When you think of Australia, you can't help but immediately have images in mind that make you want to go on a long-distance trip. Cute koalas peacefully munching on eucalyptus. The Sydney Opera House with its imposing facade. The Great Barrier Reef as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Kangaroos, surfing, Aborigines, tropics and desert regions. Hardly any other country fascinates with as much diversity as Australia. When, due to a pandemic, all borders were closed almost two years ago with the goal of "Zero Covid", entry for tourists became impossible. Partially even for citizens. But now there is extremely positive news for wanderlust sufferers. From February 21, 2022, Australia will be open again. For the most part, at least.

The mysterious Uluru sandstone rock in the Northern Territory. © Unsplash

Entry requirements for vaccinated persons

• from 21 February entry is possible
• Exception: Western Australia

Off to Australia

There is, of course, one exception: the state of Western Australia is sticking to its strict measures. Entry is only possible for triple vaccinated, PCR-tested and after a 14-day quarantine. When traveling to Australia, one should definitely plan for this circumstance. Because the state, which makes up about two-thirds of the country's territory, is thus still a complicated matter for tourists. But fortunately, many of the most popular sights in Australia are not out of reach.

Queensland is one of three states where you can cuddle koalas. © Pexels

In the state of Victoria, for example, visitors experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world: the Koories. Its capital, Melbourne, is considered the "gateway to the Australian continent." Whether as a venue for major sporting events, a surfing spot, or an unofficial foodie capital, Victoria should be on your bucket list. Oh, and there's also the fascinating Great Ocean Road and the annual penguin migration on Philipp Island. 

Bondi Iceberg Pool - perhaps the most spectacular swimming pool in the world. © Unsplash

In New South Wales, the metropolis of Sydney attracts visitors with all its sights. For example, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Tower. Nature lovers have fun in the waves at the legendary Bondi Beach, visit the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens or the Outback. Inland, the Blue Mountains await them. Wine lovers should visit the Hunter Valley wine region.

The Whitsunday Islands, with their snow-white beaches, are awe-inspiring. © Unsplash

Queensland scores with whale watching in Hervey Bay, its tropical jungle, the Great Barrier Reef and lively cities like Brisbane, Bundaberg and Cairns. From the reptile park to - nomen est omen - snow-white Whitehaven Beach: the state in the northeast of the country has numerous wonders and adventures in store for nature-loving tourists.

Adventure on the island

Off the coast of Victoria, the outlying territory of Tasmania is located on an island. Here visitors will find gorgeous beaches, rugged mountains and raging rivers. Walks and hikes are just as picturesque as the capital Hobart.

"Tassy" is a microcosm unto itself. © Unsplash

A laid-back vibe prevails in South Australia. The state capital, Adelaide, is perfect for exploring the vineyards of the Barossa Valley. Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges, and the diverse arts scene also invite you to visit the Festival State. The Northern Territory, on the other hand, scores with some of the country's best national parks. Here you can really feel the outback, in all its dimensions. Uluru and King's Canyon are just a few of the must-visits in the northernmost state.