A guide to fax numbers in Australia

Many businesses rely on fax as a secure method to transfer confidential documents to and from their clients, customers and each other.

If you’re a first-time fax user or are looking to implement an online fax service in your organisation, some questions remain: do you need an Australian fax number to receive a fax? What format are they and how do you get one? We cover everything you need to know in our guide below.

Do you need a fax number to receive a fax?

Yes. To receive a fax, you will need a dedicated fax receive number. If you don’t own or have access to a fax machine to receive a fax, you can receive faxes digitally using an online faxing service like GoFax. GoFax can provide you with a dedicated Australian fax number when you sign up for one of our fax receive services.

There are three main types of fax numbers you can have when receiving a fax with GoFax:

1. System number: These fax numbers can be selected based on city and/or region required for your organisation. They are mostly available in major cities, such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or Adelaide. However, you won’t be able to port a system number away in the future as these are part of a 100-range block.

2. Custom number: These fax numbers can be selected based on your nearest exchange and can be ported away in future if required. At GoFax, it takes approximately 1-2 business days to provide you with a custom ordered number.

3. Keep your existing fax number: These are existing fax numbers that can be ported across to GoFax.

Local Australian fax numbers

If your organisation has multiple locations across Australia, it may be beneficial for you to have a different fax number for each local area that you’re located in. The area code changes per state or territory. Please see table below for a list of local fax area codes in Australia.

Australian area codes

*Upon request, GoFax can provide a fax number nearest to your local exchange across Australia.

How are fax numbers formatted in Australia?

When sending a fax to an Australian fax number, it must be formatted as follows:

Country code |area code | number

Australia’s country code is +61, the area code is one digit and local numbers are eight digits long. This means the total number of digits in an Australian fax number should be 11 digits long.

Some examples of fax numbers in Australia:

+61 7 4294 1253

+61 2 7313 5391

What about 13, 1300 and 1800 fax numbers?

By using GoFax, you have the ability to send or receive to a dedicated 13, 1300 or 1800 fax number within Australia. Set up a new 13,1300 or 1800 number with GoFax or port in or away an existing 13, 1300 or 1800 fax number. Instead of having multiple local fax numbers, your organisation may prefer to have a single, dedicated 13, 1300 or 1800 fax number that can be easily recognised and contacted by customers. This provides your business with one central point of contact for fax communication.

Some benefits of this feature include:

• A 13 or 1300 number allows customers to send faxes to your company from a fixed line for a local cost

• 1800 fax numbers provide customers with a free fax service when sent locally

View our website to find out more about 13, 1300 and 1800 fax numbers to see if a 13, 1300 or 1800 number is the best option for your organisation.

How to get a fax number in Australia with GoFax

If your business needs a local Australian fax number, you can setup up a receive service by signing up with GoFax. As Australia’s premium online fax and SMS service, you’ll be able to send and receive faxes online, via email, app, API integration and more. Start receiving fax now through your new Australian fax number. Contact our friendly Australian-based support team today on 1300 928 872 to find out more.

GoFax also offers options for international fax receive numbers – learn more.