After being voted the ‘Most Desirable Country in the World’ by over 168,000 globetrotters in the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards (and for the third time in four years!), Australia has once again secured its spot at the top of travellers’ wish lists.
Now, with Qantas announcing a brand-new direct route from Johannesburg to Perth launching this December – and South African Airways already flying non-stop five times a week – getting there is easier (and faster) than ever.
Whether you’re heading ‘Down Under’ to explore indigenous culture in Uluru, reconnect with family in Brisbane, or throw yourself into Perth’s laid-back west coast lifestyle, Saffers just got a serious upgrade in long-haul travel.
“Along with being a country full of South African expats and, as such, a go-to for family reunions, Australia has also always been bucket-list territory,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “But now accessibility is catching up with demand. Two airlines offering direct flights into Perth – plus daily service into Sydney – means we’ve entered a new era of flexibility and choice.”
And the timing couldn’t be better. According to Flight Centre South Africa’s Year in Travel 2024 report, flight demand for Australia grew by 6% last year, part of a steady upward trend driven by expat reunions and long-stay leisure travel.
“While most bookings are still focused on big-city hubs like Sydney and Brisbane, we’re also seeing growing interest in off-the-beaten-track experiences,” comments Garrett.
These include:
- Wildlife encounters along Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef
- Aboriginal-led cultural tours in the Red Centre
- Gourmet escapes on Kangaroo Island
- Hikes through Tasmania’s national parks
How to save on long-haul travel ‘Down Under’
Australia isn’t cheap, but smart planning can make the journey a lot more wallet-friendly.
Whether you’re heading over for two weeks or two months (and right now, 14 days is the most common trip length, though many stay for an average of 38, according to Flight Centre booking data), timing your booking and choosing the right routing can make a huge difference.
Here’s how to get more value out of your ticket:
- Book early: Qantas’ inaugural flights take off in December, with early bird fares expected around September.
- Bundle where you can: Flights + insurance + accommodation (as offered in Flight Centre’s in-store ‘Bundle & Save’ promo) = better rates and fewer admin headaches.
- Consider shoulder season: Travel just before or after school holidays to save significantly on both flights and stays.
- Don’t ignore open-jaw bookings: Flying into Perth and out of Sydney (or vice versa) avoids backtracking if you’re covering multiple cities.
What about visas?
There’s no getting around it – South African passport holders need a visa to enter Australia.
Most leisure travellers apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which covers tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business trips.
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- Apply online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs or authorised platforms.
- Biometrics are mandatory. As of March 2025, you’ll need to visit a VFS Global centre in South Africa as part of your application.
- The standard fee is AUD195 (just under R2,300), with additional possible costs like biometrics collection or document courier fees.
- Processing time is typically 15–30 working days, so apply early – especially if you’re planning to travel during peak season.
Required documents include:
- A valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Completed online application
- Proof of funds (e.g. bank statements)
- Travel itinerary + return flight reservation
- Invitation letter if visiting family/friends
- Proof of ties to SA (like employment letters or property documents)
“Flight Centre’s Travel Experts advise clients not just on flights but on how to get their paperwork right,” says Garrett. “Don’t leave your visa until the last minute. Give yourself time for any extra documentation requests.”
While you can’t work while visiting on this visa, multiple entries are often allowed within the validity period – up to 12 months – with each stay capped at around 90 days.
And while it’s not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially given Australia’s high private healthcare costs.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start planning your Australia adventure, this is it. Bookings for direct flights to Perth with Qantas are officially open, with the first flight taking off on 7 December. Oz awaits!