Domains
.au direct domains: shorter, sharper and worth protecting
The .au direct extension gives you a shorter address and protects your brand from copycats. Here’s how to decide if you need it.
The short answer
A .au direct domain is the short form of an Australian address, like yourbusiness.au instead of yourbusiness.com.au. Anyone with an Australian presence can register one. Most businesses register their .au to protect their brand, then point it at their main .com.au site.
What is a .au direct domain?
Since March 2022, Australians can register names directly under .au. It’s shorter, easier to say over the phone and fits neatly on a business card or van.
There were 812,392 .au direct names registered in October 2026, and the number is growing faster than .com.au. But most .com.au holders still haven’t registered the matching .au. That leaves a gap someone else could fill.
Unlike .com.au, there are no name rules beyond being available. That’s convenient for you, and also for anyone who wants to look like you.
Should you register your .au?
A quick guide to whether it’s worth it for your business.
| Your situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
| You have a .com.au and an established brand | Yes. Register the matching .au and redirect it to your main site. |
| You’re starting a new business | Register both if both are free. It costs little and saves trouble later. |
| You can’t get a .com.au (no ABN) | A .au is a good main domain for individuals and some organisations. |
| Your brand is generic or descriptive | Optional. The risk of confusion is lower, but check who could take it. |
Who can register a .au?
Australian citizens
Including individuals who want a personal site or portfolio.
Permanent residents
Anyone with permanent residency in Australia.
Australian organisations
Companies, businesses, associations and other registered bodies.
Trade mark owners
Owners of an Australian registered trade mark or application.
How to use a .au without splitting your SEO
Two addresses showing the same website can confuse search engines. Do this instead.
Step 1
Pick a main domain
Choose the one you'll print, advertise and use for email. Usually your .com.au.
Step 2
Redirect the other
Point the second domain at the main one with a permanent (301) redirect.
Step 3
Keep email simple
Use one domain for email. Forward the other if people might guess it.
What if someone else already has your .au?
The priority window for existing .com.au holders closed on 20 September 2022, and unclaimed names were released from 4 October 2022. If someone else registered your .au after that, it’s theirs while they stay eligible.
You still have options. If they’re using it in bad faith, the auDA dispute process (auDRP) may help. If they let it lapse, it’s released after the 30-day grace period. We can watch it for you and register it the moment it’s free.
Read our guide to recovering an expired domain for how that process works.
Check if your .au is still available
It takes seconds to search, and minutes to register if it’s free.
Emergencies, 24/7: 0426 833 422
.au domain FAQs
How is a .au different from a .com.au?
A .au is shorter and open to anyone with an Australian presence. A .com.au is for businesses, and the name must relate to your business. Both are trusted Australian extensions.
Can individuals register a .au domain?
Yes. Australian citizens and permanent residents can register any available .au name.
Do I need both a .au and a .com.au?
You don’t have to, but most established businesses register both and redirect one to the other. It stops someone else taking the shorter version.
Will a .au hurt my SEO?
Not if you redirect it properly. Pick one main domain and permanently redirect the other to it.
Can I transfer my .au to you?
Yes. .au domains can be transferred between providers. See our domain transfer page for the steps.
.au domain guides
Practical guides from our blog on the same topic.
