Damon Mcknight
Australia is a massive country, comparable in size to the USA or Europe. As such, flying is the best way to travel around the country, and many of its cities are well-connected by air. In this article, we will explore the possibility of flying around Australia in under 24 hours, the challenges that come with it, and how to overcome them. We will also discuss the best strategies for long-haul economy flights, the best times to book, and the top destinations to visit in this vast and diverse country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possible schedule | QF501 DPT BNE 6 AM ARR SYD 7.35 AM |
| QF419 DPT SYD 9 AM ARR MEL 10.30 AM | |
| QF683 DPT MEL 12 PM ARR ADL 1 PM | |
| QF585 DPT ADL 2.35 PM ARR PER 4.30 PM | |
| QF1006 DPT PER 7.10 PM ARR DRW 12.05 AM | |
| DJ446 DPT DRW 1.35 AM ARR BNE 5.45 AM | |
| Total travel time | 23 hours 45 minutes |
| Challenges | Delays due to fog and other bad weather |
| Long duration in economy class | |
| Lack of access to lounges and showers for economy travellers | |
| Best time to travel | May, August, or September for cheaper flights |
| September to November or March to May for pleasant weather | |
| Airlines | Qantas |
| British Airways | |
| Jetstar | |
| Cathay Pacific | |
| Visa requirements | Australian eVisitor visa for British passport holders |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of different airlines
When it comes to flying around Australia in 24 hours, there are several factors to consider when choosing an airline. Here are the pros and cons of different airlines to help you make an informed decision:
Qantas
Qantas is one of the major airlines in Australia and offers several advantages. Here are some pros of choosing Qantas:
- Qantas has a more extensive international and partner airline network, including the Oneworld alliance for round-the-world redemptions. This can be beneficial if you're planning to include multiple destinations in your 24-hour itinerary.
- Qantas offers superior frequency between major cities and better access to larger regional centres. This can help with tight connections and reducing overall travel time.
- Qantas excels in economy class, offering a more comfortable experience for those travelling on a budget. This is especially important if you're looking to save money on your 24-hour trip.
- Qantas provides a "fast-track" to attaining status if you're already a frequent flyer on a competing airline. Their status challenge allows you to earn Gold status in less than a third of the usual time.
- Qantas has more ways to earn points and more hotel partners, making their frequent flyer program more versatile. This can be advantageous if you're looking to accumulate rewards during your trip.
- Qantas may not offer the same benefits as other airlines for premium travellers. For example, they don't have a Fly Ahead option or confirmed international point upgrades.
- Qantas' business and first-class lounges are accessible only to higher-tier frequent flyers or premium cabin passengers. If you're travelling in economy, you won't have access to these lounges.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is another popular choice for flying within Australia and has its own set of pros and cons:
The pros of choosing Virgin Australia include:
- Virgin Australia offers Fly Ahead, premium lounge entries, family pooling, and confirmed international point upgrades. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and make the most of your 24 hours.
- Virgin Australia's business class on the 737 is highly regarded, so if you're looking for a premium experience, this could be a good option.
And here are some cons to consider:
- Virgin Australia's economy class is considered average, so if you're travelling in economy, you may not have the same level of comfort as with other airlines.
- Virgin Australia may not have the same frequency or access to regional centres as Qantas, which could impact your ability to visit multiple destinations in 24 hours.
- Building up status with Virgin Australia can take time, and if you're switching from another airline, you may lose your previous benefits.
Other Airlines
While Qantas and Virgin Australia are the major players, other airlines may also offer flights within Australia, such as Emirates, Etihad, and Cathay Pacific. These airlines may have their own pros and cons, and their availability and suitability will depend on your specific itinerary and preferences.
In conclusion, when planning to fly around Australia in 24 hours, carefully consider your priorities and needs. Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on factors such as cabin class, lounge access, frequency of flights, and reward programs. Remember to also take into account potential delays due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, as these can impact your tight schedule.
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Sleep schedules and jetlag
To prepare for a 24-hour flight to Australia and the subsequent jetlag, it is important to get enough sleep before your trip. Sleep deficit will only make jetlag worse. One traveller shared that they decided to stay awake for about eight hours on their flight to Singapore before trying to get four hours of sleep. This meant that when they arrived in Singapore, it was 4 am UK time or 3 pm Singapore time. They could then shower and eat before returning to the plane and trying to sleep as much as possible on their flight from Singapore to Sydney, which coincided with the Australian night.
