The registry is part of Australia’s critical domain name system and comprises:
- A database of .au domain name registrations
- A public WHOIS tool that allows members of the public to view select information about a .au domain name registration.
- The top level (.au) and second level DNS nameservers (.e.g. com.au, net.au, org.au, edu.au, gov.au, id.au, and asn.au).
The .au registry is operated by Identity Digital Australia, which is the .au registry operator.
The .au registry operator is a third-party contracted by auDA to deliver registry services and support the reliable operation of the .au domain. Identity Digital Australia was appointed as the .au registry operator following a global tender process in 2017 and reappointed following a subsequent global tender process in 2023.