Planning a Trip to Australia from India: Everything You Need to Know
- Henna Shah
- Sep 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Australia is a dream destination for many Indian travelers, with its iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and unique wildlife. Whether you're planning a honeymoon trip to Australia or a family vacation, this comprehensive trip planning guide will help you understand the Australia visa process for Indians, the best time to visit Australia, cost expectations, travel tips, and top things to do.
Table of Contents
Why visit Australia?
A trip to Australia promises diverse experiences from world-class beaches and natural wonders to cosmopolitan cities. Whether you're scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef or enjoying fine dining in Melbourne, the country offers something for everyone. For those looking for adventure, tranquility, or romance, Australia is a perfect fit with each state offering diversity in its weather, culture and experiences like different countries on the same continent.
Best time to visit Australia
The best time to visit Australia depends on the region and your interests. Generally:
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are considered the best months to visit Australia, especially for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
If you're planning a honeymoon trip to Australia, the best time to visit Australia for honeymoon is during these shoulder seasons, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Seasons in Australia are opposite to India:
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November
However, we planned our trip to Australia in the winter months of late May to June. The Australian winter isn’t as harsh as the European winter. The temperatures range between 3 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius, with extreme windy days being the only downside.
However, this season is the best to explore Queensland for all the water activities as there are no jellyfish in the ocean and the Australian sun is really harsh in the summers. The winter sun in Australia is much gentler on our skin. It is also a great season to visit the Northern Territory to enjoy hikes in the desert with fewer desert flies as compared to the scorching heat of summer.
Australia tourist visa fees and processing time for Indians
The Australia visa process for Indians is relatively straightforward. You can apply for a tourist visa online via the Australian immigration portal. The Australia tourist visa fees from India (as of September 2025) are approximately AUD 150, but currency exchange may impact the final cost.
The Australia visa processing time for a tourist visa generally takes 15–30 calendar days. Specifically, the Australia tourist visa processing time for Indian applicants is within 20–25 working days, depending on document verification and individual cases. However, this may vary from season to season with the year end travel processing times increasing with more honeymoon traveller applications.
Flights from India to Australia
Is there a direct flight from India to Australia?
Yes! There are multiple direct flights from India to Australia including major routes from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Sydney?
The distance from New Delhi to Sydney, Australia is approximately 10,400 km. A direct flight takes around 12.5 to 13.5 hours.
If not a direct flight, you can take a one stop flight via Singapore or Hong Kong to Australia. We flew Singapore Airlines with a 3-4 hours layover at the Changi Airport in Singapore and chose a multi-city route. We first landed in Melbourne and flew back to India from Cairns via Singapore.
How to plan a trip to Australia
Planning your first Australia tour can be overwhelming due to the vastness of the country. Here's a simple guide on how to plan a trip to Australia:
Decide on the duration – For first-timers, 10–14 days is ideal.
Choose the right season – Consider the best time to travel to Australia based on your interested activities and experiences.
Apply for the visa early - In most cases, you get a multiple entry tourist visa that is valid for 3 years.
Book flights and accommodation in advance - You should be able to get a good deal during shoulder season and off-season.
Map out cities and regions – Use internal flights for long distances to make the most of your time in Australia as road trips can be breathtakingly beautiful but are exhausting and you will need more time to explore the country.
Travel route & transportation within Australia
Wondering how to plan your travel route within Australia? The best option is to mix domestic flights and day trips from major cities. Australian cities are far apart, so flying saves time. For example, flying from Sydney to Cairns takes 3 hours, but by road, it takes 24 hours.
Here are a few tips on how you can plan your internal commutes within Australia:
1. For internal flights, opt for JetStar. We took 3 internal flights with JetStar, from Melbourne to Ayers Rock, from Ayers Rock to Sydney and from Sydney to Cairns. You may want to keep a major city at the start and end of your trip to help catch your flight back home to India.
2. Within major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, you can get an OPAL card or Myki card and use the local transport to get around the city. In Sydney, even the tap friendly credit cards work. Other ride sharing apps like Uber and DiDi are also prevalent.
3. If you want to avoid a full blown road trip with hotel changes once every 1-2 days, make a major city your base and take day trips in and around the region. You can hire a self-driven car, join a small group tour or book yourself a private tour from any of the cities.
Driving in Australia with an Indian license
Can I drive in Australia with an Indian driving license?
