Ruqayyah Snyder
Planning a trip to Australia? Flights from the UK to Australia commonly disembark at Sydney International Airport, the country's main international airport. The long-haul flight takes around 22 hours from London to Sydney and usually includes a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong. If you don't want to stop over, you can fly direct to Perth from London in just under 17 hours with Qantas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current cheapest month to fly to Australia | October 2022 |
| Current price of return flights to Australia | £591 |
| Current year's festivals in Adelaide | Adelaide Fringe |
| Current year's events in Sydney | Vivid Sydney (23 May to 14 June 2025) |
| Australia's famous sites | Katherine Gorge, the Devil's Marbles, and Uluru |
| Australia's famous cities | Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne |
| Australia's famous natural wonders | The Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Bondi Beach, the Outback |
| Australia's famous activities | Hot air ballooning, swimming in secret waterholes, crocodile cruises, whale watching |
| Australia's famous food and drink | Award-winning wine |
| History of UK-Australia flights | First UK-Australia mail service began in 1934; first passenger service in 1935 |
| Qantas' future plans | Non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Sydney from 2027 |
| Qantas' previous routes | London to Sydney via Bermuda, Nassau, Mexico City, Acapulco, Tahiti and Fiji ("Fiesta" route) |
| Qantas' previous routes | London to Hong Kong via Athens/Istanbul, Tehran and New Delhi |
| Qantas' previous routes | London to Sydney via San Francisco |
| Qantas' previous routes | London to Sydney via New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Fiji |
| Qantas' previous routes | London Heathrow to Perth via Mumbai |
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What You'll Learn
The first UK-Australia mail service began in 1934
The first UK-Australia mail service began on 8 December 1934. The service was operated by Imperial Airways (from Croydon to Karachi), Indian Trans-Continental (Karachi to Singapore), and Qantas Empire Airways (Singapore to Brisbane). Qantas had been operating a regular airmail service across inland Queensland since 1921 and in 1934 began airmail operations between Brisbane and Singapore.
The first UK-Australia mail service was inaugurated by the Duke of Gloucester, who severed a length of ribbon joining the official stand to the Qantas-Empire Airways plane Diana, which was to take off from Brisbane. The Duke of Gloucester also handed over the Royal Mail Bag, which contained letters from the King and other members of the Royal Family, as well as letters from the Governor-General, the Governors of the several States, the Prime Minister, and Premiers to important personages in Britain. The first half-ton of mail was carried from Australia to England by the Diana and its sister ship Hippomenes.
The first passenger service from the UK to Australia began the following year on 13 April 1935, operated by Imperial Airways and Qantas Empire Airways. The trip initially took 12 and a half days and operated weekly. By 1939, Imperial Airways services to Australia were operated with flying boats, and passengers would depart from the Imperial Airways Terminal in Victoria to catch a train to Southampton.
The route from the UK to Australia, known as the Kangaroo Route, has been improved and refined over the years. In 1944, Qantas augmented the Kangaroo Route's Catalina service with an additional route operated by converted Consolidated Liberator bombers. In 1945, Avro Lancastrians were introduced on the England-Australia service, and in 1946, Qantas ended its Indian Ocean Service, reverting the Kangaroo Route back via Darwin and Singapore. In 1947, Qantas took over complete operation of the route from Australia to the United Kingdom, and in 1961, Qantas introduced a special version of the Boeing 707 known as the "V Jet", which delivered further journey time improvements.
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The first passenger service from London to Brisbane was in 1935
The first passenger service from London to Brisbane took place on 13 April 1935. The trip was made possible by Imperial Airways and Qantas Empire Airways, and it initially operated weekly, with the trip taking 12 and a half days. This route would later become known as the "Kangaroo Route".
The journey was made possible by first flying from Croydon, London, to Karachi, via Indian Trans-Continental. From Karachi to Singapore, the flight was operated by Indian Trans-Continental, and finally, from Singapore to Brisbane, the flight was operated by Qantas Empire Airways. This first service was marked by a special ceremony at Croydon presided over by Lord Londonderry, Secretary of State for Air. The two tons of letters included in the mail service even included three addressed by the King, the Queen, and the Prince of Wales to the Duke of Gloucester at Auckland.
The route was 12,754 miles (20,526 km) long, and the single fare was £195 (equivalent to $42,700 in 2022). There were no through bookings on the first service due to heavy sector bookings, but there were two through passengers on the next flight that left London on 20 April. The route opened for passengers from Brisbane to London on 17 April, and flights were progressively increased to thrice weekly throughout the 1930s, with the journey time improved so that flights to Australia took "only" 10 days.
The Kangaroo Route was disrupted due to the emerging hostilities of World War II, but Qantas famously restored the route with its "Double Sunrise" service between Perth and Ceylon on the Indian Ocean Route with Catalina flying boats in 1943. The route was designed to exploit the Catalina's extreme flight range, and it became the longest non-stop commercial air route, covering over 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 kilometres; 4,000 miles) across the Indian Ocean.
