Planning a Red Centre road trip? This $500 offer could make your stay longer

Tourism Central Australia is handing out 600 accommodation vouchers worth $500 each to encourage interstate road-trippers to slow down and explore the Red Centre (pictured). Valid for stays at participating caravan parks, campgrounds, roadhouses and wayside inns, the credit covers up to 10 nights under the desert stars at a powered site. The initiative is part of a campaign to increase tourism during the cooler shoulder seasons. Applications close September 30, with successful applicants notified in early October. Valid for travel from October 5 to June 30, 2027. For more road-tripping in the Northern Territory, see page 6. discovercentralaustralia.com

Virgin Australia has claimed top honours as Australia's Most Trusted Travel and Tourism Brand in the 2026 Roy Morgan Trusted Brand Awards. Marking its fourth consecutive win, the carrier beat out aviation and travel contenders, including Qantas, Jetstar and major hotel networks, in nationwide surveys measuring net trust.

Selected from more than 21,000 consumer responses across 22 industry sectors, Virgin stood as the sole winner representing the travel category. virginaustralia.com

From new hotels in Sydney to one of the nation's most historic properties, Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the Centenary High Tea and Stories of the Twenties series. The heritage hotel was once the residence of choice for politicians, most notably prime minister Ben Chifley, who lived (and died) on site. Until December 19, historian-led events feature 1920s-inspired treats and custom-blended tea. Tickets are $95 for adults and $59 for kids. hotelkurrajong.com.au