Learn Amateur Radio

How to Become an Amateur Radio Operator in Australia

Get Quallified. Get On Air. Learn How Radio Really Works

Amateur radio is a licensed communications activity that allows you to communicate locally, across Australia, and around the world — without relying on mobile phone networks or the internet.

It is used by a wide range of people, including hobbiests, travellers, technology enthusiasts, students, and those seeking practical, hands-on experience with real-world radio systems — from antennas and propagation to building transmitters, satellite communications, long-range wireless mesh networking, and radio contesting.

You can even bounce your signals off the moon to other amateurs - the possibilities with amateur radio are endless.

This site explains:

  • what amateur radio is,

  • how licensing works in Australia, and

  • the straightforward steps to get on air legally and safely.

No prior technical background is required.

Most people begin with the Foundation quallification, which provides a practical introduction to radio operation and technology while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Some people choose to upgrade later to the Standard and Advanced levels, which allow more power and more frequency bands.

Scroll down to learn more ….

If you are a radio club or a volunteer trainer click here.

Videos
Collage showing amateur radio activities, building and experimentation, radio orientering, antenna building, DX-peditions, parks and peaks operation, and a man using ham radio in a vehicle.

What can Amateur Radio do for You ?

Lots - here are just a few examples.

  • Woman examining a circuit board in a laboratory

    Curious about How Things Work ? Love a Challenge ?

    Technical Exploration & Hands-On Learning.

    Amateur radio is your gateway to an exciting world of technical exploration. Dive into the fascinating realms of electronics, wireless communications, antenna design, signal propagation, space communications, and more.

    You can track and send you signals through orbiting amateur radio satellites and even talk to astronauts on the International Space Station.

    Or you can experiment with some of the latest wireless technologies such as Software Defined Radio (SDR), Spread Spectrum, LoRA, Amateur Mesh systems, and AI.

  • A group of people, mostly young, sitting at tables engaged in electronics projects. They are using soldering tools and various components. An event banner for 'Jaycar' is visible in the background. Other individuals are standing or walking around, observing or participating in the activity.

    A Hobby for All Ages

    Learning & Lifelong Skills.

    Younger people particularly enjoy on-air competitions, learning to solder and making electronics, or just hacking around and learning what they can do with new radio technologies such as, SDR, Bluetooth, Mesh, and open-source radio’s.

    Students gain practical hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in wireless and Information technology (including AI), with highly experienced people willing to mentor and provide guidance.

    For older people, amateur radio presents a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding pastime with a strong social network.

  • Chad, WE9V sitting in his contesting station with multiple radios and monitors.

    Competitive Spirit ?

    Contesting & Operating Challenges.

    People with a competitive spirit will love amateur radio contesting.

    Radio amateurs compete against each other and collect awards for greatest number of countries or regions contacted, or the greatest number of stations contacted in a period of time.

    Also, teams of radio amateurs go on DX-peditions, where they set up stations in very rare, remote, or inaccessible counties or islands, (DX is code for long distance).

    Photo: Thanks to Chad WE9V

  • Person with a backpack and antenna using a radio in a forested mountainous area.

    Passion for Adventure ?

    Amateur radio combines perfectly with the outdoors.

    Groups such as Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA) attract people who enjoy hiking, camping, and operating radio equipment from national parks and mountain peaks.

    Radio amateurs also compete for national and international awards by contacting stations in different countries or regions.

    Some teams take this even further by organising DX-peditions — travelling to very rare, remote, or inaccessible countries or islands to establish temporary radio stations and make contacts worldwide.
    (DX is shorthand for long-distance communication.)

  • SUV on top of Big-Red sand dune in the Simpson Desert, Australia. Tall whip antenna on the front with a red flag to warn drivers coming the opposite direction.

    Feeling Alone ?

    Reliable Communication Anywhere.

    Boaties, four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, remote-area travellers, and adventurers of all kinds value the additional safety of reliable, independent communications.

    Unlike mobile phone networks that do not cover all areas — or satellite services that can be affected by conditions — amateur radio does not rely on any single infrastructure and can operate almost anywhere.

    With amateur radio, you are never alone.

    Photo: Top ‘Big Red’ sand dune, Simpson Desert, QLD.

  • Group photo of eight men in white shirts in front of trees, with a radio antenna overhead, on a sandy surface near the ocean.

    Friends Everywhere

    Community & Social Connections.

    Amateur radio connects you with a global community of people who share a common interest in communication, technology, and exploration.

    Through on-air contacts and shared activities, many radio amateurs form lasting friendships both locally and around the world — often with people they would otherwise never meet.

    Local amateur radio clubs are located throughout Australia and provide a welcoming place to learn, gain your amateur radio licence, and get started with practical help and support.

Get on Air - Step 1