How to get your $200 Victoria travel, dining and entertainment vouchers
Good news Victoria! More discounts have arrived.
TAKE ME TO: Getting your voucher | Spending your voucher | Seniors vouchers | Other discounts
Last month the Victorian government announced a business stimulus package worth $200 million that will (among other things) reward Victorians with discounts across travel, dining and entertainment.
$30 million was allocated to another round of the Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme.
Minister for industry support and recovery Martin Pakula said "We're encouraging Victorians to experience the best the state has to offer by going to see a show, having lunch with friends or visiting somewhere new."
How do I get my $200 Victoria travel vouchers?
This fourth round of Victoria travel vouchers was announced back in June last year. However, it has now been extended from 80,000 vouchers to 150,000 – meaning more people will be able to benefit.
Just as with previous rounds only Victorian residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, with each household receiving 1 voucher to spend on at least $400 of travel.
Registrations are now open here and will close when all the vouchers are claimed.
Where can I spend my Victorian travel vouchers?
As with previous rounds, these vouchers are supposed to be spent on travel within Victoria (including but not limited to Greater Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and the Victorian alpine ski resorts).
You'll need to travel within the eligibility period (8 April to 27 May 2022) and book a minimum of 2 consecutive nights in paid accommodation.
Keep in mind you'll need to spend at least $400 upfront before you can then later claim back $200 via the scheme (claims need to be made between 4 May and 14 June 2022).
Here are some activities we recommend to use up or contribute to the minimum spend:
5-course lunch with wine tasting and tour for 2 in Milawa from RedBalloon
The stunning town of Milawa (located near Wangaratta) is the perfect escape 3 hours north of Melbourne. Nothing could be better than enjoying a weekend exploring local wineries and enjoying a premium meal.
- Cost: $400 for 2
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Day Tour from RedBalloon
You don’t need to leave Victoria to experience the majesty of walking among Californian redwoods. Hike 6.6km through Eastern Sherbrooke Forest before enjoying a 1.1km stroll through the redwoods. Reward yourself for your efforts by ending your day with visits to local wineries and distilleries.
- Cost: $139 per person
Mt Buller Snow Day from Melbourne from RedBalloon
A day trip to the slopes is the perfect way to spend a Saturday in the ski season. Gather up 4 mates and you can save $68 each.
- Cost: $118 per person
Swim with Dolphins and Seals from RedBalloon
Get up close with wildlife in this unique experience. Everything you need is provided in this 3-hour boat experience in Port Phillip Bay.
- Cost: $185 per person
Wine and Cheese Tasting with 3-course Italian Lunch in the Yarra Valley from RedBalloon
Who could resist a private wine and cheese tasting followed by a 3-course Italian meal at the De Bortoli Cellar Door overlooking the beautiful Yarra Valley (just 1 hour from Melbourne).
- Cost: $410 for 2
Hot Air Ballooning over the Yarra Valley with Breakfast from RedBalloon
You’ve got to see the Yarra Valley from a hot air balloon at least once in your life. Once you’ve conquered the skies, pop a cork and munch on a delicious champagne breakfast.
- Cost: $880 for 2
Arthurs Seat Eagle Cable Car Ride and Farmer's Lunch from RedBalloon
While you’re in the peninsula see it from another angle with a ride in the Arthurs Seat Cable Car. After you ride feast on grazing plates for lunch with produce and drinks produced locally.
- Cost: $210 for 2
Hot Springs Bath House and Picnic Experience in the Mornington Peninsula from RedBalloon
Head to Bath House on the Mornington Peninsula for a relaxing dip in the hot springs followed by a picnic in the grounds. The hilltop pool provides spectacular views of the peninsula.
- Cost: $95 per person
Estate to Plate – A Gourmet Indulgence in Red Hill from RedBalloon
For the ultimate culinary experience, you can’t pass this up. Enjoy a guided tour of a 75-acre vineyard estate, learn to cook with fresh produce, participate in a structured wine tasting and then (in true estate-to-plate fashion) tuck into a multi-course tasing menu for lunch paired with wine.
- Cost: $210 per person
Another way to meet the minimum spend is to find one of the hundreds more experiences yourself via RedBalloon and combine them with a hotel booking.
According to the Victorian government, you can use your vouchers on existing travel bookings so long as they meet other criteria.
What about seniors travel vouchers?
These vouchers operate the same way as the Victorian travel vouchers. You receive a $200 reimbursement when you spend at least $400 or more on accommodation or other eligible travel activity.
Your trip needs to include 2 nights of consecutive paid accommodation. Only those with a valid seniors card or seniors business discount card were eligible to apply.
Registration closed at 5pm AEDT on 19 March 2022. To use your vouchers you'll need to travel during the eligible period (8 April to 27 May 2022) and make your claim between 4 May and 14 June 2022.
How do the other announced schemes work?
Thanks to this new stimulus package the Melbourne Money program has returned from 7 March and this time it's being extended out to regional Victoria.
The rebate has been increased to 25% with a minimum spend of $40 and a maximum of $500 at any Victorian venue between Monday and Thursday. That's a potential $125 back on your bill. Sounds like you better gather your co-workers or mates for a long mid-week brunch.
You just need to upload your receipt to the website to get your money back.
That's not all – the government will also introduce a 25% rebate when you visit entertainment such as cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, live music and other events.
Note: Originally published on 21 February 2022. We updated this article with more details including the seniors travel scheme.
