What Makes London Worth the Trip?
London has a way of making centuries of history feel part of everyday life. Royal palaces, old pubs and landmarks along the Thames sit comfortably alongside West End theatres, world-class galleries, neighbourhood restaurants and some of Europe's best shopping. You can spend the morning exploring Westminster, cross the river for lunch at Borough Market, then end the day with a show in the West End.
But London is more than its famous sights. Each neighbourhood has its own character, from the colourful streets of Notting Hill and markets of Camden to the restaurants of Soho and green spaces of Richmond. Many of the city's major museums and galleries are free to visit, the Underground makes exploring surprisingly easy, and there's always another corner of London worth getting off the Tube for.
London — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~23–24 hours (1 stop)
Flight time from Melbourne
~24–25 hours (1 stop)
Best time for cheap fares
May (shoulder season)
Peak season
January, February, December
Main airports
Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW)
Visa required
No — ETA only (£20)
Currency
British Pound (GBP £)
Time zone
GMT / BST (GMT+1 summer)
Top Things to Do in London
Camden Market
London's most iconic alternative neighbourhood — street food, vintage fashion, live music and eclectic market stalls along the canal.
Buckingham Palace
No trip to London is complete without a stroll through Green Park to see the Palace and the world-famous Changing of the Guard.
The London Eye
Europe's tallest Ferris wheel with stunning panoramic views across the city from the South Bank of the Thames.
Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Explore 900 years of history. The Crown Jewels are on display here, and Tower Bridge right next door is equally spectacular.
Piccadilly Circus
The iconic screens and statue of Eros in the heart of the West End — moments from London's famous theatres and nightlife.
The British Museum
One of the world's greatest museums, completely free to enter. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies. Allow at least half a day.
When to Fly to London
The cheapest fares are typically found in May — after the Easter rush but before peak summer. You'll get mild weather (15–18°C) and longer daylight hours. High season is January, February and December. Autumn (September–November) is a fantastic sweet spot — crowds thin, prices drop.
London's Airports
LHR
London Heathrow
Main gateway for Australian flights. 32km west of central London. The Heathrow Express to Paddington takes just 15–20 minutes.
LGW
London Gatwick
The UK's second largest airport, south of London. The Gatwick Express to Victoria Station takes 30 minutes.
Getting Around London
The Oyster card is your best friend. Tap in and out at every Tube station and bus stop — it automatically caps your daily spending. Covers the Underground, buses, Overground, DLR and Elizabeth line. Australian contactless cards work with the same fares.
Before You Fly
- ETA: Australian passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (£20 online). No traditional visa required for stays of up to 6 months.
- Travel Insurance: Long-haul flights to the UK with stops through Asia or the Middle East carry the highest risk of lost luggage and tight connection misses. Securing travel insurance for the UK right after you purchase your airfare protects your pre-paid connection legs, lost baggage, and non-refundable UK transport bookings.
- Currency: British Pounds (£). Contactless payment accepted almost everywhere.
- Plugs: UK uses Type G three-pin plugs. Pack a universal adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to London?
The main airlines include
Qantas (via Singapore or Dubai),
Emirates (via Dubai),
Singapore Airlines (via Singapore),
Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), British Airways, Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) and
Qatar Airways (via Doha). Most involve one stopover with total journey times of 23–26 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to London?
May is typically the cheapest month — between the Easter rush and peak summer. Avoid January, February and December. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer the best combination of price and weather.
Do Australians need a visa to visit London?
No traditional visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. From January 2025 a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required — a simple online application costing approximately £20, valid for multiple trips over two years.
Should I fly into Heathrow or Gatwick?
Most Australian airlines fly into Heathrow (LHR), which is generally more convenient for central London via the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line. Gatwick (LGW) is also well connected — 30 minutes to Victoria by Gatwick Express.
Can iFly help with hotels and transfers too?
Absolutely. iFly.au is a full-service Australian travel agency. We can help with flights, accommodation, airport transfers, car hire and travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373 during business hours.