How to Write an Address in Australia: Format, Postcodes and Examples

International  |  September 29, 2026  |  2 min read

Addresses in Australia follow their own order and postcode rules. This guide shows how to write one correctly, with real postcode examples and the most common mistakes, whether you are sending mail, building a checkout form or preparing test data.

Address format

Street line, then suburb or town in capitals, state abbreviation and postcode on one line.

Australia postcode format

Format: 9999

Australian postcodes have four digits. The first digit roughly identifies the state: 2 for NSW and the ACT, 3 for Victoria, 4 for Queensland, 5 for South Australia, 6 for Western Australia, 7 for Tasmania and 0 for the Northern Territory.

More examples

Sending to Australia from abroad

Write the address exactly as it is used locally, then add the country name in capital English letters on the last line.

Tips and common mistakes

• Write the suburb, not just the capital city, for example SURRY HILLS NSW 2010.
• Units are written as Unit 5/12 Smith Street or 5/12 Smith Street.
• Use state abbreviations like NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.
• Australia Post asks for the last line in capitals.

States of Australia

Australia has 8 states in our data. The state is rarely required in a postal address, but forms and databases often store it separately.

Test data for Australia

Phone numbers use the ACMA range reserved for fiction (5550 xxxx). Generated addresses use real towns and postcode areas with invented streets and names, so they are safe for form testing, mockups and documentation.