Amazon Australia has finally launched... and it's frankly underwhelming

Speculation has been rife through the year as to when Amazon would open shop Down Under – with a soft launch notification sent to sellers just before Black Friday sending everyone into a tizzy to prepare themselves for great bargains during the big sales event – Amazon has finally launched its online marketplace in Australia. 

Just after midnight today (December 5) Amazon opened its digital doors to Aussies, expanding on its range of e-readers and ebooks to include laptops, cameras, phone accessories and plenty more, all ready to be bought right now.

At present, there are 23 categories listed on Amazon Australia’s site, and ABC News reports there's more to come in the near future (we hope).

Although the catalogue at the moment seems limited, Amazon Australia’s county manager, Rocco Braeuniger, has said that “millions” of products from Aussie retailers will be sold on the digital platform, with a long-term commitment being made to the Australian economy. 

“Over time, we will create thousands of new jobs and invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Australia,” he said.

Of course, if you've been waiting for Amazon's smart speakers to be officially sold in Australia, you'll have to wait till early next year to buy the 'Strayan version of Alexa-powered Echo range.

Delivered to the door

Amazon’s delivery speeds is one of the main selling points for the company’s popularity in other markets. The retail giant is bringing its promise of next-day delivery to Australia as well with Priority Delivery, and free delivery is available for products worth over $49.

There is, however, no news on whether or not Amazon Fresh will be delivering Aussies their groceries any time soon.

[Hero image courtesy of Flickr user Mugley]

Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

Sharmishta is TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor and loves all things photography, something she discovered while chasing monkeys in the wilds of India (she studied to be a primatologist but has since left monkey business behind). While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, she's also an avid reader and has become a passionate proponent of ereaders, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about the convenience of these underrated devices. When she's not testing camera kits or the latest in e-paper tablets, she's discovering the joys and foibles of smart home gizmos. She's also the Australian Managing Editor of Digital Camera World and, if that wasn't enough, she contributes to T3 and Tom's Guide, while also working on two of Future's photography print magazines Down Under.