Australia Tourism Statistics

Australia consistently draws in travellers from around the world with diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From large cities such as Sydney and Melbourne to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, it attracts millions of visitors each year.

About 126.79 million total visitors travelled to Australia in 2024.

• Total visitor arrivals in Australia had steadily increased to 126.12 million in 2019 (8.71 million international, 117.41 million domestic) before the pandemic struck.
• In 2020, the pandemic caused the total arrivals to drop to 74.22 million visitors (1.71 million international, 72.51 million domestic). Overall numbers then recovered slightly in 2021 to 82.29 million total visitors (220,000 international, 82.07 million domestic)
• By 2022, Australia's tourism sector showed signs of recovery with 111.63 million total visitors (3.42 million international, 108.21 million domestic), and in 2023, arrivals further increased to 122.80 million (6.64 million international, 116.16 million domestic), though still below pre-pandemic levels.
• Arrivals increased to 126.79 million total visitors in 2024 (7.63 million international, 119.16 million domestic), representing strong recovery momentum and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Visitors spend over $150 billion in Australia each year.

• In 2019, total visitor spending reached $126.07 billion ($45.38 billion international, $80.69 billion domestic) before the pandemic impacted global travel.
• Mirroring the decrease in tourist arrivals, total visitor spending dropped to $56.71 billion in 2020 ($11.07 billion international, $45.64 billion domestic), followed by an increase to $63.18 billion in 2021 ($2.43 billion international, $60.75 billion domestic).
• By 2022, tourism spending rebounded to $121.02 billion ($19.76 billion international, $101.26 billion domestic), about 96% of the 2019 level.
• In 2024, total spending in Australia climbed to $159.17 billion, comprising $48.87 billion from international visitors and $110.30 billion from domestic visitors, setting a new record, representing a 26% increase from the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.

New Zealand is the leading source of international visitors to Australia, with a total of 1.26 million tourists in 2024.

• This was followed by China with 829,000 tourists. The United States (669,000), the United Kingdom (605,000), and India (421,000) also contributed a significant share of the market.

• Australia remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations in 2025, with continued growth in both international arrivals and global recognition.
• In 2024, Australia ranked 5th globally in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, welcoming approximately 126.79 million total visitors.
• The country also performed well in terms of revenue, with total visitors spending $159.17 billion, which exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 26%.
• Additionally, Australia's tourism sector contributed $78.1 billion to the direct GDP in 2023-24, accounting for 2.9% of the total Australian economy.

• Summer (December to February) is the most popular time, offering warm weather and numerous outdoor activities. This is ideal for exploring beaches, cities, and many national parks.
• Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are also good times, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal changes.
• Winter (June to August) varies significantly across the continent - ideal for tropical regions like Queensland, while southern areas experience cooler temperatures.

When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

• The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is during the dry season (May to October) when weather conditions are most favorable for diving and snorkeling.
• However, to enjoy optimal water visibility and weather conditions, June to August is ideal.

When is the best time to see Australian wildlife?

• The best time to see Australian wildlife is during the spring months (September to November) when many animals are active during breeding seasons.
• Early morning and late afternoon year-round provide the best opportunities for spotting native wildlife across all regions.

• Great Ocean Road, Victoria: This coastal drive sees approximately 1.6 million visitors annually and is known for its sea cliffs and landmarks, such as the Twelve Apostles.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory: Home to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, this UNESCO World Heritage site receives around 300,000 visitors each year. It is recognised for its cultural and spiritual significance.
• Rottnest Island, Western Australia: The island welcomes over 770,000 visitors annually, with many drawn by its beaches and unique wildlife, including the quokka.
• Sydney Opera House, New South Wales: The Sydney Opera House attracts about 10.9 million visitors annually and hosts over 1,500 performances each year.
• Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The world’s largest coral reef system receives approximately 2 million visitors annually, attracting those interested in diving and snorkelling, and is known for its diverse marine life.