Red-hot deal alert: Virgin Australia has just dropped $99 flights to Uluru
This incredibly rare deal is part of Virgin Australia's 72-Hour Uluru Sale, running from Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4 at 11.59pm (or until sold out). The best part? You won't have to wait long to take off, with travel dates available between July 2025 and March 2026.
Brisbane and Melbourne flyers score the best deal, with one-way economy fares to Uluru from just $99 – valid in both directions. Travellers from Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and the Gold Coast can snap up one-way fares from $199, with a scenic stopover in Brissy or Melbourne. Meanwhile, those coming from Cairns can fly from $209 and travellers from Perth can snag fares starting at $349.
From witnessing the world's best sunrise to dining beneath a starry desert night sky, Uluru is full of bucket-list experiences. On the ancestral lands of the Anangu people, it's also one of the most powerful places to connect with Aboriginal culture. Highlights include the breathtaking Wintjiri Wiru drone show, the captivating Sunrise Journeys light and art experience, and Indigenous-led experiences covering astronomy, ancient rock art and bush tucker.
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Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
The best things to do in Sydney and beyond based on your favourite season
Spring: September to November When the flowers begin to blossom, Sydney feels like it's waking up with a smile. The days are bright, the skies are clear, and the weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold – making it the perfect time to explore the city in bloom. Start with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, where cherry blossoms and jacaranda trees put on a pastel-hued show. Or hop on a ferry to Taronga Zoo – it's not just the animals that shine, but the stunning harbour views and blooming landscapes all around. And if you're visiting between May and November, keep an eye on the horizon – you might just see whales from coastal trails or on board a scenic whale watching cruise. For a dose of art in the open air, don't miss Sculpture by the Sea from October 17 to November 3, 2025, when the Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk is transformed by more than 100 dramatic installations perched along the clifftops – it's the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world. Over at Barangaroo Reserve, native flora bursts into colour and waterside paths lead to art installations, pop-up events, and buzzy new dining spots. It's also one of Sydney's best picnic locations – BYO cheese and bubbles, or grab gourmet takeaway nearby. Join an Aboriginal cultural tour, stroll the Wulugul Walk, or cool off at Marinawi Cove while you're there. Want to make a weekend of it? Head to the Hunter Valley for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over vineyards, or time your trip with Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands from September 12 to October 6, 2025 – a colourful flower festival in Bowral that brings spring to life with over 75,000 tulips. Summer: December to February If you're the type to plan your holidays around how much vitamin D you can soak up, Sydney shines under the summer sun, with its famed beaches and coastline, alfresco dining culture, and splash-worthy getaways all playing lead roles. Kick off your morning at Bondi Beach – one of the best spots in Sydney to catch your first wave or at least wipe out in style. Once you've towelled off, swap the board for walking shoes and hit the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This scenic trail hugs the cliffs, with dramatic ocean views, salty breezes and locals sipping flat whites at cafés along the way. Don't forget to snap a pic at the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool before following the winding path around the headland. When the sun's at its highest, head north to Port Stephens, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Perfect for aquatic adventures, this coastal gem is where you can hop on a dolphin-watching cruise, try your luck at sandboarding on the massive dunes, or just laze on soft sands with the sounds of the sea for company. And if the kids are tagging along, you're in for a wild ride. Visit Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters for hands-on marine fun, then swing by Oakvale Wildlife Park for kangaroo meet-and-greets, baby farm animal bottle-feedings, cow milkings, and the occasional crocodile cameo. Want to really up the adventure? Hop on a camel at Oakfield Ranch and trot along the dunes of Port Stephens. Autumn: March to May This is the perfect time to escape the city buzz and head west to the majestic Blue Mountains. Here, the air is cooler, the waterfalls are mistier, and the eucalyptus-cloaked cliffs seem to glow in the autumn light. Meander through charming towns like Katoomba and Leura, where you can warm up with hot scones in heritage tearooms, or take the Scenic Railway through the rainforest – it's the steepest of its kind in the world, but you'll be rewarded with incredible views. For a proper hit of autumn foliage, head to the Southern Highlands or Orange – two of NSW's most charming regions come to life this time of year. Expect tree-lined streets awash in amber and gold, cosy cafés tucked into historic towns, and cool, crisp air perfect for fireside wines. Whether you're browsing weekend markets in Bowral, Southern Highlands or munching your way through a food festival in Orange, it's the kind of countryside escape that feels like a warm hug in your best knitwear. Winter: June to August While Sydney stays frost-free, the Snowy Mountains deliver the real white winter deal – and