The 17 cheapest countries to fly from Australia

The bond between Aussies and Kiwis is always friendly, especially when the rest of the world keeps mixing up our accents. Other than New Zealand being a staggeringly beautiful place full of lovely people, adventure opportunities and amazing wildlife, the Aussie dollar is generally strong against the NZD, meaning your wallet will land comfortably. In 2025, the AUD gained almost five per cent on the NZD, and more than seven per cent over the last two years. 

Fly into: Auckland Airport is NZ's most popular airport, and has some of the cheapest flights, making it a great landing pad to explore the North Island. You can also nab cheap flights to Wellington, but Queenstown Airport is your best bet for venturing to the South Island. 

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) brings mild temperatures, fewer crowds and loads of wildflowers. 

Korea has taken the international stage by storm in recent years, thanks to the global rise of K-Pop, Oscar-winning films, K-BBQ and world-leading skincare. Whether you want to cosy up in tiny teahouses, hunt for vintage treasures or get lost in vast forests, this vibrant city has something for everyone. The AUD often stretches further against the South Korean won, making accommodation, meals, transport and shopping feel more affordable than at home. Plus, you're bound to find plenty of bargains at the many markets and street stalls.

Fly into: Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul for consistently good budget flights.

Best time to visit: Spring (April to May), for smaller crowds, cherry blossoms and mild daily temperatures.

It’s just over a two-hour flight from Seoul to Tokyo, so we say kill two birds with one stone and tick them both off. In recent years, Japan has risen to become one of the trendiest destinations for Australians year-round. Thanks to the strong Aussie dollar against the Japanese yen, you can explore Japan’s rich cultural and culinary scene – think temples, gardens, theme parks and exhibitions – without breaking the bank. Travellers to Japan grew 20 per cent from 2024 to 2025, which is unsurprising given the nine per cent increase of the AUD against the yen year-on-year. 

Fly into: For the cheapest flights out of Australia, fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) Airport.

Best time to visit: To visit Japan cheaply, skip spring (although nice weather and cherry blossoms are an obvious drawcard). For the best budget option, hit Japan up during the winter (mid-January to early March).

There’s a reason Bali has become the home away from home for many Aussies. Well, many reasons actually. It’s beautiful, it’s cheap, and if you so choose to stray from the packed beach bars and shopping hot spots, it’s a wonderland of vibrant culture. With heaps of cheap food, affordable things to do and amazing deals on really epic accommodation, Indonesia is a great option for when you have less dough to spend. Also, the Aussie dollar always does well in the exchange rate with the Indonesian Rupiah, meaning you can travel like a jet-setter on a limited budget.

Fly into: If tropical relaxation is your goal, Bali’s airport in Denpasar (also known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport) is your best bet, but for cheap flights to Indonesia’s bustling capital, head to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. 

Best time to visit: The dry season, from May to September, is great for its clear skies and mild temps.

There's no place like Sri Lanka. Incredibly beautiful with amazingly friendly locals, epic food, and rich culture and history, this South Asian isle has been drawing Australian travellers for yonks – with its low prices also being a major drawcard. Right now, Sri Lankan travel is booming, with the AUD gaining a whopping 13 per cent on the Sri Lankan Rupee in 2025. In fact, the ABS stats show that travel to Sri Lanka has boomed 25 per cent year-on-year, with relative growth faster than in any other location in the top 20. Sri Lanka is where it's at.

Fly into: Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from Australia for the cheapest flight deals. 

Best time to visit: The dry and sunny months of December to April. 

If you thought you struck gold with cheap flights to Vietnam, you’ll be beaming when you see the price of the food. Banh mi’s are already the go-to cheap lunch for office workers in Australia, but in Vietnam, you'll quite literally only pay a couple of dollars for jam-packed sandwich rolls, and that’s not to mention all the other incredible national dishes. Plus, with the AUD gaining 12 per cent on the Vietnamese dong in 2025, Vietnam is now the eighth most popular destination for short-term returns for Aussies, making it more popular than the UK.

Fly into: For the cheapest flights from Australia, Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International) is generally the best airport to fly into.

Best time to visit: March to April, and September to November, for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Whether you’re temple hopping, pad thai-sampling, pristine water kayaking or nightlife partying, you’re never short of things to do in Thailand. It’s a beloved destination for Aussies and a great holiday destination for when you want to get away and not blow the budget while doing so. The Australian dollar stretches a long way against the Thai baht, making everything feel relatively cheap, especially the street food, markets and tuk tuk rides.

Fly into: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport has heaps of regular, cheap flights from Australia.

Best time to visit: The cool and dry season, from November to February, is the best weather-wise, but pull big crowds. If cheap times are your priority, consider flying over in April, June, July and October, where shoulder season costs are lower.

Often passed up for its tropical Asian neighbours, like Indonesia and Vietnam, the Philippines' natural scenery is truly breathtaking. Here, the pristine blue waters of Australia’s Whitsundays meet staggering cliff faces, underwater rivers and lush green jungles. You also can’t go by the local cuisine with all its salty-sweet combinations, like sticky adobo chicken and crunchy lechon pork belly. For a budget-friendly trip, stay at beach hostels, eat the local street food and travel in jeepneys.

Fly into: Manila Airport (MLP) has the most options for budget carriers from Australia.

Best time to visit: The dry season, from December to May, is the sunniest time, best suited for island hopping. 

