Oceania
Can you drink tap water in Australia?
YesYes, drinkable
Can you drink the tap water in Australia?
Tap water is safe to drink. Tap water is safe in cities and towns. Carry far more water than you think in the outback, and treat creek water on hikes.
Tap water by place in Australia
| Place | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Yes, drinkable | Sydney tap water is safe and good. Refill from public bubblers; bottled water is unnecessary. |
| Melbourne | Yes, drinkable | Melbourne's tap water is among Australia's best. Refill at public fountains. |
| Brisbane | Yes, drinkable | Brisbane tap water is safe. Free refill points are along South Bank and the river walk. |
| Gold Coast | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Refill at beach fountains. |
| Perth | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe; a mix of dam and desalinated water. It can taste slightly mineral. |
| Cairns | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Carry refillable bottles for tours and hikes. |
| Byron Bay | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Refill bottles at public fountains and taps. |
| Adelaide | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe but can taste hard or chlorinated. Many residents use filters. |
| Hobart | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe and tastes good, sourced from mountain catchments. |
| Bondi Beach | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Free refill fountains line the promenade. |
| Whitsundays | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Boats may supply bottled water; check before sailing. |
| Uluru | Yes, drinkable | Resort tap water is safe but mineral-tasting. Carry plenty of drinking water on all walks. |
| Noosa | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Refill bottles at taps; the hinterland sometimes has stronger-tasting bore water. |
| Darwin | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Bring plenty on Kakadu and Litchfield trips; sun and humidity dehydrate quickly. |
| Blue Mountains | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe and of good quality. Carry water on all walking tracks. |
| Sunshine Coast | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe and widely drunk. Refill at taps and parks. |
| Great Ocean Road | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe in all towns. Carry water for walks in the Otways and treat creek water. |
| K'gari | Yes, drinkable | Hervey Bay tap water is safe. On the island bring water or treat it; resort supplies are treated. |
| Port Douglas | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Carry plenty on Daintree walks; humidity is high. |
| Fremantle | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Perth's supply is partly desalinated and slightly mineral-tasting. |
| Canberra | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe and good. Refill at taps along Lake Burley Griffin. |
| Margaret River | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Carry water on trails; summer heat can be intense inland. |
| Broome | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe but sourced from bores and can taste mineral. Carry plenty of water for day trips. |
| Newcastle | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Refill at beach taps and parks. |
| Alice Springs | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe but from bores and quite hard. Carry plenty of water for outback trips. |
| Launceston | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe. Carry plenty and treat creek water on hikes. |
| Manly | Yes, drinkable | Sydney tap water is safe to drink everywhere. Refill at public fountains along the beachfront. |
| Magnetic Island | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is safe on the island. Carry extra water for walks; heat dehydrates quickly. |
Tap water by place
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water
- US State Department travel advisory
- Electronic Travel Authority, Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Border Force
- RBA: removal of card payment surcharges
- UK FCDO travel advice: Australia
- Speedtest Global Index: Australia
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.