they're only a short trip away. Whether you're carving up the slopes in Thredbo or Perisher, or cosying up in lakeside Jindabyne, this is your chance to trade city life for snow-dusted peaks, après-ski sessions, and all the hot chocolate your hands can hold. If you're not ready to hang up the beanie just yet, extend your stay in the Blue Mountains. Winter turns the region into a magical escape – think misty trails, crackling fireplaces, and charming lodges that feel like something out of a fairytale. Don't miss a stargazing tour while you're there – the skies are clearest in winter, making it the perfect time to spot constellations above the dramatic clifftops. Back in the city, winter is prime time for culture. Roam through the Art Gallery of New South Wales, catch a play at the Sydney Opera House, or join the locals on the harbourside for Vivid Sydney, Australia's largest festival that turns the city into a glowing wonderland of art, music and creativity, with the next one planned for May 22 to June 13, 2026. Time Out tip: EU Holidays' winter itinerary bundles up all these highlights – city icons, mountain moments, and a little luxury along the way – into a seasonally snug getaway.
Time Out
24-07-2025
- Time Out
This heritage-listed national park in NSW will take you on a journey back in time
Looking for an immersive escape into Australia's ancient past? You don't have to travel too far. Up the NSW North Coast is Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage-listed sanctuary that's part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, walking tracks and elevated 'Skywalk' lookout, the park offers an unforgettable escape into incredible Aussie wilderness. Wander through dense rainforests filled with giant stinging trees (yes, really), vibrant birdlife and hidden rock pools, or join an Aboriginal cultural tour to connect with the rich Gumbaynggirr heritage of the area. What are the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia? The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which include Dorrigo National Park, are a living link to that prehistoric world. Spanning more than 40 protected areas from Queensland to NSW, these forests are known for their unique biodiversity and evolutionary history. Dorrigo National Park was added to the World Heritage List in 1986 for a number of reasons, including its ancient origins connecting it to the ancient Gondwana Rainforests. Where is Dorrigo National Park? Dorrigo National Park is one hour from Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. How do I get to Dorrigo National Park? To get there from Sydney, travel north along the Pacific Hwy/A1. It should take you just under six hours for this 550-kilometre road trip. Don't want to drive? You can also take the North Coast train that departs four times a day from Central Station and get off at Urunga Station. You will then need a taxi to drive inland for another hour. This journey should take around nine hours. Start your adventure at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre to get visitor information, book a guided tour, find out which walking tracks will best suit you, or go to the Skywalk Lookout for stunning views out to Coffs Harbour. What can I see at Dorrigo National Park? We've got three words for you: walks, waterfalls, wildlife. And they're all wonderful. Walks: Trails range from short and easy to long and challenging. The Lyrebird Link Track is ideal for birdwatchers and beginners, while the Casuarina Falls Circuit offers sweeping views of Dorrigo Mountain. Waterfalls: The park has many spectacular waterfalls. For instance, Crystal Shower Falls lets you walk behind the cascade. Wildlife: Dorrigo National Park is home to many different animals, including 30 types of mammals, more than 128 kinds of birds and 44 species of amphibians and reptiles. Keep your eyes open for red-necked pademelons or wompoo fruit-doves fluttering through the canopy. If you're lucky (and very quiet), you might spot the elusive southern angle-headed dragon clinging to a tree trunk. When is the best time to visit Dorrigo National Park? Dorrigo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to bad weather or fire danger, so check before you go. Spring is ideal if you love birdsong – a good time for spotting lyrebirds on the Lyrebird Link Track. Given that the area is a rainforest, summer is a welcome respite from the heat, with the tree canopy and cool mist from the waterfalls. Three must-see, must-do activities at Dorrigo National Park Lyrebird Link Track: Less than a kilometre, it's a great spot for birdwatching, plus, there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby. Casuarina Falls Circuit: This 6.6km loop should take under two hours and rewards you with cascading falls, rainforest valleys and moss-covered trees. Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Held on Wednesdays (book in advance), a Gumbaynggirr Ranger will share their Indigenous language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest. Tips for visiting Dorrigo National Park Download the NSW National Parks app before you leave – it's free and works offline for maps and guides. Get it in the App Store or on Google Play. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching – you'll want a closer look at those bowerbirds and fruit-doves. There are picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities throughout the park. Mobile reception is limited, but there's Wi-Fi at the Rainforest Centre. Layer up as it can get chilly, take a rain jacket, and wear comfy walking shoes. Details Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 142 Dome Road, Dorrigo Mountain, NSW 2453 Open 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. .. Want more road trip inspo? .
