Lexi Webster
Mobile phones are an integral part of daily life in Australia, with many people prioritising their devices over wallets and keys when leaving the house. In 2024, there were an estimated 23 million mobile phone users in Australia, a number that is projected to increase to 23.6 million by 2026. Australian mobile phone numbers always begin with 04, followed by eight digits, making them easily identifiable. This standardisation of mobile numbers ensures that, regardless of the caller's location, all Australian mobile numbers are dialled with ten digits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country Code | 61 |
| International Access Code | 011 or + |
| Total Number of Digits | 10 |
| Landline Number of Digits | 10 |
| Mobile Number of Digits | 10 |
| Landline Area Code Number of Digits | 2 |
| Mobile Area Code Number of Digits | 0 |
| Landline Area Codes | 02, 03, 07 |
| Mobile Area Code | 04 |
| Business Phone Numbers | 13, 1300, 1800 |
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What You'll Learn
Australian cellphone numbers have 10 digits
Australian mobile phone numbers consist of 10 digits. They begin with the digits '04', followed by eight individual numbers, e.g., 0432165498. This is different from Australian landline numbers, which have an area code of two digits, followed by an eight-digit local number.
The Australian numbering system has evolved over time, adapting to technological advancements and the country's growing population. In the early 20th century, Australian phone numbers were simple, with just three to five digits, and were managed by manual switchboards. The introduction of two-digit area codes in the 1950s streamlined the system and improved call routing. The 1960s and 1970s saw the implementation of the National Numbering Plan, bringing uniformity and enhancing call management nationwide.
Today, Australian phone numbers follow a specific format: the country code (+61), followed by the area code and the local number. The area code indicates the specific region or city, such as Sydney (02), Melbourne (03), or Brisbane (07). When calling within Australia, the trunk prefix '0' is used before the area code. For international calls to Australia, the country code '61' is used, and the '0' of the area code is usually replaced by the International Access Code.
It is important to note that there are exceptions to the 10-digit mobile number rule. For example, business numbers often begin with 13, 1300, or 1800, and are followed by six to eight digits. These numbers are designed to be used nationwide, so businesses don't need to worry about changing their area code if they move to a different region.
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Mobile numbers start with 04
Mobile numbers in Australia start with "04", followed by eight digits when dialled locally or within the country. The "0" in the "04" is Australia's national trunk code, and the "4" indicates that the service required is a mobile number. This is generally written as 04XX XXX XXX within Australia.
When dialling an Australian mobile number from an international location, the "0" is replaced with Australia's country code, "+61", followed by "4" and the eight-digit number. So, the number is often written as +61 4XX XXX XXX for an international audience.
The format of mobile numbers starting with "04" is the result of mobile carriers advertising numbers in a way that clearly identifies the owning telco before mobile number portability was introduced on 25 September 2001. The "xy" or "xy z" codes following the "04" are allocated per network.
It is worth noting that mobile numbers in Australia must always be dialled with all ten digits, regardless of the caller's location. This is because each mobile phone company is allocated numbers in blocks, and mobile number portability means an individual number might have been "ported" to a different network.
Additionally, the use of a country code or area code helps to route calls to the appropriate location, as multiple phone numbers can be the same with different area codes.
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Landlines have a 2-digit area code
Australia's landline telephone system is geographically divided into four areas, three of which cover more than one state or territory. All local telephone numbers within these four areas have eight digits, consisting of a four-digit exchange code and a four-digit local line number.
The national significant number consists of a single-digit area code followed by the local eight-digit number, a total of nine digits. When calling within Australia from a landline telephone in an area other than that of the caller, the telephone number is preceded by the Australian trunk prefix '0' and the area code. For example, a number in Sydney, New South Wales, would be written as 02 9999 9999.
When calling from outside Australia, the first '0' is deleted, and the country code for Australia, +61, is added. So, the number in Sydney would be dialled as +61 2 9999 9999.
Landlines use a variable, permissive dialling plan. If the caller's phone shares the same area code as the number being called, the area code may be omitted. For example, a call from the number 02 5551 5678 to the number 02 7010 1111 would be connected if the caller dialled only 7010 1111. Similarly, a person who dials 7010 5678 on a landline or mobile phone in Melbourne (area code 03) will be connected to 03 7010 5678. For this reason, landline numbers are often specified without the area code.
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Mobile numbers are allocated in blocks
In Australia, mobile phone numbers are allocated in blocks to each mobile phone company by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). All Australian mobile numbers begin with the digits '04', followed by eight individual numbers, making ten digits in total.
The '04' prefix was introduced in 2008, replacing the previous '014' prefix, which is now predominantly used for satellite services. The '04' range was expected to be exhausted by 2017, leading to the planned introduction of the '05' range for mobile numbers.
The first two digits of an Australian phone number, including mobile numbers, indicate the region where the call is being placed. Australia is divided into four major areas: the Central East region (including Sydney and Canberra), the South-east region (including Melbourne and Hobart), the North-east region (including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Townsville), and the remaining areas, which are covered by the '08' prefix.
Businesses and organisations often use phone numbers beginning with 13, 1300, or 1800, as these are nationwide numbers that are not tied to a specific area code.
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Australia's smartphone users are rising
The Australian mobile phone market is unique in that mobile numbers must always be dialled with all ten digits, regardless of the caller's location. This is because Australia does not use area codes for mobile numbers. Instead, all mobile phone numbers in the country begin with the digits '04', followed by the individual's number. This system allows for easy identification of mobile numbers and distinguishes them from landline numbers, which do have area codes.
The rise in smartphone users has resulted in the allocation of mobile numbers becoming more complex. Mobile phone companies are allocated numbers in blocks, but mobile number portability means that an individual number may be "ported" to a different company. This allows users to switch providers or upgrade their phones without changing their number, ensuring they remain easily contactable. Additionally, some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) may use number ranges from their wholesalers or have their own unique number ranges.
To accommodate the increasing demand for mobile numbers, Australia's country code, '61', is used as the international access code when calling Australian mobile numbers from overseas. This code is often displayed as '+61' followed by the phone number. This international access code replaces the '0' typically used for domestic calls, ensuring that Australian mobile numbers are easily accessible globally.
As Australia's smartphone user base continues to grow, the demand for mobile numbers is expected to increase further. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages the allocation of telephone numbers and plans to introduce new number ranges to meet this rising demand.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 10 digits in an Australian mobile number. All mobile numbers begin with the digits '
No, when calling an Australian mobile number from overseas, you will have to enter the International Access Code, which is 61, and the '0' will be replaced by this code.
Australia is divided into four geographical areas, each with its own area code:
- Central East region (including Sydney and Canberra): '02'
- South-east region (including Melbourne and Hobart): '03'
- North-east region (including Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville): '07'
No, it is not possible to choose your mobile number in Australia at the moment. Numbers are allocated randomly.
No, you can keep your mobile number when switching providers through a process known as "mobile number porting".
