The Six Busiest Cargo Ports in Australia

Australia’s ports are crucial for its natural resource-driven economy, handling vast quantities of coal, iron ore, and agricultural products.

Below are the largest ports in Australia:

1. Port of Melbourne (AUMEL)

The Port of Melbourne is the busiest container port in Australia and ranks number 76 among the world's busiest ports. The Port of Melbourne is a major gateway for both imports and exports, and is the country’s largest manufacturing and logistics hub.

• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, on the southeastern coast of Australia, located on Port Phillip Bay, providing access to the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.3 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 108.9 million tonnes in 2023 (Port of Melbourne)
• Key Commodities: Consumer goods, machinery, food products.

2. Port Botany - Sydney (AUSYD)

Port Botany is a critical hub for connecting Australia to global markets, especially within the Asia-Pacific region, due to its strategic location on the east coast. The port primarily handles container traffic.

• Location: Sydney, New South Wales, situated on the eastern coast of Australia along the Tasman Sea.
• Annual Container Throughput: 2.8 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Key Commodities: Petroleum, chemicals, manufactured goods.

3. Port of Brisbane (AUBNE)

Port of Brisbane plays a vital role in supporting Queensland’s economy by facilitating exports of key agricultural products and coal from the northeastern regions of Australia.

• Location: Brisbane, Queensland, positioned on the eastern coast of Australia on the Coral Sea.
• Annual Container Throughput: 1.6 million TEU in 2023 (Port of Brisbane)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 34.1 million tonnes in 2023 (Queensland Government)
• Key Commodities: Agricultural products, coal, minerals.

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4. Port of Newcastle (AUNTL)

Known as the world’s largest coal export port, Newcastle is central to Australia’s mining industry, with substantial coal shipments destined for Asia, particularly China and Japan.

• Location: Newcastle, New South Wales, situated on the southeastern coast of Australia, on the Pacific Ocean.
• Annual Container Throughput: Primarily handles bulk cargo.
• Annual Cargo Volume: 144 million tonnes in 2023 (Port of Newcastle)
• Key Commodities: Coal, steel, grain.

5. Port of Fremantle (AUFRE)

The Port of Fremantle is essential for Western Australia’s trade, especially for the export of minerals and agricultural goods, serving as the main gateway to Asian markets.

• Location: Perth, Western Australia, located on the southwestern coast along the Indian Ocean.
• Annual Container Throughput: 809,709 TEU in 2023 (Fremantle Ports)
• Liquid Bulk Volume: 7.4 million tonnes in 2023 (Shipping Australia)
• Dry Bulk Volume: 14.6 million tonnes in 2023 (Shipping Australia)
• Key Commodities: Iron ore, wheat, wool, minerals.

6. Port of Darwin (AUDRW)

As the northernmost port in Australia, the Port of Darwin serves as a strategic link to Southeast Asia, supporting exports from the country's resource-rich northern regions.

• Location: Darwin, Northern Territory, positioned on the northern coast of Australia, bordering the Timor Sea.
• Annual Container Throughput: Primarily bulk cargo handling.
• Annual Cargo Volume: 1.6 million tonnes in 2023 (Darwin Port)
• Key Commodities: Oil, gas, minerals, cattle.