Cheap flights to Australia from $462

Australia is an enormous country and its climate varies as such. The north can be hot and tropical and the south cool with the occasional snow. When you’re planning your trip, remember that the seasons are opposite those in the northern hemisphere. Summer lasts from December through February in most of the country. It’s also the wet season for the north. The winters, between June and August, are fairly mild. The north has dry, sunny days and the south is dry with some snow in the mountains. It’s very important to protect yourself from the sun in Australia. Cover up with a hat and use plenty of high-SPF sunscreen.

Peak season:As the Australian continent spans such a huge area, the peak tourist season on one side of the country is different from that on the other. The hot, summer months of December through to February are ideal along the southern and eastern coastlines, with clear, blue skies and lots of festivals in full swing. Many locals are on their annual vacation during this period and both accommodation and flights get booked out well in advance. The tropical north experiences its peak tourist season from June through to August, when many North Americans and Europeans are on their annual summer holidays. This coincides with the region’s “dry” season when rain is scarce and there are no jellyfish in the water. This is also an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, with visibility at its clearest. The cool winter months are also a popular time throughout Central Australia and Uluru, and while daytime temperatures are mild, they can plummet at night. Off season:In the south of the country, the off season is throughout the cold winter, when drizzly skies prevail and temperatures drop considerably. While you will get the best hotel and flight deals during this time, the milder spring or autumn months are a good alternative. In the north of the country the “wet” season from November through to May sees heavy daily downpours and occasional cyclones, as well as jellyfish that make swimming at some beaches impossible.

If you’re heading to Australia from the United States, get ready to settle back for a long ride, because the flight time from Los Angeles ranges from 14 to about 19 hours, assuming you’re flying nonstop. If you’re flying from elsewhere in North America, you’ll probably have to fly through L.A. or San Francisco. Don’t forget that when you fly to Australia, you cross the International Date Line, which affects all your calculations for arrival and departure on both the flight out and your return home.

You have a wide range of airlines to choose from when flying to Australia, especially if your immediate destination is Sydney. Hop a flight from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu on popular carriers Virgin Australia, Qantas or Hawaiian Airlines, or check out availability on flights with Delta, American or United. Other airlines flying from Los Angeles include China Eastern and Philippine Airlines. From L.A., you can also catch nonstop flights to Brisbane and Melbourne on airlines including Virgin Australia and Qantas.

Australia has extreme weather, so your packing needs to focus on the season in which you’re visiting — Just remember than when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s summer in Australia! Layer up for winter, with warm jackets and pants to protect you from the cold. In summertime — and really, year-round — remember the classic Australian advice to “Slip! Slop! Slap!” You probably already have the long-sleeved shirt to slip on, but don’t forget the sunscreen to slop on and the wide-brimmed hat to slap on. Australia calls people out into nature, so pack whatever you need for your favorite outdoor activities, whether sandals and scuba gear for the ocean or hiking boots, and if you’re headed to the Outback, make sure you have bug spray and mosquito netting.

From the cosmopolitan culture of Sydney to the wildness of the Outback with its animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world, Australia is a mind-opening continent to visit. The continent offers natural vistas unlike anything anywhere, and if you have a chance to voyage into the Outback, you’ll find it unforgettable. At Ayers Rock, meditate on the largest rock formation in the world (and refrain from saying anything about dingos eating babies!). At Kakadu National Park, Aboriginals can give you a tour that helps you understand Australia’s past. When you visit Brisbane, stop at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get in a cuddle The beauty of Australia extends to the waters that surround it, so head to Lagoon Beach on Lord Howe Island, to Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island, or to the island of Tasmania to enjoy astonishing beaches and amazing snorkeling. The Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland welcome you with coral reefs and perfect sailing, and while you’re in Queensland, take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you on a breathtaking journey up mountainsides and through rain forests. Everyone knows the silhouette of the famous Sydney Opera House, but the city and harbor of Sydney offer so much more, with plenty of waterside parks and marinas to draw you to the water. Head to the Opera House itself for uplifting performances, or stop at the National Gallery of Australia to get a deeper understanding of this unique country through its art.

Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Australia on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, JetBlue is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Australia.

Brisbane Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Australia. One-way flights to Brisbane Airport typically cost $25, while round-trip flights cost around $31.

A round-trip flight to Australia will typically cost around $96, however they can be found for as little as $57.

For those looking to save time traveling to Australia, Binghamton offers the quickest one-way flight (6 hours 31 minutes).

Yes. Those touching down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.

Yes. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Aerotel Sydney (Arrivals B, International Terminal 1) is the closest property to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (0.0 mi away from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport).