Shorter, simpler and easier to type Australian domain names launch on 24 March 2022. And they’re not just for businesses! With two simple letters, the new namespace - .au direct - will provide Australians greater choice when building their own digital presence.
Our Digital Lives of Australians Report 2021 found 70 percent of Australians use the Internet to take part in hobbies, further their personal interests and manage their personal affairs. .au direct provides Australians a new way to take your personal projects online and stand out from the crowd.
What are the benefits of .au direct?
The benefits of .au direct for Australians include:
- Short, simple and uniquely Australian domain names
- A greater choice of website or email addresses ending in .au
- Easier to type into mobile devices and internet searches
- It is open to everyone with an Australian presence.
Why should I register a .au direct domain name for myself?
1. Set yourself apart
Make your online interactions stand out with a domain name that is uniquely you. By registering your name in .au direct, you can create a personalised website (surname.au) and email address (firstname@surname.au).
2. Take your side hustle online
With .au direct, you can take your side hustle or passion project online. From pottery projects (auDAsPotteryClub.au) to book reviews (auDAsBooks.au), share your passion with like-minded people, using a short and memorable .au direct domain name.
3. Modernise your resume or portfolio
Use a simple, trusted .au direct domain name to impress future employers and new clients alike. Whether you’re looking for an innovative way to make your resume stand out from the crowd, you’re a content creator building an online portfolio or an artist looking for a digital home to showcase your work, .au direct is for you.
4. Make your events memorable
Our recent Digital Lives of Australians research indicates 65 percent of Australians use the Internet to connect with family and friends. If you have an important event coming up, consider whether .au direct can help you connect with them (e.g. auDAsbirthday.au, auDAswedding.au).
5. Secure your matching .au direct domain name
To build your online brand, you may want to register more than one domain name in different namespaces and redirect them to a single website (e.g. auda.au).
If you hold a domain name in an existing .au namespace (e.g. id.au) registered before 24 March 2022, you can apply for priority status to register the matching .au direct domain name by 23:59 UTC 20 September 2022 (9:59AM AEST 21 September). It’s completely optional and your existing domain name will continue to work as it does today provided you keep your registration up to date. More information about the Priority Allocation Process is available here.
Who is eligible to register a .au direct domain name?
Anyone with a validated Australian presence is eligible to register a .au direct domain name through an auDA accredited registrar. This includes citizens or permanent residents, organisations, associations and businesses registered in Australia, and legal entities with a registered Australian trademark. Find the full definition of an Australian presence in the .au direct rules.
You must comply with the Licensing Rules when you register a name including to not use a domain name for an illegal, unlawful or fraudulent purpose.
You can find more information on .au direct here. You can also receive the latest updates by following us on Linked In, Twitter or Facebook.
