Ah, the beautiful Oceania. Yes, that’s the continent where Australia and New Zealand lies! Credit: giphy It seems like the lands down under are now becoming more attractive to modern Muslim travelers. What’s more, their tourism industry is becoming more halal-savvy to cater to the growing number of Muslim tourists.

Plus, you can’t possibly resist the call of the intriguing landscapes and amazing people these countries have to offer, right ?

In case you are still wondering on how Muslim-friendly these countries could be, here are some information which should do the trick!

1. Halal Food

Australia

Well, mate, it seems like looking for halal food would not be a big problem if you are in the big and popular cities of Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Muslim communities has been established for a very long time in Australia, so it took a short time for huge numbers of halal eateries to sprout, catering for both the locals and Muslim travelers. Good news is halal eateries are also available for many different type of foods, so if you could be spoilt for choices when it's mealtime ☺️ Here are a few halal eateries to check out when you are in the kangaroo land: Sydney – Chinese Noodle Bar, Haymarket

Credit : @breakkker on InstagramMalaysia Halal Corporation has certified this establishment as offering one or more halal options. They have a full halal menu, but they still allow alcohol to be served.

Opening hours: 11am-9pm daily Address: 800 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3312.3156460057103!2d151.20275091542723!3d-33.88152372715106!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6b12ae238c14048b%3A0x19b5be2154379d04!2zQ2hpbmVzZSBOb29kbGUgQmFyIOWFsOW3nuaLiemdog!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481778368128" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] Brisbane – Sendok Garpu Restaurant (Indonesian)

Credit: @sendok_garpu_brisbane on InstagramOpening hours: 11.30am-9pm daily, closed on Tuesday Address: Shop 1A 20 Lambert Road, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3538.9071614690365!2d152.9750303145582!3d-27.50326258287685!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6b915050daab6727%3A0xdf910bdf9b0548a8!2sSendok+Garpu+Indooroopilly!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1482896136779" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] Melbourne – Rumi (Persian and Lebanese)

Credit: @rumi_brunswickeast on InstagramOpening hours: 6pm-10pm daily Address: 116 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3153.647543496486!2d144.9690863155407!3d-37.77486173959167!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6ad6434890d1e64f%3A0x735b84519257ad3d!2sRumi!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481779272519" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] Perth – Kailis Fish Market Café (Seafood)

Credit: @iamjackfoon on InstagramOpening hours: 8am – 8.30pm daily Address: 46 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3381.388232559689!2d115.74013401537734!3d-32.0587466348232!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x2a32a1711b0df259%3A0x30d5d21bf228dcef!2sKailis+Fish+Market+Cafe!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481779553767" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe]

New Zealand

New Zealand is smaller than Australia, so it's not surprising to discover that halal eateries and markets can only be easily found in their bigger cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. However, New Zealand is one of the largest exporters of Halal meat (yep, those juicy and tender lambs!) so it could be easy if you are a meat lover. Here are some recommendations for halal or seafood eateries in the land of the Hobbit: Auckland and Wellington - The Crab Shack (seafood)

Credit: @from.clara on Instagram This delish joint offers halal, seafood and vegetarian servings, but they also serve alcohol.

Opening hours : 11.30am – 9.30pm daily Auckland Address: 137 Quay St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3193.0214560717027!2d174.76271541551264!3d-36.84196218683307!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6d0d47f852367e45%3A0xcdfcba0d33c425ac!2sThe+Crab+Shack!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481777113387" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] Wellington Address: Shed 5, Queens Wharf, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2998.1122667665136!2d174.77692101565054!3d-41.28466104822769!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6d38afd365dce9d7%3A0x630950a668fb6630!2sCrab+Shack!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481777169881" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] Christchurch – Mosaic by Simo (Moroccan food)

Credit: @littlefoodie.online on Instagram This restaurant is owned by Muslims and they have confirmed their halal status.

Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily, closed on Sunday Address: No., 3/300 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2892.0091009486255!2d172.60968541572484!3d-43.543852190738086!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6d318a7b3fe19d01%3A0x700d5575ed9c76b1!2sMosaic+by+Simo!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1481777617690" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe] #HHWT Tip: Good news! The people at  Tourism New Zealand have been super awesome and compiled a comprehensive list of halal food guide in their country. You can download the Tourism New Zealand Halal guide here.

2. Prayer spaces and mosques

Both Australia and New Zealand are very diverse countries, and Islam is no longer a foreigner to these wonderful lands.  There are many mosques that you can visit during your stay, and the best part is you get to learn a thing or two about the Muslim communities in these different countries! These are the biggest mosques in Australia and New Zealand that you might want to visit:

Australia

Lakemba Mosque, Sydney The Lakemba Mosque is owned and managed by the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) and opened in 1977. It was the first purpose-built mosque in Sydney and remains Australia’s most popular mosque.

Credit : @elidaistiqomah on Instagram

Credit: @lunadevi on InstagramAddress: [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3311.118533890334!2d151.0717294152113!3d-33.91234873064431!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6b12bbbef1c1c0e7%3A0x1fefb88ccdfca5bd!2sLakemba+Mosque!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1481697545877" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen>][/iframe]

New Zealand

Masjid E Umar, Auckland

Credit: The Daily Zysk  Located in Mt Roskill, Auckland, this mosque is considered one of the biggest mosques in New Zealand. Mt Roskill has the highest concentration of Muslims living in New Zealand, so it's a perfect spot to get to know our fellow Kiwi Muslims. Address: [iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3190.5202084538273!2d174.72224201529272!3d-36.90182467992774!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6d0d468cd4c48a03%3A0x1730e3afb16f46d8!2sMasjid-e-Umar+(Mount+Roskill+Islamic+Trust)!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1481698453112" width="600" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen][/iframe]

3. Muslim communities and events

Muslims know how to socialize and make new friends too right? So, it is easy to find many Muslim communities and occasions in these two countries.

Australia

The United Muslims of Australia centre in Sydney often holds educational, recreational and religious activities for Muslims to take part. It's currently the largest Islamic youth centre so you can find a lot of interesting things to do here including a gym and game center ?

Credit: Islam in Australia  The Islamic Eid Festival in Sydney and Melbourne is also an annual festival held to celebrate the Eid season. If you happen to be there during Eid, this is the perfect place to visit, make new friends and celebrate together!

Credit : eventfinda

New Zealand

The Otago Muslim Students Association is an active group in Otago and based at the Otago University Campus, Dunedin. They often organize recreational, educational and social events such as swimming lessons, Eid gatherings, futsal games and Islamic camps and talks. There is also the Otago Muslim Association based at the Al-Huda Mosque in Dunedin which organizes many social and Islamic events you might consider joining during your stay.

Credit :  Colours of my life Phew, it's tough to say which country is more Muslim-friendly, because frankly, both passed with flying colours! However, because Australia is larger and there are more halal options around, we are handing the crown to *drumroll* Australia! But hey, now that you have some ideas on how Muslim-friendly BOTH countries can be, don’t let your doubts stop you from travelling there. Chances are you will be covering these two amazing countries in no time. After all, many Muslims have traveled to more remote places in the world and they did fine! So...are you packing your bags now? ? Credit: giphy [iframe seamless="seamless" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" height="450" width="600" scrolling="no" src="https://pollbuzz.co/frame/1161?type=poll"][/iframe]

Tags:australianew-zealandtravel-guide