Australia is experiencing a notable upswing in tourism from India, with visitor numbers, spending levels, and duration of stays all reaching new heights over the past year. The island nation, known for its vibrant cities, world-class universities, and diverse experiences, is becoming increasingly attractive to Indian travellers across leisure, academic, and cultural segments.
For the year ending May 2025, 453,000 travellers from India entered Australia—marking a 10% year-on-year increase. This boost now places India as the fifth-largest international tourism market for the country, signaling a major shift in outbound travel patterns from South Asia.
Alongside the growing footfall, Indian tourists have also made a significant economic impact. During the 12-month period, visitors from India spent AUD 2.7 billion—a 14% increase compared to the same timeframe the previous year. Their stays also grew longer, with nearly 29 million nights booked collectively, reflecting a 21% rise.
This trend suggests that Indian visitors are not just flying in for quick vacations, but are increasingly staying for extended periods—many combining holidays with academic programs, family reunions, or work-related travel. As more Indian families consider Australia a premium destination, the average travel expenditure continues to climb.
Australia’s appeal to Indian tourists is being significantly enhanced by its packed calendar of international events. Cricket, a cultural mainstay in both nations, remains a strong pull factor. In recent months, large numbers of Indian fans have traveled to Australia for test series and ICC matches, reinforcing the role of sports tourism.
Additionally, the rise in entertainment-led travel is evident. Global artists touring Australian cities are drawing crowds from overseas, and Indian travellers are increasingly choosing to combine leisure with live performances. This fusion of sports, culture, and entertainment is turning Australia into a go-to destination for experience-oriented Indian youth.
Despite the rising interest, travellers are being met with steeper financial obligations. Starting early 2025, Australia implemented a 13% increase in visa application fees, covering categories such as tourist, student, and skilled work visas.
The change follows a major hike in July 2024, when the student visa fee more than doubled—jumping from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 (₹39,500 to ₹89,000). At the same time, tuition fees for international students have also gone up. Several universities have introduced fee hikes exceeding 7%, with engineering programs now costing over ₹30 lakh per year, and medical courses nearing ₹61 lakh.
These increases add new considerations for Indian families weighing education and travel costs, though the demand for Australian education continues to show resilience.
Australia remains a favored higher education destination for Indian students, especially in fields like engineering, IT, business, and healthcare. The country’s post-study work rights, multicultural environment, and global academic recognition have made it a consistent choice.
This academic attraction has a multiplier effect on travel. Parents and relatives often visit during graduation, holidays, or to settle students into university life—adding to the number of overall arrivals and longer stays. As a result, the education-tourism corridor between India and Australia continues to grow in both volume and economic importance.
Even with higher costs, the momentum behind Indian travel to Australia shows no sign of slowing. With its blend of natural wonders like the Great Ocean Road and the Great Barrier Reef, modern urban life in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and an expanding line-up of global events, Australia offers a wide spectrum of experiences.
As connectivity improves and cultural exchanges deepen, Australia is set to remain a top-tier destination for Indian outbound travel. Policy refinements, tourism investment, and bilateral engagement will likely further support the upward trajectory in the years to come.
