10 Best Places for Muslims to Move to in Australia

Australia’s Muslim population has grown significantly – from about 2.2% (476,000) in 2011 to 3.2% (813,392) in 2021. This report profiles the ten best Australian cities for Muslim life, blending demographic stats, community resources, and lifestyle factors. Cities are profiled (not strictly ranked) with Muslim population share (ABS census data), major mosques, halal/shariah-compliant services, schooling options (state-funded and independent), housing costs, transport, and community fit. We include a comparison table (population, mosques, house prices, airports, suitability) and a timeline chart of national Muslim population growth (2011–2021). An FAQ snippet and neighborhood checklist help readers make informed choices. All data come from official sources (ABS, state education and housing agencies) or reputable media.

How to Choose a Muslim-Friendly Neighborhood (Checklist)

• Mosque Access: Proximity to major mosques or Islamic centers (for daily prayers, Friday Jumu’ah, and community events).

• Halal Amenities: Nearby halal restaurants, grocery stores, and butcher shops.

• Schools & Education: Presence of Islamic or Muslim-friendly schools (public or private; ACARA and state education stats). Check school catchment zones for family needs.

• Community Presence: Established Muslim community organizations and support networks (charities, youth groups).

• Housing Affordability: Compare median house and rental prices (CoreLogic/Domain). Are costs within budget?

• Transportation: Access to public transit and airports. Easy connectivity supports travel for family and work.

• Safety & Quality of Life: Low crime rates, good healthcare, and employment opportunities.

• Cultural Fit: Local attitudes, climate (e.g. warm vs. variable weather), lifestyle (urban vs. suburban).

• Diversity & Inclusion: Cities with growing diversity may offer more inclusive environments.

Comparison of Top Cities

(Mosque counts are approximate; exact data not available. Median house prices from recent market reports.)

Top 10 Cities for Muslim Life in Australia

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney’s Greater metro area has by far Australia’s largest Muslim population – about 330,000 people (6.3% of population). Western Sydney suburbs like Lakemba, Auburn, and Blacktown are especially Muslim-majority or plurality. Major mosques include the Lebanese Muslim Association’s Lakemba Mosque (Al Zahra), Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, and the Greenacre-based Al-Faisal Mosque. The LMA declares Lakemba “Australia’s most iconic masjid”, reflecting its central role. Halal markets and shops are plentiful in suburbs like Auburn and Punchbowl. Sydney also hosts numerous Islamic schools (Malek Fahd Islamic School – an integrated K–12, Islamic College of Sydney, etc.), plus state schools with Arabic/Quran programs.

Sydney’s median house price (~A$1.1M) is very high, a key watch-out. Traffic and housing costs are steep, though Western Sydney suburbs offer relatively more affordability. Public transport (trains and buses) is extensive, and Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is nearby. Best for families needing strong community networks and job opportunities. Professionals also thrive in Sydney’s diverse economy. Potential downsides: expensive living and long commutes.

Melbourne, Victoria

Greater Melbourne’s Muslim population (~258,000; 5.3%) is concentrated in suburbs like Dandenong, Coburg, and Preston. It has major mosques including the Albanian Sakie Islamic Centre, Preston Mosque, and Broadmeadows Mosque. The Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong (opened 2002) “serves the growing Muslim population in Dandenong and surrounding regions”, highlighting rapid growth. Halal restaurants and shops abound in Dandenong and surrounding areas (Punjab Market etc). Victoria’s Islamic school scene includes campuses of Minaret Islamic College and Noor Al Houda College (independent schools). State schools offer Arabic language and Islamic Studies programs.

Melbourne’s median house price (~A$980k) is high but slightly below Sydney’s. Commuting can be long; freeway and train links to suburbs are good. Melbourne Airport (MEL) serves the city. It suits families seeking vibrant multicultural life (ethnically diverse neighborhoods) and students (many universities). Watch-outs: rising cost of living and winter chills.

Brisbane, Queensland

Greater Brisbane’s Muslim share (~2%) is smaller, but the community is growing fast. The key mosque is Masjid Al-Taqwa (Kuraby Mosque) in the southern suburbs. Kuraby Mosque (Masjid Al-Farooq) “serves as a safe space for prayer, reflection, social engagement, Islamic education and guidance”, underpinning community life. Other mosques include the Darul Uloom in Darra and smaller prayer rooms. Halal shops are fewer than in Sydney/Melbourne but growing (e.g. in Woolloongabba and Inala). Brisbane’s Islamic College Gold Coast (Mount Gravatt campus) is one independent K–12 school nearby; otherwise Muslim families use public schools with good Islamic studies/madrasa programs.

