Below are step-by-step instructions and recommended sources:

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

The ABS provides detailed and up-to-date shapefiles for various geographic levels, including Suburbs and Localities (SAL).

Download Link:

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/standards/australian-statistical-geography-standard-asgs-edition-3/jul2021-jun2026/digital-boundary-files

Steps to Download:

1. Go to the ABS Digital Boundary Files page.
2. Scroll to “Suburbs and Localities (SAL)”.
3. Choose your preferred format:
   • Shapefile (.shp) for GIS use
   • GeoPackage (.gpkg) or GeoJSON if you’re using it for a web map
4. Download the ZIP file containing the shapefiles.
5. Extract the .zip file – you will find .shp, .shx, .dbf, and other necessary files.

How to Use on a Website/Blog

Depending on your stack:

• For a web map (Leaflet, Mapbox, etc.):
  • Convert the .shp to GeoJSON using tools like Mapshaper or GDAL.
  • Host the GeoJSON or embed it in your website.
• For a blog with static images:
  • Use QGIS to render the shapefile and export it as an image (PNG/SVG).

Convert Shapefile to GeoJSON

Method A: Use Mapshaper.org – Simple & Free

1. Go to https://mapshaper.org
2. Drag and drop all components of your shapefile:
   • .shp (main geometry)
   • .shx (index)
   • .dbf (attribute data)
3. After the map loads, you can:
   • Simplify the geometry (optional, to reduce file size)
   • Filter or edit the dataset
4. Click Export > GeoJSON
5. Save the GeoJSON file

Now you have a .geojson file that you can use in web mapping tools like Leaflet or Mapbox.

OPTION 2: Embed an Interactive Suburb Map

Let’s embed an interactive map using Leaflet.js (free, open-source). You’ll need:

• A simple HTML file
• The GeoJSON file of Australian suburbs

Sample Code to Embed GeoJSON Map Using Leaflet

Interactive Map of Australian Suburbs

What You Need:

• index.html (the code above)
• suburbs.geojson (converted from your shapefile)
• Host both on your site/server