Travel to Australia
Flying to Australia
Flying is the principal way to reach Australia. Sydney Airport (SYD) is one of the country's main international gateways, with extensive connections to Asia, New Zealand, North America, the Middle East and other parts of the world. Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER) are also major international airports, while Adelaide (ADL), Darwin (DRW), Cairns (CNS) and the Gold Coast (OOL) receive international services.
Qantas is Australia's national carrier and operates an extensive international and domestic network. Numerous overseas airlines serve Australia, including major carriers from Asia, the Middle East, North America, New Zealand and the Pacific. Travellers from Europe commonly connect through Asian or Middle Eastern hubs, although Qantas operates a non-stop service between London and Perth.
Australia's domestic air network is extensive, making onward connections relatively straightforward. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are major domestic hubs, with flights connecting the state capitals and many regional destinations. Visitors arriving internationally should allow sufficient time for immigration, customs and biosecurity procedures before making a separately booked domestic connection.
Flight times
From London to Perth: approximately 17 hours (direct).
From London to Sydney: approximately 21 to 24 hours (one stop).
From Los Angeles to Sydney: approximately 15 hours (direct).
From Singapore to Sydney: approximately 8 hours (direct).
Travelling to Australia by Rail
There are no international rail services to Australia.
Driving to Australia
Australia has no international land borders, so it is not possible to enter the country by road.
Getting to Australia by boat
There are no scheduled international passenger ferry services to Australia. International passenger arrivals by sea are primarily on cruise ships.
Cruise ships
Australia is included on numerous international cruise itineraries, particularly those operating through the Asia-Pacific region and between Australia and New Zealand. Sydney is the country's principal cruise port, while Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle (for Perth), Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns also receive international cruise ships. Longer itineraries connect Australia with destinations in Asia, the South Pacific, North America and Europe.