Housing in Brisbane is more affordable (~A$860k median). Traffic can be congested, but the city is smaller-scale. Brisbane Airport (BNE) connects to Asia and Middle East routes, helpful for travel. Brisbane best fits families and younger professionals seeking sunshine and lower cost. Watch-outs: summer humidity and fewer traditional Muslim enclaves (communities are more dispersed).

Perth, Western Australia

Perth’s Muslim population share is around 2%, with communities mainly around suburbs like Cannington, Langford, and Perth CBD. Perth Mosque on Hay Street (managed by Perth Islamic Society) is a historic landmark. The OKA (OIC Islamic Centre in Kewdale) and Masjid Al-Hidayah are other anchors. Halal outlets are available in suburbs like Mirrabooka and Balga. Islamic schools include Langford Islamic College (Langford, south of Perth) and an Islamic College of Western Australia (Kimberley area, remote). WA public schools offer some Arabic QLD.

Housing is relatively affordable (median ~$580k). Public transit (ferries, trains, buses) is decent; Perth Airport (PER) is domestic/international. Perth’s ample outdoor space and warm climate suit families and entrepreneurs (especially in mining and tech). Watch-outs: geographic isolation (long flights to east coast), and a smaller Muslim community means fewer cultural events.

Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide’s Muslim share (~1.5%) is smaller but has deep roots. The Adelaide City Mosque (the “Woolshed Mosque,” est. 1888) is Australia’s oldest continuously operating mosque. A newer Mawson Lakes Mosque and Masjid Khalifa in Croydon also serve the community. Halal groceries and restaurants exist in suburbs like Kilburn and Woodville. Adelaide Islamic School (interstate) and Mawson Lakes Islamic College provide K–10 education; otherwise, families use public schools with some Islamic curriculum support.

Housing in Adelaide (~A$700k median) is much cheaper than east coast capitals. Adelaide Airport (ADL) is nearby. The city’s calm pace suits families, retirees, and professionals in public service and academia. Watch-outs: fewer employment opportunities outside government sectors, and a smaller community means travel to Sydney/Melbourne for large Islamic events.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Australia’s capital has a small but active Muslim community (~2%). The Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) at Monash (Sabah Al-Ahmad Mosque) is the hub. CIC “serves the religious and social needs of the Canberra Muslim community” and includes the Sabah Al Ahmad Masjid and an Islamic school (Islamic School of Canberra). Other facilities include a community hall and library. Halal butchers and grocers are present, and local universities (ANU, UC) attract Muslim students.

Housing prices are high (~A$830k). Canberra Airport (CBR) connects domestic flights. Canberra suits government professionals and academic students (many Arabic/Islamic studies scholars). Watch-outs: cold winters, and a smaller, transient community (many commute to Sydney/Melbourne for work or family).

Gold Coast, Queensland

The Gold Coast’s Muslim population share is under 2%, but growing with immigration. The Gold Coast Mosque (also called Surfers Paradise Masjid) is the main center, run by the Gold Coast Masjid committee. A new Gold Coast Community Centre is under development. Halal restaurants (especially halal Chinese and Middle Eastern) have begun appearing. Nearby Islamic schools include Gold Coast Islamic College (privately run).

Median housing (~A$820k) is high for Queensland; many communities live inland (e.g. Southport, Surfers). Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta OOL) is on the northern edge. The Gold Coast appeals to beach-oriented families and retirees, as well as tourism industry workers (some younger Muslims from South Asia work here). Watch-outs: very seasonal tourist population, limited established community infrastructure, and occasional crowds on the Gold Coast beaches.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast has a very small Muslim population (<1%). It has one known mosque (Sunshine Coast Islamic Centre near Landsborough). Halal options are limited; families often travel to Brisbane or local Muslim networks for community events. An Islamic primary school (Al-Ameen Islamic School) opened in Caloundra.

The region’s median house price (~A$900k) is rising fast. Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore MCY) offers flights to Asia/New Zealand. The Sunshine Coast suits those seeking a quiet beach lifestyle. Watch-outs: very small Muslim community, long drives for mosques (Brisbane), and pockets of housing development that can outpace infrastructure.

