Travel tips
Bali from Australia: flight times, best months and what to know
Australia's favourite overseas island, with flight times from each capital and the practical things to sort before you go.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Nonstop flights take roughly 2.5 hours from Darwin, 3.5 hours from Perth and 6 to 6.5 hours from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Bali's dry season, April to October, lines up neatly with the Australian winter.
- Sort travel insurance, the Bali tourist levy and your entry requirements before you fly.
| From Perth | ~3.5 hours |
|---|---|
| From Darwin | ~2.5 hours |
| From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | ~6–6.5 hours |
| Best months | Apr–Oct |
| Busiest | School holidays, Dec–Jan |
Getting there
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas and several Indonesian and Asian airlines fly nonstop to Denpasar from Australia's main cities. Perth has the shortest flight of the big capitals, which makes Bali a popular long-weekend trip from Western Australia.
When to go
April to October is dry and sunny, which is perfect when it is cold at home. Australian school holidays in July and over Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times, so book early or travel just outside them.
Where to stay
Seminyak and Canggu suit couples and friends, with beach clubs and cafés. Families often prefer the calmer water of Nusa Dua and Sanur. Ubud is for rice terraces, yoga and day trips inland, and Uluwatu for cliff-top views and the sunset Kecak dance.
Before you go
Foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy, introduced in February 2024, which can be paid online before arrival. Check Indonesia's current entry rules for Australian passports, including visa-on-arrival options.
- Buy travel insurance, and check whether it covers riding a scooter; many policies require a valid motorbike licence.
- Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid an upset stomach.
- Cards work in most hotels and restaurants; carry some rupiah cash for small shops and drivers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Sydney to Bali?
About 6 to 6.5 hours nonstop. From Perth it is about 3.5 hours.
When is the best time to go to Bali from Australia?
April to October, Bali's dry season. Avoid school holidays in July and December to January if you want lower prices.
Do you need to pay a tourist tax in Bali?
Yes. Since February 2024 foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy, which can be paid online before you travel.
