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National sport and physical activity participation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 18+

The 2021 Census tells us there are 498,000 people aged 18+ in Australia who identify as having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, making up 3% of the 18 and over population. In over six years of AusPlay we’ve interviewed more than 3,200 Indigenous Australians.

The following pages tell us more about how Indigenous people participate in sport and physical activity and how, if at all, that has changed.

The graphs on this webpage use these symbols to highlight statistically significant changes in the last year:

  • Statistically significant increase since 2021–22
  • Statistically significant decrease since 2021–22
On this page:

Headline indicators



Participate in sport or physical activity 1+ per week

2022-23 69% [380,000]

Participate in sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 32% [178,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 21% [113,000]

Take on a non-playing role 1+ per year

2022-23 15% [84,000]

Top motivations in 2022–23



Physical health or fitness

2022-23 69%

Fun/enjoyment

2022-23 52%

Social reasons

2022-23 33%

Psychological/mental health/therapy

2022-23 34%

To be outdoors/enjoy nature

2022-23 15%
Based on all participants (1+ per year).
As this is a small population cohort, barriers are not shown.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation

Most popular sport and non-sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Aboriginal and Torrres Strait Islanders 18+
Walking [recreational]
201,000
Fitness/gym
164,000
Swimming
92,000
Running/athletics
59,000
Exergaming*
47,000

Activities with estimates of less than 40,000 not shown.

*Virtual/technology-based/gaming exercise, for example, motion sensing console games, smart treadmills, online platforms such as Zwift.

Further information

Any questions or requests for further information about AusPlay can be directed to the Insights team at the Australian Sports Commission.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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