What’s better than an exciting overseas getaway? An exciting overseas getaway for a bargain price! We’ve crunched the numbers and found the ten cheapest international destinations to travel to from Australia in 2019. Plan your great-value holiday today!
1. Auckland, New Zealand
Just three hours from Australia’s East Coast, Auckland makes for a great weekend escape. And with an average airfare of just $361 return per person, it’s also the cheapest international city to travel to from Australia. From admiring the Sky Tower’s views to taking a day trip out to Waiheke Island, there are plenty of things to do in this gorgeous harbour city. Plus there’s 29,000km of coastline to explore, which means you can relax on a beach, paddle across the harbour or enjoy a food tour with fantastic ocean views. Don’t miss Britomart, which is gaining serious street cred thanks to all the cool new bars, restaurants and boutiques opening in the area.
Where to stay: Pullman Auckland is in the heart of Central Auckland. First thing on your to-do list? Check out the hotel’s Spa and Fit Lounge, which includes a 25m heated swimming pool, as well as a gym, sauna and steam room.
2. Wellington, New Zealand
Famous for its creativity and culinary delights, Wellington is an ideal short-break destination, with an average airfare of $367 return per person. It’s a compact city, but fits in enough art, culture (including a thriving film industry), restaurants, nightlife and shopping to make you always wish you had more time, no matter how long your stay. Leave the diet at home and check out the many delicious cafes, restaurants and bars all conveniently located near the Museum of New Zealand, which is home to some of the country’s greatest treasures and innovations.
Where to stay: For stunning harbour views and a perfect city location, stay at Rydges Wellington. It’s a stylish and convenient home base, with all the hotel facilities and services you could want, including a sauna and a 17m pool.
3. Christchurch, New Zealand
Cutting-edge architecture, amazing cafés, fantastic bars and delicious restaurants all make Christchurch a great getaway destination. In 2011, a terrible earthquake caused irreparable damage to much of the city – however, Christchurch’s creative and optimistic regeneration projects have made it even more unique and inspiring. With an average airfare of $383 return per person and a flight time of just over three hours from Australia’s east coast, Christchurch is an affordable holiday option where you’ll find everything from luxury resorts to budget motels and serviced apartments.
Where to stay: The newly opened Quest on Manchester is a great-value accommodation option in the city, perfect for those looking for spacious apartment-style accommodation that’s close to all the action.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
No matter what time of year you visit, Queenstown is made for adventure. Whether it be a hike up Queenstown Hill or white-water rafting on the Kawarau River, you’re in for an adrenaline-filled getaway. And with an average airfare of $383 return per person and just a three-hour flight time from Australia’s east coast, both cheeky weekend escapes and week-long holidays are equally acceptable.
Where to stay: After a day of adventure, you deserve somewhere incredible to hit the hay. So treat yourself to a stay at QT Queenstown. Snuggle up by the floating fireplace in winter or relax at the delicious Bazaar restaurant as you admire the views of Lake Wakatipu.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of Australia’s favourite overseas getaways and with good reason! Just over six hours flight-time from Australia’s east coast (or four hours from Perth), Bali is an affordable and accessible holiday option, with average airfares to Denpasar (Bali’s main airport) just $461 return per person. For the perfect mix of relaxing break and non-stop action, choose your favourite Bali beach and book a resort nearby.
Where to stay: Set in private grounds away from the rest of tourist-heavy Seminyak, Alila Seminyak will have you unwinding from the moment you arrive. But if you’re up for a night of partying too, there are awesome pool clubs just a few metres away.
6. Fiji
Less than four hours from Australia’s east coast and with an average airfare of $495 return per person, 2019 is the ideal time to make like the royals and book yourself a trip to Fiji. The main island, Viti Levu, is the hub for every visitor and offers easy access to some of the best activities in the area. Stroll through fantastic gardens, discover Fiji’s rich natural and cultural heritage, explore Suva’s vibrant city center, go on a snorkelling or scuba tour to the coral reef – the choices are endless.
Where to stay: Look no further than Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island. This resort is focused on keeping kids busy and parents relaxed, so you’ll feel great from the moment you arrive. Whether it’s the friendly staff or one the many beautiful swimming pools, the Radisson Blu Resort is sure to tick your boxes.
7. Noumea, New Caledonia
New Caledonia is brimming with beautiful beaches and colonial architecture just waiting to be admired (and shared on your social feeds), and Noumea puts you right at the heart of it all. Just under three hours flight-time from Australia’s east coast, Noumea is a fantastic family destination with return airfares averaging $549 per person. From its stunning lagoon to its delicious French-inspired cuisine, there’s a lot to love in this friendly city.
Where to stay: The pool alone at Hotel Le Lagon Noumea is enough of a reason to immediately book your trip. The kids will love splashing around and making the most of the free tennis facilities, while the grown-ups will be more than pleased with the onsite spa, spa pool and yoga.
8. Port Vila, Vanuatu
Known as the liveliest town in Vanuatu, Port Vila is an easy choice for Aussies looking for a quick getaway to the Pacific Islands. Port Vila is only three hours from Australia’s east coast, with an average return airfare of $602 per person. There’s lots to see and no shortage of fantastic resorts, however Vanuatu’s raw, natural landscape is one of its biggest drawcards. Make sure you check out the Mele Cascades – an idyllic swimming spot that’s great for the whole family.
Where to stay: With so many beautiful resorts to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. But for an especially indulgent getaway, treat yourself to a stay at the newly built Ramada Resort Port Vila. Spend your days at the hotel’s swim-up pool bar and your evenings at Akiriki Restaurant, with sweeping views of the Erakor Lagoon.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Famous for its shopping, entertainment and nightlife, Kuala Lumpur is a hit with all types of travellers on all sorts of budgets. It’s also one of the cheapest international cities to visit from Australia, with an average return airfare of $623 per person. Just over eight hours from Australia’s east coast and a frequent stopover point for many flights to Europe, Kuala Lumpur is home to huge shopping malls (including international brands and designer outlets), award-winning restaurants and fantastic neighbourhood bars.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is one of nine flagship JW Marriott properties in the world and one of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Newly renovated, it boasts 578 luxury rooms and suites,including nine Cabana Poolside rooms. With its focus on personalised service, comfort and wellness, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is best for travellers looking for an indulgent treat in the heart of the city.
10. Phuket, Thailand
Stunning beaches, delicious food, incredible culture, exciting nightlife – there’s something for everyone in Phuket. With an average return airfare of $635 per person and just nine hours from Australia’s east coast, Phuket is an easy pick for Aussies in need of an amazing getaway. Phuket alone is worth the trip, but make sure you check out the neighbouring paradises of Phi Phi island and Phang Nga Bay as well.
Where to stay: Kalima Resort & Spa,Phuket is a top pick – especially its affordable Family Rooms. But if it’s indulgence you’re after, opt for a Deluxe Pool Villa for your own private sanctuary.
PLAN YOUR AWESOME GETAWAYBehind the data
Average airfare estimates are based on the average flight ticket prices for all return airfares on Wotif.com websites during the period 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018 for the listed destinations, departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Perth. Prices shown are in Australian dollars, booked on the Australian site and are not the rates currently displayed on the site. Prices are subject to flight and date selections made.
