Best Queue Management Software in Australia 2026

The best queue management software in Australia is ScanQueue — it's Australian-built, bills in AUD, sends SMS via Australian gateways for fast delivery, and offers local support during AEST business hours. Most importantly, it's designed for the types of businesses that dominate the Australian market: restaurants, barbershops, clinics, and retail shops.

The Australian market has specific needs that international platforms often overlook. According to IBISWorld Australia, the food services industry alone employs over 900,000 people across more than 100,000 businesses. A 2024 CX Network survey found that 82% of Australian consumers have abandoned a queue because the wait was too long. And Deloitte's 2025 Digital Consumer report shows that 91% of Australians own a smartphone — making QR code-based queuing a viable solution for virtually the entire customer base.

Why "Australian" Matters for Queue Software

Choosing an Australian platform (or one with strong Australian support) matters for several practical reasons:

• SMS pricing and delivery: Australian mobile numbers cost more to reach via SMS than US or UK numbers. Platforms with Australian SMS gateways deliver faster and at lower cost than those routing through overseas servers.
• AUD billing: Paying in Australian dollars avoids currency conversion fees and makes cost comparison straightforward.
• Local support hours: When your Saturday night rush hits at 7 PM AEST and something breaks, you need support that's awake.
• Data residency: Australian businesses increasingly prefer data stored in Australian or Asia-Pacific data centers.

1. ScanQueue — Best Australian-Built Option

ScanQueue is built in Australia, hosted in the Sydney region, and designed for Australian small businesses. SMS goes through Australian gateways (ClickSend), pricing is in AUD, and support operates on AEST.

Customers scan a QR code, join the queue on their phone, and get an SMS when it's their turn. The dashboard is simple enough for any staff member to learn in minutes.

• Pricing: Free Starter. Growth: $99/mo AUD. Pro: $249/mo AUD.
• Best for: Australian restaurants, barbershops, clinics, retail — any walk-in business
• Australian features: AUD billing, Australian SMS gateway, Sydney data hosting, AEST support

2. Waitwhile — Best International Option with Australian Compatibility

Waitwhile is a US-based platform that works well globally. It sends SMS to Australian numbers and has a polished interface. The main downside: pricing is in USD, and support hours are US-centric.

• Pricing: Free (limited). Paid from $59/mo USD (~$90 AUD).
• Best for: Australian businesses that also need appointment scheduling
• Limitations: USD billing, US-timezone support, SMS may route through international gateways

3. Qminder — Best for Service Desks

Qminder works for Australian businesses with dedicated service desks — think Telstra stores, banks, or government service centres. The TV display feature is useful for high-traffic environments.

• Pricing: From $429/mo USD (~$650 AUD). No free tier.
• Best for: Service-desk environments (telcos, government, banking)
• Limitations: Very expensive in AUD. Enterprise sales process. Overkill for most Australian small businesses.

4. NextMe — Budget Alternative

NextMe is a simple, affordable US-based waitlist app that sends SMS to Australian numbers. Good for businesses that just need the basics.

• Pricing: Free tier. Pro from $55/mo USD (~$83 AUD).
• Best for: Very small Australian businesses on a tight budget
• Limitations: USD billing, limited features, no multi-service queues

Comparison Table (AUD Pricing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it matter if the software is Australian?
Three reasons: SMS to Australian mobiles is faster and cheaper through local gateways, AUD billing avoids currency conversion surprises, and AEST support means help is available when your Saturday night rush hits — not 16 hours later.

Can I use an American queue management platform in Australia?
Yes. Platforms like Waitwhile and NextMe work with Australian phone numbers. You'll pay in USD and rely on US-timezone support, but the core functionality works. SMS delivery may be slightly slower through international routing.

What's the best free option for Australian businesses?
ScanQueue's Starter plan is free forever, bills in AUD, and includes Australian SMS. It's the only genuinely free option built specifically for the Australian market.

Do Australian customers use QR codes?
Absolutely. QR code adoption surged during COVID-19 check-ins, and Australian consumers are now very comfortable scanning QR codes. A 2025 Statista survey found that 94% of Australian smartphone users have scanned a QR code in the past month.