Damon Mcknight
Australia's population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern seaboards. The coastal cities are the most densely populated areas of the country, with over 80% of Australians living near coastlines. The cities with the highest populations are all in coastal areas. This is due to several factors, including accessibility from other countries and for trade, more pleasant climates, and access to jobs, services, and beaches. The Indigenous population of Australia tends to live throughout the country, with almost 60% living on the east coast, while non-indigenous Australians predominantly live in coastal cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total population of Australia | 27,980,100 as of 13 August 2025 |
| Population density | 3.6 persons per square kilometre |
| Percentage of population living in urban areas | 89% |
| Percentage of population living near coastlines | Over 80% |
| Population of Indigenous Australians | 60% live on the east coast; 26.3% in the Northern Territory |
| Number of cities with over one million people | 5 |
| Population of cities with the highest population | 208,476 in New South Wales; 188,954 in Queensland; 61,115 in the Northern Territory |
| Percentage of Indigenous population in New South Wales and Queensland | 2-5% |
| Tourist attractions in coastal areas | Beaches and the Great Barrier Reef |
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What You'll Learn
Over 80% of Australians live near coastlines
Australia is home to around 23 million people, with an average population density of 3.6 people per square kilometre. It is the 54th most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Oceania. The population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly on the eastern, southeastern, and southern coasts. More than 80% of Australians live near coastlines.
There are several reasons why so many Australians live near the coast. Firstly, coastal areas tend to have a more pleasant climate and better access to jobs and services, making them attractive places to live. Secondly, cities often develop in coastal areas as they are more accessible for trade and have easier access to other countries. This accessibility has also made coastal cities more attractive to immigrants, who tend to settle in these areas.
Indigenous Australians tend to live throughout the country, with many living in more isolated, inland places. However, today, most of Australia's Indigenous population live on the east coast, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland, which together account for almost 60% of the Indigenous population. The Northern Territory also has a significant Indigenous population, representing 26.3% of the total population of the territory.
The high population density in coastal areas has led to environmental pressures, particularly in popular tourist destinations like beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. These areas experience high levels of tourism, with over 500 million individual visits by adults in 2019-2020. As a result, these coastal environments suffer from issues such as trampling, pollution, habitat loss, erosion, and disturbance of wildlife.
Additionally, light pollution is a significant concern for Australia's coastal regions. The global transition to LED lighting has exacerbated this issue, as LED lights emit a higher proportion of blue light, which travels further through water. This type of light pollution can have direct impacts on human health and well-being, as well as the health of marine organisms, which are sensitive to even low levels of light.
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Coastal cities are the most densely populated
Australia's population is concentrated mainly in urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern coastal regions. Coastal cities are the most densely populated areas of the country. The cities with the highest populations are all in coastal areas. More than 80% of Australians live near coastlines.
There are several reasons why coastal cities are so populated. Firstly, cities developed in coastal areas as they were the most accessible points from other countries for trade. Secondly, coastal cities have a more pleasant climate and better access to jobs, services, and beaches, which attract people to live there. The best services and jobs are available in the cities, which attract people, especially migrants from elsewhere in the world.
Indigenous Australians tend to live throughout the country, some in more isolated places inland and others in cities. Almost 60% of Indigenous Australians live on the east coast of the country, with 208,476 in New South Wales and 188,954 in Queensland. The Northern Territory has an Indigenous population of 61,115, which represents 26.3% of the territory's population.
Non-indigenous Australians tend to live in coastal cities. These areas are more accessible and have better services and jobs, which attract people, especially those migrating from elsewhere. Australia has historically been influenced by the culture of the UK, and this has also played a role in the population distribution.
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Coastal areas are a focus of Australian tourism
Australia's coastal areas are a key focus of the country's tourism industry. With a population of around 23 million, Australia's cities are largely concentrated in coastal regions. These areas are easily accessible from other countries, offering pleasant climates and attractive job markets, which draw both locals and international visitors.
The country's aquatic and coastal beauty is a significant driver of international visitor demand. Tourism Australia has recognised this, showcasing the country's coastal wonders through various campaigns. One such campaign encouraged tourism businesses to submit their best coastal and aquatic videos, photos, and social media content. This user-generated content was then featured on Tourism Australia's platforms, providing a unique perspective on the country's natural beauty.
