- Australia for cities, beaches, the reef and the outback; New Zealand for mountains, lakes and adventure; Fiji for a tropical stopover
- Seasons are reversed: December-February is summer
- Expect about 22-24h to Sydney with one stop; break the journey in Singapore, Dubai or Doha
- Australia needs an ETA or eVisitor and New Zealand an NZeTA, so apply before you fly
Oceania is as far as you can travel from the UK, so most people go for at least two or three weeks, and many combine Australia and New Zealand in one trip with a stopover on the way.
Where to go in Oceania
Australia
Australia starts in Sydney with the Opera House and Bondi Beach, and in food-loving Melbourne. Add the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and the red centre around Uluru.
New Zealand
New Zealand rewards a road trip: Auckland in the north, the Hobbiton Movie Set, then adventure capital Queenstown and the fjord of Milford Sound.
Fiji and the Pacific
Fiji is the classic Pacific island stop, with coral reefs, small island resorts and a warm welcome, and it fits neatly between Australia and New Zealand or on the way home via the USA.
Our Australia and New Zealand itinerary shows how to combine them.
Best time to visit
| Season (southern hemisphere) | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer (December-February) | Beach season in Sydney and Melbourne, peak prices over Christmas; wet season in the tropical north |
| Autumn (March-May) | Warm, settled, fewer crowds; great for New Zealand road trips |
| Winter (June-August) | Best for the Great Barrier Reef, the outback and Fiji; skiing in Queenstown |
| Spring (September-November) | Pleasant everywhere and often good value |
Getting there from the UK
There is a non-stop Perth to London route, but most trips to Sydney or Melbourne take about 22-24h with one stop in Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Hong Kong. New Zealand adds roughly three hours from Australia, or fly via Asia or the USA. A one- or two-night stopover makes jet lag far easier; see our Dubai stopover guide.
Landmarks & things to do in Oceania
NatureGreat Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system, best explored on a day trip to the outer reef from Cairns, Port Douglas or the…
LandmarkHobbiton Movie Set
The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, on a working farm near Matamata on New Zealand's North…
NatureMilford Sound
Fiordland's most famous fiord, with sheer cliffs, waterfalls and Mitre Peak rising straight from the sea.
LandmarkSydney Opera House
Jørn Utzon's sail-roofed masterpiece on Bennelong Point is Sydney's defining landmark, best enjoyed on a tour or at a…
NatureUluru
Australia's great red monolith, sacred to the Anangu people, is at its most powerful at sunrise and sunset.
Oceania on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?
British passport holders need an electronic authority: an ETA or free eVisitor for Australia and an NZeTA (plus a visitor levy) for New Zealand. Apply through official channels only.
How long should I spend in Oceania?
Three weeks is a good minimum for Australia alone, and four weeks to combine Australia and New Zealand without exhausting yourself.
When are flights to Australia cheapest?
Usually in the UK spring and autumn, roughly April-June and September-October, avoiding Christmas and the UK summer holidays.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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