When applying for an Australian tourist visa as an Indian citizen, it's crucial to ensure that your application is complete and adheres to the guidelines set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Among the required documents, the cover letter plays a key role. This formal letter introduces your application, outlines the purpose of your visit, details your planned itinerary, provides proof of financial means, and includes any additional information that supports your intent to return to India after your trip.

A well-structured cover letter can significantly strengthen your visa application. It presents a concise and organised overview of your travel plans, making it easier for visa officers to assess the legitimacy and preparedness of your trip.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to write a clear, compelling, and well-organised cover letter for your Australia tourist visa application as an Indian traveller.

Fun fact: If you have the Australia Tourist Visa on an Indian Passport, you can travel visa-free to a bunch of other countries including Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and more!

What to Include in an Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) Cover Letter for Indian Citizens?

Writing a solid cover letter for your Australian tourist visa can make all the difference. Think of it as your personal introduction, one that helps the visa officer understand why you’re travelling, how long you plan to stay, and whether you meet all the requirements. If you are applying for your Australia visa on Atlys, you will get complete assistance in curating your cover letter.

Here's a simple breakdown of what to include:

1. 1. Personal Details
   Start by introducing yourself. Mention your full name, address, phone number, email ID, and passport number. This gives the officer a quick snapshot of who you are and helps link your letter to the rest of your application.

2. 2. Purpose of Visit
   Clearly explain why you’re going to Australia, whether it's for a holiday, to visit friends or family, or to attend a personal event. Also mention the visa you’re applying for, typically the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600).

3. 3. Trip Duration and Stay Details
   List your travel dates, how long you plan to stay, and where you'll be staying. If you’ve booked hotels or are staying with friends or family, include those details as well. This shows you’ve planned your trip properly.

4. 4. Day-by-Day Travel Plans
   Outline your itinerary. Please mention the cities you’ll visit, any day trips or tours, and provide accommodation details. This helps the officer see that your plans are realistic and well thought out.

5. 5. Financial Readiness
   Show that you can afford the trip. Briefly mention your job, monthly income, and savings. Attach proof like bank statements, salary slips, and a leave approval letter from your employer if you’re working.

6. 6. Travel History
   If you’ve travelled internationally before, especially to countries with strict visa rules, do mention it. It helps build your case as a trustworthy traveller.

7. 7. Reasons to Return to India
   Reassure the officer that you plan to come back. Talk about your job, family, or property you own. Add documents such as employment letters, family details, or ownership papers to support this.

8. 8. List of Documents
   Towards the end of your letter, mention all the documents you’re submitting—bank statements, income tax returns, hotel bookings, invitation letters, or anything else relevant.

Tips for Writing an Australian Tourist Visa Cover Letter (For Indian Travellers)

1. 1. Keep It Clear and Focused
   Don’t over-explain. Just state the essentials, like why you’re visiting Australia, your travel dates, places you’ll visit, where you’ll stay, and how you’re funding the trip. Keep sentences short and to the point. Visa officers appreciate clarity.

2. 2. Be Respectful and Sincere
   Your tone should be professional but not stiff. Remember, this is a formal letter, so be polite and genuine. You're writing to someone who needs to understand your intent clearly and quickly.

3. 3. Double-Check the Key Details
   Make sure your name, passport number, contact info, and travel dates are all accurate. Small mistakes can cause delays or make your application look careless.

4. 4. Mention the Supporting Documents
   Briefly list the documents you’re submitting, like flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, income proof, and employer leave letters. It provides the visa officer with a helpful snapshot of what is attached to your application.

5. 5. Use Straightforward Language
   You don’t need fancy phrases or technical words. Just explain your travel plan the way you would to a helpful stranger. Clear and simple writing shows confidence and honesty.

6. 6. Add Personal Touches
   Tailor the letter to your own trip. Mention if you’re travelling solo, with family, or visiting someone. Highlight places you’re excited to see or activities you’ve planned. Personal details make your application more authentic.

7. 7. Keep It Neat and Well-Formatted
   Use a clean font, align your paragraphs, and leave enough spacing. A neat, well-organised letter is easier to read and makes a better first impression.

These small things can go a long way in presenting yourself as a genuine, prepared, and responsible traveller.

