Where can your Velocity Points really take you? The 10 incredible holiday destinations that may be much closer than you think

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By LAURA HOUSE, HEAD OF LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA Updated: 23:40 18 Oct 2026

It’s late in the year, we’re all tired, and thoughts are inevitably turning to our next escape, even if that holiday currently feels out of reach or filed away as a 2027 or 2028 dream.

Avid Velocity Frequent Flyer members are sitting on something of a travel secret, building up their Points balance through everyday habits, and turning them into flights to stunning domestic and international destinations.

Better still, joining Velocity is free, while the app and website make it too easy to discover just how far your Points could take you in real time, taking the guesswork out of planning your next escape.

And there are increasingly new ways to build that balance without changing the way you spend. Opt in to the new CommBank Yello Velocity Auto Transfer for example, and you can start turning your purchases into Points in November.

As something of a points hacker myself, I can confirm Velocity has to be one of the best-value loyalty programs going – Domestic Economy Reward Seats across the Virgin Australia network start from just 5,900 Points one-way (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

I love hopping onto the Explore map under the app’s ‘Plan a Trip’ tab. Plug in your points balance and it becomes a dangerously addictive way to dream (realistically) about where you could go next.

So, just how far could your current Points balance take you?

First things first, one of the easiest ways to build your balance is simply by flying. You’ll earn Velocity Points on eligible Virgin Australia flights, as well as when travelling around the world with its network of international airline partners, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada and more.

There’s now another clever way to build your Velocity balance through your everyday banking.

Points have officially arrived in CommBank Yello, Commonwealth Bank’s customer recognition program, and from November 5, 2026, eligible customers can opt in to automatically transfer their Yello Points to Velocity Frequent Flyer each month.

Once activated, Yello Points will automatically transfer to your Velocity account each month at a rate of 2.5 Yello Points to 1 Velocity Point. It’s essentially a set-and-forget way to turn your daily banking into future travel.

You can even get ahead of the game and pre-register now by tapping ‘CBA Yello’ in the CommBank app. Scroll down to ‘Get more from CommBank Yello’, find the Velocity offer and provide your details.

Pre-register now, or opt in to Velocity Auto Transfer within its first six months, by May 5, 2027, and you’ll unlock two exclusive benefits: You’ll pay $0 annual opt-in fee for the first 12 months, instead of the usual $99, and you’ll also receive 20 per cent bonus Velocity Points on eligible transfers for the first six months, capped at 20,000 bonus Velocity Points.

In other words, those everyday purchases could be quietly nudging you closer to your next holiday without you having to think about it.

You can find plenty of other ways to build your Velocity Points balance here.

Whether you’re craving a much-needed breather, a cheeky mini staycation or even a last-minute escape before Christmas, these are 10 Redemption Flight destinations you could be jetting off to far sooner than you might have imagined.

From 7,900 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

For an easy dose of sunshine without the long-haul commitment, the Sunshine Coast is hard to beat – mornings swimming at Noosa Beach, long lunches overlooking the water, hinterland drives through impossibly pretty towns like Maleny, and golden afternoons at Sails. A classic long weekend spot for very few Points.

Fly from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast on a one-way economy reward seat from 7,900 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 8,900 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Adelaide has become one of Australia’s most loved breaks, particularly if eating and drinking well is high on your priority list. Spend a night exploring the city’s brilliant restaurant and bar scene, then venture into the Adelaide Hills, Barossa or McLaren Vale for cellar doors, long lunches and some of the most beautiful wine country in Australia.

Fly from Sydney to Adelaide on a one-way economy reward seat from 8,900 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 13,500 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Few Australian getaways deliver quite as much adventure as Cairns. With the Great Barrier Reef in one direction and the Daintree Rainforest in the other, you can snorkel, chase waterfalls, explore tropical swimming holes and still be back in time for cocktails by the pool. Winter sunshine is a particularly compelling bonus if you’re travelling earlier in the year.

