Looking for cheap places to travel from Australia? You do not have to fly halfway around the world for a great holiday. Island paradises, buzzing Asian cities, and adventure hotspots are all a short and affordable flight away. Here are 14 of the cheapest and nearest countries to fly to from Australia, with flight times, visa basics, the best time to visit, a rough daily budget, and what to pack.
Daily budgets are rough per-person estimates in Australian dollars for mid-range budget travel, excluding flights. Airfares change constantly, so set price alerts and book early. Visa rules can change too, so always check official government sources before you travel.
Oceania
1. Fiji
Fiji is one of the best quick escapes from Australia, with white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and famously warm hospitality. Most visitors arrive in Nadi, where Denarau has the big resorts, but budget travelers can head to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands for snorkeling, diving, and backpacker-friendly island stays. Traveling outside the school holidays makes a big difference to prices.
- Flight time: About 4 hours direct from Brisbane or Sydney.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for up to 4 months.
- Best time to visit: May to October, during the dry season.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 70 to 120.
- Pack: Swimwear, a quick-dry towel, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, a waterproof phone pouch, and a Fiji eSIM.
2. New Zealand
Close to home but a world away, New Zealand packs a remarkable amount of scenery and adventure into one trip. Explore Auckland, the geothermal parks of Rotorua, Wellington's café culture, and the adrenaline-fueled action of Queenstown. Short flights and frequent sales make it an easy getaway.
- Flight time: About 3 hours from Sydney to Auckland.
- Visa: Australian citizens can visit, live, and work in New Zealand without a visa and do not need an NZeTA. Permanent residents of Australia need an NZeTA.
- Best time to visit: December to March for summer, or July to September for skiing. See the best time to visit New Zealand.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 90 to 150.
- Pack: A warm layer even in summer, a rain jacket, hiking boots, sunscreen, and a New Zealand eSIM.
3. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is for travelers who love getting off the beaten track, with rainforests, mountain ranges, living traditions, and colorful cultural festivals. Hike the legendary Kokoda Track, dive among World War II wrecks around Madang, or visit during one of the highland shows. Tourism is limited, so book guided tours with reputable operators and check government safety advice.
- Flight time: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Cairns or Brisbane to Port Moresby.
- Visa: Australians need a tourist visa. Check the latest options, including the eVisa, before you travel.
- Best time to visit: May to October, when it is drier and cooler.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 120 to 200, as remote travel and guided tours cost more.
- Pack: Sturdy hiking boots, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a dry bag, a basic medical kit, and a Papua New Guinea eSIM.
Southeast Asia
4. Indonesia (Beyond Bali)
Bali is the classic choice, but Indonesia's thousands of islands offer much more. Explore the art and heritage of Yogyakarta and the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, find quiet beaches on Lombok, see the Komodo dragons from Labuan Bajo, or experience the energy of Jakarta. Daily costs are some of the lowest you will find near Australia.
- Flight time: About 2.5 hours from Darwin and 6 to 7 hours from the east coast.
- Visa: Australians can get a visa on arrival or an e-VOA online for stays of up to 30 days, extendable once.
- Best time to visit: May to September, during the dry season.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 40 to 70.
- Pack: Light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a sarong for temple visits, and an Indonesia eSIM.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia offers huge variety for the price: hawker stalls and skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, street food and heritage in George Town, beaches and a cable car on Langkawi. Head to Malaysian Borneo for Kuching, Bako National Park's proboscis monkeys, and the Niah Caves near Miri.
- Flight time: About 8 to 8.5 hours direct from Sydney or Melbourne, and about 5.5 hours from Perth.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before arrival.
- Best time to visit: December to April for the west coast, and March to October for the east coast islands.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 50 to 80.
- Pack: A reusable water bottle, light clothing, a rain jacket for tropical downpours, and a Malaysia eSIM.
6. The Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has something for everyone. Climb Mount Tapyas for sunset in Coron, island-hop around El Nido, swim with turtles in Cebu, surf in Siargao, see Bohol's Chocolate Hills, or relax on Boracay's white sand. Filipino hospitality is legendary, and your money goes a long way.
- Flight time: About 8 to 8.5 hours direct from Sydney or Melbourne to Manila.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. Register with the eTravel system before arrival.
- Best time to visit: December to May, during the dry season.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 45 to 75.
- Pack: Quick-dry clothes, sturdy sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, travel insurance, and a Philippines eSIM.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam combines incredible street food, history, and dramatic scenery on a modest budget. Wander Hanoi's Old Quarter, cruise Ha Long Bay, admire the lanterns of Hoi An, enjoy the beaches of Da Nang, and dive into the energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Flight time: About 8.5 to 9 hours direct from Sydney or Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Visa: Australians need an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. Apply online through the official government portal before arrival.
- Best time to visit: It depends on the region. February to April and August to October are good choices for a north-to-south trip.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 40 to 65.
- Pack: Light clothing, a rain poncho, a sun hat, a power adapter, and a Vietnam eSIM.
8. Thailand
Thailand is a favorite for Australians, thanks to cheap flights and great value. Bangkok has night markets, street food, and ancient temples, Chiang Mai offers mountain views and laid-back cafés, and Phuket, Krabi, and the islands of the Gulf deliver beaches for every style of holiday.
- Flight time: About 9 hours direct from Sydney or Melbourne, and about 5.5 hours from Perth.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for short tourist stays. The permitted length has changed in recent years, so check the current rules, and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.
