The popularity of Australia with international visitors is growing year by year. It is a land of contrasts, yet it is safe and friendly, and overseas visitors are welcomed. Australia offers sunshine and a rich variety of golden beaches, open spaces and wilderness areas, unique flora and fauna, a rugged, pioneering way of life in its sparsely settled outback regions, sophisticated entertainment and shopping facilities in its modern cities, and the full spectrum of cultural, sporting and recreational activities. Climatically, it is a country conducive to outdoor holidays. Accommodation ranges from international-standard hotels and convention facilities to camping parks.
Tourism is one of Australia s largest and fastest-growing industries.
The Australian Government's tourism marketing authority, the Australian Tourist Commission, promotes Australia as an international tourist destination through its offices in Auckland, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Osaka and Singapore. Official State and Territory tourist offices are in all Australian capital cities and in some major regional centres. They have expert local knowledge and can help with accommodation, transport advice and tours. Passports and visas All visitors must have visitor visas and current passports, which should be valid for three months longer than the intended stay. The only exceptions are citizens of New Zealand, who require only valid New Zealand passports.