The 17 best ways to earn Virgin Australia Velocity points

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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
Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island
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.

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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)

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Tom Goward
Some say it's an obsession, others say it's love. Tom likes planes and flying them. He’s also a professional travel addict, with a knack for maximising loyalty points to travel at the pointy end of the plane. Did we mention Tom likes planes?
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8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

    Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

    Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

    1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

    Tuckerberry Hill Farm
    Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

    There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm, you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

    Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

    2. The Oxley Estate

    The Oxley Estate
    Wake up to the neighbours.

    A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

    Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

    Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

    3. Oneday Estate

    Oneday Estate
    Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.

    Oneday Estate is a must-visit, featuring a restaurant, winery and bar. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot in an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

    The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

    4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

    BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
    Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

    BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

    The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

    5. Bellarine Railway

    Bellarine Railway
    Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.

    If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway. The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

    The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and The Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

    6. The Dunes

    waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine
    Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

    Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

    If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

    7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

    dolphins playing in The Bellarine
    Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

    Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

    Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

     8. Jack Rabbit

    aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard
    Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

    If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

    If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

    To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au