Considered very affordable for Aussies, Malaysia offers cheap (and incredible) food and accommodation, routinely budget flight deals and a favourable exchange rate for the AUD. Deeply multicultural, the Southeast Asian country is spread across the Malay Peninsula and two eastern states, Sabah and Sarawak, in northern Borneo. It’s rich with history, amazing culture and is a nature-lover’s paradise, home to some of Southeast Asia’s best rainforests, coral reefs and wild orangutan habitats. 

Fly into: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) for the most regular and cheap flights from Australia.

Best time to visit: December to March is the best weather-wise for the west coast, while April to October is better for the east coast islands.

Incredibly cheap for Aussie travellers, you just won’t get the magic of Cambodia until you’ve been there yourself. This incredible country is home to rich jungles, rare wildlife and barely believable islands, but the best things to do here don’t stop there. If you’re making a trip to Cambodia, get ready for stunning ancient temples, peaceful elephant sanctuaries and much, much more. Plus, with $1 AUD beers, luxe hotels that can cost just $50 AUD a night and amazing value experiences on offer, this is a great option for budget seekers who want to see the world. 

Fly into: Phnom Penh Techo International Airport for most Australian flight connections.

Best time to visit: November to April, for the dry season.

Despite being slightly further than Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, flights to Hong Kong are generally pretty affordable and frequent from Australia’s major airports. As a bustling international hub and popular home for Aussie expats, this tightly packed region offers the perfect mix of familiarity and cultural curiosity for English speakers. Eat your way through the vibrant street food scene, take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, marvel at ancient temples and be dazzled by the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Fly into: Hong Kong International Airport is where you'll score the best deals to.

Best time to visit: If you want to avoid extreme humidity, visit during the cooler and drier seasons. Go in autumn (October to November) or spring (March to May) for warm, sunny weather and little rain.

There are few places on Earth as diverse, interesting or culturally rich as China. With its ancient history, gorgeous natural landscapes and amazing food, China has been a popular tourist destination for Australians for years now. Aussies can now travel to China without a visa for short stays (for 30 days) – and this, combined with loads of affordable flight options, a strong exchange rate that favours the Aussie dollar, cheap street food, and great value deals for hotels and things to do across the nation, makes China an excellent travel option for those on a shoestring. 

Fly into: Guangzhou (CAN) Airport is the best airport to fly into from Australia for cheap flights.

Best time to visit: Autumn (September to November) and spring (April to May) each offer beautiful foliage and flowers, milder temps and fewer crowds.

With zesty food that doesn't break the bank, vibrant cities (including the wonderful capital, Tai Pei), a rich culture and oodles of gorgeous natural landscapes, Taiwan is a destination that seemingly does it all. Australians are exempt from a visa here for a 90-day tourism stretch, and Aussies are in for a favourable exchange rate that extends to super cheap street food, free things to do and budget local transport options. 

Fly into: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for the cheapest and most regular flights from Australia.

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) for flower festivals, nice weather and cherry blossoms. 

Tucked away in the South Pacific, Vanuatu has long been a secluded and stunning destination for Australian budget seekers. This nation is made up of a wild 80 islands, and sparkles with incredible turquoise waters and coral reefs, freshwater 'blue holes' and gorgeous diving opportunities. Travelling here as an Australian can be very affordable, with the AUD coming up strong next to the Vatu, and food and lodgings being priced far lower than in other international destinations. 

Fly into: Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in the nation's capital of Port Vila.

Best time to visit: April and May offer drier and cooler days and ideal hiking, diving and snorkelling conditions. Plus, it's cheaper than in the Australian school holiday periods. However, November is known as the cheapest month to fly to Vanuatu from Australia. 

Located east of mainland Australia in the South Pacific Ocean – roughly two hours from Brisbane – New Caledonia is a French overseas territory that is like a tropical Parisian paradise. In addition to Qantas’ trips, you can also catch a flight with New Caledonia’s national carrier, Aircalin. They’re known to do a pretty mean deal if you’re organised, and the island’s short distance from Australia makes it an incredibly scenic (and underrated) escape.

Fly into: Nouméa-La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) for cheap, regular flights from Sydney and Brisbane. 

Best time to visit: The dry season, from September to November, is most popular, but visit in the shoulder months of February, April and May, for lower prices and fewer crowds.

Singapore is usually overstepped as the layover on route to Europe, but this pristine country is worth exploring in its own right. From rooftop bars that overlook sparkling city lights to futuristic bayside gardens, the city feels like one of those utopian experiments straight off a movie set. The Singapore dollar (SGD) is often close to or slightly stronger than the Australian dollar, so your spending power isn’t as high as in other Asian cities. However, it's easy to explore on a budget: eat in hawker centres, use the MRT for transport and visit cheap attractions like Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay.

Fly into: Singapore Changi Airport (the world's best, in fact).

Best time to visit: February to April, for dry skies, cooler weather and less humidity. You'll also get to see a bunch of vibrant cultural festivals.

Bula! Get ready for island time. Once your plane lands, forget about a watch. Fijians are all about kicking back and enjoying the beauty of their country and culture. The mainland has incredible marketplaces and beyond friendly locals. If you choose to cross water, the islands are your most beautiful screensaver, come to life. For the best bang for buck, you can generally find some pretty affordable all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, food, drinks and activities.

Fly into: The cheapest flights from Australia go direct to Nadi International Airport.

Best time to visit: October, for the pleasant dry season weather and solid flight prices.