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Qantas will fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Sydney from 2027
Qantas has been at the forefront of aviation history since the 1930s, when it pioneered the first passenger flights between the UK and Australia. In 2027, Qantas will once again make history by launching the world's first direct non-stop flight between London Heathrow and Sydney, Australia. This ambitious plan, known as "Project Sunrise," will utilise a specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft with an ultra-long range, capable of flying further than any other civil aircraft. The non-stop flight will cover a distance of approximately 17,015 kilometres in around 20 hours, surpassing the current record for the world's longest flight held by Singapore Airlines' direct service from Singapore to New York.
Qantas' new non-stop route between London and Sydney is a significant development in the evolution of civil aviation, reducing the travel time between these two cities by eliminating the need for refuelling stops. Currently, the journey from London to Sydney requires a stop in Singapore or another city, extending the travel time to over 30 hours. With the introduction of the non-stop flight, passengers will be able to travel between London and Sydney in a single journey, saving valuable time and offering a more convenient option.
The Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft that will be used for the non-stop flight is currently in the final stages of development and testing. Qantas has reported that the assembly of the aircraft is on track, with the first aircraft expected to enter the final assembly stage in September 2025. This will be followed by flight testing before the aircraft is delivered to Qantas in the second half of 2026. Despite previous delays due to manufacturing issues, Qantas remains optimistic about meeting the 2027 debut for the new route.
Qantas has extensive experience operating very long-haul flights, including its popular Perth to London route, which has seen high occupancy and passenger satisfaction. The new non-stop route from London to Sydney will further enhance Qantas' reputation for ultra-long-haul services and is expected to be a popular choice for travellers looking to avoid lengthy layovers. The airline is also focusing on enhancing the passenger experience, with features like wellness zones and premium cabin offerings to improve comfort during the extended journey.
The introduction of the non-stop flight from London Heathrow to Sydney is a significant milestone in the history of aviation, marking 90 years of radical evolution in air travel between the UK and Australia. It represents a major step forward, reducing travel time to just 20 hours for a journey that previously took over 12 days when it was first introduced in 1935. With Qantas' new non-stop route, travellers will soon be able to experience the convenience and efficiency of direct travel between these two great cities.
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The cheapest month to fly to Australia is October
Australia is a popular destination for travel, with its deep blue waters, exquisite natural beauty, bustling cities, and adventurous spirit. The cheapest month to fly to Australia is currently February 2023, with flights starting from $342. However, it is important to note that prices may vary and deals can be found on last-minute flights as well.
Generally, the cheapest months to fly to Australia are May, August, and September, which is just before the country's peak tourism season. The peak tourism season in Australia is from September to November (springtime) and March to May. During the peak season, prices can increase by an average of 31%.
If you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the British Commonwealth, you may not need a visa to enter Australia. However, it is always good to check beforehand. Additionally, keep in mind that Australian customs and border patrol are known to be extremely strict, with harsh penalties for any infractions.
When planning your trip to Australia, consider using price comparison websites to find the best deals on flights. These websites can also help you discover the cheapest months and days to fly to your destination.
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Visitors to Australia need a visa
If you're planning a trip to Australia, it's important to know that visitors from outside the country generally need a valid visa to enter, regardless of their nationality. The type of visa you'll need depends on factors such as the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and your passport. Here is a guide to help you navigate the visa requirements for your journey to Australia.
Types of Visas
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): This visa is suitable for tourism or business purposes and is open to all nationalities. It typically allows a stay of up to three months but can be extended up to 12 months in certain circumstances. Applicants need to pay a fee and submit their applications through the appropriate channels, such as the Australian ETA app or an ImmiAccount.
Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601): The ETA visa allows multiple entries to Australia for up to a year, with each stay lasting no longer than three months. This visa is available to passport holders from specific countries and regions who live outside Australia. Applications can be made through the Australian ETA app, and a live facial image is required during the process.
EVisitor (Subclass 651): The eVisitor is a free visa that allows multiple entries to Australia for tourism or business purposes. Each visit can last up to three months within a 12-month period.
Working Holiday Visa: Australia's Working Holiday Maker program offers visas to visitors under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold passports from participating countries. This visa allows them to travel and work in Australia for up to one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years if certain conditions are met.
Additional Considerations
It's important to plan ahead and apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow for processing time. Certain visas may have specific eligibility requirements, such as financial and medical criteria, and health insurance maintenance during your stay. Additionally, be aware that Australian visa regulations and application charges may change, so it's essential to check for the most current information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the Embassy of Australia website.
Lastly, if you are a U.S. citizen, you can find specific information on the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia website. They provide guidance on customs requirements, medication considerations, and other travel-related restrictions and regulations.
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