After being named “the most desirable country in the world” with over 168,000 Globetrotters (and third in four years!) at the 2025 Wonderlust Leader Travel Awards, Australia has once again secured the place at the top of its traveler wish list.
Now Qantas has announced a new direct route from Johannesburg to Perth, launched this December, with South African Airlines already flying non-stop five times a week.
Whether heading “down” to explore Uluru's indigenous culture, reconnecting with Brisbane families, or thrust into Perth's laid back West Coast lifestyle, Saffers has seriously upgraded on long distance travelers.
“It's a South African country full of foreigners, and as a go-to for family reunions, Australia has always been the bucket list territory,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply Prices and Marketing at Flight Center in South Africa. “But now accessibility is keeping up to demand. Two airlines offering direct flights to Perth and daily service to Sydney means we've entered a new era of flexibility and choice.”
And the timing never got better. According to the flight centre year in South Africa's 2024 report, flight demand in Australia rose 6% last year.
“Most bookings focus on hubs in big cities like Sydney and Brisbane, but of course there's a growing interest in the offensive trucking experience,” commented Garrett.
These include:
Wildlife encounters on a Ningaloo Reef Aboriginal-led cultural tour in Western Australia escape on a gourmet island on a hiking kangaroo island through Tasmania national parks
How to save on long distance travels in “below”
Australia isn't cheap, but smart planning can make your journey more wallet-friendly.
For two weeks or two months (and for now, whether 14 days is the most common length of travel, many stay on average 38 according to flight center booking data).
Here's how you can get more value from your ticket:
Early booking: Qantas' first flight takes off in December, with early fares expected around September. Bundles as much as possible: Flight + Insurance + Accommodation (available in the Flight Center's in-store “Bundle & Save” promotion) = Better rates and reduced administrator headaches. Consider shoulder season: travel just before or after school holidays will save you a lot of money on both flights and stays. Don't ignore open jaw reservations: flies to Perth and out of Sydney (or vice versa), avoid backtracking if you're covering multiple cities.
What about the visa?
There's no circumvention – South African passport holders need a visa to enter Australia.
Most leisure travelers apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) that covers sightseeing, family and friends visits, and short business trips.
This is what you need to know in advance:
Apply online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs or through the accreditation platform. Biometric authentication is required. As of March 2025, you will need to visit the VFS Global Centre in South Africa as part of your application. The standard fee is AUD195 (less than R2,300) and includes additional costs such as Biometrics Collection and Document Courier fees. Processing times are usually 15-30 business days, so apply early, especially if you are planning to travel during peak season.
The required documentation includes the following:
A valid passport (6 months or more remaining) online application fund proof (such as a bank statement) travel itinerary + return flight booking invitation
“Flight centre travel experts advise clients on how to get the paperwork right, not just flights,” Garrett says. “Please do not leave your visa until the last time. Give it time for additional document requests.”
You cannot work while visiting this visa, but multiple entries will be allowed within the validity period (up to 12 months), and each stay will close after approximately 90 days.
And comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, especially given Australia's high private health costs.
So if you're waiting for a sign to begin planning your Australian adventure, this is it. Direct flight bookings to Qantas and Perth are officially open, with the first flight taking off on December 7th. Oz is waiting!