- Best time to visit: November to February for the coolest, driest weather in most regions.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 40 to 70.
- Pack: Breathable clothes, clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for temples, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a Thailand eSIM.
9. Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the most affordable countries in the region. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, learn about the country's history in Phnom Penh, and relax on the islands off the south coast, such as Koh Rong.
- Flight time: About 10 to 13 hours, usually with one stop.
- Visa: Australians can apply for an e-visa online or get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
- Best time to visit: November to February, when it is cooler and dry.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 35 to 60. US dollars are widely used alongside the riel.
- Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing that covers shoulders and knees, a hat, sunscreen, and a Cambodia eSIM.
10. Laos
Laos moves at a slower pace, which makes it perfect for a real break. Explore the relaxed capital of Vientiane, the temples and riverside sunsets of UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, and the karst mountains and blue lagoons of Vang Vieng. Guesthouses and local food are easy on the wallet.
- Flight time: About 12 to 14 hours, with at least one stop.
- Visa: Australians can get a 30-day visa on arrival at international airports and major border crossings, or apply for an e-visa. Bring US dollars for the fee.
- Best time to visit: November to February, when the weather is cooler and dry.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 30 to 55.
- Pack: Comfortable sandals, a dry bag, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a Laos eSIM.
11. Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is one of Asia's most underrated destinations, with rugged coastlines and almost empty beaches. Dili, the laid-back capital, has friendly markets, Atauro Island offers some of the world's most biodiverse reefs for diving and snorkeling, and Jaco Island is a wild, uninhabited paradise. Tourist infrastructure is basic, so plan ahead.
- Flight time: About 1.5 hours direct from Darwin.
- Visa: Australians can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Dili airport. Bring US dollars for the fee.
- Best time to visit: May to November, during the dry season.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 60 to 100. The US dollar is the official currency.
- Pack: Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy sandals, snorkel gear, cash, and a Timor-Leste eSIM.
East Asia
12. China
China mixes extraordinary history with ultra-modern cities. See the Forbidden City and the Great Wall near Beijing, the skyline of Shanghai, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and the giant pandas of Chengdu, traveling between them on fast high-speed trains. Many Western apps do not work without workarounds, so read our guide to the apps that work in China before you go.
- Flight time: About 10 to 12 hours direct to Beijing or Shanghai, and about 9 hours to Guangzhou.
- Visa: Australians can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under a trial policy. Check whether it has been extended before you travel.
- Best time to visit: April to May and September to October, avoiding national holidays.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 70 to 110.
- Pack: A translation app, a power bank, comfortable walking shoes, a payment app set up with your card, and a China eSIM.
13. Taiwan
Taiwan is a fantastic food and outdoor destination. Start with Taipei's night markets and the view from Elephant Mountain, then head to the temples and street food of Tainan, the harbor of Kaohsiung, and the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge. If you visit in autumn, Taipei Pride is one of Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations. Excellent public transportation keeps costs down.
- Flight time: About 9 to 9.5 hours direct from Sydney or Brisbane.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Best time to visit: October to December and March to May, when it is cooler and drier.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 60 to 100.
- Pack: An umbrella, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a portable charger, and a Taiwan eSIM.
14. South Korea
South Korea blends the old and the new. Seoul has palaces, markets, trendy cafés, and fantastic street food, Busan offers beaches and seaside temples, and Jeju Island is perfect for volcanic hikes. Fast trains and affordable buses make it easy to get around.
- Flight time: About 10.5 hours direct from Sydney to Seoul.
- Visa: Australians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check whether a K-ETA is currently required before you travel.
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
- Daily budget: Around AUD 70 to 110.
- Pack: Comfortable sneakers, layers for changing weather, sunscreen, a travel adapter, and a South Korea eSIM.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights from Australia
- Avoid school holidays: Fares and accommodation prices rise sharply during Australian school holidays, especially in December and January.
- Be flexible: Midweek departures and shoulder-season travel are often much cheaper.
- Use your nearest gateway: Darwin, Perth, and Cairns are close to Asia and the Pacific, and some of the cheapest fares leave from these airports.
- Watch for sales: Low-cost carriers regularly run sales on routes to Asia and the Pacific. Check baggage allowances before you book.
- Get travel insurance: Medical costs abroad can be high, especially for adventure activities.
Stay Connected Wherever You Go
An eSIM saves you from hunting for Wi-Fi or buying a SIM card at the airport. Install an egoViet eSIM before you fly and you are connected for maps, ride-hailing apps, and messages as soon as you land. Visiting several countries? An Asia eSIM or a Southeast Asia eSIM covers multiple destinations with one plan, and it is safer than relying on public or hotel Wi-Fi.
FAQs: Cheapest Countries to Fly to from Australia
What is the cheapest country to fly to from Australia?
Indonesia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Thailand often have the cheapest fares from Australia, depending on your departure city and travel dates.
Where can Australians travel cheaply in July?
July is winter in Australia, so it is a great time for sunny, dry-season destinations such as Fiji, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. Book early, as it is also school holiday season.
Where is hot and cheap in October?
Indonesia, Fiji, and Timor-Leste are good options, with warm, dry weather and shoulder-season prices.
Where do Perth locals go on holiday?
Locally, Perth residents love Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef, and Esperance. Overseas, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are all short, affordable flights away.