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National sport and physical activity participation

Australians aged 15+ in regional/rural areas

According to the 2021 Census there are 5.7 million people in Australia aged 15+ who live in a regional or rural area (non-major urban area), making up 28% of the Australian 15+ population. By age, there are 1.6 million aged 15-34, 1.7 million aged 35-54 and 2.5 million aged 55+. Since October 2015, more than 44,400 Australians aged 15+ who live in regional/rural areas have taken part in the AusPlay survey.

The following pages tell us more about how Australians aged 15+ who live in regional or rural areas 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 74% [4,159,000]

Participate in sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 38% [2,133,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 23% [1,314,000]

Take on a non-playing role 1+ per year

2022-23 18% [998,000]

Top motivations in 2022–23



Physical health or fitness

2022-23 79%

Fun/enjoyment

2022-23 50%

Social reasons

2022-23 36%

Psychological/mental health/therapy

2022-23 27%

To be outdoors/enjoy nature

2022-23 17%

What’s changed?

Australians aged 15+ in regional/rural areas are still equally as motivated by mental health benefits as they were in 2021-22, but are less likely to give being outdoors as a reason for being active.

Based on all participants (1+ per year).

Top barriers in 2022–23



Poor health or injury

2022-23 30%

Not enough time/too many other commitments

2022-23 21%

Have a physical job

*Response option only identified from 2017
2022-23 11%

Increasing age/too old

2022-23 11%

Not a priority (any more)

2022-23 8%
Based on all non-articipants.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation
1+ per year, 5+ per week, 7+ per week.

What’s changed?

Since 2021-22, participation rates at the 5+ per week and 7+ per week frequency levels have declined, along with participation overall (1+ per year).

Most popular sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males 15+ in regional/rural areas
Cycling
409,000
Running/athletics
405,000
Swimming
361,000
Golf
271,000
Fishing
155,000
Football/soccer
153,000
Cricket
145,000
Australian Football
134,000
Basketball
131,000
Mountain biking
114,000
Females 15+ in regional/rural areas
Swimming
572,000
Running/athletics
330,000
Cycling
255,000
Netball
145,000
Equestrian
118,000
Tennis
118,000
Golf
89,000
Football/soccer
85,000
Surfing
85,000
Canoeing/kayaking
67,000

Top 10 sports/activities shown.

Most popular non-sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males 15+ in regional/rural areas
Walking (recreational)
927,000
Fitness/gym
754,000
Bushwalking
240,000
Exergaming*
162,000
Yoga
56,000
Females 15+ in regional/rural areas
Walking (recreational)
1,500,000
Fitness/gym
1,003,000
Bushwalking
326,000
Yoga
256,000
Pilates
186,000
Exergaming*
138,000
Dancing (recreational)
77,000

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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