Virgin Australia is inviting Australians to get ready for an exciting opportunity as it launches its latest network sale and a unique competition centered around the AFL Mark of the Year award. As the official airline and sponsor of the AFL Mark of the Year, Virgin Australia is not just celebrating the high-flying catches of seasoned players but also calling on the public to be ‘ultimate’ marks themselves.
Selected by a combination of committee votes and public participation, the Virgin Australia AFL Mark of the Year recognizes the standout mark—defined as a spectacular catch performed by a player leaping above others. This year, however, the competition extends beyond the field. Everyday Australians are invited to step up and claim the title of 'Mark of the Year', leading to exciting prizes for the winner.
This innovative competition aligns perfectly with Virgin Australia’s network sale, which runs until March 26, 2025. Travelers can find more than one million sale fares, including some as low as $45 for one-way flights. The 'Mark of the Year' competition encourages creativity, as eligibility extends beyond just having the name Mark. From unique birthmarks to innovative social media names, everyone can find a way to participate and possibly win wonderful prizes.
The ultimate winner of the competition will receive two return economy airfares to Melbourne, tickets to the highly anticipated 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and a lavish $600 hotel accommodation voucher for twin-share stays. Entry for the competition closes on September 15, 2025.
As travelers gear up to explore this limited-time sale, Virgin Australia has also laid out an impressive array of destinations with competitive pricing. For instance, one-way flights from Ballina, which features famous Byron Bay, to Sydney are available from just $45, while routes from Brisbane to Uluru start at $129. Other competitive fares include Sydney to Melbourne for $95 and Melbourne to Perth for $195. International travelers can also look forward to deals, such as return flights from Sydney to Denpasar (Bali) starting at $599.
Libby Minogue, a Virgin Australia executive, highlighted the significance of this sale. She stated, “This sale is the perfect opportunity for Aussies to book that mid-year escape to avoid burnout and prioritize their health and wellbeing.” The eight-day sale aims to rejuvenate holiday-makers, especially as research indicated that 62% of Aussie travelers prioritize secluded holidays to alleviate stress and anxiety.
The sale will remain available to book until midnight AEST on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, unless fares sell out prior. Select flights from April 30, 2025, through February 11, 2026, are eligible under this sale.
In addition to the economic incentives and fun rewards, Virgin Australia is ensuring that members of its Velocity frequent flyer program also gain benefits from this limited-time offer, allowing them to rack up points and status credits during their travels.
Domestic business class fares are also a highlight of this sale, starting from $219 for select routes including Sydney to Ballina. Internationally, return flights from Melbourne to Queenstown are priced attractively at $455, while tickets from Brisbane to Vanuatu start at $499.
The sale coincides with Jetstar’s own launch of a promotional fare offering aimed at its Club Jetstar Members as of March 19, 2025. Jetstar's fare options include domestic tickets as low as $33 and international ones as low as $139.
Overall, both airlines’ sales offer significant savings for travelers looking to explore popular destinations not only within Australia but also further afield in the Pacific region. The synergy between Virgin Australia’s competition and fare sale is set to energize fans of the AFL while encouraging all Australians to look towards travel this year.
To take advantage of these flight deals or to enter the competition, travelers can visit Virgin Australia’s website for more detailed information.
