Planning a trip to Morocco from Australia? It is a long way, but the reward is huge: Sahara dunes, old medinas, Atlas villages and the blue streets of Chefchaouen. This guide covers what Australian travelers need to know: entry rules, flights, the best season, money, plugs and the best route. Our family team is from Merzouga and based in Marrakech. We wrote this to help you plan a trip to Morocco from Australia without surprises.
Do Australians need a visa for Morocco?
No, for a normal holiday. According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice, Australians generally do not need a visa to visit Morocco for less than 90 days. Make sure your passport has plenty of validity left, and do not overstay. Entry rules can change, so check Smartraveller and the Moroccan embassy before you fly.
Smartraveller also gives an overall advice level for Morocco and lists areas to avoid in the far south. Read it before you book. Our guide to travel safety for solo women in Morocco gives a local point of view.
Flights to Morocco from Australia
There are no nonstop flights from Australia to Morocco. Every trip to Morocco from Australia connects through at least one hub. The usual routes from Sydney go through Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha or Istanbul, and the fastest connections take around 25 hours. Plan at least one rest day when you land.
Casablanca is the main international airport, but Marrakech also receives many flights from Europe. Some travelers fly into one city and out of another to avoid driving back. Read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco.
Best time to visit Morocco from Australia
The seasons are reversed. Your summer is the Moroccan winter, and your winter is the Moroccan summer. Here is how the Australian holidays line up:
- December and January: Moroccan winter. Days in Marrakech are often mild and sunny, but nights in the Sahara and the Atlas are cold. Pack warm layers.
- March to May: Spring in Morocco, including the Easter holidays. One of the best times to visit, with green valleys and pleasant days.
- June and July: Moroccan summer. The Sahara and Marrakech get very hot, so plan outdoor time for early mornings and evenings.
- September and October: Autumn in Morocco. Warm days and cooler nights make this an excellent time for the desert.
See our full guide to the best time to visit Morocco and what to expect in Morocco in winter.
Money, time, plugs and driving
A few practical differences will make your trip to Morocco from Australia easier:
- Money: The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Smartraveller notes that the Australian dollar is not on the Moroccan Government’s approved exchange list, so bring euros or US dollars, or use ATMs. It is also illegal to take dirhams out of the country, so spend or change them before you leave.
- Time: Morocco is 9 to 10 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne, depending on daylight saving, and 7 hours behind Perth. During Ramadan, Morocco moves its clocks back one more hour.
- Plugs: Morocco uses European two pin sockets, types C and E. Bring an adapter for Australian plugs.
- Driving: Morocco drives on the right. Smartraveller says you need an International Driving Permit, obtained before you leave Australia. Read how to rent a 4×4 in Morocco first.
- Water and tipping: Read is tap water safe in Morocco and our guide to tipping in Morocco.
Language and culture
Moroccans speak Darija and Amazigh at home, and French is common in the cities. English is spoken in hotels and by people working in tourism. A few words of Darija always bring a smile. Read what language is spoken in Morocco and our guide to Moroccan etiquette.
Where to go on a trip to Morocco from Australia
A classic first trip combines cities, mountains and desert. Many guests start in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and finish in Fes. With two weeks, add Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the coast at Essaouira or the imperial cities of Morocco.
Not sure how long to stay? Read how many days you need in Morocco.
The Sahara: why Australians love it
Australians know the outback, but the Sahara dunes are a different world. The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga rise high above the flat desert in waves of orange sand. A camel ride at sunset, a dinner at camp and a sky full of stars are the moments most guests remember. Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp and what to pack for the Sahara.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour is a good start, and our guide to choosing a 3 or 4 day desert tour explains the difference.
Why book a private tour of Morocco from Australia?
After a flight of a full day, it helps to have everything arranged. On a private tour, your driver meets you at the airport and handles the roads, so you do not need to drive on the right. We are a family team from Merzouga, so the desert part of your trip is run by our own people. Read how booking works or see our 7 day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
FAQ: Morocco from Australia
Do Australians need a visa for Morocco?
Generally no, for stays under 90 days, according to Smartraveller. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Is there a direct flight to Morocco from Australia?
No. Flights connect through a hub such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha or Istanbul, and the fastest trips take around 25 hours.
Can I exchange Australian dollars in Morocco?
Smartraveller says the Australian dollar is not on Morocco’s approved exchange list. Bring euros or US dollars, or use ATMs.
Do I need a plug adapter for Morocco from Australia?
Yes. Morocco uses European two pin sockets, so bring an adapter for Australian plugs.
When is the best time to visit Morocco from Australia?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. The Easter break and the September and October school holidays are good times to go.
Planning a trip to Morocco from Australia? Tell us your dates and we will plan your route.
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