Tourism in Australia 2025: Where to Go, What to Eat, and Why It’s Unmissable

Did you know that around 80% of the wildlife in Australia can ONLY be found in Australia? We’re sure you’ve heard of kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus and echidnas, but they’re only some of what you can find in this diverse country. 

Like the animals, Australia’s environment and regions are incredibly diverse, full of natural wonders, multiculturalism, food and sport, meaning there’s so much for you to do and see. We’ll get to that, but first, let’s go over some Australia tourism statistics 2024!

Australia Tourism Overview: Key Visitor Statistics

Let’s begin with some facts about tourism in Australia!

Is tourism the biggest industry in Australia? No, that belongs to mining, but what percentage of Australia is tourism? In the 2022–2023 financial year, tourism’s GDP in Australia was 2.5%, compared to 3.1% in the 2018–19 financial year. Of this, Australia’s biggest market in Travel and Tourism is the hotels market, projected to earn US$15.87bn in 2025. So, is Australia dependent on tourism? Not necessarily but it’s still a large part of life in Australia. 

How many tourists visit Australia each year? Australia still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic tourism levels, with the last five years receiving the following arrivals:

• 2019: 8.6m
• 2020: 6.2m
• 2021: 140,000
• 2022: 1.11m
• 2023: 5.43m
• 2024: 7.35m

What about Australia tourist arrivals by country? In terms of what country sends the most tourists to Australia, that would be New Zealand. In 2023, tourism in Australia statistics by country looked like this:

• New Zealand: 978,00
• United Kingdom: 537,000
• United States: 522,000
• India: 363,000
• Singapore: 309,000

Interestingly, visitors from China spend the most in Australia, spending AUD$4,191,000, followed by AUD$3,791,000 by visitors from the United States and AUD$3,512,000 from those visiting from the United Kingdom. 

But why is Australia popular for tourism? In 2023, most travelers to Australia came to see their family or friends (2.19m), followed by 1.88m visiting for a holiday, 621,000 for business purposes, 346,000 for education and 207,000 for employment. 

What about where people are going? What is the most visited city in Australia?

In 2023 Sydney was the leading destination by international arrivals, followed by:

• Sydney: 3.17m
• Melbourne: 1.95m
• Brisbane: 1.16m
• Perth: 740.74
• Gold Coast: 612,370

A bit about Australia:

• Australia has a population of 27.2m, growing annually at a rate of 2.1%.
• What is the tourism ranking of Australia? Australia ranked 39 in 2024 for tourism arrivals.
• What is Australia’s number one tourist destination? The city of Sydney!
• Australia is the sixth largest country in the world with an area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers.
• Wine tourism in Australia statistics: South Australia is the biggest wine region in Australia (52%), with 36% of international tourists visiting a winery on their trip in 2022. 

Most Popular Destinations for Tourists in Australia

Australia is a vast country full of incredible destinations, especially nature. With eight states and territories spread across a continent, it’s tough to see everything in one trip. If you’re short on time, focus on the must-see iconic spots.

Since Australia is so large, visiting more than once is the best way to experience it all. Tailor your trip to your interests, like nature or off-the-beaten-path sites. Some great spots not included here are Moreton Island, Coonabarabran, Esperance and the Yarra Valley.

• Sydney: Australia’s largest city is famous for its harbor, with landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy coastal walks, sandy beaches and whale watching along its scenic coastline.
• Melbourne: Known for its arts, culture and food, Melbourne is a vibrant city with hidden bars, street art and world-class restaurants.
• Cairns & Great Barrier Reef: In northern Australia, the rainforest meets the sea, with the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest creating stunning landscapes. Think white beaches, coral reefs and tropical fish.
• Uluru: A massive red sandstone monolith in the heart of the outback, Uluru is a symbol of Australia. Explore Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon for stunning hikes.
• Gold Coast: With 300 days of sunshine, the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, theme parks and rainforests. It’s a perfect spot for family adventures.
• Great Ocean Road: A must-do road trip, this coastal drive near Melbourne offers dramatic views, rock formations and wildlife like koalas. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles and Otway National Park.
• Kangaroo Island: Off South Australia’s coast, this wildlife haven is home to kangaroos, koalas and dolphins. Discover stunning landscapes and enjoy local wine and produce.
• Perth & Margaret River: Western Australia’s capital, Perth, leads to the Margaret River region, known for beaches and wineries. Explore craft breweries, forests and family-friendly attractions.
• Kakadu National Park: Kakadu offers rugged wilderness with waterfalls, floodplains and ancient rock art. It’s a haven for wildlife, including crocodiles.
• Katoomba & Blue Mountains: Just outside Sydney, Katoomba is the gateway to the Blue Mountains, known for hiking, the Three Sisters rock formation and ancient Aboriginal art.

Australia’s Iconic Festivals and Events You Can’t Miss

Australia hosts world-class events and festivals throughout the year, from sporting spectacles to vibrant cultural celebrations. 

