The 08 area code in Australia covers Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. It is used for fixed-line (landline) and virtual business numbers. Whether you’re receiving a call, setting up a new business number, or comparing it to 1300 or 1800 options, understanding the role of 08 numbers is important for individuals and organisations operating in these regions.
What Is the 08 Area Code?
The 08 area code is used for landline and virtual phone numbers across:
-
Western Australia (WA)
-
South Australia (SA)
-
Northern Territory (NT)
All Australian landline numbers begin with an area code. In this case, ‘08’ identifies that the call originates from or is intended for a specific geographical region in the western and central parts of the country.
Structure of an 08 number:
A standard 08 phone number has the format:
(08) XXXX XXXX
It may also appear without brackets or spaces (e.g., 0881234567).
Why Do Businesses Use 08 Numbers?
For companies based in WA, SA or NT, using a local 08 number builds trust. It signals to customers that the business is nearby and understands local needs — particularly important for service industries.
Business benefits include:
-
Local branding: Customers feel more confident calling a number that appears regional.
-
Lower call costs: Local callers are not charged premium rates.
-
Inbound customer trust: Familiar numbers are less likely to be ignored or suspected as spam.
How Virtual 08 Numbers Work
A virtual number is a phone number not linked to a fixed physical phone line. Instead, it routes calls over the internet (commonly known as VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol).
Why businesses choose virtual 08 numbers:
-
Flexibility: Receive calls on mobiles, apps, or remote offices.
-
Location independence: Appear local without having a physical office in the 08 region.
-
Scalability: Easily add more numbers or users as your business grows.
Providers allow you to choose your own 08 number prefix and set up features such as call routing, voicemail, and after-hours messages.
Spam and Scam Calls from 08 Numbers
Unfortunately, 08 numbers — like any number type — can be misused by scammers. This has led to some public concern.
Warning signs of a scam call:
-
Automated voice messages requesting personal information
-
Calls received outside business hours without a message
-
Calls claiming to be from government agencies without verification
If unsure, never provide personal details. You can report suspicious calls to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
08 vs 1300 vs 1800: What’s the Difference?
If you’re choosing a business phone number, it helps to understand the differences between 08, 1300, and 1800 numbers.
| Number Type | Caller Pays | Business Pays | Perceived Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 | Local rates | None or minimal | Regional business presence |
| 1300 | Shared cost | Partial | National, customer service |
| 1800 | Free for caller | Full cost to business | Toll-free support, national |
Choose 08 if you want to establish local trust, and 1300/1800 for national customer service lines.
People Also Ask
1. What does an 08 number mean in Australia?
It is a regional landline or virtual number for Western Australia, South Australia, or the Northern Territory.
2. Can I get an 08 number if my business is not in WA or SA?
Yes, with a virtual 08 number you can operate nationally while appearing local to customers in the 08 region.
3. Are all calls from 08 numbers safe?
No — while many are legitimate, scammers can spoof (fake) 08 numbers. Always verify unknown callers.
Local Prefixes Within the 08 Area Code
The 08 area code in Australia is further divided into geographic prefixes, which help identify the region or city where the number is based. These prefixes form the first few digits following the 08 area code and are useful for identifying the origin of a call or for businesses seeking a truly local presence.
Here is a summary of common local prefixes within the 08 area code:
| Prefix | Region | State/Territory |
|---|---|---|
| 08 61 | Perth and surrounding areas | Western Australia |
| 08 62 | Eastern and southern Perth suburbs | Western Australia |
| 08 63 | South-west WA (e.g., Bunbury, Albany) | Western Australia |
| 08 64 | Mid West & Gascoyne (e.g., Geraldton) | Western Australia |
| 08 65 | Pilbara and northern WA | Western Australia |
| 08 85 | Adelaide and inner suburbs | South Australia |
| 08 86 | Regional SA (e.g., Port Augusta) | South Australia |
| 08 87 | South-eastern SA (e.g., Mount Gambier) | South Australia |
| 08 89 | Darwin and regional NT | Northern Territory |
Note: These prefixes may vary slightly depending on the telecommunications provider, especially for virtual or VoIP services.
Understanding the 08 area code is essential for both consumers and organisations. Whether you’re responding to calls, looking to improve your regional presence, or setting up a virtual phone system, 08 numbers offer both strategic and practical value.
For businesses, the key is to match your contact number with your goals — whether regional trust or national coverage. And for individuals, knowing how the 08 system works helps you identify legitimate calls and avoid scams.