Here are all the international destinations Aussies can fly to first
It is finally time to start planning an international holiday again.
Fancy New Year’s Eve on the beach in Honolulu? A white Christmas in the Canadian Rockies? Or maybe a last-minute autumn sightseeing break in London or LA? Read on for details of all the international routes Qantas and Jetstar have lined up for the rest of 2021
After 583 days of closure, Australia’s international border restrictions have finally eased. Hurrah! Fully vaxxed Australian citizens and permanent residents are now allowed to travel internationally without an exemption.
Thanks to demand, and vaccination rates of certain states tracking ahead of schedule, the restart date for several international routes has even been brought further forward, meaning that as of November 1 you can jet off abroad to a number of destinations. We’ve profiled seven of the routes offered by Qantas and Jetstar below.
As the world continues to adapt to life with COVID-19, bear in mind that the regulations governing travel are constantly changing: it pays to check the rules for your intended destination before booking on sites such as Smartraveller.
Don’t miss: All your COVID-19 international travel questions answered
Los Angeles, USA
When can we go?
From November 1, Qantas is restarting its Sydney to LA service, with up to four return flights a week on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
What can we expect?
Sun-licked shores, palm-tree studded boulevards, skyscrapers framed by snow-capped mountains, cutting-edge art museums, Mexican street food trucks, alfresco eateries serving salads and smoothies to impeccably preened Angelenos in activewear.
The so-called City of Angels, is a city of many different faces, and there’s plenty to see, do and eat, whatever your interests.
What are the best things to do?
- Make like SoCal’s health set, and spend the cool early hours hiking through Runyon Canyon Park in the Hollywood Hills.
- Get stuck into the city’s art culture in downtown’s Art District, or visit one of the city’s cultural icons, such as The Getty, or LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).
- Take the kids out for the day to one of the state’s countless theme parks: Disneyland Resort, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Tour the Hollywood haunts that so often grace movie screens and feature in song lyrics: Chateau Marmont, the Viper Room, Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.
- Lounge on the golden coastline of Malibu or Santa Monica.
What do we need to know before we go?
- As of November 8, all travellers aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination to travel to the US by air, unless you’re a US citizen, US permanent resident, or qualify for one of the exceptions to this requirement.
- Before travel, all travellers aged two or over must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, or proof that you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
- You may also be required to complete an attestation regarding your vaccination status and viral test result or recovery from COVID-19.
Stop at Santa Monica on your trip to LA.
London, UK
When can we go?
From November 1, Qantas is starting a Sydney to London service, with up to five return flights a week. And from November 27, Qantas will start flights between Melbourne and London. Both routes will operate via Darwin until at least April 2022.
What can we expect?
Old Blighty’s capital is bursting with history, iconic architecture and storied pubs at every turn. From the gritty, street-art spattered streets of London’s bohemian east, to the leafy upper crust suburbs of the city’s west, and the constant throng of shoppers, diners, workers and theatre-goers that frequent Central London, England’s biggest city is always buzzing.
What are the best things to do?
- This cultural capital is known for its glut of great galleries and museums, the vast bulk of which are free to visit. Don’t miss the Tate Modern – which boasts a triple threat of killer views, interesting architecture, and, of course, great art – or the National Portrait Gallery.
- Mosey around the city’s many markets for cheap eats, vintage fashion and plenty of people watching opportunities.
- Go for an afternoon stroll (or picnic) in one of the Big Smoke’s green pockets, such as Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath.
- Pay homage to the Brits’ culinary traditions – a Sunday pub lunch, a fry-up at a greasy spoon, and afternoon tea at a schmick, heritage hotel.
What do we need to know before we go?
- Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to show a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for the UK. You must, however, fill in a contact locator form before arrival.
- The UK recognises people with a full course of Pfizer BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna from a relevant public health body in Australia.
London streetscapes are as famous as the city itself.
Singapore
When can we go?
Qantas will resume flights between Sydney and Singapore on November 23, operating three times a week on A330 aircraft; from December 18, these services will become daily.
Jetstar will also begin flying to Singapore from Melbourne and Darwin as of December 16. The former will operate four times a week, on Dreamliners; the latter will operate thrice weekly, on A320 aircraft.
What can we expect?
The so-called Lion City promises a heady cocktail of history and high-tech: from tiny traditional pastel-hued Peranakan shophouses and bustling street food markets to towering steel and glass skyscrapers and gargantuan shopping malls, this small city-state has plenty to offer.
What are the best things to do?
- Singapore’s answer to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Marina Bay has it all: a casino, nightly light shows, a plush hotel, a spa, a shopping centre, celebrity-chef-led restaurants and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool.
- Known as one of the world’s greenest cities, there’s no better place to marvel at Singapore’s green credentials than Gardens by the Bay.
- Indulge in some retail therapy on the city’s famed Orchard Road strip, or venture off to inspect some of the city’s smaller boutiques.
- Pay a visit to local landmark, Raffles, home of the Singapore Sling.
What do we need to know before we go?
- From November 8, you can enter Singapore through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) as a short-term visitor. You must apply before departure and meet various conditions.
- You must be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before you arrive in Singapore (except for children under the age of 12), and have proof of your vaccination.
- On arrival in Singapore, you’ll need to: produce a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 48 hours before departure to Singapore; take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on-arrival at Singapore airport, and remain in isolation until a negative result is received; show proof that you’re insured for COVID-19 related medical expenses for a minimum coverage of SGD$30,000 (approx. AU$30,000); and download and register on Singapore’s TraceTogether app.
Gardens by the Bay offers a scenic paradise for nature and photography lovers.
Nadi, Fiji
When can we go?