Here are some highlights to plan your trip around:

• Australian Open (Melbourne, January): A major international tennis event attracting over 550,000 spectators. Beyond the matches, the city buzzes with live music, beer gardens and big-screen broadcasts.
• Adelaide Fringe (Adelaide, February–March): The largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring comedy, theatre, music and quirky performances. Anyone can register for a show, making it a diverse and exciting experience.
• Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (Noosa, June): A paradise for food lovers, this festival offers cooking demos, tastings, beach parties and live entertainment, all set in tropical Noosa.
• Parrtjima (Alice Springs, April): Australia’s only Aboriginal-focused festival, Parrtjima lights up the desert with stunning art installations, workshops, films and music celebrating the country’s Indigenous culture.
• Vivid Sydney (Sydney, May–June): A spectacular festival of light, music and ideas. Iconic landmarks are transformed with light displays and the event also features markets, street performances and inspiring talks.
• Splendour in the Grass (Byron Bay, July): One of Australia’s top music festivals, Splendour brings renowned artists and thousands of music fans together for an unforgettable experience. A must for music lovers!

A Food Lover’s Guide to Australia: Must-Try Dishes

People always ask, ‘What is Australia known for food?’, and while the meals Aussies eat are truly a mix of its multicultural population, the answer to this question lies in Aussie snacks.

Other than the phenomenal cultural restaurants of essentially every cuisine, here’s what to try to truly experience Australian food:

Meals:

• Meat Pies: These flaky, savory pies are a national favorite, often filled with beef, chicken or curry. Best enjoyed with tomato sauce.
• Fish and Chips: A coastal favorite. Enjoy battered fish, hot chips and other fried snacks like crab sticks and potato cakes.
• Chicken Parmigiana: Breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce, ham and cheese. A parma/parmi is a classic pub meal served with chips and salad.
• Aussie BBQ: From sausages to steaks, a BBQ (or ‘Barbie’) is a key part of Aussie food culture.
• Snags (Sausages): Aussie-style sausages often served in white bread with sauce and onions. Head over to a Bunnings on the weekend to grab yourself one!
• Smashed Avo: Avocado on toast with various toppings like feta, seeds and poached eggs. A breakfast favorite in cafes.
• Kangaroo: A lean, nutritious meat found in supermarkets and restaurants, served as steaks, sausages or minced meat.
• HSP (Halal Snack Pack): A fast-food dish with hot chips, meat, cheese and sauces – perfect for late-night eats.

Snacks:  

• Vegemite Toast: A beloved Aussie staple, a VERY thin spread of Vegemite on buttered toast is a breakfast classic with a distinct salty taste.
• Tim Tams: Popular chocolate-malted biscuits. Try the Tim Tam Slam by using the biscuit as a straw in warm milk or hot chocolate. Make sure to try the Double Coat!
• Fairy Bread: A childhood treat made of white bread, butter and 100s & 1000s, often served at birthday parties.
• Pavlova: Australia’s national dessert, made of meringue, whipped cream and fresh fruits.
• Lamingtons: Sponge cakes coated in chocolate and coconut, sometimes filled with jam or cream.
• Golden Gaytime: A beloved ice cream with vanilla, toffee, chocolate and biscuit crumbs.
• Freddo Frogs & Caramello Koalas: Iconic Cadbury chocolates in frog and koala shapes, with delicious fillings like caramel, strawberry and pineapple.
• Pods: Crunchy snacks with Mars, Snickers or Twix filling – a unique treat found only in Australia and New Zealand.
• Arnott’s Biscuits: Makers of Tim Tams, but also other favorites like Mint Slices and savory Shapes.
• Milo: A malted chocolate drink powder, often mixed with milk or sprinkled over ice cream.
• Cherry Ripe: Australia’s oldest chocolate bar with cherry and coconut filling, covered in dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Slice: A layered dessert with pastry, creamy custard and vanilla icing, often nicknamed the ‘snot block.’
• Coffee: Australia is known for its coffee culture. With 26,124 cafes across Australia serving some of the best brews, it’s no wonder large Aussies avoid large coffee chains like Starbucks, Gloria Jeans and The Coffee Club.

Seasonal Peaks: Best Times for Tourism in Australia

Australia has a range of climate zones!

• Desert: Central and Western Australia experience a hot, arid desert climate, with minimal rainfall and scorching summer temperatures.
• Tropical: Northern Australia, including parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory, enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Coastal Temperate: Most of Australia's population lives in the temperate coastal regions, where weather conditions are generally milder.
• Alpine: Australia’s mountainous regions, particularly in the southeast, experience cooler temperatures, with snow in winter.

Here’s a little about what to expect when in Australia:

Southeast Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide)

This region experiences a temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is evenly distributed, though the first half of the year tends to be wetter.

