Exclusive: Sara Tendulkar Shares Her Favourite Cities, Food And Hidden Gems In Australia

Sara Tendulkar wears multiple hats: she is a biomedical scientist, a registered nutritionist, a director at her father's Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, the founder of a Pilates Academy, and now the Ambassador of Tourism Australia's Come and Say G'Day campaign. A quick scroll through Sara's Instagram profile shows her love for travel - from Dubai to Istanbul, London to New York City. Yet Australia holds a special place for her.

"Australia has always felt like more than just a holiday destination to me," Sara tells NDTV Travel in an exclusive interview. "It is a place where nature, culture, and adventure come together so effortlessly. From the Great Barrier Reef to the buzzing city life of Sydney and Melbourne, it offers something for every mood. What drew me in most is how welcoming and vibrant it feels; you are instantly at ease yet constantly inspired."

From her fondest memory to her favourite food, Sara Tendulkar opens up about everything she loves about travelling to Australia.

^{Photo Credit: Tourism Australia}

Sara Tendulkar Shares Her Australian Travel Highlights

1. Fondest Memory From Australia

"One of my fondest memories has to be waking up early for a sunrise at the Gold Coast, the sky painted in shades of pink and orange, while surfers were already out in the water. It felt so calm, yet so full of life at the same time. That moment really captured the essence of Australia for me, a perfect balance of serenity and energy."

2. Travelling With Family, Friends or Solo

Australia shifts character depending on the company. With family, the focus is often on wildlife parks or scenic road trips. With friends, it is about nightlife, beaches, and food. Travelling solo, Sara says, is liberating: "It is truly grounding to soak in the landscapes and culture at your own pace."

3. How Australia Compares With the UK

Having spent many years studying in the United Kingdom, Sara finds the contrast with Australia striking. "Both are incredibly special, but so different in spirit. The UK is steeped in history and tradition, which I loved as a student, but Australia feels far more expansive and laid-back. There is this energy in Australia that makes you want to be outdoors all the time, whether it is hiking, swimming, or just sitting by the beach."

4. Favourite Cafe, Restaurant or Bar in Australia

Sara confesses that narrowing it down is difficult. "Australia spoils you for choice, but I would say Lune Croissants across multiple cities really has my heart. It is not just a cafe, it is an experience. The croissants - so flaky and made to perfection, the coffee, the experience, everything feels so thoughtfully put together. It is a place I would go back to every time I visit and definitely urge everyone travelling to Australia to try."

5. Favourite City in Australia

"It is so difficult to pick one. Australia has that perfect mix of stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and a buzzing cosmopolitan vibe in many cities. You can spend your morning hiking the coastal walk, your afternoon exploring art and culture, and your evening dining at a restaurant, enjoying and relishing food like a local. It is a place that feels alive in every sense."

6. Must-Try Food and Drink in Australia

For Sara, brunch is unmissable. "You cannot leave without trying a good Aussie brunch - the smashed avo on toast is iconic for a reason, and the coffee culture there is unbeatable. I also fell in love with their fresh produce and seafood; it is something you just have to indulge in."

Tourism Australia on the Rise of Indian Travellers

Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager - India and Gulf, Tourism Australia, tells NDTV Travel that the tourism board is on track to cross the "half-a-million milestone in Indian visitors by June 2026." He shares key insights into what is driving this growth.

Why Australia Appeals to Indian Travellers

Australia continues to be one of the most aspirational destinations for Indian tourists, with a growing preference for family-friendly holidays, immersive experiences, and unique adventures. "From young travellers seeking vibrant city life to families drawn to nature and wildlife, and honeymooners looking for romantic escapes, Australia caters to everyone," says Kashikar.

The country's appeal lies in its diversity - from Sydney's architectural landmarks and events such as Vivid Sydney, to encounters with native wildlife and the serenity of the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback.

Hidden Gems in Australia

Australia also offers plenty of surprises. Beyond icons like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, there are experiences such as the Glow Worm Caves in Tasmania, the Pink Lakes of Western Australia, and kangaroo and koala spotting on Kangaroo Island. A visit to Uluru, considered the spiritual heart of the continent, adds depth to any trip.

Indigenous art workshops and storytelling sessions provide meaningful cultural immersion. Wine enthusiasts are also discovering lesser-known regions such as Tasmania and Clare Valley, where world-class wines rival those of Europe. For Indian travellers who seek something authentic, these hidden corners of Australia promise lasting memories.

Rising Numbers and Future Growth

Tourism data reflects this enthusiasm. In the year ending June 2025, arrivals from India crossed 450,000 - an 8.4 per cent increase - with spending rising by 14 per cent to AUD 2.7 billion. Kashikar explains, "These numbers show how high-yield Indian travellers are spending more, staying longer, and exploring more regions on a single trip."

With stronger aviation links and a digital visa system streamlining the process, Tourism Australia expects to reach half a million Indian visitors by June 2026.

Why Australia Is Becoming a Favourite for Indian Tourists

From Sara Tendulkar's fond memories to the steady rise of Indian arrivals, the pull of Australia is undeniable. It is the blend of vibrant cities, cultural depth, breathtaking landscapes, and a welcoming spirit that ensures every trip is different yet equally memorable. Whether it is brunch in Melbourne, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or walking along Sydney Harbour, Australia is steadily cementing its spot as a top choice for Indian travellers.