Dubbed one of the most isolated big cities in the world, Perth is miles and miles away from other capital cities in Australia and countries around the world. The closest city to it is Adelaide, which is still over 2,600 km away.

However, isolation shouldn’t stop you from exploring! You can start by travelling to the closest country to Perth and exploring their culture.

In this guide, we’ll tell you how long it takes to get there and the visa you’ll need for your first-ever out-of-the-country trip!

What is the closest country to Perth, Australia?

The closest country to Perth is Indonesia. Its capital, Jakarta, is just about 3,011.76 km away from Perth, far closer than other cities in Australia, such as Brisbane, which is over 3,606.59 km away from Perth. 

Other islands in Indonesia are also much closer, such as Rote Island, which is 2,472 km away from Perth, and Bali, which is just 2,617 km away. In fact, the islands are so close to Perth that it’s cheaper to travel there than cities on the east coast.

How long does it take to fly from Perth to Indonesia?

The flight duration from Perth to Indonesia depends on where you are planning to go in the country. A direct flight to Jakarta from Perth typically takes 4 hours, so it will likely be just a few hours longer or shorter to fly to other cities, too.

There are several direct flights from Perth to various Indonesian cities and islands, such as Jakarta and Denpasar. However, depending on seasonal demand, airline schedules, and other factors, you may need to take a connecting flight to other cities.

What are the transportation options for travelling from Perth to Indonesia?

The primary transportation option to travel to Indonesia from Perth is by air. However, travellers can also join a cruise that will have a stop in any of the islands or cities in Indonesia.

Major airlines, such as Indonesia AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, and Jetstar Airways, offer several direct and connecting flights to Indonesia from Perth, so finding a flight shouldn’t be a problem. 

For those who want to go on a cruise journey, some cruise companies offer an Asia tour that departs from Fremantle. However, these Asia tours typically have multiple stops and will only stay in Indonesia for a day or two.

What are the visa requirements for Australians travelling to Indonesia?

Australian passport holders travelling to Indonesia are required to secure a Visa on Arrival that’s valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. This visa is available at the airport and on Indonesia’s official e-visa website.

Australians travelling to Bali can also now visit the island for 30 days without a visa. This can’t be extended, though, unlike with a Visa on Arrival.

What’s the time difference between Perth and Indonesia?

Indonesia has multiple time zones because of its huge territory. Depending on the specific region of Indonesia, the time difference between Perth and Indonesia can vary from 1 to 3 hours.

The western part of Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, and Bronea, is 1 hour behind Perth, while the eastern part (Papua and Maluku Islands) is 3 hours behind. 

If you’re travelling to Bali, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, and the eastern half of Borneo, you can expect a two-hour time difference because they follow Central Indonesian Time.