Australia, the land down under, offers Indian travelers an incredible mix of cosmopolitan cities, stunning natural wonders, and unique wildlife. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, Australia promises unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian travelers need to know—from visa requirements and flight options to the best places to stay, eat, and explore in this vast and diverse country.
Why Australia is a Great Destination for Indian Tourists
- World-Class Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane with Indian communities
- Natural Wonders: Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Twelve Apostles
- Unique Wildlife: Kangaroos, koalas, and quokkas
- Indian Food Availability: Excellent Indian restaurants in all major cities
- English Speaking: No language barriers for Indian travelers
- Diverse Experiences: Beaches, rainforests, deserts, and cosmopolitan cities
How to Travel from India to Australia
Flight Options
Several airlines offer direct and connecting flights from India to Australia:
- Direct Flights: Air India (Delhi-Sydney/Melbourne), Qantas (Delhi-Sydney)
- Via Southeast Asia: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways
- Via Middle East: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways
- Main Airports: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE)
Travel Tip: Book flights 3-4 months in advance for best prices. May-August is peak season.
Approximate Flight Duration & Cost
| Route |
Duration |
Cost (Round-trip) |
| Delhi/Mumbai to Sydney |
Direct: 12-14 hrs
Via connections: 16-22 hrs |
₹60,000–₹1,20,000 (varies by season) |
Best Time to Visit Australia
| Season |
Months |
Pros & Cons |
| Summer (Peak) |
Dec-Feb |
Great for beaches but crowded and expensive |
| Autumn |
Mar-May |
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds |
| Winter |
Jun-Aug |
Good for northern regions, ski season in south |
| Spring |
Sep-Nov |
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures |
Major Events/Festivals:
- Australian Open (January) - Grand Slam tennis in Melbourne
- Vivid Sydney (May-June) - Spectacular light festival
- Diwali Festivals (Oct-Nov) - Celebrated across major cities
Australia Travel Budget for Indian Tourists
Australia is relatively expensive compared to Asian destinations. Here's a rough estimate per person:
| Expense |
Budget (₹) |
Mid-Range (₹) |
Luxury (₹) |
| Accommodation (per night) |
₹3,500–₹6,000 (Hostels/guesthouses) |
₹8,000–₹15,000 (3-4 star hotels) |
₹20,000+ (5-star hotels) |
| Food (per day) |
₹1,500–₹2,500 (Self-catering/cheap eats) |
₹3,000–₹5,000 (Restaurants) |
₹8,000+ (Fine dining) |
| Transport (local) |
₹500–₹1,500 (Public transport) |
₹2,000–₹4,000 (Taxis/ride shares) |
₹6,000+ (Private transfers) |
| Attractions (per day) |
₹1,000–₹3,000 (Free sights/museums) |
₹4,000–₹8,000 (Tours/activities) |
₹10,000+ (Premium experiences) |
Total Estimated Cost for 10 Days:
- Budget Traveler: ₹1,50,000–₹2,00,000
- Mid-Range Traveler: ₹2,50,000–₹4,00,000
- Luxury Traveler: ₹5,00,000+
Where to Stay in Australia
1. Sydney
- Budget: Sydney Central YHA (₹4,500/night)
- Mid-Range: Meriton Suites Campbell Street (₹12,000/night)
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (₹25,000/night)
2. Melbourne
- Budget: Space Hotel (₹4,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Novotel Melbourne on Collins (₹15,000/night)
3. Gold Coast
- Budget: Surfers Paradise Backpackers (₹3,500/night)
- Luxury: QT Gold Coast (₹18,000/night)
Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities
- Sydney Harbour: Opera House tour and Harbour Bridge climb
- Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling or diving in this natural wonder
- Uluru: Sunset viewing of this sacred monolith
- Great Ocean Road: Scenic coastal drive with Twelve Apostles
- Wildlife Encounters: Koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary, kangaroos in the wild
- Melbourne Laneways: Explore street art and café culture
- Tasmanian Wilderness: Pristine national parks and wildlife
Australian Food Guide for Indians
Australian cuisine is diverse with many options for Indian travelers:
- Meat Pies: Classic Australian snack (veg options available)
- Barbecue (BBQ): Try grilled seafood or veggie skewers
- Avocado Toast: Australian café staple
- Indian Food: Excellent options in all major cities
- Vegemite: Iconic spread (try it on toast)
- Lamingtons: Coconut-coated cake squares
- Flat White Coffee: Australian specialty
Tip: Most restaurants offer vegetarian options - just ask. Indian groceries are widely available in cities.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
Do Indians Need a Visa for Australia?
✅ Yes, electronic visa (ETA/eVisitor) required
Types of Visas
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600): For tourism, up to 12 months
- eVisitor (subclass 651): Free, for short visits
- ETA (subclass 601): Electronic Travel Authority
How to Apply
- Online application through Australian government website
- Processing time: 1-4 weeks
- No embassy visit required for most tourist visas
Required Documents
- ✔ Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ✔ Recent passport photo
- ✔ Bank statements (minimum ₹2-3 lakh balance)
- ✔ Travel itinerary
- ✔ Proof of employment/ties to India
- ✔ Travel insurance (recommended)
Visa Fees
Tourist Visa: Approx ₹7,500-₹10,000
Important: Apply for visa at least 1 month before travel. Approval rates are high for genuine tourists.
Important: If you need help with your Australia Visa application, please visit our website and fill out the assistance form. (👉
www.executivevisaservices.in)
FAQs for Indian Travelers
1. Is Australia safe for Indian tourists?
Very safe! Australia has low crime rates. Standard precautions apply in cities.
2. What's the currency in Australia?
Australian Dollar (AUD). 1 AUD ≈ ₹55 (check current rates).
3. Can I use Indian driver's license in Australia?
Yes, for short visits (carry an international driving permit for longer stays).
4. How to get a SIM card in Australia?
Purchase from Telstra/Optus/Vodafone at airport (₹1,000-₹1,500 for basic plan). Need passport.
5. What's the best way to travel within Australia?
Domestic flights for long distances, trains between major cities, rent a car for flexibility.
6. How many days are enough for Australia?
Minimum 10-14 days for highlights. 3 weeks allows good coverage.
7. Any cultural tips for Indian travelers?
Tipping isn't mandatory, respect indigenous culture, and observe strict quarantine rules.
Final Thoughts: Why Australia Should Be Your Next Trip
Australia offers Indian travelers an unbeatable combination of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife experiences. While it requires more budget and planning than some destinations, the quality of experiences and infrastructure make it worth every rupee.
With direct flight connections, a large Indian diaspora, and visa processes becoming smoother, there's never been a better time for Indian travelers to explore this magnificent country. Whether you're dreaming of snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, seeing kangaroos in the wild, or experiencing Sydney's iconic landmarks, Australia promises memories that will last a lifetime.