Mauao Man

Islam in Australia:

From Early Arrivals to a Major Minority

Introduction: A Land of Immigrants — And a Home for Islam

Australia is known for its diversity — a land of immigrants from every corner of the globe. But few realize that the story of Islam in Australia is almost as old as the story of European settlement itself.

From the early Muslim explorers who sailed the northern coasts, to the Afghan cameleers who helped explore the Outback, to the thriving Muslim communities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane today, Islam in Australia is a story of resilience, diversity, and transformation.

This post explores the history of Islam in Australia, how it began, how it grew, and what it means for Australia today.

1. The Earliest Contacts: Muslim Sailors and the Aboriginal Connection

1. The Macassan Trepang Traders (1600s–1900s)

Long before the arrival of European settlers, Muslim fishermen and traders from Makassar (modern-day Indonesia) regularly visited the northern coast of Australia.
These Macassan sailors harvested trepang (sea cucumber), a valuable delicacy for the Chinese market.
They established trade relationships with the Aboriginal Australian communities in northern Australia, especially in Arnhem Land (Northern Territory).
Evidence of Macassan influence can still be seen in:
- Rock Art: Aboriginal rock art in Arnhem Land depicts Macassan boats, sailors, and trepang harvesting.
- Loanwords: Several Malay words entered local Aboriginal languages, including "balanda" (foreigner) and "rini" (sail).
- Cultural Exchange: The Macassans introduced new fishing techniques, metal tools, and even a limited knowledge of Islam.
Although the Macassans did not establish permanent settlements, their visits left a lasting cultural legacy in northern Australia.

2. The Afghan Cameleers (1860s–1930s): Pioneers of the Outback

In the 1860s, the Australian colonial authorities needed skilled handlers for camels, which were being imported to help explore the vast, arid Outback.
They turned to Muslim camel drivers from Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and the Punjab region of British India — men who became known as the “Afghan Cameleers” or simply “Ghans.”
These Afghan Muslims played a vital role in:
- Exploring the Australian Outback: Carrying goods, mail, and supplies to remote settlements.
- Building Australia’s Infrastructure: Transporting equipment for the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, the Trans-Australian Railway, and other major projects.
- Establishing the First Mosques: The Afghan Cameleers built some of the earliest mosques in Australia, including:
  - The Marree Mosque (1880s) in South Australia — a simple mud-brick structure.
  - The Broken Hill Mosque (1887) in New South Wales — a place of worship for Afghan cameleers and their families.
  - The Coolgardie Mosque (1898) in Western Australia — serving Muslim traders and camel drivers.
Despite their essential role in Australian history, the Afghan Cameleers faced discrimination and prejudice:
- They were often excluded from mainstream Australian society and forced to live in isolated camps.
- Many returned to their home countries after their contracts ended, but some stayed, married local women (often Aboriginal Australians), and raised families.
The legacy of the Afghan Cameleers can still be seen today in place names like "Ghan Railway" (named in their honor) and the survival of Australia’s oldest mosques.

3. The Growth of Modern Muslim Communities (1940s–1980s)

1. Post-War Immigration: A New Wave of Muslims

After World War II, Australia experienced a massive wave of immigration, including Muslims from:
- Lebanon: Many Lebanese Muslims settled in Sydney and Melbourne, becoming one of the largest Muslim communities in the country.
- Turkey: Turkish Muslims arrived under an immigration agreement between Australia and Turkey in the 1960s, creating strong Turkish communities in Melbourne and Sydney.
- Bosnia: Bosnian Muslims arrived during and after the Bosnian War (1990s), bringing a distinct European Islamic culture.
These communities established their own mosques, cultural organizations, and schools, creating a vibrant and diverse Australian Muslim population.
Major Lebanese and Turkish mosques include:
- The Lakemba Mosque (Sydney) — the largest mosque in Australia, serving a predominantly Lebanese congregation.
- The Preston Mosque (Melbourne) — a major center for the Turkish Muslim community.

2. The Rise of Southeast Asian Muslims (1970s–1980s)

Australia also became a destination for Muslim immigrants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Indonesian Muslims established small communities in Darwin and Perth, while Malaysian Muslims were active on university campuses in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Malaysian Muslim Students Association (MSA) became one of the first Islamic organizations in Australia, promoting Islamic education and cultural exchange.

3. African and Middle Eastern Muslims (1990s–2000s)

In the 1990s, Australia accepted Muslim refugees from conflict zones, including:
- Somalia: Somali Muslims settled in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Iraq and Syria: Refugees fleeing war found safety in Australia, joining established Muslim communities.
- Afghanistan: Many Afghan Hazaras settled in Victoria, establishing a strong community in Dandenong.

4. The Modern Muslim Community: Diversity, Strength, and Challenge

1. A Diverse Community:

Today, Australia’s Muslim population is one of the largest and most diverse in Oceania, with over 813,000 Muslims (3.2% of the total population).
Australian Muslims come from over 60 different cultural backgrounds, including:
- Lebanese, Turkish, Bosnian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Somali, Sudanese, Iraqi, Syrian, Afghan, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi.
Major Muslim communities are concentrated in:
- Sydney: Suburbs like Lakemba, Auburn, Bankstown, and Punchbowl are home to large Muslim populations.
- Melbourne: Suburbs like Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Coburg, and Brunswick.
- Brisbane: Suburbs like Kuraby, Runcorn, Logan, and South Brisbane.

2. Islamic Education: Mosques and Schools

Australia is home to over 300 mosques, including:
- The Lakemba Mosque (Sydney) — the largest mosque in Australia.
- The Holland Park Mosque (Brisbane) — one of the oldest mosques in Queensland.
Islamic schools provide education to thousands of Muslim students, including:
- Malek Fahd Islamic School (Sydney) — one of the largest Islamic schools in Australia.
- Minaret College (Melbourne) — a leading Islamic school with a diverse student body.

3. Political and Social Influence:

Australian Muslims are active in politics, with several Muslim members of Parliament, including:
- Ed Husic: Australia’s first Muslim federal minister (Labor Party).
- Mehreen Faruqi: A senator for the Greens, representing New South Wales.
Prominent Muslim athletes, artists, and activists include:
- Bachar Houli: AFL player and community leader.
- Waleed Aly: Journalist, academic, and TV host.
- Susan Carland: Academic and media personality.

Conclusion: Islam in Australia — A Story of Struggle and Success

Islam in Australia is a story of resilience, diversity, and transformation. From the early Macassan sailors to the Afghan cameleers who explored the Outback, to the thriving, multicultural Muslim communities in Australia’s major cities today, Islam has become a significant part of Australian society.

But this journey has not been without its challenges. Australian Muslims have faced discrimination, prejudice, and social isolation. But they have also become leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and activists — a vital part of the Australian story.

Islam in Australia is not just a religion — it is a living, evolving community that continues to grow, change, and contribute.

A History of Islam in Oceania: From Early Encounters to Modern Communities (Part 1)
A History of Islam in Oceania: From Island Converts to Hidden Communities (Part 2)
History of Islam in New Zealand: From the First Arrivals to Today
Islam and New Zealand’s Indigenous and Pacific Communities: Two Very Different Stories

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.