Sri Lanka is a natural travel choice for Australians, sitting just a relatively short flight away compared to European destinations and offering a tropical experience that feels both exotic and accessible. Australian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online in a straightforward process that typically takes 24 to 72 hours for approval.
The ETA for Australian citizens costs $50 USD (approximately $75 AUD) and grants a 30-day stay for tourism. Extensions up to 90 days are possible at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Several airlines connect Australia to Colombo, with popular routes going through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or the Middle Eastern hubs of Dubai and Doha. Flight times from Sydney or Melbourne typically range from 12 to 16 hours depending on the routing and layover duration.
Australian travelers will appreciate Sri Lanka's incredible biodiversity, from whale watching off Mirissa to leopard safaris in Yala, as well as the fantastic cricket culture that the two nations share. The Australian dollar goes a long way in Sri Lanka, making it an affordable luxury destination. The country is also compact enough to cover multiple highlights in a two-week trip, including the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, the hill country tea estates of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, and the golden beaches of the southern coast. December to March is the peak season for Australian visitors looking to enjoy the south and west coasts.