Australia Restaurant Market Overview
A$65 billion
Market Size
3.8%
Annual Growth
50,000+
Restaurants
4,500+
New/Year
A$520,000/year
Avg Revenue
900,000
Employed
Startup Costs in Australia
Estimated investment ranges based on restaurant size and concept (in AUD)
A$80,000 - A$200,000
Small cafe or takeaway (under 30 seats)
A$200,000 - A$500,000
Casual dining restaurant (30-80 seats)
A$500,000 - A$1,200,000
Fine dining or large venue (80+ seats)
Required Licenses & Permits
Essential permits you'll need to legally operate a restaurant in Australia
Food Business Licence
Registration with local council food safety authority
Authority: Local Council
Liquor Licence
Required to serve alcohol (varies by state)
Authority: State Liquor Authority
Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
At least one certified supervisor required on premises
Authority: Registered Training Organisation
Development Application (DA)
Required for change of use or fit-out works
Authority: Local Council
ABN/GST Registration
Australian Business Number and GST registration
Authority: Australian Taxation Office
Typical Operating Costs
Tax Information
Sales Tax / VAT
GST: 10%
Corporate Tax
25-30% Company Tax
Employment Tax
Superannuation: 11.5% + Payroll Tax: 4.75-6.85%
Key Regulations to Know
Important compliance requirements for restaurant operators in Australia
Market Opportunities
- Cafe culture strength
- Asian cuisine demand
- Health-conscious dining trend
- Regional tourism growth
Key Challenges
- High labour costs (minimum wage A$23.23/hr)
- Competitive market in major cities
- Strict food safety enforcement
- Rising rent costs
🍽️Popular Cuisines in Australia
Top Locations to Consider
Official Resources
Government and industry resources to help you get started in Australia