Booking airfare to Australia involves several factors, including the airline, travel dates, departure and arrival cities, and your budget. Here are some steps to consider when booking airfare to Australia:

1. Plan Ahead: Start your search for airfare well in advance. Booking early often gives you access to better deals and more flight options.
2. Search Engines and Online Travel Agencies: Use online flight search engines and travel agencies to compare prices from different airlines. Popular platforms include Google Flights, Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak, and Momondo.
3. Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use the flexible date search option on these platforms to find the cheapest options.
4. Set Fare Alerts: Set up fare alerts to receive notifications when prices drop for your desired route.
5. Direct vs. Connecting Flights: Decide if you prefer a direct flight or are open to connecting flights, which might offer lower fares but longer travel times.
6. Airlines: Research different airlines that operate flights to Australia. Consider factors like reputation, in-flight services, baggage policies, and customer reviews.
7. Travel Class: Choose the travel class that suits your preferences and budget. Economy, premium economy, business, and first class options are available.
8. Stopover Options: Some flights to Australia might include a stopover in another city or country. Consider whether you’d like to explore the stopover destination or prefer a shorter travel time.
9. Book Directly: Once you find a suitable flight, consider booking directly through the airline’s website. This can sometimes offer additional benefits and flexibility.
10. Check Visa and Entry Requirements: Before booking, ensure you understand the visa and entry requirements for Australia based on your nationality.
11. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected events.
12. Review Terms and Conditions: Before finalizing your booking, review the terms and conditions, including cancellation policies and refund options.
13. Check Passport and Health Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended departure date, and check any health requirements or vaccinations needed for travel to Australia.
14. Payment: Complete your booking by providing the required payment information.
15. Confirmation and Itinerary: After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your flight details. Keep this information handy for your travel.

Remember that airfare prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability. Be flexible with your travel dates if possible to take advantage of better deals. Additionally, consider joining frequent flyer programs or loyalty programs to earn points and enjoy benefits on future flights.