According to census and community leaders

Hungarian Refugees disembark from the Castel Felice at Port Melbourne, 1957. Source: Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Hungarian Refugees disembark from the Castel Felice at Port Melbourne, 1957. Source: Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Hungarian community overview in Australia

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

There were only a few Hungary-born people in Australia until the middle of the nineteenth century. Some arrived during the 1850s gold rush while others followed fleeing cholera outbreaks, anti-Semitism and persecution as a result of Hungary's unsuccessful uprising of 1848-49 against Austria. A rural depression in Hungary in the 1890s and early 1900s saw more than 1.5 million Hungarians emigrate. While the overwhelming majority went to the United States of America, several hundred came to Australia. In 1939, Hungarian Jews came to Australia escaping the Nazis. Some Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivors arrived between 1945 and 1947, as well as some anti-Communists who foresaw the likelihood of Hungary being occupied by Russian troops. In the next five years, many thousands more 'border jumpers' fled to the West as refugees and spent some time in 'Displaced Persons Camps' before migrating. About 17,000 Hungarians arrived in Australia as a result of this process. The Hungary-born population rose from 1,227 in 1947 to 14,602 in 1954. The last significant group to migrate included people fleeing the aftermath of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956. Australia provided sanctuary to about 14,000 Hungarian refugees by the end of 1957, bringing the total of first-generation Hungarians in Australia to just over 30,000. Whilst the earlier waves of Hungarian migration had included many people of rural or village background, the post-1956 refugees included a considerable proportion of tradesmen and factory workers, many of them quite young.

Since then, the Hungary-born population of Australia has declined, mainly due to the death of older migrants and also because free movement in the EU makes it easy for Hungarians to reside wherever they want. However, since 2010 due to the hardship and political turmoil in Hungary, the unstable European cohesion and the attraction of an economically stable Australia is yet again a popular migrant destination for the younger generations. Many chose to come with the easiest way, with a student-visa, trying to organise their permanent residency from here or to marry-in to Australian families. Other professionals and highly educated Hungarians go for the points based migration system and usually succeed.

Read Kathy’s story about the experience of arriving to Australia in 1958 - HERE

2016 Census

Geographic Distribution

The Census in 2016 recorded 17,896 Hungary-born people in

Australia, a decrease of 6.3 per cent from the 2011 Census.

The 2016 distribution by State and Territory showed New South Wales had

the largest number with 6,420 followed by Victoria (4,984), Queensland (3,432) and South Australia (1,274).

According to the latest 2021 Census, approximately 18,820 people in Australia identified Hungary as their country of birth, showing a slight increase from the 2016 Census. However, the median age of this group has remained steadily between 66 and 68 over the past two decades, indicating an ageing and gradually declining Hungarian-born population. Despite this, unofficial estimates suggest that the broader Hungarian-Australian community—including descendants of Hungarian immigrants, dual citizens, and those who no longer declare Hungarian ancestry after acquiring Australian citizenship—ranges between 70,000 and 80,000. This estimate also accounts for individuals who once resided in historic Hungary, parts of which are now geographically within the Balkans.

Hungarians, connected by their own culture have numerous official and informal groups scattered around Australia. They are separated by religions, customs, educational levels, genders, sports, ethnicity, etc. The new informal groups with the popularity of social media draws much more people then the old-fashioned official clubs or churches. These social media groups adds up an estimated 10K - 20K Hungarians from all over Australia, including the numerous Victorian social groups with an estimated 4K - 5K people. The majority, about 80% are from the younger 20-50 age group, but older Hungarians participate these social conversations just as easily.

According to our research Hungarians living in Australia have brought with them a rich cultural heritage that blends seamlessly with the country's vibrant multicultural landscape. While many members of the community maintain strong ties to their traditions, they also embrace the Australian way of life, resulting in a unique fusion of interests and pastimes.

Food plays a central role in Hungarian-Australian gatherings, with cooking and sharing traditional dishes such as gulyás (goulash), pörkölt (stew), and lángos (fried dough) being a favourite activity. Many Hungarians take pride in passing down family recipes and hosting feasts where friends and relatives come together to enjoy hearty meals. Festivals and community events, such as the Hungarian Cultural Day and St. Stephen’s Ball, are also important occasions for celebrating heritage through music, dance, and cuisine.

Sports are another passion for Hungarian-Australians, particularly soccer and water sports. Given Hungary’s legendary water polo history, many in the community take an interest in swimming and water polo, with some even participating in local clubs and competitions. Additionally, soccer remains a favourite among Hungarian migrants and their descendants, with social matches being a popular weekend activity.

Music and dance are also cherished pastimes, especially among older generations who enjoy traditional Hungarian folk music and dance performances. Groups dedicated to preserving folk traditions often perform at cultural festivals, keeping the spirit of Hungary alive. Younger generations, meanwhile, are drawn to contemporary music, and many have found success in various artistic and musical pursuits in Australia.

Beyond sports and arts, many Hungarian-Australians have a deep appreciation for nature and outdoor activities, a love they share with Australians in general. Whether it’s weekend bushwalks, beach outings, or fishing trips, Hungarians in Australia have embraced the country’s natural beauty while maintaining a close-knit community where their traditions continue to thrive.

  • Fishing

  • Cooking

  • Kurtosh

  • Langosh

  • Gatherings

  • Goulash

  • Folk Dance

  • Gipsy & Folk Music

  • Soccer