Yellow-faced Honeyeaters live in forested eastern and southern Australia, ranging from the Atherton Tableland in Qld south to Melbourne and across to the Flinders Range in S.A. They are one of the most widespread and frequently seen honeyeaters in eastern Australia.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of their life history is their winter migration. From late autumn large flocks amounting to many thousands travel from their breeding grounds in the south-east up the east coast, following traditional routes to spend the winter in warmer climes.