![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Australia-3.jpg?resize=218%2C231&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nRabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za<\/p>\n
28 March 2026<\/p>\n
4-minute read<\/p>\n
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Australia is\u00a0a vast, diverse continent offering iconic, sunny beaches, unique wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, and the rugged, arid Outback. Renowned for its relaxed, friendly culture, visitors can explore vibrant cities like Sydney, marine wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, and ancient indigenous culture all year-round.<\/p>\n
Brother Faheem, a South African who relocated Australia, says that his migration in 2017 was a big decision but the best one they\u2019ve ever made as a family. The main consideration was the climate that is very similar to South Africa and added to that was the huge ex-pat population which was a winning point with them.<\/p>\n
South African citizens holding a British, EU or American visa do not have to apply for a visa when travelling to Australia. However, when applying for a visa, there are certain requirements for entering the country like proof of income, source of funds, biometrics, proof of accommodation and travel plans, and a medical examination. There are also strict regulations on the permissibility of items into the country, so if you\u2019re planning a trip down under, be sure to check these first before lugging things like padkos along with you. While there are direct flights to Australia with Qantas or SAA, they are very highly priced, so Faheem suggests travelling via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Singapore, even though these flights are quite long.<\/p>\n
Australia is a very large country, but everything is very well integrated, so getting around is easy and simple. Public transport is reliable and the infrastructure is excellent, with modes of transport varying from trains to cars and buses, the tram system in Melbourne, and the ferry in Sydney. Faheem advises hiring an SUV and self-driving to see more of the country.<\/p>\n
The lifestyle in Australia is a beach-culture focused mainly on activities that can be enjoyed in the ocean like swimming, surfing and snorkelling as well as barbeques on the sand. Highlights and must-see attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting over 2300km\u2019s of coral reefs. Even if you\u2019re not a diver, you can still go 5km\u2019s below the waters to explore the reef or snorkel on the surface to witness this most amazing spectacle of nature or just spend the day soaking up the sun on the warm beaches in the region. The famous Bondi Beach in Sydney is packed with tourists, so Faheem suggests visiting some of the other beaches along the New South Wales coastline for a quieter and more beautiful beach day. Brighton Beach close to the Sydney Airport is extremely popular with the Muslim population. However, Faheem warns that because of the recent increase in shark attacks, beachgoers are advised to be careful when braving the waves.<\/p>\n
The famous Blue Mountains, another UNESCO site, can be accessed from New South Wales. Melbourne has a great art and food scene, but more importantly for Muslim travellers, the city houses the Islamic Museum of Australia that showcases the contribution of Muslims to the country – definitely worth a visit. Perth is a beautiful and more relaxed city to visit, and just outside of Perth, there is the Vasse River in Busselton that has the most incredible scenery.<\/p>\n
There is a massive Muslim population in Australia, with 60 different nationalities residing in the country. While racism and Islamophobia are a problem in Australia, Faheem says that they have not personally experienced either. He has noticed how many Muslims, having broken through the professional barrier, thrive in the country, especially in the bigger cities that are more multicultural. Halal food is easily available, and one can find authentic halal Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, and Singaporean food amongst many other varieties.<\/p>\n
So if you\u2019re planning a trip to Australia, don\u2019t forget to include these places in your itinerary.<\/p>\n