Flights from South Africa to Australia

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1 Adult, Economy/Coach

Flights to Australia from South Africa

Dreaming of swapping South African sunshine for the iconic beaches and bustling cities of Australia? Great choice! Finding flights from South Africa to Australia can feel overwhelming, but we've got your back.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to fly to Australia from South Africa. Whether you prioritise a direct flight or a more cost-effective option, we'll help you find the perfect option.

Heads up: South Africans will need a visa to visit Australia. We won't cover that here, but you'll need one sorted before you fly. Check our guide for visa-free travel destinations for South Africans. It lists all the countries South Africans can visit visa-free, giving you some alternative options while you wait for your Aussie visa.

Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). While Apple Pay and credit cards are widely accepted, carrying some AUD cash can be handy for smaller purchases or emergencies.

Sydney

Qantas operates direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Sydney (SYD) five times per week using their flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The journey takes about 11 hours and 50 minutes, and on a clear day, you might even see the Antarctic ice sheets!

In our opinion, this is the best way to fly from South Africa to Australia. Qantas is known for its excellent service, and they’re a very reliable option. If luxury is your thing, Qantas’ business class feature lie-flat seats that stretch a whopping 80 inches – perfect for catching quality sleep on the long journey. They also have excellent premium economy and economy options, so you can choose what fits your budget.

We recommend visiting Sydney during the shoulder seasons, March to May or September to November. These times offer South Africans a sweet spot: pleasant weather, typically in the mid-20s°C, with fewer crowds and sometimes even better flight deals compared to peak summer. You'll still get to enjoy Sydney's iconic beaches and outdoor activities, without feeling overwhelmed.

Perth

Looking for a more affordable way to fly to Australia from South Africa? We recommend South African Airways (SAA), who provide direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Perth (PER). Operating three times per week, this route takes just 9 hours and 25 minutes, saving you precious time compared to Sydney flights.

The fares are often considerably cheaper than flying to Sydney with Qantas, but there are some trade-offs. SAA's business class features a 2-2-2 seating layout, which means you'll have a neighbour on busy flights. While it isn't the ultimate in luxury, the cabins onboard the A340-300 aircraft are comfortable, and the food and drinks are excellent.

Think of it this way: If having access to the newest suites, inflight Wi-Fi, and fancy entertainment systems isn't a priority, this flight to Australia from South Africa could be the perfect fit for you.

We'd recommend Perth as a great starting point for exploring Western Australia. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches and stunning natural surroundings. From there, you can easily venture out to explore the Margaret River wine region, the incredible Ningaloo Reef, or the vast outback Kimberley region.

Melbourne

Whilst there are no direct flights from South Africa to Melbourne, getting there is easier than you might think.

Cathay Pacific usually offers the cheapest route, flying from Johannesburg to Melbourne via Hong Kong. The journey is longer, clocking in at over 24 hours, but their fares can be incredibly low. We've seen one-way flights for as little as £400.

Need to get there faster? Qantas offers the quickest option. Fly directly from Johannesburg to Sydney with them, then hop on a connecting flight with Qantas or Virgin Australia to Melbourne – it's just a quick 1 hour 35 minute flight. This way, you'll be in Melbourne in a total of 15 hours.

Melbourne itself is a gem for travellers. It's a city that buzzes with energy, offering amazing cafes, world-class sporting events, and stunning outdoor spaces. Spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) are perfect times to visit Melbourne. The weather's glorious then, with sunshine and comfortable temperatures, similar to South African spring. Plus, there are fewer crowds compared to peak summer, sometimes with better flight deals too!

Cairns

Dreaming of snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef? We hear you! We recommend Qantas for your flight to Cairns from South Africa. Their flights connect seamlessly from Johannesburg to Sydney, with a follow-on leg to Cairns operated by Qantas as well. The total travel time, including the connection in Sydney, is roughly 17 hours.

Cairns is a charming tropical city, a jumping-off point for reef adventures. Most tours depart directly from Cairns Harbour, so it’s an incredibly convenient base. The reef itself varies in distance, with some stunning sections just a short boat ride away.

For the best reef experience, aim for the dry season, June to August. Clear skies and pleasant weather are perfect for exploring the underwater world.

Thinking about breaking up the long journey? Consider a stopover in Sydney during their cooler months (May-September). It's a great way to experience another iconic Australian city while escaping the South African winter!

Book Flights from South Africa to Australia

At Alternative Airlines, booking flights from South Africa to Australia couldn’t be easier. You can pay in over 160+ currencies, including the South African Rand and the Australian Dollar, with a choice of over 600+ airlines worldwide.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines fly from South Africa to Australia?

Currently, only Qantas and South African Airways (SAA) operate direct flights from South Africa to Australia. You can fly to either Sydney (SYD) or Perth (PER) from Johannesburg (JNB).

Can you fly directly from Cape Town to Australia?

There are no direct flights from Cape Town to Australia. However, connecting flights with one stopover will take you to Australia with ease. We recommend a quick domestic flight to Johannesburg, from which you can catch a direct flight to Australia.

Can I buy flights with cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can! With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights from South Africa using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Ripple (XRP), among many other altcoins.

Do South Africans need visa to Australia?

Yes, South Africans require a visa to enter Australia. You can apply online for an e600 Visitor Visa. A transit visa is not required. Check out our guide on visa-free travel for South Africans for more information on where South African passport holders can travel without a visa.