Legal Ages in Australia

The age you become an adult in Australia, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 Voting age 18 Driving age 17 Drinking age 18 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in Australia

You are an adult at 18 in every state and territory.

Voting age in Australia

Voting is compulsory for citizens from 18. You can enrol at 16 so you are ready to vote on your 18th birthday.

Driving age in Australia

A learner licence starts at 16 in most states. You can drive alone on P plates at 17, except in Victoria, where you must be 18 (the Northern Territory allows 16½).

Drinking age in Australia

You must be 18 to buy alcohol or drink it in licensed venues. In most states a parent can give alcohol to their child at home.

Marriage age in Australia

The minimum age is 18. A court can allow a 16- or 17-year-old to marry someone who is 18 or over in exceptional circumstances.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in Australia

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

Australian public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.