Sample Covering Letter for Australia Tourist Visa (for Indian Citizens)

To
The Visa Officer
Australian High Commission
New Delhi
India

Subject: Application for Tourist Visa to Australia (Subclass 600)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to Australia for travel between [Start Date] and [End Date]. I’m looking forward to exploring the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences that Australia has to offer.

My name is [Your Full Name], currently residing at [Your Address]. I am employed as a [Your Occupation] with [Company Name], where I have worked for the past [Number of Years/Months]. My passport number is [Passport Number], issued on [Issue Date] and valid until [Expiry Date].

I plan to begin my journey in Melbourne, followed by visits to Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns. I’ve made hotel bookings in each city—[Hotel Name] in Melbourne, [Hotel Name] in Sydney, [Hotel Name] in Brisbane, [Hotel Name] in the Gold Coast, and [Hotel Name] in Cairns. I will be flying to Australia on [Arrival Date] and returning to India on [Departure Date].

The sole purpose of my trip is tourism. I am eager to experience Australia’s natural beauty and cultural highlights—including the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, Brisbane’s laid-back lifestyle, the beaches of the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns.

I have made all necessary travel arrangements and am fully capable of funding this trip independently. I’ve enclosed my bank statements as proof of sufficient financial means. My employer has granted me leave for the mentioned dates, and I will resume work upon my return.

Please find attached the following supporting documents for your review:

• Completed visa application form

• Recent passport-size photographs

• Photocopy of my passport (bio page and travel stamps)

• Confirmed flight itinerary

• Hotel booking confirmations for all cities

• Bank statements for the past six months

• Employer’s letter confirming my approved leave and continued employment

I respectfully assure you that I will comply with all visa conditions and depart Australia before my visa expires. I hope for a positive response to my application.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Number]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter for an Australian Tourist Visa

Your cover letter is a key part of your Australia tourist visa application. It not only introduces your purpose of travel but also supports your credibility as a genuine visitor. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Missing or Incomplete Personal Information

Always begin your letter with your full name, residential address, contact number, email ID, and passport details. Leaving out this information makes it harder for the visa officer to connect your letter with the rest of your application.

2. Vague Purpose of Travel

Be specific about why you're visiting Australia—whether it’s for leisure, sightseeing, or to visit friends or family. A general statement like “for a holiday” without elaboration can create doubt about your intentions.

3. Inconsistent or Mismatched Dates

Your travel dates in the letter should match the dates on your flight tickets, hotel bookings, and application form. Even minor inconsistencies can delay your visa or result in rejection.

4. Not Mentioning Accommodation and Itinerary

Your letter should include a brief but clear outline of your travel plans and where you’ll stay. Not mentioning accommodation gives the impression that your plans are unstructured or incomplete.

5. Lack of Financial Clarity

Please include your job title, monthly income, savings, and provide bank statements or income verification. Failing to demonstrate financial stability can give the impression that you’re unable to support your trip.

6. No Evidence of Strong Ties to India

Visa officers want assurance that you’ll return to your home country. If you don’t mention your job, family responsibilities, or property in India, it may seem like you have no reason to come back.

7. Overly Generic or Copied Templates

Using a generic template without customising it to your trip can make your letter feel impersonal and lazy. Tailor the letter to your itinerary, interests, and circumstances to show that your application is genuine.

8. Grammatical Errors or Poor Formatting

Simple spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression. Keep your language clear and your format clean. Use proper spacing, a readable font, and logical flow.

9. Leaving Out Supporting Documents

While the documents themselves are attached elsewhere, your cover letter should briefly mention what you’ve included, like bank statements, leave letters, hotel bookings, etc. It helps the visa officer review your application more efficiently.

By avoiding these common mistakes and writing your cover letter thoughtfully, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and genuine traveller.

Australia is where untamed wilderness meets laid-back beach towns and cosmopolitan cities. One moment you’re sipping flat whites in Melbourne’s laneways, the next you’re watching kangaroos hop across red desert plains or diving into the Great Barrier Reef. Australia has something for every kind of traveller.
Whether you're drawn to its Aboriginal heritage, dramatic coastlines, or vibrant food scene, Australia delivers adventure with an easygoing charm that’s hard to resist.