.au

Q: What is .au used for?

Australia's country-code TLD, with most registrations under .com.au. Direct .au registrations became available in 2022, giving Australian businesses a shorter domain option.

Q: Who can register a .au domain?

Registrants must have an Australian presence (ABN, ACN, or citizenship).

Q: Who manages the .au top-level domain?

The .au TLD is managed by auDA (au Domain Administration Ltd), which is responsible for the registry operations and maintaining the zone file.

Abstract

Direct registration under Australia's country code became possible only in 2022; until then applicants used second-level namespaces such as .com.au. auDA operates the registry, which holds approximately 4.3 million domains. Eligibility requires a demonstrable Australian presence — an ABN, an ACN, or citizenship — leaving the namespace closed to foreign registrants without local standing. The 2022 change gave Australian businesses a shorter option alongside the established second-level forms rather than replacing them.