Asia is Australia's closest major region — most destinations are within 8–12 hours. Flight times, visas for Australians, and the health and money essentials.
Asia is Australia's closest major travel region — most key destinations are within 8–12 hours of the east coast, and direct routes make the logistics simple.
Whether it's a short hop to Bali or a longer haul to India, getting to Asia is easy and affordable from Australia. Below are the flight times, the visa rules for Australian passport holders, and the health and practical essentials — all handled for you when you book. Family-run since 1974, we take care of the detail so you can just travel.
Most of Asia is visa-free or offers a quick e-Visa for Australians. Rules change — always confirm the latest before you travel.
| Destination | Visa? | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | No advance application — show your passport on arrival. |
| Thailand | ✓ Visa Free | 60 days | Extended to 60 days in 2024. Complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). |
| Singapore | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | Complete the online SG Arrival Card before entry. |
| South Korea | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | K-ETA currently waived for Australians through 31 December 2026. |
| China | ✓ Visa Free | 30 days | Visa-free trial for Australians, extended to 31 December 2026. Verify before travel. |
| Indonesia (Bali) | On Arrival | Visa on Arrival | ~$50 AUD, 30 days extendable to 60. Buy e-VOA online to skip queues. |
| Vietnam | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$25 USD, 90 days, multiple entry. Apply at least 3 days ahead. |
| Cambodia | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$36 USD, 30 days. Also available on arrival at major airports. |
| India | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$85 AUD, tourist e-Visa valid up to 365 days. Apply at least 72 hours ahead. |
Asia is Australia's closest major region. From Brisbane: Bali ~7.5 hrs, Singapore ~8 hrs, Bangkok ~9.5 hrs, Tokyo ~9.5–10 hrs — most direct. India is longer (~13–16 hrs via a hub). Sydney and Melbourne have similar or slightly shorter times. See our Asia tours.
It varies. Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and (currently) China are visa-free for Australians; Bali is visa-on-arrival; and Vietnam, Cambodia and India use quick online e-Visas. See the table below and always confirm current rules before travel.
Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid are commonly recommended for South and Southeast Asia; Japanese Encephalitis for longer rural stays. Malaria risk is limited to some rural/border areas (not major cities). There's no dengue vaccine, so use DEET repellent. See a travel-medicine clinic 6–8 weeks before you go.
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is essential for every Asia trip, covering medical care, evacuation, cancellations and activities like diving or trekking. Check the fine print for motorbike riding, which many policies exclude. Cooee includes cover guidance with every booking.
Carry a mix of cards and some local cash; ATMs are widespread in cities. A local SIM or eSIM ($5–$15 AUD) is essential for maps, ride apps and translation. Within Asia, budget airlines, high-speed rail (Japan, China) and ride apps like Grab make getting around cheap and easy. See our first-time in Asia guide.