NewsBite

Virgin flights: New routes from Melbourne, Brisbane to fly direct to Uluru

For the first time in Australian history, flights between Melbourne and the nation’s spiritual heartland, Uluru, are set to take off. HOW TO GET A TICKET.

Virgin Australia are launching first flights to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane. Picture: Supplied.
Virgin Australia are launching first flights to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane. Picture: Supplied.

For the first time in Australian history, flights between Melbourne and the nation’s spiritual heartland Uluru are set to take off.

On Thursday, Virgin Australia announced flights between Melbourne and the Red Centre would begin, with a special three-day sale bringing fares as low as $119 one way.

The Melbourne-Uluru route first was not the only surprise, however, with Virgin also confirming flights between Brisbane and Uluru would also kick off on Friday, June 7.

Virgin Australia will on Thursday June 6 commence flights between Melbourne and Uluru with the airline’s first Brisbane-Uluru service set to take flight from June 7. Picture: Scott Ehler
Virgin Australia will on Thursday June 6 commence flights between Melbourne and Uluru with the airline’s first Brisbane-Uluru service set to take flight from June 7. Picture: Scott Ehler

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said she was proud to announce the new flights.

“Uluru is an incredibly important destination for Virgin Australia as one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in this country and a much-loved place for holiday makers to visit from all over the world,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“We are proud to be connecting Australians to Uluru as part of our ongoing mission to provide more value and choice to travellers.”

Virgin Australia are launching flights between Melbourne and Uluru.
Virgin Australia are launching flights between Melbourne and Uluru.

Launched in partnership with the NT government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism, the airline expects the new services to add 62,000 seats to the Red Centre each year.

Ms Hrdlicka said the new services would connect Uluru to world.

“We know the return of Virgin Australia Uluru services will be welcome news for our people, tourism partners, guests, and our more than 12 million Velocity members, who can now earn and redeem points on these services,” she said.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden said the NT government was delighted to welcome more guests to Uluru.

“Whether you’re touring around the base of Uluru, enjoying sunrise or sunset or taking in the award-winning Wintjiri Wiru experience, Uluru is the heart of the Territory’s Red Centre,” he said.

Uluru is now a direct-flight destination from Brisbane and Melbourne.
Uluru is now a direct-flight destination from Brisbane and Melbourne.

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia chief executive Matt Cameron-Smith said he was delighted for Uluru’s airstrip to be busy again.

“To see Virgin Australia planes touching down in Uluru again is a huge thrill – this is a landmark moment that underscores the boundless appeal of the Red Centre,” he said.

We’re excited to have even more visitors experience the wonders of Uluru, along with culturally-immersive experiences like Sunrise Journeys and Wintjiri Wiru, through Virgin Australia’s extensive network.”

On June 6, a group of celebrity passengers including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Michelle Bridges, Rebeca Judd and Jett Kenny will board the sold-out maiden voyage before touching down in Uluru where they will be escorted to the Ayers Rock Resort’s famous Wintjiri Wiru platform.

To book your ticket, visit https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/

Originally published as Virgin flights: New routes from Melbourne, Brisbane to fly direct to Uluru

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/virgin-flights-new-routes-from-melbourne-brisbane-to-fly-direct-to-uluru/news-story/11c2c171ae2f6045f6381658b718bbd7