Qibla finder / Australia
Qibla direction from Melbourne, 278.8° west
From Melbourne, VIC, face 278.8° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 12,741 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 266.9°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 12,741 km (7,917 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 266.9°
- Magnetic declination
- 12.0° east
- City centre
- -37.8140, 144.9633
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 266.9°. That is 278.8° from true north, adjusted for the 12.0° east magnetic declination in Melbourne. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Melbourne. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is west from Melbourne
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Melbourne that path leaves heading west, at 278.8° from true north. Flat maps distort this route, so it can look wrong on a map even though it is the true direction.
A compass points to magnetic north, which in Melbourne is 12.0° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 266.9°, differs from the true bearing.
Someone far from Makkah faces the direction (jihah) of the Kaaba. A small turn to the left or right does not affect the prayer, and a prayer made after a genuine effort stays valid even if you later learn you were slightly off.
Other madhhabs
- Shafi'i
- The stronger view is to aim at the Kaaba itself by your best effort, even from far away.
- Maliki, Hanbali
- Facing the direction is enough, as in the Hanafi school.
Qibla from other cities in Australia
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney, NSW | 277.5° | W |
| Brisbane, QLD | 280.3° | W |
| Perth, WA | 295.4° | WNW |
| Adelaide, SA | 283.3° | WNW |
The rulings on this page are pending review by the scholars on our team.
Questions
Good to know
What is the qibla direction from Melbourne?
The qibla from Melbourne, VIC is 278.8° from true north, which is west. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 266.9°.
How far is Melbourne from Makkah?
About 12,741 km (7,917 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla west from Melbourne?
The qibla follows the shortest route over the curved Earth to the Kaaba, called a great circle. On a flat map this route looks curved, so the direction can look different from what a map suggests.
How exact do I need to be?
In the Hanafi school, someone far from Makkah faces the general direction of the Kaaba. A small turn to either side does not affect the prayer. Do your best, or follow the direction of your local masjid.