.au Domains

About .au Second Level Domains (2LDs)

Within the .au domain, there are several different second level domains (2LDs). Each serves a specific type of enterprise or purpose and the options are outlined below. When it comes to registering a .au domain name, you can choose the one which best suits your entity type and purpose.

"Open" 2LDs

These 2LDs are known as "open" because they are open to the general public, subject to eligibility criteria.

• asn.au
  For incorporated associations, political parties, trade unions, sporting and special interest clubs.
  For registration information, please contact an auDA accredited registrar.
• com.au
  For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).
  For registration information, please contact an auDA accredited registrar.
• net.au
  For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).
  For registration information, please contact an auDA accredited registrar.
• id.au
  For individuals who are Australian citizens or residents.
  For registration information, please contact an auDA accredited registrar.
• org.au
  For charities and non-profit organisations.
  For registration information, please contact an auDA accredited registrar.

For full details on open 2LD eligibility criteria, refer to the Domain Name Eligibility and Allocation Policy Rules for the Open 2LDs (2012-04).

"Closed" 2LDs

These 2LDs are known as "closed" because they are closed to the general public, and only available to entities within a defined sector.

• edu.au
  For educational institutions registered at federal or state level. This domain is managed by auDA in accordance with the Governance Arrangements for the edu.au 2LD (2015-02).
  For policy and registration information, please contact Education Services Australia.
• gov.au
  For Commonwealth, state, territory and local government bodies. This domain is managed on behalf of the Australian government sector by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA). For policy and registration information, please contact gov.au Domain Administration.
• csiro.au
  For the sole use of the Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO). This domain is managed by CSIRO.
  For policy and registration information, please contact CSIRO.

Community Geographic Domain Names (CGDNs)

These domain names are known as "community geographic domain names" or CGDNs because they are reserved for use by community groups, and only Australian geographic (place) names may be registered.

• act.au
  For community use of geographic names within the Australian Capital Territory. For example, westoncreek.act.au.
• nsw.au
  For community use of geographic names within New South Wales. For example, bathurst.nsw.au.
• nt.au
  For community use of geographic names within the Northern Territory. For example, wyndham.nt.au.
• qld.au
  For community use of geographic names within Queensland. For example, kenilworth.qld.au.
• sa.au
  For community use of geographic names within South Australia. For example, maslinbeach.sa.au.
• tas.au
  For community use of geographic names within Tasmania. For example, scottsdale.tas.au.
• vic.au
  For community use of geographic names within Victoria. For example, ballarat.vic.au.
• wa.au
  For community use of geographic names within Western Australia. For example, armadale.wa.au.

CGDNs are facilitated by auDA. For policy and registration information, please visit the CGDN website.