Registering Your First .au Domain

If you’re setting up your first website or email address, one of the first steps is registering a domain name - which is your online home address. It’s how people find you online, and it’s the foundation of your digital presence.

So, how do you register your domain name, and what makes .au domains unique? Let’s go through the basics.

What domain registration actually means #

When you register a domain, you’re not buying it outright. You’re renting it for a set period, usually between one and five years (for .au domains). During that time, you have the exclusive right to use that domain name. When the registration period means, you’ll need to renew it to keep it active.

It’s similar to renting a house: you pay to keep using the address, but you don’t own it forever. If you forget to renew, the domain becomes available for someone else to register. How to register a .au domain name The process for how to register your domain name is simple, and it can all be done online through a domain retailer (also called a registrar).

  1. Choose your domain name. Pick something that represents your brand or purpose - short, memorable names usually work best.
  2. Choose a domain retailer. Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to choose where to register it. If your preferred .au domain is available, you can register it through any accredited retailer. Prices can vary between providers, so it’s worth comparing options - you can use our comparison table to view and compare current prices.
  3. Check availability. Use your chosen retailer’s search tool to see if your preferred name is available. If it’s taken, try a variation or another domain ending.
  4. Select your domain extension (TLD, or top-level domain). For Australian websites, you can choose from extensions like .au, .com.au, or .net.au. .au domains are available to anyone with an Australian presence. .com.au domains are designed for businesses and require proof of connection to Australia, such as an ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN.
  5. Provide your contact details. You’ll be asked to enter your name, address, phone number, and email. These are stored in the official WHOIS database managed by auDA, Australia’s domain regulator.
  6. Confirm your registration period and pay. Decide how many years you’d like to register for - many people start with one or two years, then renew later. Once your payment is processed, your domain is registered.

What information is public? #

When you register a .au domain, some of your details (like your name and email address) appear in auDA’s public WHOIS record. However, your physical address and phone number are kept private.

Unlike .com or .nz domains, .au domains don’t support privacy add-ons such as ID Protection. This is because auDA already limits what information is shown publicly, and privacy rules are built into their system.

Tips before you register #

  • Don’t just look at the first year's price. Short-term deals can cost in the longer run. Compare renewal prices too, as that’s what you’ll be paying long-term.
  • Keep your details accurate. If your contact information changes, update it promptly to ensure you receive renewal notices.
  • Consider registering similar domains. You might want to secure both your .au and .com.au versions to protect your brand. Ready to get started?

Registering a domain name is one of the simplest steps in creating an online presence - and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Before you commit, take a moment to compare .au domain prices and see which registrar offers the best value and service for you.