By Plane

Australia is a very long haul from anywhere except New Zealand. Sydney is a nearly 15-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles, longer if you come via Honolulu. From the East Coast of the U.S., add 5 1/2 hours. If you’re coming from the States via Auckland, add transit time in New Zealand plus another three hours for the Auckland–Sydney leg. If you are coming from the United Kingdom, brace yourself for a flight of 12 hours, more or less, from London to Asia; then possibly a long day in transit, because flights to Australia have a habit of arriving in Asia early in the morning and departing around midnight; and finally, the 8- to 9-hour flight to Australia.

Sydney (SYD), Cairns (CNS), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE) are all international gateways. Sydney is the major entry point into Australia, but you may also fly through another port first, depending where youre coming from.

By Boat

Sydney Harbour is Australia’s main port for cruise ships and the only port in Australia with two dedicated cruise-passenger terminals—the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay (in the heart of the city, close to major tourist attractions) and the recently opened White Bay Cruise Terminal in the suburb of Rozelle, about 5 km from the city center. Melbourne and Brisbane are also major ports.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.