Flights to Australia

When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

The peak season for travel in Australia is during summer — from December to February. During the summer months in Australia, many Australians celebrate the Christmas and New Year break by going on their own holidays. Since this is the peak period, domestic flights in Australia can be more expensive during summer — so it’s worth keeping an eye on early-bird deals and specials, or booking your travel well in advance.

Australian winter tends to be pretty mild by international standards. It's rare to find much snow anywhere except the southern ends of the country, or high up in the mountains. As a result, you can fly to Australia confident that the weather will be pretty decent year-round and there will be lots to see and do. Since it's such a large country, climate and weather within Australia tends to vary a lot.

The best time to book flights in Australia will be determined by which places and attractions you want to see. As a rule of thumb, the further north you travel, the warmer the weather. If you’re seeking more consistent temperatures, the weather during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) is typically quite pleasant. In the same day, it may be hot and humid if you travel to Cairns, sunny and warm if you fly into Sydney, or rainy and cold if you fly to Hobart.

There are parts of Australia that are categorised as having a tropical climate, meaning that the year is divided into ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons. This includes Tropical North Queensland and areas of both the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The wet season in these parts of the country lasts from November to April and sees intense humidity and high rainfall. Time your visit to any tropical part of Australia for the dry season.

What are the best places to visit in Australia?

Australia is divided into a number of states and territories, each with their own distinct sub-cultures and things to do. The capital city, Canberra, is bursting with museums, galleries, beautiful lakes, and scenic drives. However, it's not a common place for international flights to Australia to arrive unless you are a foreign politician!

If you're looking to book a flight to Australia, consider flying into one of these popular tourist cities all around Australia.

Sydney

Sydney, located in New South Wales, is as famous for its beaches as it is for its iconic landmarks. Make the most of beautiful weather with a stroll along the six-kilometre walking path from Bondi to Coogee beaches. Discover more than 4,000 species of wildlife at Taronga Zoo, or shop up a storm in the Queen Victoria Building. For incredible views of the ‘Harbour City’, take a walk across, ride a bike over, or climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a guided excursion. Visitors can also plan ahead and book a spectacular tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Book a flight to Sydney if you want to visit some of the world's best beaches, have amazing food and coffee, and visit some of the world's most famous landmarks.

Melbourne

A popular destination for travellers booking domestic flights in Australia, Melbourne is rich in culture, history, and innovation. Explore laneways lined with coffee shops, boutiques and exceptional eateries, take in a grand view of Victoria’s capital from one of the many rooftop restaurants and bars, or get an arty fix by visiting one of the art galleries scattered across the city. Melbourne is known for its love of sports and plays host to a variety of sporting events year-round, including the prestigious Melbourne Cup.

Fly to Melbourne to experience its wealth of culture, food, diversity, sport and arts.

Gold Coast

Queensland’s Gold Coast tends to be known for two things: its beaches and its theme parks. Surfer’s Paradise is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular areas, home to a world-renowned stretch of white sand, towering skyscrapers and a vibrant nightlife. For a different experience, head west and explore the Gold Coast Hinterland. Walk through the unspoiled Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, and explore mountain villages, or pass the ancient Tweed Volcano on a three-day hike through parts of the Gondwana Rainforests. With man-made and natural attractions at every turn, the Gold Coast offers as much entertainment as it does beautiful beaches.

Fly to the Gold Coast for some of Australia's most beautiful natural landmarks, best shopping, great night-life and family-friendly theme parks.

Brisbane

As the state capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a vibrant city that’s rich in culture. Take in the view of the Glass House Mountains from atop the Brisbane Story Bridge, or explore world-famous art at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Institute of Modern Art (IMA). For water-based adventures, book a trip to one of islands situated just off Brisbane’s coast. Explore the famous Tangalooma Wrecks along Moreton Island or visit North Stradbroke Island between June and October to spot migrating whales.

