank . Velocity members who join and maintain an eligible Medibank hospital and extras cover can score up to 140,000 Velocity points. The number of points earned is calculated based on your weekly premium, with $155+ weekly premiums offered the full bonus.

Health food
Score up to 140,000 Velocity points for health insurance. (Image: Brooke Lark)

Everyday earning

11. Earn on Slurpees and fuel at 7-Eleven

You can pocket Velocity points on fuel and in-store items (yes, including Slurpees) at 7-Eleven stores across Australia. As well as earning an easy 250 bonus points for downloading the My 7-Eleven app and linking your Velocity number in settings, you will collect:

  • Premium fuel: Two Velocity points per litre
  • Regular fuel: One Velocity point per litre
  • Eligible in-store items: Two Velocity points per $1
7 Eleven service station in Hawthorn in suburban Melbourne
Order a Slurpee and earn points. (Image: Nils Versemann via Getty Images)

12. Feed your balance via Flybuys

If you earn Flybuys points at Coles, Coles Express, Liquorland, Kmart, Target and other retailers, you can send these to Velocity. You can transfer every 1000 Flybuys points into 500 Velocity points, or turn on auto-transfer and Flybuys will automatically transfer points across.

Be sure to download the Flybuys App before you shop, with weekly points bonuses key to earning even more points. These offers are targeted per account and are generally based on your spending activity.

Virgin Velocity card and Flybuys card
Connect your Flybuys to your Velocity membership.

13. Switch your energy provider

If you live in NSW, Vic, SA, Qld or WA, consider the switch to AGL Energy. New and moving Velocity members can earn up to 20,000 Velocity points over 12 months when switching their home electricity and gas to the AGL Velocity offer . If you only need gas, you could earn 7500 points while electricity only earns 12,500 Velocity points.

Wind turbine in sunflower field
Switch your electricity and gas to AGL for up to 20,000 points. (Image: Gustavo Quepon)

Shopping and fun

14. Shop online via the Velocity E-Store

The Velocity E-Store is an online portal that features hundreds of retailers like Myer, Freedom, Apple, The Iconic, eBay and Samsung. All you need to do is log into your Velocity account and click on the brand you want to shop with. The e-Store tracks your purchase and awards as much as nine Velocity points per $1 spent.

This is an effortless way of earning points that can quickly add up, with each purchase you make via Qantas Shopping automatically adding points to your account.

15. Gift Cards

In Australia, our supermarkets love to offer a tempting bonus when purchasing gift cards. These offers can become huge points earners for members, especially those who regularly monitor gift card bonuses.

Nearly every week Coles will release a new offer, usually for 10-20 Flybuys points per $1 spent on a specific set of gift cards. A popular deal that seems to reoccur regularly is for Apple Gift Cards, which for example, could end up getting you over 20,000 Velocity points when purchasing a new iPhone.

The entrance to a brightly lit Coles supermarket in Ropes Crossing at dusk.
Coles offers bonus points on gift card purchases. (Image: Kokkai Ng via Getty Images)

16. Recycle and earn with Envirobank

Who knew earning points could help the planet? When you recycle bottles and cans with Envirobank , you will earn 15 Crunch credits per item. Every 15 Crunch credits can then be converted to five Velocity points.

Close-up of a young man putting a water bottle in a recycling bin in Malmo in Sweden.
Recycle bottles and cans with Envirobank for some extra points. (Image: urbazon via Getty Images)

17. Complete surveys with e-Rewards

If you have some spare time and like to share your opinion, you can complete surveys with e-Rewards to earn Opinion Points. You can then transfer 2000 Opinion Points to 500 Velocity points. Plus, completing a survey within 90 days of joining unlocks 750 Velocity points.

Young happy businesswoman text messaging on cell phone in the office.
Complete surveys with e-Rewards to earn Opinion Points. (Image: Drazen Zigic via Getty Images)
Tom Goward
Some say it's an obsession, others say it's love. Tom likes planes and flying them. He’s also a professional travel addict, with a knack for maximising loyalty points to travel at the pointy end of the plane. Did we mention Tom likes planes?
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.