Why Visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is sprawling, sun-soaked and rarely just one thing. You can spend the morning in the Hollywood Hills, head for the beaches of Santa Monica in the afternoon, then finish the day among the restaurants, galleries and nightlife of Downtown LA.
Some of the best reasons to visit sit beyond the famous sights. Wander the canals and boardwalk of Venice, browse the cafés and vintage stores of Silver Lake, follow the coast towards Malibu, or make a day of Disneyland or Universal Studios. With warm weather for much of the year and mountains, desert landscapes and Santa Barbara all within reach, Los Angeles gives you plenty of reasons to stay longer than you planned.
Los Angeles — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~13–14 hours (direct)
Flight time from Melbourne
~14–15 hours (direct)
Best time for cheap fares
March (shoulder season)
Peak season
June, July, December
Main airport
LAX (Los Angeles Intl)
Visa required
ESTA required (around US$40)
Currency
US Dollar (USD $)
Time zone
PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7)
Top Things to Do in Los Angeles
See Hollywood & the Hollywood Sign
The classic LA experience, from Hollywood Boulevard and the TCL Chinese Theatre to viewpoints overlooking the Hollywood Sign.
Spend Time in Santa Monica
Walk the famous pier, explore the beachfront and stay for a Pacific sunset.
Explore Venice Beach
Take in the boardwalk and canals, then wander through the shops, cafés and restaurants around Abbot Kinney.
Visit Griffith Observatory
Come for the exhibits and stay for some of the best views across Los Angeles, especially towards the Hollywood Sign.
Experience Universal Studios Hollywood
Combine movie-making history with rides, shows and attractions inspired by some of Hollywood's biggest productions.
Make a Day of Disneyland
Head to nearby Anaheim for Disneyland Resort, an easy addition to a longer Los Angeles holiday and a major draw for families.
When to Fly to Los Angeles
March is typically the cheapest month to fly from Australia to Los Angeles. Avoid peak summer (June–August) and the Christmas/New Year period. Shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) offer the best combination of price and good LA weather.
Los Angeles's Airports
LAX
Los Angeles International
The main international airport, 30km from Downtown. Rideshare pickup from the LAX-it lot is easiest. Most Australian flights arrive here.
BUR
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Smaller and more convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. Limited international services but worth checking for connecting flights.
Getting Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is spread out, so hiring a car gives you the most flexibility, particularly for exploring the beaches, Malibu or further afield. Uber and Lyft are widely available, while LA Metro can be useful for getting between some popular areas. Traffic can add significantly to journey times, so allow extra time when crossing the city. If you're driving, remember to keep to the right-hand side of the road.
Before You Fly
- ESTA: Australians need an ESTA before flying to the US — around US$40, completed online in minutes, valid for two years.
- Travel Insurance: Without a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the US, an unexpected trip to an American emergency room can cost thousands. Taking out travel insurance for the USA ensures you have high-limit medical protection alongside cover for delayed baggage, theme park tickets, and optional rental car excess.
- Currency: US Dollars (USD $). Cards accepted everywhere but carry cash for tips.
- Driving: Your full Australian licence (in English) is accepted for the length of your visit; an International Driving Permit isn't required but some car-hire firms recommend one. Book car hire in advance for better rates.
More USA & Pacific Flights
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Los Angeles?
The main airlines include
Qantas (direct from Sydney and Melbourne), United Airlines (direct from Sydney and Melbourne) and
Virgin Australia (via Auckland). LA is one of the few US cities with direct flights from Australia.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Los Angeles?
Yes — Qantas and United Airlines both offer non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles. Flight times are 13–15 hours making it one of the more manageable long-haul routes.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles?
March is typically cheapest. Avoid June–August and Christmas/New Year. Shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) offer the best price and weather combination.
Do Australians need a visa for Los Angeles?
Australians must obtain an ESTA before travelling — around US$40, completed online, valid for two years. No traditional visa required.
Can iFly help with car hire and transfers?
Absolutely. We can help with flights, accommodation, car hire through DriveAway, transfers and travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373 during business hours.