Diplomatic relations exist between Australia and France, as well as the historical contacts, shared values of democracy and human rights, substantial commercial links, and a keen interest in each other's culture.

The legacy of Australian involvement on French soil in the First and Second World War plays an important role in the bilateral relationship.

Commercial links are substantial and France is an increasingly important source of direct investment and technology, including in the defence sector, for Australia.

Australian and French forces have co-operated in the Pacific and Southern Oceans, including for emergency and disaster relief and operations against illegal fishing.

Australia and France have also cooperated at various levels in the coalition against terrorism, including as founding members of the Proliferation Security Initiative to combat the trafficking in weapons of mass destruction.

Australia has made a significant contribution to the Musée du quai Branly, a major international museum dedicated to the world's indigenous arts and cultures that opened in Paris in June 2006.

[4] The Courier Mail reported that "serious bilateral issues" for Sarkozy and Kevin Rudd to discuss included "the war in Afghanistan and global warming".

Meeting with Tony Abbott, Hollande reinforced the strong bonds forged between the two nations in both world wars, stating that "we will have an opportunity to recognise the sacrifice of Australian soldiers who came to save France twice, and we will never forget this.

[12] When asked by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age whether he thought Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had lied over the affair, Macron said: “I don’t think, I know.”[13] In February 2022, the updated version of France's Indo-Pacific strategy stated France would cooperate with Australia on a case-by-case basis; officially removing it from the list of its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

In response, French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu welcomed the settlement and expressed France's willingness to rebuild its relationship with Australia.

French is still one of the most commonly taught foreign languages at Australian high schools, though, as an optional course, very few students continue to study it through to completion.