Travel tips
Your first trip to Europe from Australia: routes, stopovers and timing
How to handle the long flight, when to go, how long to stay and the paperwork for Australian passport holders.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- From Australia's east coast, Europe is about 22 to 24 hours away with one stop; from Perth, there are nonstop flights to London of around 17 hours.
- Break the journey with a two- or three-night stopover in Singapore, Dubai, Doha or Hong Kong to arrive fresher.
- May, June and September are ideal: warm European weather, long days and fewer crowds than July and August.
| East coast to Europe | About 22–24 hours with one stop |
|---|---|
| Perth to London nonstop | About 17 hours |
| Ideal trip length | 3–4 weeks |
| Best months | May–June, September |
| UK entry | Australians need a UK ETA |
Choosing your route
Most flights connect in Asia or the Middle East: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hong Kong, or Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Middle Eastern hubs give you a wide choice of European cities with one connection, while Asian hubs make great stopovers.
From Perth, nonstop flights to London take around 17 hours, and some airlines also fly Perth to Paris or Rome nonstop, which can make a west coast connection worthwhile.
Make the stopover part of the holiday
Two or three nights in Singapore, Dubai or Hong Kong on the way over helps your body adjust and adds another city to the trip. Many airlines offer stopover deals with hotels or transfers included.
When to go and how long
Because the flight is so long, most Australians go for three to four weeks. Late May, June and September have the best balance of weather and crowds. July and August are hot and very busy across southern Europe, and coincide with Australian winter school holidays.
For a white Christmas and Christmas markets, go in December, but pack for the cold and expect short days.
A first-timer's four-week plan
- Week 1: London, with a day trip to Bath, Oxford or Stonehenge.
- Week 2: Eurostar to Paris, then the train to Amsterdam or the Swiss Alps.
- Week 3: Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice by train.
- Week 4: Relax in the Greek islands or on Croatia's coast before flying home.
Paperwork and money
- UK: Australian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK. Apply on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app.
- Schengen area: Australians can usually stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The EU is introducing a digital Entry/Exit System and a pre-travel authorisation called ETIAS, so check the official EU travel website and Smartraveller before you go.
- Money: a travel card or a credit card with no foreign transaction fees saves money; contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere.
- Jet lag: Europe is 8 to 11 hours behind eastern Australia, depending on daylight saving. Arriving is usually easier than coming home, so plan a quiet day after you get back.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Australia to Europe?
About 22 to 24 hours from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with one stop, and around 17 hours nonstop from Perth to London.
Do Australians need a visa for Europe?
Not for short tourist trips to the UK or the Schengen area, but the UK requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the EU is introducing new entry checks. Check Smartraveller and the official UK and EU websites before you travel.
What is the best time for Australians to visit Europe?
Late May, June and September: warm weather and long days, with fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.
