Australia (AU)
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by area and one of the most urbanised nations on Earth, with over 85% of its 27 million people living in coastal cities.
Capital: Canberra
Region: Oceania
Language: English
Currency: AUD ($)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 74)
Emergency: 000
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Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before you need them.
General Emergency
000
Police
000 (emergency) / 131 444 (non-emergency Police Assistance Line)
Fire Brigade
000
Ambulance
000
Poison Control
13 11 26 (Poisons Information Centre — 24/7, national)
Mental Health
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7, free). Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7, free). Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (free, 24/7)
Domestic Violence
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) — free, 24/7, national domestic violence and sexual assault counselling service
Child Protection
Child Protection Helpline varies by state: NSW 132 111; VIC 1300 360 391; QLD 1800 177 135
Road Assistance
NRMA (NSW/ACT): 13 11 22. RACV (VIC): 13 72 28. RACQ (QLD): 13 19 05. RAC (WA): 13 17 03. RAA (SA): 8202 4600. Membership recommended ($80–$150/year). Emergency roadside assistance in the outback: call 000.
National Home Doctor Service / GP After Hours
13 74 25 (13 SICK)
After-hours GP home visits for non-emergency medical issues. Bulk-billed for Medicare card holders in most cases. Available evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
After 6pm weekdays, all day weekends and public holidays.
How to call emergency services in Australia
Triple Zero (000) works from any mobile or landline, even without a SIM card or credit. State clearly: "Police", "Fire", or "Ambulance". Give your exact address and suburb — operators can trace mobile location but a verbal address is faster. Stay on the line.