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- The Guardian
Could my power bank start a fire on board a plane? Here are the rules and the risks
Virgin Australia says it is considering changes to its rules around lithium batteries after a fire on a flight from Sydney was thought to have been caused by a power bank in a passenger's carry-on luggage. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) has said the average passenger travels with at least four rechargeable lithium battery devices, which can be contained in smartphones, laptops and portable power banks. If you're wondering what the rules are, and why lithium-ion batteries are considered a risk on flights, here's a quick overview. Yes. But rules vary, so you should check the airline's restrictions before you fly. Generally, laptops and cameras can be packed in checked luggage as long as they are completely switched off, according to Casa. But spare batteries and power banks should only go into carry-on baggage because batteries and power banks can short circuit, overheat and catch fire during a flight. Lithium-ion batteries that exceed 160Wh are not permitted at all, unless they are used for mobility aids. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Smart bags with power banks or lithium-ion batteries are allowed as long as the battery can be removed before check-in and carried in a passenger's cabin baggage. Virgin Australia says any spare or loose batteries, including power banks, must be in carry-on baggage only and must be protected by placing them in their original retail packaging, or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch, or taping over exposed terminals. Qantas says passengers travelling with power banks, including Apple AirPod cases, and spare or loose batteries, must only take them in carry-on baggage. The airline says it does not recommend the use or charging of power banks onboard due to safety. Several international airlines have banned the use of power banks on board, including Thai Airways, South Korean Airlines, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary, Scoot. If you're flying with an international carrier, you should check its rules before your flight. Generally, passengers are required to pack their power banks in their carry-on luggage. But whether they can be used on the plane depends on the specific airline. Not necessarily. Prof Neeraj Sharma, a battery expert at the University of New South Wales, says lithium-ion batteries can have 20 different components, some of which are liquids, making them more volatile than other, solid parts such as the electrodes or casing. Applying pressure to a lithium-ion battery can lead to 'thermal runaway' – an uncontrollable increase in temperature – but a battery exploding is incredibly rare. Sharma says airlines still instruct people to carry batteries in their hand luggage as a way to mitigate risk, because there is a minimal pressure difference in a plane cabin compared to the baggage hold. Sharma says power banks and other lithium-ion battery devices that aren't as well regulated as mobile phones or laptops – such as e-scooters and vapes – pose more of a risk and may have lower quality batteries. Prof Amanda Ellis, the head of the University of Melbourne's School of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, says lithium battery fires aren't more likely on planes. She says airline cabin pressure wouldn't get to the batteries because they are covered by 'multiple layers of casing' but any enclosed environment makes fires particularly dangerous, especially as a plane can't be evacuated mid-air. 'They give off a very toxic gas and in a confined space that's not ideal,' she says. Ellis says lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish because often the lithium metal catches on fire, along with all the casing and the plastic – high energy materials that can burn for much longer. 'You wouldn't want to put water on a lithium fire. And that's the first thing people [on a plane] might think of doing.' The batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution. The ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges. Ellis says a common cause is from people overcharging their batteries, so they overheat, which results in thermal runaway. If there's too much energy in the battery, it can crack, causing the highly flammable electrolyte inside it to burst into flames when exposed to air. She says phones and other, more sophisticated lithium battery-powered devices have an internal 'trickle system' which slowly adds current into the battery to prevent overcharging. But cheaper power banks typically don't have this safeguard, Ellis says, making them more of a risk. 'Never charge your power bank overnight,' she says. 'Never charge it more than it has to be charged. In a way you've got to watch the power bank for when the light goes from red to green, and unplug it.' Ellis says that, overall, batteries are very safe if used appropriately and in the right conditions, and people shouldn't be worried about flying because of them.
