Drinking age and alcohol sales in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Alcohol sales and age rules are set by each State and Territory. No national value could be confirmed from an official source.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Liquor laws are made by the States and Territories. The Australian Government Department of Health page on alcohol laws could not be loaded, so no national value is confirmed. Rules on giving alcohol to people under 18 differ by State and Territory.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 18 | 18 | Parent supply if supervised | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sale to under 18s |
| Victoria | 18 | 18 | Parent supply in a home, if supervised | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sale to under 18s |
| Queensland | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian, if supervised | Banned on roads and council land | No supply to minors |
| Western Australia | 18 | 18 | Parent permission needed at home | Offence on streets, parks, beaches | No sale to under 18s |
| South Australia | 18 | 18 | Responsible adult, if supervised | Banned in dry zones | No sale to under 18s |
| Tasmania | 18 | 18 | Licensed premises: meal or adult | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sale to under 18s |
| Australian Capital Territory | 18 | 18 | Parent or authorised adult, if supervised | Banned in listed places | No supply to under 18s |
| Northern Territory | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian, if supervised | Banned in towns and near licensed premises | No sale to under 18s |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.