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Straddling two continents and countless centuries of history, Türkiye has long captivated travellers with its ancient bazaars, spectacular coastlines and fairy-tale landscapes – and it’s now easier than ever for Australians to explore for themselves thanks to new flight routes operating from Sydney Airport.
Fly direct from Australia with Turkish Airlines from Sydney Airport
Getting to Türkiye is now easier than ever for Australian travellers, with Turkish Airlines last year launching flights from Sydney via Kuala Lumpur, operating from Sydney Airport. Plus, a non-stop Sydney-Istanbul route is on the horizon to take off soon. This milestone reinforces Sydney Airport as Australia’s top international gateway, handling 38% of all Australia-Europe air traffic and becoming the only Australian airport served by two European carriers.
Turkish Airlines boasts one of the best Business Class services in the air, which includes its famous flying chefs – on board with you to serve fine examples of traditional Turkish cuisine – and high-end in-flight amenities. Travellers flying out of Istanbul back home or onto other destinations around Europe with Turkish Airlines can relax in one of Europe’s most impressive lounges at Istanbul Airport, featuring private suites, Turkish baths and authentic local cuisine.
It’s home to a mix of Middle Eastern, Asian and European influences
Few places in the world offer a cultural mosaic as captivating as Türkiye. In Istanbul, daily calls to prayer reverberate across a skyline where Byzantine churches stand alongside Ottoman mosques, and modern cafes serve traditional Turkish coffee in centuries-old bazaars. This fascinating fusion of old and new is woven into every aspect of life, from architecture and art to traditions and everyday customs.
Nowhere is this cultural harmony more evident than in the country’s culinary scene. Asian spices meet Mediterranean ingredients in dishes that tell stories of ancient trade routes and sultanate kitchens.
Step back in time among countless historical wonders
Beyond Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque lies a country filled with historical treasures. Journey inland to Konya, where the rhythm of whirling dervishes (Islamic mystics that meditate through spinning to music) comes alive amid medieval Seljuk architecture. Further east, the 12,000-year-old megaliths at Göbekli Tepe challenge our understanding of human civilisation, while Cappadocia showcases ancient ingenuity through its honeycomb of cave churches and underground cities carved into soft volcanic rock.
Along the coast, the ancient port city of Bodrum balances historical grandeur with Mediterranean luxury, with a medieval castle that stands sentinel among streets lined with boutique hotels and elegant restaurants. For Australian visitors, the Gallipoli Peninsula is a particularly meaningful stop; at Pamukkale, pristine thermal pools have drawn visitors for centuries.
It can be more budget-friendly than other European destinations
Türkiye offers remarkable value for travellers, standing out as an affordable alternative to some other European hotspots.
Enjoy a feast of kebabs, pide and meze at a local eatery for a fraction of what you would pay in Paris or Rome. Public transportation is efficient and budget-friendly, with extensive networks linking major attractions. Tourist attractions also maintain modest entrance fees, making it easy to explore multiple sites in one day without breaking the bank. A smartly designed Museum Pass system (for use in Istanbul or across the wider country) offers excellent value for travellers planning to visit multiple historic sites.
Türkiye’s southern coast rivals Europe’s best beaches (without the crowds)
The Turkish Riviera – stretching along the sparkling Mediterranean coast – boasts crystalline waters, secluded coves and sun-drenched beaches, all without the crowds
For travellers looking to discover the best of the region, it’s hard to pass Türkiye’s legendary Mavi Tur (‘Blue Cruise’). Set aboard a traditional gulet (wooden sailboat), it’s an unrivalled way to explore the Mediterranean Sea’s most precious treasures: those hidden bays and ancient ruins only accessible by water. Coastal towns like Kaş and Kalkan charm visitors with their traditional architecture and laid-back atmosphere, with the seaside city Antalya being the ideal base to launch your explorations.
Enjoy easy access to the rest of Europe and up-and-coming hotspots
Turkish Airlines makes Istanbul the ultimate getaway, connecting travellers to 351 destinations across 130 countries, including 110 European cities (more than any other airline). It’s an ideal starting point for a grand European adventure or quick side trips to up-and-coming destinations in the Balkans, Caucasus or Central Asia.
Need more reason to book flights to Türkiye? Turkish Airlines makes it all the more tempting thanks to its Istanbul stopover program, which offers two nights’ complimentary accommodation, allowing visitors to experience the city’s magic even during brief transits.
Discover Türkiye
This article was produced in partnership with Sydney Airport. Turkish Airlines operates four flights a week from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Istanbul Airport (IST), with a stop at Kuala Lumpur. A fifth flight per week will commence from 11 June 2025. Book Turkish Airlines flights from Sydney Airport now.