The Coral Coast in Western Australia is a prime example of a coastal tourism hotspot. This 1,100km stretch of breathtaking coastline boasts pristine islands, spectacular rock formations, and untouched coral reefs teeming with marine life. The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is another popular coastal destination, offering a range of coastal and land-based adventures, including wildlife encounters, seafood experiences, and outdoor activities.
Port Lincoln, known for its fresh seafood and stunning coastal scenery, is another popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy deep-sea fishing, explore pristine beaches, and indulge in the region's renowned cuisine. The accessibility and appeal of these coastal areas make them a significant focus of Australia's tourism industry, attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking unique experiences and natural wonders.
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Indigenous Australians tend to live inland
Australia has a population of around 23 million people, with approximately 600,000 of these people being Indigenous Australians, also known as Aboriginal Australians. The population is most dense in coastal areas, with the cities with the highest populations all located in these regions. These cities are more accessible, have better services, and offer more jobs, which attract people, especially migrants from other countries.
Indigenous Australians tend to live throughout the country, with some residing in more isolated places inland and others in cities. In the 2016 Australian Census, over 33% of the Indigenous population lived in major cities, compared to about 75% of the non-Indigenous population. Additionally, nearly 18% of Indigenous Australians lived in "remote" or "very remote" areas, compared to only 2% of the non-Indigenous population. This disparity is partly due to the historical distribution of Indigenous communities, which was influenced by geographic and habitat conditions. Before European settlement, the majority of Indigenous people lived in the south-east, centred along the Murray River.
The Indigenous population of Australia is much younger than the non-Indigenous population, with an estimated median age of 21 years compared to 37 years for non-Indigenous Australians. This difference is attributed to higher birth and death rates among Indigenous communities. Furthermore, Indigenous women have higher fertility rates, contributing to the growing number of Indigenous people in the country.
Historically, Indigenous Australians lived in large sections of the continental shelf and were isolated on many smaller offshore islands and Tasmania. Over time, they formed as many as 500 linguistic and territorial groups, each with its own language and culture. However, many of these original languages are now endangered or extinct, with only about 13 traditional Indigenous languages still being learned by children as of 2016.
While Indigenous Australians are spread across the country, the inland areas they inhabit face challenges such as isolation, limited access to transportation, schools, and hospitals, as well as drought and water shortages. These factors may contribute to the concentration of non-Indigenous populations in coastal cities, where services and amenities are more readily available.
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Coastal population growth increases light pollution
Australia's population of around 23 million is most dense in its coastal cities, where non-indigenous Australians tend to live. These cities are more accessible, have better services, and offer more jobs, which attract people, especially migrants from other countries.
However, as the coastal population grows, so does light pollution. Light pollution is increasing globally, and as coastal cities continue to grow, light pollution will likely increase too. This is due to a greater amount of light emitted per capita and a higher percentage of uplight from light fixtures. The transition from yellow incandescents to white LEDs exacerbates the problem as the latter contain more of the blue and green wavelengths that can penetrate deeper into the water.
The effects of light pollution on coastal marine ecosystems are detrimental. Light pollution has been found to disturb ecosystems on land and affect human health. It also impacts marine life, from whales and fish to coral and plankton, by attracting or repelling them, disrupting their hormonal cycles, and affecting their interspecies behaviour and reproduction. For example, artificial light at night is harmful to sea turtles as females avoid it when looking for a spot to lay their eggs, and hatchlings head towards inland lights instead of moonlight, leading them to die of dehydration or starvation.
To mitigate the harmful effects of light pollution, communities should consider the four questions posed by Davies: "Firstly, do I need it? Secondly, how much of it do I need? Thirdly, when do I need it? And fourthly, what colour can it be?" By addressing these questions, we can make informed decisions about our use of artificial light and reduce the negative impact on coastal ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 13 August 2025, Australia's overall population is estimated to be 27,980,100. The country's population is concentrated mainly in urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern seaboards. Most non-indigenous Australians live in coastal cities, and the cities with the highest populations are all in coastal areas.
Australia has an average population density of 3.6 persons per square kilometre of total land area, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. 89% of its population lives in a handful of urban areas, making Australia one of the world's most urbanised countries.
Cities developed in coastal areas as they are the most accessible for trade and from other countries. A more pleasant climate, access to jobs, services, and beaches also encourage people to live in coastal cities.
