How to score the best Boxing Day flight sales

Feed your wanderlust with an interstate trip. We round up the best Boxing Day deals on flights here.

After being grounded for the better part of a year, Australians are starting to travel domestically, and we've found the best Boxing Day sales on flights to get you up in the air again. Image: Pexels.

After a year that has required all of us to stay close to home for the good of each other, we are all of us slowly being let out of various stages of lockdown – and blissfully, able again to get out and explore this beautiful country of ours.

RELATED: Department of Health: Coronavirus domestic travel restrictions

With international borders closed with few exceptions for the foreseeable future, we are all being asked to feed our wanderlust domestically, which, fortunately for us, is no hard ask, as beautiful as Australia is.

Whether you’re looking for a food adventure in Australia’s – much contested – culinary capital, Melbourne, or want to finally see the heart of Australia, Uluru in the Northern Territory, we’ve rounded up the best Boxing Day flight sales below.

Before you start booking your flights, just a small note to follow all national and state government travel restrictions and coronavirus-related guidelines. As we’ve all seen this year, circumstances around travel can change rapidly, so please stay informed here. Safe and happy travels.

BEST VICTORIA FLIGHT DEALS

Here are the flight deals that will get you closer to your dream of exploring the Great Ocean Road; all the art, cuisine and culture that Melbourne has to offer; and the much-loved penguins of Philip Island. Image: iStock, Pexels, iStock.

Melbourne from Sydney, Virgin Australia, from $79
Travel March, late April – late June 2021. Available until December 31.

Melbourne from Sydney, Qantas, from $109
Travel March 2021. Available until December 31.

BEST TASMANIA FLIGHT DEALS

Tasmania is known for its lush, natural landscape; the world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art; and Mt Wellington, which overlooks the state's capital city. Image: iStock.

Launceston from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $59
Travel January 2021. Available until sold out.

Hobart from Adelaide, Jetstar, from $102
Travel late April – late September 2021. Available until sold out.

BEST QUEENSLAND FLIGHT DEALS

For those looking to drown their worries in sunshine and surf, there's arguably nowhere better than Queensland, with its famed Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island. Image: iStock.

Townsville from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $135
Travel mid April – late June 2021. Available until sold out.

Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $157
Travel late January – mid February 2021. Available until sold out.

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Hamilton Island (ends Dec 30)

Visit the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and enjoy one of the most beautiful islands on the Whitsundays by booking a trip to Hamilton Island, taking advantage of their end of year sale. They’re offering up to 30 per cent off accommodation at the Palm Bungalows, Reef View Hotel and Beach Club - all of which offer a daily breakfast, complimentary use of non-motorised watersports, free WiFi and more. Plus, kids aged 12 and under Stay and Eat Free when staying at the Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

You can also save up to 20 per cent off when you stay three or more nights at the island’s Qualia luxury resort, including a la carte breakfast daily.

Additionally, stay four or more nights in a selected holiday home or Yacht Club Villa and save up to 20 per cent off, and you’ll get free access to catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment on Catseye Beach.

Travel dates and inclusions apply, and the sale ends December 30.

BEST NEW SOUTH WALES FLIGHT DEALS

Whether hoping to get away to the famous Hunter Valley wineries; Sydney's enviable architecture by the harbour; or the otherworldly rock formations of the Blue Mountains; you'll never regret a trip to New South Wales. Image: iStock, Pexels, iStock.

Sydney from Melbourne, Qantas, from $110
Travel early March – late November.

Lord Howe Island from Sydney, Qantas, from $481
Travel from now until late December 2021.

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KLOOK (ends Jan 31)
Klook has partnered with Destination NSW to get Australians to discover the varied experiences and sights that this great state has to offer – for less. From the globally-renowned beach city of Sydney, and relaxed pace of a wine and cheese-filled weekend in Hunter Valley; to the hikes and awe-inspiring sight of the Blue Mountains, and natural beauty and unparalleled cuisine of the South Coast, there’s never been a better time to discover New South Wales.

Save 10 per cent off all experiences, including Tiny Homes and Staycation Packages
Use the code “LOVENSWKLOOK”. Minimum spend $50, one-time use only.

Save 7 per cent off accommodation
Use the code “LOVENSWACCOM”. Minimum spend $100 (after tax), one-time use only.

Save 10 per cent off car rental
Use the code “LOVENSWCAR”. Minimum spend $50, one-time use only.

BEST SOUTH AUSTRALIA FLIGHT DEALS

South Australia is famously known for Adelaide Hills, which produces some of the very best wine in the country – but there are also much-lauded restaurants to be discovered in the capital, and lesser known natural wonders like Anna Creek Painted Hills. Image: iStock.

Adelaide from Sydney, Jetstar, from $119
Travel late April – late May 2021.

BEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLIGHT DEALS

Western Australia is home to the riverside city of Perth, the famous Wave Rock, glorious sunsets and more, making it the perfect domestic holiday destination for out-of-towners. Image: iStock, iStock, Pexels.

Perth from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $199
Travel late January – late February 2021. Available until sold out.

Brusselton Margaret River from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $149
Travel February 2021. Available until sold out.

BEST NORTHERN TERRITORY FLIGHT DEALS

Though Uluru is rightfully on top of every to-see list for tourists, the Northern Territory also boasts other beautiful natural attractions such as Edith Falls and Udepata / Ellery Creek.

Uluru from Melbourne (Tullamarine), Jetstar, from $129
Travel January 2021. Available until sold out.

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Adelaide to Alice Springs on The Ghan, Six-day package, from $1,699 (RRP$1,999)
Departing August 2021, this Gold Class train service is inclusive of all meals and drinks. Price includes two nights’ accommodation at Holiday Inn Express in Adelalide prior to departure; and two nights’ accommodation at Aurora Hotel Alice Springs, upon arrival.

OTHER TRAVEL-RELATED DEALS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Save 50 per cent off trips to and from Australia’s airports with DiDi (ends Jan 31)
Use the code “EXPLORE”. Two vouchers per customer, max saving $20/trip.

Save up to 60 per cent off Australia stays with WOTIF (ends Dec 31)
Available until December 31 2021.

WILL I HAVE TO QUARANTINE AT MY DESTINATION?

Unlike travellers arriving in Australia from overseas – with the exception of those coming from green zone countries, namely New Zealand – local tourists may not have to quarantine at their destination, depending on their state or territory of origin. The surest and safest way to plan your trip is to read about state and territory travel restrictions as outlined by the Department of Health here.

No matter the destination however, the COVID-safe passenger journey protocol is the same – observe hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and where possible, maintain physical distancing. You can learn more here.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO FLY INTERNATIONALLY?

There are no plans yet to allow Australian residents to fly internationally, unless granted an exemption for extraordinary circumstances.

Currently, New Zealanders are allowed to travel to New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Victoria without a quarantine period, but when Australians may do the same in New Zealand, is still uncertain – though possibly not far off.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently announced a quarantine-free corridor is to be established between Australia and New Zealand, likely in the first quarter of next year, providing COVID-19 case levels remain low.

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Make sure to make the jump over to news.com.au’s Coupon section. There we’ve compiled all coupons from Australia’s most trusted brands, including Harvey Norman, Woolworths and Catch.