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Flights from South Africa to Australia

Search flights from South Africa to Australia

We can help find your perfect flight from South Africa to Australia. Keep on reading for useful information before securing your flights.

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.

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.

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 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.

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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). 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.