Book your flights to Brisbane to experience a modern metropolitan city with a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and friendly locals

Adelaide

Adelaide is bursting with flavour and flare. Wander between stalls selling fresh fruits, veggies and homemade cheeses at the Adelaide Central Market or stroll along tree-lined North Terrace Boulevard to see some of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Take a quick drive into the Adelaide Hills to explore the local vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting session or two or simply relax on one of Adelaide’s excellent beaches.

Book a flight to Adelaide to experience some of Australia's best wineries, best emerging gourmet food scenes, and gorgeous natural landscapes.

Travel restrictions for flights to Australia

Travelling to Australia has changed due to the evolving situation with COVID-19. Before you take off on a flight to Australia from overseas (or on a domestic flight within Australia) you need to do a little planning and preparation. It's important understand if there are any potential border restrictions or additional quarantine requirements set by any of the State or Federal Governments on travellers from your point of origin.

Before you book, make sure to check for airline and government restrictions. Things can change quickly, so you should double-check every time — even if you've travelled to Australia recently. It's important that you comply with all airline and government travel requirements. Find more information regarding domestic travel restrictions, visit our COVID-19 Travel Hub.

What are the best things to do in Australia?

Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s greatest natural treasures, exploring the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef is a must when visiting Queensland. Tourists can experience the abundant marine life up close by snorkelling or scuba diving. Other means of exploration include helicopter tours and glass-bottom boat tours. Visitors can also book a whale-watching tour or a trip to swim with dolphins.

See a live performance in the world-famous Sydney Opera House

One of the most iconic buildings in Australia, the Sydney Opera House has entertained guests of all ages since opening in 1973. Culture abounds, with food, backstage tours and performances available to the public nearly every day of the year. The child-friendly atmosphere encourages learning through entertainment too, with special performances held for even the smallest of visitors. The Opera House holds a variety of different tours throughout the year, allowing you to find one to match not only your interests, but also the dates of your cheap domestic flights in Australia.

Experience a taste of Aboriginal culture at Uluru

Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it was formerly known, is like no other. Considered to be one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders, the area surrounding this massive sandstone monolith is home to hundreds of species of native plants and animals. Visitors flock to the striking landform at both sunrise and sunset to witness the colour shift from orange to bright red. Climbing Uluru is prohibited, but tours and walking trails allow you to explore the base.

Take in the views and climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

An unforgettable experience awaits visitors at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the city and its surrounds atop the bridge platform and can take in the sights and sounds of what lies 134 metres below. A BridgeClimb tour provides a great opportunity to learn more about the world-renowned landmark, with a variety of climbing tour packages available.

Soak up the sun at Bondi Beach

With white sandy beaches calling ever reliable waves to shore, Bondi Beach is a surfer’s paradise. The laidback lifestyle of this world-famous beach beckons travellers with Australia flights from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy a scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, grab a bite to eat from a local cafe or simply spend time swimming, surfing or sunbathing.

FAQs

When is the cheapest time to fly?

The cheapest time to fly on domestic flights in Australia varies depending on your destination and the time of year you’re choosing to travel. For a better deal on your airfares, look to travel outside of peak tourist periods that include summer and Australian school holidays. To find and compare cheap domestic flights in Australia, use the handy Webjet Deal Finder.

What airports can you fly to in Australia from overseas?

You can fly to popular airports in Australia from overseas, including to:

• Sydney Airport in New South Wales
• Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport in Victoria
• Brisbane Airport in Queensland
• Gold Coast Airport in Queensland
• Adelaide Airport in South Australia
• Perth Airport in Western Australia
• Darwin Airport in the Northern Territory

Which airlines operate in Australia?

To fly to Australia from Australia, there are a number of popular international airlines that operate. Some of the most popular international airlines that fly to Australia include:

• Air New Zealand
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• American Airlines
• Thai Airways
• Fiji Airways
• British Airways
• Air China
• Air India

Most flights within Australia are operated by a small number of domestic airlines — Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Regional Express. The routes flown by each airline vary, and some smaller airlines, such as Airnorth and Par Avion, also service select regional routes.