
Australians are known for their love of travel, with the average Australian having been to 20 countries, which is higher than the international average of 17. Australians tend to favour destinations that offer similar characteristics to their homeland, such as vast open spaces and natural wonders. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more adventurous and transformative travel experiences, with a growing interest in short-term trips to a diverse range of countries. So, which countries do Australians travel to the most, and what draws them to these destinations?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries the average Australian traveller has been to | 20 |
| Countries whose citizens travel to more countries on average | UAE, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway |
| Top destination for Australian travellers | United Kingdom |
| Second most popular destination for Australian travellers | France |
| Third most popular destination for Australian travellers | USA |
| Other popular destinations for Australian travellers | Italy, Germany, Thailand, New Zealand, Spain, Indonesia, Singapore |
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What You'll Learn

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the top countries that travel to Australia the most. In 2019, the UK sent over half a million travellers to Australia, with many of these tourists travelling with short-term vacation packages. In the year ending March 2025, the number of trips made by UK travellers to Australia increased to 613,000, with a 21% increase in spending in the country. The United Kingdom, along with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, was also among the top 10 source countries for short-term visitor arrivals to Australia in the year ending June 2019.
In 2018-2019, the UK was the leading source country for visitors to South Australia and Western Australia. During this period, there were 4.9 million female visitors compared to 4.5 million male visitors to Australia, with a median duration of stay of 11 days.
The UK is also one of the biggest sources of backpackers to Australia. The availability of working holiday visas, which allow individuals to work in the country while on vacation, is likely a contributing factor to the high number of UK backpackers in Australia. These visas are available to people between the ages of 18 and 30, primarily from Western Europe, Canada, and some Eastern Asian countries.
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France
When travelling to France, Australians should be aware of the potential risk of cyber-based threats and identity theft. It is advised that travellers avoid using public Wi-Fi or shared computers and refrain from commenting on local or political events on social media. Additionally, it is important to note that not all medications available over the counter in Australia may be available or legal in France. Australians are advised to check the legality of their medications and ensure they have enough for their trip.
The standard of medical facilities in France is similar to Australia, but hospital stays can be costly, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Australians are advised to purchase travel insurance and ensure they have valid passports and any required visas before their trip. It is also important to note that visa applications cannot be made or changed while in French territory.
Australian citizens in France can seek consular assistance from the Australian Embassy, which provides services such as notarial services and driving licence renewal assistance. However, it is important to note that marriages are not performed at Australian Embassies, and Australian citizens wishing to marry in France must do so at a French town hall (Mairie).
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USA
The USA is a significant source of tourists for Australia, with over 811,000 American tourists visiting between July 2018 and June 2019, a record peak. American tourists are also big spenders, accounting for 9% of all expenditure from international tourists, ranking 2nd, with an estimated $4 billion spent in 2018/19. They also have the highest spending on food, drink, accommodation, tours, and transport, at $65 and $62 per day, respectively. This is likely because their main reason for visiting is holidays, as indicated by their low spending on education. The average length of stay for Americans is 17 nights, which is significantly lower than the overall average of 32 nights for other nationalities.
The USA and Australia share some similarities in terms of scenery and adventure. The East Coast of the USA, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, can offer something similar to what Australians might find in their own country. From the harsh yet beautiful Atlantic Seaboard to the rolling plains of the Midwest and the laid-back glamour of the West, Americans can find familiarities in Australia's vast open spaces.
Additionally, the USA is a popular destination for Australians. It is one of the top countries that Australians visit, with its varied landscapes, including the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska, attracting many Aussies. The USA offers a range of experiences, from the historical East Coast to the adventurous wilderness of its national parks.
The strong cultural and historical ties between the USA and Australia may also contribute to the appeal of visiting each other's countries. Both countries have a significant influence on each other in terms of media, sports, and popular culture, creating a sense of familiarity and interest for travellers.
In summary, the USA is an important market for Australian tourism, with American tourists contributing significantly to the Australian economy through their high spending habits. The similarities in culture, nature, and scenery between the two countries, as well as their historical ties, likely contribute to the high number of American tourists visiting Australia.
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Italy
Tourism Australia provides information on the country in both English and Italian. Its European office, also responsible for Italy, is based in London, while its representative offices in Italy are located in Turin and Milan. The organisation offers free resources and specialist programs to help businesses get started in the Italian market. Additionally, the Aussie Specialist Program is the primary platform for Tourism Australia to train and develop frontline travel sellers to promote Australia effectively. There are over 900 qualified Aussie Specialists in Italy, including 32 'Premier Aussie Specialists' recognised for their extensive knowledge of the destination and ongoing learning.
To cater to the Italian market, Tourism Australia utilises various distribution channels and partners with select companies based on their alignment with its market strategy, shared target customer profile, and commitment to quality Australian products and experiences. Tourism Australia also provides insights into travel distribution channels and consumer preferences through its Consumer Demand Project and Future of Demand research. These resources support the development of strategic directions and help businesses maximise opportunities in the Italian market.
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Germany
Australian citizens intending to stay in Germany for more than 90 days will need to apply for a long-term or "national visa". For German citizens, a long-term visa is required for stays in Australia exceeding three months.
Australian travellers to Germany are advised to refer to Smartraveller and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for information on customs, biosecurity, duty-free concessions, and what to expect at the border. They can also find information on entering and leaving Australia, sending goods to Australia, and importing animals.
Tourism Australia provides a central hub for market-related reports, updates, and news about German travellers to Australia. This includes information on market spend and recovery trends, current buyer organizations, and consumer priorities for the German market.
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Frequently asked questions
Data from the Visited app shows that Australians travel to the United Kingdom the most, followed by France, the USA, Italy, Germany, Thailand, New Zealand, Spain, Indonesia, and Singapore.
I cannot find a definitive answer, but it seems that people from the UAE, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway travel to more countries than Australians. Therefore, it is likely that residents of these countries travel to Australia the most.
Australians tend to explore beaches, visit national parks, go snorkelling and diving, and track down film locations.











































