Are there any direct flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

There are no longer any direct flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg. The best way of getting to South Africa from Melbourne is a connecting Qantas flight via Sydney.

Melbourne to Johannesburg flights

Melbourne and Johannesburg are two of the most important cities in the southern hemisphere, so logic would dictate that there’s a direct flight between them, yes?

Unfortunately for travellers wanting to fly from Australia to South Africa – perhaps as part of a round-the-world ticket – there are currently no direct flights between Melbourne and Johannesburg.

Direct flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg

This hasn’t always been the case. In recent years, both South African Airways and Virgin Australia have operated direct flights to Johannesburg from Melbourne.

However, Virgin Australia has significantly scaled back its international route network since the Covid pandemic. South African Airways, meanwhile, is in the process of recovering from bankruptcy. It is due to launch a Johannesburg to Perth route later in 2023, however.

14 fantastic experiences that make the most of your free time in Melbourne

Get the very best views – on a hot air balloon flight over the city.
See the changing colours of the river – on a sunset kayaking tour – with dinner. (Highly recommended ✅)
Feast and see the sights at the same time – on a four course dinner cruise along the Yarra River.
A genuinely excellent street art tour, led by prominent street artists. (Highly recommended ✅)
The also superb Aboriginal heritage, plants and bush food tour in the Botanic Gardens. (💲 Great value 💲)
Best of Melbourne bike tour – you can see more on two wheels than walking.
Hidden laneways bar crawl OR foodie discovery tour OR chocolate and dessert tour.
Combo ticket for Australian Sports Museum and MCG tour.
Hassle-dodging advance tickets for the Melbourne Skydeck, Melbourne Zoo, the Ice Bar (with cocktails) and Sea Life Aquarium.

The best way of getting to Johannesburg from Melbourne

The best way of getting to Johannesburg from Melbourne is via a connection in Sydney. Qantas operates direct Sydney to Johannesburg flights, and has multiple flights a day between Melbourne and Sydney.

Top things to do in Johannesburg once you arrive include a full day Soweto and Apartheid Museum tour, a full day Big 5-viewing safari in Pilanesberg National Park and a combo trip that takes in the Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves.

You may also wish to book an airport transfer.

👇 7 great day trips while you’re in Melbourne 👇

Great Ocean Road tour – with koalas 🐨.
Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island tour – with penguins 🐧.
Yarra Valley wine tour – with gin, cider and cheese 🍷.
Grampians National Park tour – with bushwalks and LOADS of kangaroos 🦘.
Mornington Peninsula tour – with hot springs bathing 🛀.
Wilsons Promontory tour – with all manner of native wildlife 🦘🐨.
Dandenong Ranges steam train ride – plus wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and chocolate-tasting in the Yarra Valley.