Virgin launches new Red Centre routes

Virgin launches new Red Centre routes

Avid Australian travellers often fall into two categories – those who say “well I’ve been to (insert obscure or European destination)” and those who say “everything’s sooo much cheaper in Bali”.

This entrenched aversion to domestic destinations explains why most people looked at me with confusion and asked “but why?” when I told them I was going on a three-night trip to the Northern Territory.

“Why not?” I replied, especially since I had the opportunity to try out Virgin Australia’s new Darwin-Alice Springs-Adelaide service.

So my time-poor friend and I were off, flying business class. Yes, being a travel writer has its perks.

By day, we kicked up the red dirt walking through the Alice Springs Desert Park, took up 21st century mustering on quad bikes and watched the sun set from the backs of eccentric camels.

At night, it was kangaroo steak, red wine, massages and movies from the comfort of a fluffy king-sized bed.

I left the outback with just a taste of what was on offer and wanted more.

Alice Springs welcomed its first Virgin flight from Darwin on March 30, with an inaugural Adelaide-Alice Springs route following on April 1.

Top End tourism authorities are hopeful the new routes will encourage more visitors from South Australia and Darwin to experience Alice Springs.

The Northern Territory’s first Virgin business lounges have also opened at Darwin and Alice Springs.

Having been treated to their luxury, I realise my next self-funded economy trip won’t have the freshly-baked pancakes and barista coffee on offer before take-off.

* Each of the new routes operates three times a week.

* For more information about travelling to the Northern Territory visit travelnt.com.au

* The writer travelled as a guest of NT Tourism and Virgin Australia.

 

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