Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the world is mourning the victims of this new attack, just eight months after the atrocities in Paris.
Just hours before the attack, Australian and New Zealand soldiers were leading the Bastille Day parade in Paris, invited to honour the ANZAC sacrifice on the Western Front 100 years ago.
In attendance was Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, a guest of French President Francois Hollande.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Australia stands by France today just as it did a century ago -- this time, against the modern scourge of terrorism.
"We support our friends and partners in France and we join with others around the world in hoping that this will be the end of this type of horrific incident that is targeted at unarmed civilians."
Ms Bishop has confirmed three Australians suffered minor injuries while running from the area.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to Australians caught up in the attack.
"We are working with the family members and so until such time as we're in a position to give details, we will respect their privacy while we work with them. But we are providing consular assistance."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has described the attack as a "murderous act of terror".
Speaking to the media Foreign Minister Bishop says Australians should continue about their business.
"But they should be mindful of the travel advice. We have reissued the travel advice, we have obviously included reference to this incident. We call on Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in France. And of course, abide by the directions of the local authorities."
The French Ambassador, Christophe Lecourtier, says the attack feels all too familiar.
"I do feel that when we're attacked - and unfortunately that happens quite often nowadays - Australia feels like you know being also attacked. And I'm pretty certain that this friendship and solidarity that we've seen last year will repeat again this week."
A shocked Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove is now on his way home from Paris.
In a statement released to social media he says the attack has struck innocent people celebrating France's national day, and that Australia's deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the government and people of France.
There are similar sentiments from the Oppositon leader, Bill Shorten, with his statement saying Australia stands in solidarity with our great friends, the French people, against this terrible act of violence.
