.au vs .com.au: which domain?
When .au domains became available as a shorter alternative to .com.au, it created a new question for Australian businesses: which one should you use? The good news is it's not complicated. The tricky part is making sure you don't leave yourself exposed.
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The short answer
If you're a business, register both. Use whichever one you prefer as your primary domain (most businesses stick with .com.au because it's what people are used to), and redirect the other one to it. The shorter .au is growing in popularity, but .com.au still carries more trust with Australian customers. Either way, owning both stops someone else from taking the one you don't use.
What to consider
Eligibility rules differ
A .com.au domain must match your registered business name, trademark, or trading name. A .au domain just needs a verifiable connection to Australia, like an ABN or ACN.
Keep your details current
From May 2026, .au domains won't renew if the ABN or ACN linked to them is inactive or out of date, and your domain could be cancelled without warning.
Recognition matters
Most Australians still instinctively type .com.au. It signals 'Australian business' immediately and has been the standard for decades.
Shorter is sometimes better
A .au domain is shorter and cleaner on business cards and signage, so it works well for newer brands that want a modern look.
SEO difference is minimal
Google treats .au and .com.au the same for Australian search results. There's no ranking advantage to either one.
Protect your brand
If you only register one, someone else could register the other and use it to confuse your customers or redirect traffic away from your business.
Who this guide is for
- Business owners registering a domain for the first time and not sure which extension to pick.
- Businesses with a .com.au wondering whether they also need the .au version.
- Anyone who's been told they need to update their domain details before 2026 renewal changes.
- People starting a new brand and weighing up which domain looks better.
What to do next
- Check what you already have. Look up your current domain registrations and see which extensions you've got. You might already have both without realising.
- Register the other one. If you only have .com.au, grab the .au (and vice versa). Domain registration costs around $15 to $30 per year.
- Set up a redirect. Point the secondary domain to your primary one so visitors always end up in the right place.
- Update your ABN/ACN details. Make sure the ABN or ACN linked to your domains is current and active. From May 2026, domains with outdated details won't renew.
- Talk to us if you're unsure. We can check your domain setup, handle the registration, and make sure everything's pointed correctly.
How WaTo can help
- We can register and manage both domain extensions for your business so nothing slips through the cracks.
- We set up the DNS and redirects so both domains work properly and point to your site.
- We make sure your domain registrations are linked to current ABN/ACN details to avoid cancellation.
- We monitor renewal dates so your domains don't accidentally expire.
- We advise on domain strategy as part of our web services, and it's practical advice rather than an upsell.
Related questions
Do I really need both?
Strictly speaking, no. One is enough for your website. But registering both is cheap insurance against someone else using the one you didn't grab. For a few dollars a year, it's worth the peace of mind.
Can anyone register a .au domain?
You need a verifiable connection to Australia: an ABN, ACN, Australian trademark, or proof of Australian residency. It's less restrictive than .com.au, which must match a registered business name.
Will my .com.au stop working?
No, .com.au domains are here to stay, and .au was added alongside them rather than replacing them. Both will continue to work indefinitely.
What happens if my ABN lapses?
From May 2026, if the ABN or ACN tied to your domain is inactive or incorrect at renewal time, the domain will go to auto-delete instead of renewing. Check your details now to avoid surprises.
How WaTo can help with this
Still not sure?
Get in touch and we'll check your current domain setup, register anything that's missing, and make sure your details are up to date before the new renewal rules kick in.
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
