Smoking Areas/Zones at Australian Airports.
Smoking Regulations at Australian Airports
Australia has some of the strictest smoking laws in the world. Federal law prohibits smoking inside all airport terminal buildings without exception. No Australian airport has indoor smoking rooms or enclosed lounges. All smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas, typically located outside the terminal before security.
Each state sets its own minimum distance from building entrances — ranging from 3 metres in Western Australia to 10 metres in South Australia. Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated identically to tobacco smoking at all airports.
What to Expect at Australian Airports
Once you clear security at most Australian airports, there is no smoking access until you reach your destination. The one major exception is Brisbane International, which has a post-security outdoor smoking balcony.
Transit passengers at international terminals generally cannot exit the secure zone to smoke — Customs and Border Security do not permit it at most airports.
Cigarettes are expensive in Australia due to heavy excise taxes — a pack of 20 costs AUD $40-50 (around US $25-35). Duty-free tobacco allowances are strictly enforced at customs with a limit of 25 cigarettes or 25 grams.
Best Airports for Smokers in Australia
- Brisbane (BNE) — The only major Australian airport with a post-security smoking balcony (International Terminal Level 3)
- Sydney (SYD) — Multiple well-marked outdoor areas at all three terminals
- Perth (PER) — Outdoor shelters near all terminals, including a dedicated shelter near T3
- Adelaide (ADL) — Outdoor areas on Level 2 and ground level, but 10m entrance rule since March 2024
Tips for Smokers at Australian Airports
- Smoke before entering the terminal — once past security, you usually cannot smoke
- Look for designated outdoor areas near terminal entrances (marked with signage)
- Vaping follows the same rules as smoking everywhere in Australia
- Pack sizes of 20 cigarettes cost AUD $40-50 — consider buying duty-free if allowance permits
- Brisbane International is the rare exception with airside smoking access