Skip to flight searchSkip to main content

Flights from South Africa to Australia

Kangaroo in Australia

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.


Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

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.

Flights from South Africa to Australia with buy now, pay later

We can help find your perfect flight from South Africa to Australia. You can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments. 

    Australia, melbourne

    Best routes from South Africa to Australia

    The best routes from South Africa to Australia depend on your priorities, speed, price, or destination.


    Direct flights from Johannesburg to Sydney or Perth are the fastest and most convenient options, cutting travel time to around 9–11 hours.


    If you're heading to cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, or Cairns, you’ll typically need a one-stop connection via major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. These indirect routes often offer more flexibility and can be cheaper, especially when flying with international carriers.

    • Johannesburg to Sydney (Direct)
    • Johannesburg to Perth (Direct)
    • Flights to Melbourne (1 stop)
    • Flights to Cairns (1 stop)
    A woman sitting in a cafe smiling at her phone. Flights paid for with PayJustNow.

    Find affordable 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, Payflex and HappyPay 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.

    Qantas plane in the sky

    Airlines that fly from South Africa to Australia

    Several major international and regional airlines operate flights from South Africa to Australia, offering both direct and one-stop options depending on your route and budget.


    Direct services are limited but convenient. Qantas operates non-stop flights from Johannesburg to Sydney, while South African Airways (SAA) and Qantas both fly directly from Johannesburg to Perth, making these the fastest options for travellers.


    For more flexibility and often cheaper fares, many travellers choose one-stop flights with global carriers. Popular airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines, typically connecting through hubs like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Singapore.


    You can also find routes with carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Air Mauritius, which connect via Asia or island stopovers.

    Trusted globally

    Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

    We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

    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). Qantas also operates flights to South Africa from Australia.

    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.

    Can I fly from South Africa to Australia with PayJustNow?

    Yes, you can use PayJustNow to pay for flights to Australia, but only through Alternative Airlines. You also need to be a South African resident to use it.

    Does Alternative Airlines accept Payflex or Happy Pay

    Yes, Alternative Airlines accepts Payflex as a payment option. Happy Pay is coming soon and is only is not fully rolled out as of yet.