Register your .au domain!

HomeInsights

Register your .au domain! 


23:59 UTC on 20 September 2022 is the cut-off to register for your .au direct domain. The .au domain is the new, general purpose, shorter Australian domain name option. 
 

If you do not register the direct match of your existing domain for the direct .au domain, you risk your brand equity being consumed by someone else, rivals redirecting your clients to their products and services, squatters holding the domain, or cybercriminals impersonating your business. The opening of the new .au domain is the single biggest shift in Australian cyber real estate in decades and the risks for business are high.

If you are registering:

  • an exact match of your existing domain name, for example .com.au or net.au; and
  • you held your domain name prior to 24 March 2022


then you have priority access but only up until 23:59 UTC on 20 September 2022 (9:59am AEST on 21 September). Once this deadline has passed, the .au direct domain name will be available to anyone with a connection to Australia to register from 21:00 UTC 3 October 2022 (8:00am AEDT 4 Oct).

While you can register for the .au domain through any number of providers, the most efficient method is to utilise your existing provider. To do this, you will need your domain’s access information. If these details cannot be found, for example, the details were held by a former staff member, it can take some time to recover them so do not leave the registration process until the last minute.

 

What happens if .com.au and .net.au both apply for the .au name?

If you share a domain name with another entity, for example, one entity owns .com.au and the other .net.au, the right their domain after 4 February 2018. If the name is contested by a Category 1 and a Category 2 applicant, the Category 1 applicant will secure the name. If two Category 2 applicants apply for the name, the name is allocated to the applicant with the earlier domain license creation date. But, it gets tricky when two Category 1 applicants apply to register the .au domain will cascade according to priority. Category 1 are those that secured the domain on or before 4 February 2018. Category 1 applicants have priority over Category 2 applicants who registered for the name. In these circumstances, both parties must agree on the allocation or the name remains unallocated.



Once you have applied for your matching .au domain, if your application is uncontested, you will be able to use the .au direct name soon after applying for priority status.



QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH  QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH 



8 Aug

Planning For Your Retirement

WEBINAR - Registration Essential
8th August 2025 - 12:30 - 1:30.p.m

The best retirements are those planned well in advance. Because when it comes to designing the life you want, age should never be a limit. In this expert-led webinar, we’ll walk you through the essential strategies to help you create a financially secure and fulfilling retirement - on your terms.


READ MORE READ MORE
1 Aug

SMSF - Using Your Super To Invest In Property

WEBINAR - Registration Essential
1st August 2025 - 12:30 - 1:30.p.m

Thinking about using your super to invest in property? Join our expert-led webinar to explore how a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) can help you build long-term wealth through property investment. 


READ MORE READ MORE
25 Jul

SMSF: Is It The Right Investment Strategy For You?

WEBINAR - Registration Essential
25th July 2025 - 12:30 - 1:30.p.m


Join our free webinar, SMSF: Is It the Right Investment Strategy for You?, to explore how a Self-Managed Super Fund can help you take control of your retirement in today’s changing economic landscape.


READ MORE READ MORE




Related News

28 May

Six Smart Strategies to Pass on Wealth with Purpose

Passing on wealth is about more than writing a will—it’s about creating clarity, avoiding conflict, and empowering the next generation. With Australia’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer already underway, it’s never been more important to approach succession with care, strategy, and forward thinking.


READ MORE READ MORE
28 May

Avoiding the 17% Super Death Benefits Tax for Adult Children and Grandchildren

When someone passes away with superannuation savings, the taxable component of their balance can trigger a 17% tax hit if left to a non-dependant. It’s a heavy financial burden, particularly for adult children. But recent private binding rulings from the Commissioner of Taxation offer a smarter way forward.


READ MORE READ MORE
26 May

B.I.T.E Conference - A Day of Innovation, Inspiration and Connection

On May 6, 2025, the Mornington Racecourse came alive with the buzz of big ideas, bold innovation and a passionate small business community. The fourth annual B.I.T.E. Business Conference was our biggest and most energising event yet - a full-day experience designed to help business owners not just survive in a rapidly changing world, but adapt & thrive.


READ MORE READ MORE