Yes, you can! Driving in Australia with Indian license is permitted in most states for up to 3 months, provided your license is in English. If not, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Is Indian driving license valid in Australia?
Yes, but rules vary by state. Always check local laws before renting a car.
Vegetarian Food & Carrying Indian Food to Australia
Is vegetarian food available in Australia?
Australia is very vegetarian-friendly, with a wide range of Indian, Asian, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean options. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have numerous vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menus across restaurants.
Can I bring Indian food to Australia? Will it cause problems at immigration?
You can bring packaged Indian food like snacks, but declare everything at customs. Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Failure to declare can lead to fines.
Avoid carrying any whole grains that have to be cooked, anything that has seeds or dairy.
Is Australia Expensive for Indians?
Australia is not a budget-friendly destination for Indians. Due to the sheer distance, the flights are generally expensive and even if you manage to get a good deal during off season or shoulder season for your hotel/AirBnB stays, the experiences are also expensive.
How much does a trip to Australia cost?
A moderate trip to Australia costs around INR 2.5 to 3.5 lakhs per person for 10–12 days, including flights, visa, accommodation, and basic sightseeing as of September 2025.
Is Australia expensive for Indians?
Compared to Southeast Asia or the Middle East, yes. But with smart planning, it's manageable. You can reduce costs by:
Booking early
Using public transport
Staying in budget hotels or Airbnb
Cooking in your Airbnb or opting for ready to eat meals
The AUD to INR conversion fluctuates, but as of September 2025, 1 AUD ≈ 55 INR.
Should you carry cash to Australia?
Carry some AUD in cash (~200 AUD) for emergencies. Use international debit/credit cards for the rest. ATMs are widely available.
Honeymoon trip to Australia: Is it worth it?
Is a honeymoon to Australia from India a good idea?
A honeymoon trip to Australia offers luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. From romantic beach resorts to hot air balloon rides to outdoor bliss, it caters to couples who want more than just a relaxing holiday.
Best places to visit in Australia for honeymoon:
Blue Mountains
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park
Palm Cove near Cairns
Redwood Forest near Cement Creek
Apollo Bay
Must-do activities and places to visit in Australia
Top things to do in Australia:
Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
Exploring the Outback and Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and Opera House visit
Road trip along the Great Ocean Road
Wildlife spotting at Phillip Island
Best cities to visit in Australia:
Sydney: Opera House, Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge
Melbourne: Coffee culture and great food scene, Royal Botanic Gardens, Street art at Hosier Lane
Cairns: Gateway to Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest
Ayers Rock (Uluru): A sacred Aboriginal site
Things to do in Melbourne Australia:
Visit the Queen Victoria Market
Explore the laneways and arcades
Take a day trip to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade
Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train
Are 5 days enough in Melbourne?
Yes, 5 days in Melbourne are perfect to explore the city and nearby attractions like Great Ocean Road, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island and Sovereign Hill
Are 3 days enough in Sydney?
Ideally, 4 days would be enough in Sydney to explore the city with its many half-day activities like the Bondi-Coogee coastal walk, Harbour Bridge Climb and whale watching cruise during the winter months and a ferry to Manly and exploring the northern beaches in the summer months.
You may also want to save a day to explore the nearby Blue Mountains and Scenic World.
Should you visit Australia alongwith New Zealand or Fiji?
Australia is vast, and it’s nearly impossible to cover the whole country in a single trip—even two weeks will only give you a glimpse. If you’re visiting on an Indian passport, I wouldn’t recommend combining your Australia itinerary with New Zealand, as you’ll need two separate visas. Besides, New Zealand truly deserves its own road trip, ideally over 2–3 weeks, to fully soak in its breathtaking landscapes.
That said, you can consider adding Fiji to your Australia trip, since Indian passport holders receive a visa on arrival for short stays. However, Australia itself offers stunning beaches and plenty of water activities, so you may not feel the need to take another long flight. If you’re keen to pair destinations, it’s better to plan New Zealand and Fiji together on a dedicated trip.
Last word: Your great Australian bucket list awaits
From visa details to dreamy destinations, we’ve covered everything to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Australia. Whether you're visiting the best city in Australia (arguably Sydney or Melbourne), exploring things to do in Australia, or setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime Australia tour, the country promises memorable moments at every turn.
With the right timing, planning, and mindset, your Australian adventure awaits, pack your bags and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.
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