• Sydney: Summer highs typically reach 26°C, while winter lows hover around 8–9°C. Rainfall averages 1,200mm annually, with the wettest months between January and June.
• Melbourne: Known for more variable weather, Melbourne sees winter lows around 5–6°C, and summer highs often exceed 30°C, sometimes reaching over 40°C. Cold snaps, influenced by winds from Antarctica, can cause drastic temperature drops.

Central Australia (Outback)

The heart of Australia is dominated by deserts, where extreme temperature fluctuations occur. Summers are blisteringly hot, with highs between 32–40°C, while winters remain mild (18–23°C). Rainfall is scarce, averaging just 200–250 mm annually.

Western Australia (Perth and Surrounding Areas)

Coast vs. Inland: Western Australia’s interior mirrors the arid desert climate of the central region, however, the coastal areas, including Perth, enjoy milder weather. Perth sees summer highs above 30°C, while winter lows average around 8°C. Rainfall is mostly concentrated in the winter months.

Northern Australia (Darwin and Queensland Rainforests)

Northern Australia has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperature. Darwin sees average temperatures between 25°C in winter and 30°C in summer. Rainfall is abundant during the wet season (summer), with up to 400mm per month, while winters are much drier.

Tasmania (Hobart and Surrounding Areas)

Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, experiences cooler conditions than the mainland. Hobart’s average winter temperature is 8°C, while summers average 17°C. The island's central highlands receive significant rainfall (up to 2,500mm annually) and frequent snowfall during winter. Tasmania’s record high is 40°C, while the coldest temperature ever recorded is -13°C.

How to Explore Australia: Cities, Towns, Islands

Australia is vast, making travel between destinations time-consuming. 

Here’s a quick guide to getting around:

• Plane: Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances. Domestic airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar connect state capitals and regional cities. Booking in advance can get you good deals.
• Car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Australia’s scenic road trips. Well-maintained roads and regular service stops make long-distance driving manageable. You can hire cars throughout the city as well as at the airport.
• Car-Sharing: Taxis are available but expensive in Australia, so consider using apps like Uber, DiDi, GoCatch and Ola in major cities if you need to get from location to location quickly.
• Public Transport: Cities have buses, trains, trams and ferries. Some tourist buses and services, like Melbourne’s free City Circle Tram, are convenient, but each city has different systems, like Myki cards in Melbourne and phone tap payments in Sydney.
• Train: Long-distance trains like The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) and Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) offer iconic, scenic journeys.
• Ferry: Ferries like the Spirit of Tasmania connect Victoria to Tasmania, and SeaLink runs between Kangaroo Island and South Australia. Many cities also have ferry services.
• Hiking: Australia's cities and natural landscapes are perfect for walking. There are also epic trails like the Overland Track in Tasmania for serious hikers.
• Accessibility: Australia’s transport system, including planes, buses and ferries, is accessible to people with disabilities, with assistance available at airports.

Australia Travel Tips: What Every Tourist Should Know

Knowing how processes run in Australia helps you have a smoother, more enjoyable experience while respecting Australia’s unique culture and environment. 

Here’s a simple guide for tourists on what to do and avoid when traveling to Australia:

Dos:

• Respect Indigenous Culture: Australia’s Indigenous culture is the world’s oldest. When visiting cultural sites like Uluru, show respect and follow guidelines.
• Swim Between the Flags: Always swim in patrolled areas at the beach. Australian waters can be dangerous, with rips and sharks, so stay within the flags set by lifeguards.
• Do Your Research: Australia is vast. Traveling between cities like Sydney, Melbourne and then Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef can take time, so plan accordingly.
• Wear Sunscreen: The Australian sun is strong. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid sun exposure between 11am–2pm to prevent sunburn.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Bring Food in Your Luggage: Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Bringing food can lead to confiscation and heavy fines. Make sure to be truthful on your declaration card!
• Don’t Tip: Tipping isn’t expected in Australia due to high wages, with the current minimum wage being AUD$24.10 an hour.
• Don’t Harass Wildlife: Leave animals alone. They are not there for entertainment and may be dangerous if disturbed.
• Don’t Be Offended by Swearing: Australians use casual language, including words like ‘bloody’ or ‘sh*t,’ which are considered normal and not offensive.

Australia’s Tourism Recovery Post-Pandemic

Australia's tourism is bouncing back, with domestic tourism spending surpassing pre-pandemic levels as more Australians choose local holidays over international trips. 

International tourism saw a slower recovery, picking up only after border restrictions for vaccinated travelers were lifted in February 2022. From July 2022, people can enter Australia without declaring their vaccination status.

By 2025, Australia is expected to welcome 10.2 million international visitors, setting a new record beyond pre-pandemic levels. 

Conclusion 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the tourism industry in Australia. If you’re looking for help in planning your trip to the ‘Land Down Under,’ why not hire a guide to help? You can also book a tour to slot into your trip!