17 Best Ways To Earn Virgin Australia Velocity Points

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

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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)

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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)

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe. This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards, where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford, Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat. This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

The 17 best ways to earn Virgin Australia Velocity points

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.

Travel and earn