The Indian team departed on Friday for Australia, where they have failed to win a Test since 1981, for an 80-day tour which will also include a one-day triangular series involving Zimbabwe.
"We'll have to raise the level of our game," Ganguly told reporters at Madras airport. "An Australia tour is always very tough. They're a very good team, especially in those conditions."
India, on home soil, stunned Australia 2-1 in 2001 but they have struggled on Australian turf, losing the 1999-2000 three-Test series 3-0 and the 1991-92 five-match series 4-0.
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"Everybody will have to get adjusted to the conditions," Ganguly said. "The goal has to be to do well and to win."
The Australian one-day team, who beat India in the World Cup final in Johannesburg in March, completed a 37-run win in Tuesday's tri-series final over India in Calcutta.
"It's not been a very good run. But I'm sure the boys will bounce back. We're in good shape and raring to go," Ganguly said.
The first Test starts in Brisbane on December 4.