Qantas will resume flights to Nadi, Fiji, from December 7, with four return flights a week, operated by B737 aircraft. Jetstar will also restart flights to Fiji from December 17, offering daily return flights from Sydney onboard A320 aircraft.
What can we expect?
Dreamy beaches lapped by gentle turquoise waters, endlessly warm hospitality, and beautifully fresh food are all hallmarks of any holiday to Fiji. This tropical archipelago is an obvious choice for a relaxing beach holiday, but active travellers will find plenty to do here too.
Experience the island life and visit any of Fiji’s perfect travel destinations.
What are the best things to do?
- Gorge on the South Pacific’s good weather at one of the country’s many resorts, sunbaking by the pool, or laze around with a book on one of its idyllic beaches.
- Take to the water: there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy both above and below the waves, from snorkelling and scuba diving to kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Far from just a honeymooner’s paradise, Fiji’s resorts boast a number of kid-friendly activities. Bring the brood, and take part in hands-on experiences of Fijian culture, yoga classes and excursions with marine biologists.
- Step away from the beach and visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, or the waterfalls of the Bouma National Heritage Park.
What do we need to know before we go?
- Fiji requires travellers to stay within their resort for 48 hours upon arrival – and return a negative test – before being able to leave their accommodation.
Vancouver, Canada
When can we go?
Qantas will offer flights to Vancouver, Canada, from Sydney as of December 18.
What can we expect?
Long praised as one of the world’s most livable cities, this seaport in the Canadian province of British Columbia has plenty to offer those who love city breaks, as well as outdoor enthusiasts. It’s home to a thriving food scene, Canada’s largest urban park, and even a ski resort situated less than a kilometre from the outskirts of town.
What are the best things to do?
- Pay a visit to rugged and artsy Vancouver Island, known for both the local wildlife and its burgeoning food scene.
- Man-made Granville Island is a popular haunt for foodies, with most of the action centred around the isle’s public market.
- Make like a local and explore the city’s many multicultural neighbourhoods, replete with third-wave coffee shops, fusion restaurants, interesting architecture and vintage clothing stores.
- Soak up the scenery at Stanley Park, the city’s green lungs. There’s nearly 30 kilometres’ worth of waterfront paths to wander on foot or by bike.
What do we need to know before we go?
- Foreign nationals who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption can enter Canada for discretionary travel.
- Travellers must: test negative to COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure to Canada, and provide proof of a negative PCR test result to the airline prior to boarding (applicable only to those aged five years and older); have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19; have received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a combination of accepted vaccines, and have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada; upload proof of vaccination, and submit travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, via ArriveCAN before boarding a flight; meet all other entry requirements; and be prepared to quarantine for 14 days, in case you’re symptomatic or don’t meet the requirements for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption.
Vancouver… FInd everything from donuts to dams in Canada’s third largest city.
Tokyo, Japan
When can we go?
Qantas will offer flights to Tokyo, Japan, from Sydney as of December 19.
What can we expect?
From kitsch, novelty bars, restaurants, shops and hotels, to impossibly peaceful, centuries-old shrines and temples, vibrant fresh food markets, neon-plastered city streets and tiny hidden laneways where countless izakayas sit cheek by jowl, this vast city is catnip for curious travellers.
What are the best things to do?
- Take a pause from the frantic pace of Shinjuku and Shibuya wards, at the serene Yoyogi Park, home to the Meiji Jingu Shrine.
- Experience offbeat Tokyo at one of the city’s many kooky bars.
- Explore Japan’s vast culinary canon at one of the city’s many sushi, yakitori, kaiseki, ramen, or shabu-shabu joints.
- Play tourist and set foot on the famed Shibuya Crossing before taking to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sprawling city views, and rounding out the day with a spot of karaoke.
What do we need to know before we go?
- Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure for Japan. The 72 hours starts from the sampling time to departure time of the flight. Test result certificates can be in English and must include all the information contained in the sample on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The certificate must include the signature of the doctor/clinician.
- Travellers are also required to undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival.
There is so much to explore and discover.
Honolulu, USA
When can we go?
Qantas will recommence flights to Honolulu, USA, from Sydney as of December 20.
What can we expect?
Hawaii’s capital is a head-turner, a mixture of verdant volcanic landscapes, sweeping white sand beaches, and clusters of high-rise hotel. Situated on the island of Oahu, the state’s biggest city serves as a gateway to the lush isle’s many outdoorsy attractions, but even Honolulu itself has a variety of experiences on offer, from downtown through to Waikiki.
What are the best things to do?
- Hit the headline restaurants that are shining a spotlight on Hawaii’s burgeoning fusion food scene.
- Take a hike: the Diamond Head Summit Trail is hard enough to make you feel accomplished, but easy enough to complete in less than two hours flat, plus it boasts panoramic city to surf views.
- Indulge in the touristy buzz of Waikiki. Hang ten on the surf at Canoes, knock back a mai tai at sunset in one of the beachfront bars, and shop to your heart’s content at one of the neighbourhood’s many malls.
- Hire a car and explore the island, from the laidback enclave of the North Shore, to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
What do we need to know before we go?
- As of November 8, all travellers aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination to travel to the US by air, unless you’re a US citizen, US permanent resident, or qualify for one of the exceptions to this requirement.
- Before travel, all travellers aged two or over must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, or proof that you’ve recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
- You may also be required to complete an attestation regarding your vaccination status and viral test result or recovery from COVID-19.
Honolulu is Hawaii’s main gateway to the world.
Hi,
Travel again, fantastic.
Just wondering what the quarantine requirements are when coming back home to Australia, from an overseas destinations.