If you are flying from west to east, your body clock will be less confused as travelling west 'prolongs' the body clock's experience of its normal day-night cycle. Travelling east, however, runs in direct opposition to the body clock. If you can, try to go to sleep later than usual for two to three days before you leave. This will make it easier to adapt to the new time zone when you arrive.
To avoid jetlag when travelling to Australia, it is recommended that you pick a flight that arrives during the day. This will help your body adjust to the new time zone, as you can expose yourself to natural light. It is also easier to force yourself to stay awake a little longer before falling asleep than to force yourself to sleep when you are wide awake.
During the flight, it is important to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Try to nap whenever you feel sleepy and eat small meals, choosing lighter foods like fruit and vegetables. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and walk around the cabin when you can. When you sleep, use earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light.
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Budgeting and saving money
Australia is a large country, and travelling around it in 24 hours will involve a lot of transportation, which can be very expensive. Here are some tips for budgeting and saving money on your trip.
Transportation
Due to the limited competition among airlines, flights within Australia tend to be very expensive. However, you can still find cheap tickets on shorter routes. For example, the 90-minute flight from Sydney to Melbourne costs around 50-70 AUD, but tickets can get up to 130 AUD if you don't book in advance. If you're looking to save money, consider using a flight search engine like Skyscanner to find the best deals.
Another option is to take a bus, which is a much cheaper alternative, especially if you have a backpacker discount card like YHA or VIP. The bus network reaches much further than train routes and gives you access to small towns between cities. Buses are comfortable, with reclining seats, air conditioning, toilets, and TVs.
If you're travelling outside of metropolitan areas, renting a car or camper van can be a good option. While the cost of rentals is going up, they can still be affordable, especially if you choose a camper van that can double as your accommodation. Camper van rentals start at approximately 40 AUD (25 USD) per day, and you can find deals on websites like Hipcamp, Camplify, and Jucy Rentals. However, keep in mind that petrol (gas) is expensive in Australia.
Accommodation
In addition to transportation, accommodation can also be expensive in Australia. Here are some tips to save money:
- Stay in a hostel: Hostels are excellent value and a great way to meet other travellers. You can book hostels on websites like Hostelworld, which offers a wide range of options and deals.
- Book guesthouses or cheap hotels: Websites like Booking.com offer the best deals on guesthouses and cheap hotels.
- Choose Airbnb: Airbnb can be a cost-effective option, especially if you're travelling as a couple or group. There are more options in Australian cities than in rural areas, and prices vary widely.
- Opt for camper vans: As mentioned earlier, camper vans can serve as both transportation and accommodation, saving you money on hotel stays.
- Free campsites: There are free campsites throughout the country, offering an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. You can find these using apps like WikiCamps Australia and CamperMate. However, some spots may lack toilet facilities or access to clean water, so come prepared.
Food and Drinks
Australia has steep taxes on alcohol, resulting in high prices. Here are some tips to save money on food and drinks:
- Buy alcohol at liquor stores: It's much cheaper to purchase alcohol from liquor stores than from bars, even during happy hour.
- Take advantage of happy hour: During happy hour, you can find drinks at discounted prices. Cocktails may cost around 15 AUD (9.50 USD), and tap beers can start as low as 5 AUD (3.15 USD).
- Bring your own bottle: Some restaurants, especially Chinese, Italian, and Mediterranean ones, allow you to bring your own bottle of wine for a nominal corkage fee of around 3 AUD (1.90 USD).
- Look for food deals: Many places offer food specials alongside drink deals. For example, you can find offers like 10 AUD (6.30 USD) nachos and 5 AUD (3.15 USD) fries.
- Cook your own meals: If you're staying in a camper van or a place with a kitchen, cooking your meals can save you money instead of dining out for every meal.
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Visa requirements
When planning a trip to Australia, it is important to consider the visa requirements, especially if you are aiming to fly around the country in 24 hours. Here is some detailed information to help you navigate the visa process for your whirlwind Australian adventure:
Firstly, it is important to understand that Australia has specific visa requirements for visitors, and the type of visa you need may depend on your citizenship and the purpose of your visit. For a short trip involving multiple flights within Australia, you should research the specific requirements for your nationality. Some countries have mutual visa-free travel agreements with Australia, so you may not need a visa for a short transit or stopover. However, if you plan to leave the airport and enter Australia, even for a short period, you will likely need to obtain a valid visa.
