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Languages Spoken in Australia: A Complete Guide
English is the main language used in Australia and is spoken by around 72% of Australians at home. While the country does not have a legally defined official language, English remains the most widely spoken. The languages spoken across Australia extend beyond English, with more than 350 languages used nationwide. The 2021 Census found that 22% of people speak a language other than English at home.
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What Is the Official Language of Australia?
Ask what language does Australia speak and most people will answer English. While that is correct in practice, Australia does not have a legally designated official language. English functions as the country’s de facto national language and is used throughout government, education, the legal system, and the media.
However, the languages in Australia extend far beyond English. Australian English has developed its own accent, spelling preferences, and expressions, giving it a distinct identity recognised around the world. English also remains the primary language used in public life:
- Used by government departments and public services
- Taught as the primary language in schools and universities
- Commonly used in news, broadcasting, and legal documents
The Top 10 Languages Spoken in Australia
English
English is spoken by around 18.3 million people, representing 72% of Australians. It is used nationwide and remains the primary language of government, education, media, and business. Australian English has developed its own accent and vocabulary, reflecting the country’s history and cultural identity.
Mandarin
Mandarin is spoken by around 685,000 people, representing 2.7% of the population. Large Mandarin-speaking communities are found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Mandarin reflects decades of migration and Australia’s strong cultural and economic connections with China.
Arabic
Western Sydney and Dandenong are home to many Arabic-speaking communities. The language is spoken by approximately 367,000 people, or 1.4% of Australians. Arabic reflects migration from countries including Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, with many communities maintaining strong cultural and family traditions.
Vietnamese
Spoken by over 321,000 people, Vietnamese accounts for 1.3% of the population. Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane have well-established Vietnamese communities. The language became more prominent following migration in the late twentieth century and remains an important part of Australia’s multicultural identity.
Cantonese
Cantonese has a long history in the country and remains widely spoken in communities such as Chatswood and Box Hill. According to the 2021 Census, around 295,000 people speak Cantonese at home, representing 1.2% of the population.
Punjabi
Punjabi was the fastest-growing major language in Australia between 2016 and 2021, accounting for around 0.9% of the population. Large Punjabi-speaking communities are found across Melbourne and Sydney. Its growth reflects the expanding presence of Australia’s Indian community.
Greek
Melbourne is home to one of the largest Greek-speaking communities outside Greece. Greek Australians make up around 0.9% of the population, and the language remains an important part of many local communities.
Italian
Italian accounts for around 0.9% of Australia’s population. Strong Italian-speaking communities remain in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. The language reflects a long history of migration and is still spoken across generations.
Hindi
Hindi, which represents around 0.8% of the population, is widely spoken in Sydney and Melbourne. The language has grown alongside the local Indian community and is now one of the country’s fastest-growing community languages.
Spanish
Around 0.7% of Australians speak Spanish at home. Spanish-speaking communities can be found throughout Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities. The language maintains strong cultural connections with Spain and countries across Latin America.
Language use can vary significantly between cities and regions. If you’re interested in how multilingual communities shape one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, see our guide to languages spoken in Brisbane.
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Cultural Diversity; Census 2021 and Cultural Diversity Census 2021 Data Downloads.
Indigenous Languages of Australia
Australia’s Indigenous languages form one of the oldest continuous linguistic traditions in the world. More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were spoken at the time of European contact, and more than 100 are still spoken or being revived today.
Many remain active in communities across the country, although many are also considered endangered languages. The strongest preservation efforts can be seen in regions such as Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and the Ngaanyatjarra lands of Western Australia.
The most widely spoken indigenous languages in Australia include:
- Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) – approximately 7,600 speakers
- Kriol – approximately 7,400 speakers
- Djambarrpuyngu – approximately 3,800 speakers
- Pitjantjatjara – approximately 3,400 speakers
- Warlpiri – approximately 2,600 speakers
These languages continue to play an important role in cultural identity, community life, and the preservation of knowledge passed between generations.
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Language Statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; AIATSIS National Indigenous Languages Survey; National Archives of Australia.
Why Australia’s Linguistic Diversity Matters
People often ask what language is spoken in Australia, but English is only part of the picture. Hundreds of languages are spoken across the country, particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This linguistic diversity enriches Australian society, while also highlighting the need for clear communication in healthcare, education, immigration, and legal settings.
The variety of languages in Australia means official documents are regularly translated for use with government departments, courts, education providers, and other organisations. This is particularly common in multicultural communities such as Parramatta and Lakemba, where many residents speak more than one language.
In many cases, authorities require translations to be completed by a NAATI-certified translator to ensure the information is reviewed accurately and consistently. This helps reduce misunderstandings and gives organisations confidence that translated documents reflect the original content.
At Sylaba Translations, we assist individuals, families, and organisations with NAATI-certified translations in 150+ languages, helping documents meet official requirements when translation is needed.
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