There are no direct flights from Australia to Morocco. Expect 24 to 30 hours of travel with one or two stops, usually via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or a European city, landing in Casablanca or Marrakech. Because the journey is so long, plan 10 to 14 days in Morocco, ideally in spring or autumn.
Flight routes from Australia
From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, the simplest routing is a long flight to a Gulf hub followed by a second flight of about eight hours to Casablanca. Perth has the shortest total journey, and the east coast adds four to five hours.
The other common approach is to fly to Europe first. From London, Paris, Madrid or Lisbon, Marrakech is a short flight of roughly two to three and a half hours, with many departures a day. This works well if you want to break the trip with a couple of nights in Europe.
Casablanca (CMN) has the widest choice of long-haul connections. Marrakech (RAK) is more convenient if your trip starts there. You can also fly into one and out of the other to avoid backtracking.
A stopover of a night on the way over makes the first days in Morocco much easier. If you fly straight through, keep your arrival day free.
Visa and entry requirements
Australian passport holders have generally been able to enter Morocco as tourists without arranging a visa in advance, for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining when you arrive.
Entry rules can change. Check the Australian government's Smartraveller advice and the Moroccan embassy before you book, and again shortly before you leave. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for a destination this far from home.
Time difference and jet lag
Morocco runs on GMT+1 for most of the year and shifts back an hour during Ramadan. The gap with Australia depends on your state and on daylight saving.
| City | Hours ahead of Morocco |
|---|---|
| Perth | 7 |
| Adelaide | 8.5 to 9.5 |
| Brisbane | 9 |
| Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart | 9 to 10 |
On arrival you will feel sleepy by late afternoon and wide awake before dawn. Use the early mornings for the medina, when it is cool and quiet, and plan easy evenings for the first two or three days.
When to go: the seasons are reversed
Morocco is in the northern hemisphere, so its seasons are the opposite of Australia's. This matters when you match the trip to school and work holidays.
- December and January summer holidays: this is Moroccan winter. Marrakech is sunny with daytime highs around 18 to 20°C, but nights are cold, the High Atlas has snow and desert nights can drop close to 0°C. Pack a warm jacket, not just summer clothes.
- Easter and April holidays: spring is one of the best times of year, with mild days and green valleys.
- June and July winter holidays: Moroccan summer. The coast is pleasant, but Marrakech and the Sahara often pass 40°C (104°F).
- September and October holidays: autumn, with warm days and comfortable desert nights. Another ideal window.
Australians often assume the Sahara is always hot. In winter it is cold after dark, and riads are built to stay cool, so rooms can feel chilly. Our article on Morocco in winter covers what to expect.
How long to stay and a sample route
After a day of flying each way, a one-week trip leaves little time on the ground. Ten to fourteen days lets you see the imperial cities, the Sahara and the coast without rushing.
A well-tested ten-day loop starts and ends in Marrakech: over the Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, through the Dades and Todra gorges to the dunes at Merzouga, north to Fes, on to Chefchaouen and back along the Atlantic side. Our 10-day grand tour of Morocco from Marrakech follows this pattern.
If you are combining Morocco with Spain or Portugal, the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier takes about an hour, and you can start a route there. See our Morocco tours from Tangier.
First time in the country? Our guide on how to plan a first trip to Morocco walks through the main decisions.
Practical differences Australians notice
- Power: Morocco uses European two-pin sockets at 220 V. Australian voltage is similar, so your devices will work, but you need a plug adapter.
- Driving: Moroccans drive on the right. Add mountain roads and busy city traffic, and many Australian visitors prefer to hire a driver. Our private driver service in Morocco explains how that works.
- Money: the currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), obtained after arrival. Australian dollars are not easy to exchange outside major cities, so use ATMs or bring euros or US dollars as backup.
- Tipping: expected in a way it is not at home. Small tips for waiters, porters, guides and drivers are normal.
- Alcohol: sold in licensed hotels, restaurants and some shops, but not in most medina cafes or small towns.
- Dress: covering shoulders and knees is the respectful norm away from beach resorts and hotel pools.
- Language: Arabic, Amazigh and French. English is widely spoken in tourism but not by everyone.
- Water: most visitors drink bottled or filtered water.
Health, sun and packing
Australians know the sun, and the same habits apply: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, especially at altitude and in the dunes. The air is very dry, so drink more water than feels necessary.
Bring any prescription medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. For vaccinations and personal health advice, speak to your GP or a travel clinic several weeks before departure.
Pack layers whatever the season. Comfortable closed shoes for uneven medina lanes, a light scarf, a warm layer for evenings and a small overnight bag for the desert camp cover most situations.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Australia to Morocco?
Total travel time is usually 24 to 30 hours including connections, depending on your departure city and the length of the layover.
Do Australians need a visa for Morocco?
Australian tourists have generally been admitted visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm the current rule with Smartraveller and the Moroccan embassy before travelling.
What is the best month for Australians to visit Morocco?
April, May, late September and October offer the best balance of weather across cities, mountains and desert, and they line up with Australian school holidays.
Is Morocco expensive compared with Australia?
Day-to-day costs such as meals, taxis and local guides are generally lower than in Australia. The flights are the largest expense.
Coming all the way from Australia? Ask Discover Morocco Tour for a free custom quote built around your flight dates, with a reply within 24 hours.