Virgin Australia to allow pets to fly in cabin in an Australian-first

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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This time next year, you could be bringing your furry friends onboard specific Virgin Australia domestic flights.

Virgin Australia has announced its plans to become Australia’s first airline to allow pets onboard.

Two dogs dressed up as a pilot and flight attendant announcing Virgin Australia's new pets onboard service with two human flight attendants
You could bring your furry friends on your next flight.

Responding to audience feedback from a 2021 survey where almost 70 per cent of respondents said they would travel with their pet in the cabin, Virgin Australia Group chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka said the company’s guests overwhelmingly want to travel with their pets.

“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights," Hrdlicka said.

Two dogs dressed up as a pilot and flight attendant announcing Virgin Australia's new pets onboard service with two human flight attendants
Almost 70 per cent of respondents said they would travel with their pet in the cabin.

There will be some limitations to the service, with only small cats and dogs allowed, and only on specific routes. The pets will also be restricted to a small number of designated rows, they won’t be able to roam freely or sit on their owner’s lap and they must be carried in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier, which must be kept under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

“Animals being carried onboard Virgin Australia flights will be required to remain in their approved pet carriers at all other times within the terminal," Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said.

Two dogs dressed up as a pilot and flight attendant announcing Virgin Australia's new pets onboard service.
Only small cats and dogs will be allowed to use the service.

This new pets onboard service will not impact approved assistance animals being able to fly in the cabin of the aircraft at no additional cost. Pets will also still be able to be transported as cargo through approved pet carrier services.

A dog dressed up as a pilot announcing Virgin Australia's new pets onboard service with two human flight attendants
Assistance animals will be able to travel like normal.

With most major North American airlines offering a pets onboard service, Virgin Australia is taking a huge step in evolving Australian domestic flights.

“It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well," Hrdlicka said.

The service is expected to be implemented within 12 months, subject to regulatory approval.

A dog dressed up as a flight attendant announcing Virgin Australia's new pets onboard service
Virgin Australia is taking a huge step in evolving Australian domestic flights.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.