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Australia from Heathrow

Go direct or discover more on the way

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Heathrow
Airlines and routes,
Thinking of flying to Australia from the UK? Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, or escaping the British winter for an Aussie summer, there are plenty of ways to get there from Heathrow. From direct flights to interesting stopovers, here are some routes worth considering – including a few you might not have thought of.

Spotlight on: Qantas – the only direct flight from UK to Australia

If you want the fastest route from Heathrow to Australia, Qantas is your go-to airline. It’s the only carrier offering a direct flight from Heathrow to Perth, operating daily from Terminal 3. From Perth, you can continue your journey to other Australian destinations like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Prefer a break along the way? Qantas also connects London to Sydney via Singapore – perfect if you’d like to turn your journey into a two-part adventure.

 

Browse flights with Qantas
Scarborough Beach, Perth
Scarborough Beach, Perth

Fly to Australia via lesser-known stopover cities

There are plenty of global routes from Heathrow to Australia - from the Middle East to the Pacific. But if you’re looking for alternative availability, options for different budgets, or a route that fits your travel plans, these lesser-known stopovers offer a different kind of journey. They come with the bonus of exploring somewhere new en route.

Fly to Australia via Kuala Lumpur

Flight times:
  • UK → Kuala Lumpur: ~13 hours
  • Kuala Lumpur → Australia: ~8 hours
  • Total journey time: ~22–24 hours
Why stop here:
  • Tuck into incredible street food - from satay skewers to coconut-rich laksa.
  • Explore buzzy night markets, modern malls and the iconic Petronas Towers.
  • Malaysia Airlines offers smooth connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and beyond.

 

British Airways flights
Malaysia Airlines flights
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Fly to Australia via Bangkok

Flight times
  • UK → Bangkok: ~11.5 hours
  • Bangkok → Australia: ~9–11 hours
  • Total journey time: ~22–25 hours
Why stop here:
  • Take a few days to explore Bangkok’s temples, tuk-tuks and rooftop bars.
  • Short-stay visa-free entry makes a quick city break easy.
  • Regular onward flights to major cities across Australia.

 

Thai Airways flights
EVA Air flights
Wat Benchamabophit marble temple, Bangkok
Wat Benchamabophit marble temple, Bangkok

Fly to Australia via Ho Chi Minh City

Flight times:
  • UK → Ho Chi Minh City: ~12.5 hours
  • Ho Chi Minh → Australia: ~8.5–10 hours
  • Total journey time: ~23–26 hours
Why stop here:
  • Discover a vibrant, fast-paced city with a fascinating mix of old and new.
  • Enjoy a unique stopover away from the usual tourist trail.
  • One of the most affordable routes to Australia.

 

Vietnam Airlines flights
Phap Hoa Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh city
Phap Hoa Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh city

Fly to Australia via Shanghai

Flight times:
  • UK → Shanghai: ~11.5 hours
  • Shanghai → Australia: ~11–13 hours
  • Total journey time: ~24–26 hours
Why stop here:
  • Wander the Bund, shop in futuristic Pudong, or try authentic Shanghainese dumplings.
  • Shanghai offers regular connections to Sydney and Melbourne.
  • Great option if you want a taste of China en route.

 

China Eastern flights
Virgin Atlantic flights
British Airways flights
Shanghai city
Shanghai city

Fly to Australia via Brunei

Flight times:
  • UK → Brunei: ~14.5 hours
  • Brunei → Australia: ~6.5–7.5 hours
  • Total journey time: ~23–25 hours
Why stop here:
  • Wander through majestic mosques, lively markets and traditional water villages.
  • Explore pristine rainforest and spot rare wildlife on an eco-adventure.
  • Sample Brunei’s unique cuisine, blending flavours from across Southeast Asia.
Royal Brunei Airlines flights
Landmark Muslim mosque in Brunei Darussalam
Landmark Muslim mosque, Brunei

Fly to Australia via Seoul

Flight times:
  • UK → Seoul: ~11 hours
  • Seoul → Australia: ~10–11 hours
  • Total journey time: ~23–25 hours
Why stop here:
  • A clean, modern city that’s easy to navigate with excellent food and culture.
  • Perfect for K-pop fans, skincare lovers, or anyone wanting a stylish stopover.
  • Fast-growing network of connections to Australia.

 

Korean Air flights
Asiana Airlines flights
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hyangwonjeong, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hyangwonjeong, Seoul

Why book a stopover flight to Australia from Heathrow?

  • Better availability: Some routes have lower demand, meaning more seat choices and competitive fares.
  • Explore more: Turn your stopover into a mini-break – it's a brilliant opportunity to discover a destination you might not have otherwise considered. 
  • Break up the journey: Long-haul flights to Australia can be tiring. A stopover gives you a chance to stretch your legs, get some proper rest, and enjoy a new city before continuing your trip.
  • Greater flexibility: Choose the flight times, airlines and cities that work best for your trip.

 

Australia flight connections from Heathrow

If you’re searching for the best flights to Australia from the UK this Christmas, or planning a sunny escape in the New Year, now’s the perfect time to book. Your journey Down Under starts here. 🦘