If you’ve been in the crypto space for even a short while, you’ve probably heard stories of people getting free coins worth hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars just by participating in airdrops.
In 2025, airdrops are still a powerful way for Aussie crypto enthusiasts to grow their portfolios without spending a cent. But as with anything in the digital asset world, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to find, claim, and store crypto airdrops safely in Australia, while avoiding scams and staying compliant with the ATO.
What Is a Crypto Airdrop?
A crypto airdrop is when a blockchain project distributes free tokens or coins to users, usually to promote a new platform, reward early supporters, or encourage community growth.
You might receive an airdrop for:
- Signing up for a platform before launch
- Completing small tasks (like following a Twitter account or joining a Discord group)
- Holding certain tokens in your wallet
- Participating in a testnet
The key? You don’t buy the tokens — you earn them by taking part in project activities.
Why Airdrops Are Big in Australia in 2025
Australia has one of the highest crypto adoption rates in the world. With more Aussies trading and exploring DeFi than ever, projects are targeting the Australian market for growth.
On top of that:
- No upfront investment: Perfect for newcomers who don’t want to risk large amounts of money.
- High potential value: Past airdrops like Uniswap (UNI) and Arbitrum (ARB) were worth over $1,000 for many claimants.
- Community engagement: Aussies are active in crypto forums and social media, making them ideal airdrop participants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Airdrops in Australia
Step 1 – Set Up a Secure Wallet
Never claim an airdrop directly to an exchange account. Instead, use a non-custodial wallet where you control the private keys. Popular options:
- MetaMask (Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, and more)
- Trust Wallet (multi-chain)
- Phantom (Solana)
- Rabby Wallet (for advanced DeFi users)
💡 Pro tip: Always back up your seed phrase offline — and never share it.
Step 2 – Find Legit Airdrops
Good sources for finding active and upcoming airdrops:
- Airdrop.io – Lists ongoing campaigns
- CoinMarketCap Airdrops – Verified airdrops
- Crypto Twitter (search “airdrop” + project name)
- Official project Discords and Telegram groups
🚨 Avoid shady “airdrops” that ask for your private keys — these are scams.
Step 3 – Check Eligibility
Each airdrop has different requirements. Common examples:
- Snapshot airdrops: You must hold a specific token in your wallet by a certain date.
- Task-based airdrops: You need to complete social media or community tasks.
- Testnet airdrops: You interact with a project’s test network before launch.
Step 4 – Complete the Tasks
Follow the official instructions exactly. This may include:
- Following the project on Twitter
- Joining a Discord or Telegram group
- Using the project’s testnet
- Referring friends (sometimes optional)
⚠️ Use a separate email for airdrop signups to avoid spam.
Step 5 – Claim the Tokens
Once the project launches:
- Connect your wallet to the official claim page
- Approve the transaction (often free or low gas fee)
- Confirm the tokens appear in your wallet
Step 6 – Store or Sell Your Tokens
After claiming:
- Hold if you believe in the project long-term
- Sell on a crypto exchange if you want immediate gains
- Swap for stablecoins to lock in profits
💡 Many Aussies keep airdrop gains in hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for maximum security.
ATO Rules – Do You Need to Pay Tax on Airdrops?
Yes — the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) considers most airdrops as taxable.
- When received: If the airdrop is part of an initial allocation (like a reward for early adoption), it’s generally taxed as ordinary income at the market value on the day you receive it.
- When sold: If you sell the tokens later, any profit or loss is subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
📌 Keep detailed records of:
- Date you received the tokens
- Value in AUD at the time
- Transaction hashes and wallet addresses
5 Upcoming Airdrops Aussies Should Watch in 2025
These aren’t confirmed yet but are generating strong buzz:
- LayerZero (ZRO) – Popular cross-chain messaging protocol; testnet users and early bridge users are expected to be rewarded.
- zkSync (ZKS) – Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution; interaction with dApps could earn rewards.
- Celestia (TIA) Community Round 2 – Another round of token distribution is rumoured for active community members.
- StarkNet (STRK) – Ethereum scaling project; testnet and mainnet users may get tokens.
- Aptos Ecosystem Projects – Some new dApps on Aptos are rewarding early users with airdrops.
Safety Tips for Airdrops
- Only interact with official links from verified accounts
- Never share your private keys
- Use a separate wallet for claiming airdrops
- Double-check gas fees — avoid airdrops that require high payments to claim
- If in doubt, skip it — better to miss a legit drop than fall for a scam
Related: How to Buy Your First Bitcoin in Australia Without Breaking the Bank
Final Thoughts
Crypto airdrops can be a fantastic way for Australians to earn free digital assets — if you do it safely.
By setting up a secure wallet, finding legit opportunities, completing the right tasks, and tracking your tax obligations, you can turn airdrops into a regular source of portfolio growth.
And remember: in the world of crypto, patience pays. Some airdrops may seem small today but could grow in value significantly in the years to come.