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart’s tiny Muslim share (~0.5%) reflects a small community. There is one main mosque (Hobart Mosque, also called Sunshine Mosque, at West Hobart). Halal food shops are rare; most families rely on charity groups or visit supermarkets that sell halal meat. The Al-Furqan Islamic Society runs some community classes.

Housing is relatively affordable (~A$670k). Hobart Airport (HBA) is domestic only. The city appeals to nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace. Watch-outs: very limited community services and schooling (few Islamic schools, so families generally use public schools with religious allowances), and Tasmania’s isolation from major Muslim populations.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin has a long-established Muslim community (established 1971). The Islamic Society of the Northern Territory built the Darwin Mosque and Islamic Centre (Yi Darra) in Wanguri, completed 1991. This mosque and community hall serve all NT Muslims. Services include Friday prayers, Islamic education (madrasah) and cultural programs. There are no Islamic schools, but local government schools allow Muslim curriculum needs. Darwin has some halal shops catering to South Asian and Indonesian communities.

Housing (~A$650k) is moderate. Darwin International Airport (DRW) provides flights to Asia, which attracts some migrant workers. Darwin suits adventurous families and professionals (military, mining, oil/gas) who value a warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. Watch-outs: Tropical climate (cyclones and high humidity), small community means fewer local Muslim businesses and occasional cultural isolation.

Muslim Population Growth Timeline (2011–2021)

Merely a decade ago, Muslims were a small minority nationwide. The 2011 Census counted ~476,000 Muslims (2.2% of Australia). By 2016 this had risen to ~604,000 (2.6% of 24.6M), and by 2021 to ~813,392 (3.2%). The chart below illustrates the growth trajectory of Australian Muslims over the three most recent censuses:

The rising numbers reflect migration and higher birth rates in Muslim communities. This growth underpins the expansion of mosques, schools, and halal services in many cities.

Practical Checklist for Muslim Movers

• Proximity to Masjid: Ensure a major mosque or Islamic center is within easy reach for daily prayers and Friday Jumu’ah. (For example, Lakemba Mosque in Sydney or Kuraby Mosque in Brisbane act as community anchors.)

• Halal Provisioning: Look for areas with established halal restaurants and grocers. Large cities like Sydney and Melbourne have entire suburbs known for halal goods (e.g. Auburn, Dandenong).

• Schooling: Research local schools. Many capitals have Islamic schools (some state-integrated, like Sydney’s Malek Fahd (K–12) or independent ones in Perth, Brisbane and Canberra) or public schools offering Arabic/Quran classes.

• Housing & Budget: Check current median house/rent prices (CoreLogic, Domain). Align this with your budget – Sydney and Melbourne are highest (>AU$1M medians).

• Commute & Transport: Evaluate commute times and transit. Cities with integrated transit (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) ease daily life. Proximity to an international airport (e.g. SYD, MEL, BNE, PER) facilitates travel to family overseas.

• Community Size: Consider how many Muslims already live in a suburb or city. A larger community means more support (charities, language groups) and celebration of religious festivals.

• Lifestyle Fit: Reflect on climate and lifestyle – coastal cities like Gold Coast or Darwin have tropical weather; southern cities have cooler winters. Think about employment sectors (finance/tech vs. mining/agriculture) and whether you want urban bustle or regional calm.

• Safety & Services: Look at crime stats and healthcare access. Most large cities have excellent services, but remote areas may lack specialists (e.g. specialist halal butchers or doctors fluent in community languages).

• Legal & Cultural Environment: All Australian cities are generally safe and multicultural. Research local policies (e.g., some schools require opting children into religious classes).

• Visit First: If possible, visit your shortlisted areas – attend a local mosque Friday prayer or Ramadan if timing allows. Experiencing a neighborhood’s ambience can be decisive.

By systematically weighing these factors, Muslim families and professionals can choose an Australian city and neighborhood that offers both community and opportunity.

References

• Australian Bureau of Statistics – 2021 Census QuickStats (Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne).

• ABS Media Release “2021 Census shows changes in Australia’s religious diversity” (June 2022).

• ABS 2016 Census QuickStats (Greater Sydney).

• Lebanese Muslim Association (Lakemba Mosque).

• Emir Sultan Mosque (Dandenong).

• Kuraby Masjid (Brisbane).

• Adelaide City Mosque (Islamic Society of SA).

• Canberra Islamic Centre.

• Islamic Society of Darwin (ISNT history).

• PropertyUpdate (Feb 2026) – median house prices.

• Domain House Price Reports (2025).

• Australian media articles on Islamic schools (e.g. Guardian, SBS).