We will be in Australia for about a month in Oct. 2007. We'll be flying between Melbourne, Darwin, Cairns and Sydney (driving from Adelaide to Melbourne), but we don't really have any set plans (and would kind of like to leave things open so that we're not on a rigid schedule). If we wait to book airfares until we arrive in Australia, how far in advance do you have to book to avoid paying through the nose? In the US it is generally 7 days, although some flights can be booked as late as 3 days before departure without paying a premium. Is there somewhere online that I could check this out easily, or does anyone have this information handy? Thanks, Sharon

Virgin, Qantas & Jetstar (the 3 domestic carriers in Australia) have specials regularly, generally excepting School & other holiday periods.

Virgin has a "happy Hour" special each day - noon - 1pm, or 1-2pm.

You can do a "cheapest" comparison on Webjet.

I know you say that you don't want to be on a rigid schedule, but have you looked at the Qantas Airpass? For one price, you get a flight from LA to either Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and then 3 internal flights. It could be more cost-effective for you.
Another thing to consider is that most states have their school holidays during the first 2 weeks of October. Flights are likely to be full during that time, so last-minute flights would be difficult to get and probably costly too.

Basically, the earlier you book, the cheaper the prices are (generally). But ther are great specials ocasionally. Get on the mailing lists for the airlines, and watch out for specials. We managed to book fares Sydney- Cairns - Darwin - Sydney all on specials last year, and saved a heap.

Margo, what airlines did you use?

Thanks for the information - Qantas airpass is not an option, since we're already booked on United/Air New Zealand from the u.s. I'll definitely get on the airlines' mailing list - we know when we will be going from Melbourne to Darwin so we could book that in advance.