The Australian government offers different types of visas depending on your needs. One option is the Transit Visa (Subclass 771), which allows you to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours before you must depart. This type of visa is suitable if you plan to have a short layover and explore a bit of the country during your 24-hour trip. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide relevant documentation and pay a fee. The application process may vary depending on your country of origin, so be sure to check the official Australian government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you are simply transiting through an Australian airport on your way to another destination and will not leave the airport, you may be eligible for transit without a visa (TWOV). This applies to certain passport holders who are passing through specific Australian airports. However, it is important to note that even if you are eligible for TWOV, you must still meet the necessary entry requirements, such as having a valid visa for your final destination and any subsequent destinations.
When planning your 24-hour trip around Australia, it is crucial to allow for potential delays and unforeseen problems. As you will have tight connections and a limited timeframe, factors like fog or other adverse weather conditions could impact your schedule. Therefore, it is recommended to have some flexibility in your itinerary and be prepared for possible delays, as these could affect your visa requirements, especially if your visa is time-sensitive.
Lastly, while this response provides a general overview of visa requirements for a short trip to Australia, it is important to consult official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Visa requirements can change, and they may differ depending on your specific circumstances. Therefore, be sure to check the Australian government's website or consult with your local embassy or consulate for detailed and personalized advice regarding your visa application.
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Airport lounge access
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a popular way to gain access to airport lounges. Premium credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card and the Citi Prestige Card offer unlimited airport lounge access, but they come with a high annual fee. These cards are ideal for frequent travellers who can take advantage of the extensive travel perks. For occasional travellers, cards like the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, the Australia Velocity High Flyer, and the Qantas Premier Platinum offer limited lounge access along with other benefits such as travel insurance and points programs. If you're budget-conscious, Revolut Australia's premium plans provide discounted lounge access, although you'll need to purchase passes separately.
Velocity Membership
Virgin Australia, a popular airline in Australia, offers various benefits to its Velocity members. Velocity Silver members can enjoy complimentary lounge access to domestic lounges using their single-entry lounge passes when departing on a same-day Virgin Australia flight. Velocity Gold and Platinum members receive complimentary pre-departure access to Virgin Australia Lounges and can invite additional guests. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, business facilities, and shower facilities.
Qantas Club Lounge
American Express cardholders receive two complimentary single-entry passes to the Qantas Club Lounge after their first card spend in Australia. This lounge provides a relaxing environment with complimentary food, drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Lounge Membership Programs
Some credit card companies, such as Priority Pass, offer lounge membership programs. You can create an account with them and show your account number or QR code at qualifying lounges to gain entry.
Business and First-Class Tickets
Business and first-class travellers often have complimentary access to airport lounges. For example, Virgin Australia Business Class guests can enjoy complimentary lounge access when flying on a same-day Virgin Australia flight.
When flying around Australia in 24 hours, airport lounge access can provide you with a comfortable space to relax, refresh, and recharge between flights. It allows you to enjoy various amenities and services, making your travel experience more enjoyable and convenient.
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Frequently asked questions
Flying around Australia in 24 hours is possible, but challenging. You can create an itinerary that includes all mainland states and the NT, starting and ending at BNE. Here is an example:
- QF501 DPT BNE 6 AM ARR SYD 7.35 AM
- QF419 DPT SYD 9 AM ARR MEL 10.30 AM
- QF683 DPT MEL 12 PM ARR ADL 1 PM
- QF585 DPT ADL 2.35 PM ARR PER 4.30 PM
- QF1006 DPT PER 7.10 PM ARR DRW 12.05 AM
- DJ446 DPT DRW 1.35 AM ARR BNE 5.45 AM
Here are some tips to survive a long-haul economy flight to Australia:
- Create a sleep schedule to minimise jet lag.
- Utilise airport lounges to freshen up and relax before your flight.
- Choose an emergency exit seat for more comfort.
- Drink and eat sensibly during the flight.
- Stay hydrated and consider taking sleeping pills.
Many major airlines offer direct flights to Australia, including British Airways, Qantas, and Jetstar. Qantas offers in-flight entertainment, food, and a generous luggage allowance, while Jetstar may be more affordable.
Flight times to Australia vary depending on your origin. From the West Coast of the USA, flights take approximately 15 hours, while from London to Sydney, the average is 23 hours with a stop in Singapore. The cheapest months to fly are typically May, August, or September, and it's recommended to book early.
British passport holders need a valid visa to enter Australia. The Australian eVisitor visa is suitable for tourists and business travellers, allowing stays of up to 90 days. Ensure you check the specific requirements for your country of origin.
