Flights to Australia

Best student & youth fares right now to Australia

Looking for a cheap flight to the Land Down Under? Look no further! Check out the cheap flights we have on offer right now or use the search box to search for more deals.

Student flights from the UK to Australia

Travelling from the UK to Australia has never been easier with our awesome deals and discounts, exclusively for students and youth. Australia is made for adventure and a perfect country for Brits to either study abroad, find paid work, or simply travel around for the fun of it.

Though it’s the other side of the world, Australian culture is fully Westernised and English-speaking, so when you land in one of its vibrant cities—take your pick from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, or Cairns!— you’ll feel right at home. One thing to keep in mind is that Australia is HUGE. It’s about 2,500 miles across, which is about the distance from London to the Middle East. So unless you have enough time and money to drive around (always an option!), you might need to hop on a domestic flight or two as well.

In terms of what to see, take your pick: Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Uluru… and that’s just the start. Search flights today with StudentUniverse and see what bargains you can snap up.

map of australia

What are the main Australia airport hubs?

Due to its size, Australia has several major airport hubs based around its various states. Most international travellers will land in either Perth, in Western Australia (this is currently the only one you can fly directly to from the UK); Sydney, in New South Wales; Melbourne, in Victoria; Brisbane and Cairns, in Queensland; and Darwin, in the Northern Territory.

Australia has other smaller, regional airports - like Newcastle and Gold Coast - but long-haul international travellers don’t tend to begin their trips in these ones.

How to fly from the UK to Australia

Australia is the opposite side of the world to the UK, so it takes a fair while to get there—typically about 20 hours, with one or two changes. The number of changes you make will depend on your exact route and airlines. You can now fly direct from London to Perth, in Western Australia, though many first-time visitors will want to head for the east coast (where you’ll find places like Sydney and Melbourne), which involves catching a second flight.

When is the best time to fly to Australia?

Because Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons occur at opposite times to UK seasons. This means that during December in the UK, while we’re battling through the depths of winter, Australia is basking in blazing sunshine and warm temperatures. In fact, if you happen to find yourself in Sydney over Christmas, it’s traditional to have a BBQ on Bondi Beach—look out for the lifeguards wearing Santa hats! Generally speaking, Australia has a warmer climate than the UK, with hotter summers and milder winters. The coastal areas, where most Australians live, are year-round destinations. The northern areas, which are closer to the tropics, go through wet and dry seasons. The wet seasons run from November to April, and any off the beaten track trips should be planned accordingly.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the UK to Australia?

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Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.

Why do British students love visiting Australia?

Australia is like a second home for many Brits, with a similar culture (right down to the sense of humour!) and the fact that everyone speaks English as a first language. There are many international study placements available in the land Down Under, and while you’re having a break from study, there are a plethora of incredible adventures to be had, from climbing over the Harbour Bridge in the heart of bustling Sydney, to gazing upon the natural wonder of Uluru in the heart of the Central Deserts.


Australia universities and campuses

All of Australia’s major cities have at least one excellent university, and almost all offer study abroad placements for British travellers. One of the best cities to base yourself is Melbourne, which has a huge student population and over 10 universities, including Monash University, Melbourne University and RMIT University. The other top choice is Sydney, which also has a significant number of both local and international students. The University of Sydney is most people’s first choice.


Australian lifestyle and culture

Australian lifestyle is super laid-back, with beautiful weather practically guaranteed in most places year-round. Many Australians love to surf, which in itself is a lifestyle, and will think nothing of jumping on a board during a lunch break to catch some waves. When it comes to cities like Melbourne, coffee culture reins supreme, along with a vibrant arts scene. There is also an incredible amount of indigenous cultural output from Australia’s native Aboriginal population.


Exploring Australia on a student budget

Australia is easily explored on a student budget, and due to the abundant opportunities for employment, even if you notice your funds are running low, it’s fairly straightforward to pick up skilled or unskilled work to top up your balance again. When it comes to the cities, you can simply walk around soaking up all those iconic sights, and when it comes to the natural side, again, just being there in those national parks is enough to satisfy most visitors. Best yet, a beach day on one of Australia’s many iconic beaches is totally free!

Frequently asked questions about flying from the UK to Australia

Do I need a visa to visit Australia as a UK citizen?

Is Australia safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

What’s the currency in Australia and how does it compare to the UK?

What are the top things to do in Australia?