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on a one-way economy reward seat from 13,500 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

62,900 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

One of my favourite places in the world – and a Virgin route I took myself via Cairns to have the ultimate double-whammy escape. Tokyo somehow lives up to the hype every single time. One minute you’re weaving through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, the next you’re eating an extraordinary bowl of ramen at a tiny counter or wandering through a peaceful shrine. Add world-class shopping, brilliant nightlife and arguably one of the best food scenes on the planet, and it’s a million-dollar holiday for less points than expected.

Fly from Sydney to Tokyo on a one-way economy reward seat operated by Hong Kong Airlines from 62,900 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 11,900 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Hobart is the ultimate change-of-pace escape. There’s MONA, Salamanca Markets, cosy wine bars and an increasingly exciting food scene, all surrounded by Tasmania’s wild natural beauty. Hire a car and the possibilities get even better, with wineries, charming towns, rugged coastline and some truly exceptional produce all within easy reach.

Fly from Brisbane to Hobart on a one-way economy reward seat from 11,900 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 35,500 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

You can’t bypass Fiji, especially when it’s a luxe deal this good. If the goal is to switch off completely, this little hot spot makes a very convincing case. Nadi is your gateway to turquoise water, palm-fringed islands and resorts where the toughest decision of the day might be pool bar or paddle boarding. Flying Business Class makes the escape worth it before you’ve even arrived, which is exactly how a tropical holiday should begin.

Fly from Sydney to Nadi on a one-way Business reward seat from 35,500 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 11,900 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Vanuatu is your textbook untouched South Pacific holiday. Port Vila combines colourful markets and waterfront dining with easy access to waterfalls, impossibly blue swimming spots and spectacular snorkelling. It’s relaxed, naturally beautiful and close enough to Australia to turn it into a long weekend.

Fly from Brisbane to Port Vila on a one-way economy reward seat from 11,900 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 35,500 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Few places make an entrance like Queenstown. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and the brilliant blue of Lake Wakatipu, it’s breathtaking before you’ve even touched down. Spend your days skiing, hiking or exploring nearby wineries, then retreat to fireside restaurants and cosy bars at night. Add a very reasonable Business Class Rewards seat from Sydney and even the journey across the Tasman becomes part of the treat.

Fly from Sydney to Queenstown on a one-way Business reward seat from 35,500 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

From 46,600 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

Bali remains a top pick for many for good reason. Beyond the beach clubs and resort pools, there are lush rice terraces, beautiful temples, seriously good restaurants, hidden waterfalls and everything from laid-back coastal villages to the wellness retreats of Ubud. Whether you want a few days of complete relaxation or a packed itinerary, Bali has you covered.

Fly from Adelaide to Denpasar on a one-way Economy reward seat from 46,400 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

61,000 Points (taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)*

When you visit Vancouver you don’t have to choose between an urban holiday and an outdoorsy escape. You can spend the morning exploring local neighbourhoods and eating your way through the city, then be surrounded by mountains, forests and water that afternoon. It’s also a brilliant launch pad for a bigger Canadian adventure, whether that means Whistler, Vancouver Island or heading deeper into the Rockies.

Fly from Sydney to Vancouver on a one-way Economy reward seat operated by Air Canada from 61,000 Points (plus taxes, fees and carrier charges).

*Points stated correct at time of publishing. The Reward Seat base fare is payable in Velocity Points, and taxes, fees and carrier charges are payable in addition to Velocity Points redeemed for the base fare. Reward Seats are limited and may not be available at the advertised lead-in Reward Seat base fares, at peak times or on all flights.

Reward Seat bookings must be made on the Virgin Australia website by selecting “Use Points” or by contacting the Velocity Membership Contact Centre. Reward Seats and associated charges are not eligible for Points or Status Credits earn.

You can change or get a refund for your booking by paying a fee and any fare difference, at least 24 hours before scheduled departure. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. View the Velocity Reward Seat fare rules for more information.

Some flights may be operated by an airline partner. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full Terms and Conditions at velocityfrequentflyer.com.

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