In 2013, two software engineers launched Dogecoin as a parody of Bitcoin, complete with a Shiba Inu mascot and Comic Sans font. What began as a joke quickly turned into something far bigger. By 2021, Dogecoin had surged to a multi-billion-dollar market cap, fuelled by online communities, social media hype, and a few well-timed celebrity tweets.
That rise prompted a new question in the crypto world: Can a meme coin actually hold value?
Fast forward to today, and meme coins remain one of the most talked-about aspects of the crypto world. From Shiba Inu to PEPE and beyond, these tokens may attract attention for their humour or viral nature, but they also highlight how digital communities can influence markets in unexpected ways.
If you’re new to crypto and curious about how meme coins work, or wondering how to buy meme coins in Australia safely, you’re not alone. While their prices can be unpredictable, meme coins are now a gateway for many Australians looking to learn, trade, and participate in the digital economy.
In this article, we’ll uncover what meme coins are, where they come from, and how Australians can buy and sell meme coins responsibly using trusted platforms. Along the way, we’ll also look at how these tokens differ from other cryptocurrencies—and what to consider before diving in.
What Are Meme Coins?
A Quick Definition
A meme coin is a type of cryptocurrency built around internet culture—think viral jokes, absurd trends, or pop culture moments that somehow become financial assets.
They’re not usually backed by complex tech or revolutionary use cases. Instead, they thrive on momentum: social media buzz, strong online communities, and a healthy dose of chaos.
In other words, meme coins aren’t trying to be the next Ethereum. They’re often made for laughs, yet some end up pulling real attention and real money into the market.
Some of the most well-known meme coins include:
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – The OG, born from a Shiba Inu meme.
- Shiba Inu (SHIB) – Created as Doge’s cheeky rival, now with a cult following.
- PEPE – Based on the infamous frog meme, popularised in newer trading circles.
- TrumpCoin – Yes, that’s a thing. Like we said: chaos.
These coins may not always last long-term, but they’ve carved out their own niche in the crypto world and are not going away anytime soon.
Why Meme Coins Matter to Australian Crypto Users
Accessibility and Hype
Meme coins tend to be cheap, at least per coin. That low price tag can feel approachable, especially if you’re dipping your toes into crypto for the first time. You’re not shelling out thousands to buy one Bitcoin. You’re spending a few dollars and getting thousands of something with a name like Floki or Shiba Inu. There’s a weird thrill in that.
But the appeal isn’t just the price. Meme coins live and breathe on the internet, where Australians are already spending hours each day. They trend on TikTok, go viral on Reddit, and get picked up by influencers with millions of followers. The hype moves fast, and meme coins move with it.
In Australia, access has become easier too:
- Many meme coins are listed on regulated crypto exchanges in Australia, including Digital Surge.
- You can buy, sell, and track meme coins alongside more traditional assets.
- Their community-driven energy taps into a digital-native mindset, especially for younger Aussies who grew up on memes, not money markets.
That blend of affordability, hype, and accessibility is why meme coins continue to draw attention, even from people who didn’t think they’d ever touch crypto.
How to Buy Meme Coins in Australia
Step-by-Step Guide
So you’ve spotted a meme coin that caught your eye—maybe it’s Dogecoin, maybe it’s something newer and stranger like PEPE. Either way, the process to get started is surprisingly simple. Here’s how most Australians are doing it right now:
- Sign up with an AUSTRAC-registered exchange – Choose a platform based in Australia that complies with local regulations. Digital Surge is one example. It’s built for Australians, offers hundreds of coins, and supports meme tokens.
- Verify your ID (KYC) – You’ll need to prove who you are. It’s quick. A driver’s licence or passport usually does the trick.
- Deposit Australian dollars (AUD) – Most platforms offer PayID or bank transfer. These are fast, local, and don’t involve international fees.
- Search for your meme coin of choice – Whether it’s DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, or something else, you can browse available listings directly on the platform.
- Buy, trade, or hold – Enter the amount you want to buy, confirm the trade, and you’re done. You can watch its price move, sell it later, or even send it to another wallet.
Summary:
To buy meme coins in Australia, register with a local crypto exchange, verify your identity, deposit AUD, and select your preferred token.
Trading and Selling Meme Coins
What to Know Before You Trade
Buying a meme coin is one thing. Knowing when and how to sell it? That’s where things can get real.
Meme coins are known for being unpredictable. One tweet, one TikTok post, or a slight shift in market sentiment can send a coin soaring or crashing within hours. So if you’re planning to trade, here are a few things to consider:
Set your limits (and stick to them)
Before jumping in, think about your exit points. Most Australian crypto exchanges, such as Digital Surge, allow you to set stop-loss or limit orders, which can help manage your position without needing to constantly watch your dashboard.
Understand what you’re holding
Not all meme coins are created equal. Some have large, active communities and transparent tokenomics. Others? Not so much. Always look into the project’s background, who’s behind it, how it launched, and whether the hype has any real traction.
Have a plan for when it’s time to sell
If you’re ready to offload your meme coin, the steps are simple:
- Log into your exchange.
- Convert your coin back to AUD.
- Withdraw the funds to your linked Australian bank account.
- Depending on your platform, you could see the funds land in your account in minutes.
Common Questions, Answered
How to trade meme coins?
Use an exchange like Digital Surge that offers instant and price-trigger orders. Research the coin, set a strategy, and keep your emotions in check.
How to sell crypto in Australia?
Convert the crypto to AUD on your exchange, then withdraw it to your bank.
How to cash out crypto in Australia?
Sell your assets on a registered platform and use bank transfer or PayID to move the AUD to your account.
Risks and Considerations With Meme Coins
Volatility and Research
Meme coins can be exciting. They’re fast-moving, often fun, and fuelled by online buzz. But here’s the flip side—those same traits make them inherently volatile.
Prices can move fast—and without warning
One moment, a coin is trending, the next it’s tanking. That’s the nature of assets built around memes and internet culture. Prices may be influenced by tweets, influencer mentions, or random social spikes that have nothing to do with the actual value of the project.
Not all projects are built to last
Some meme coins are experiments. Others may be more serious but lack clear roadmaps, utility, or ongoing development. It’s worth checking out the project’s website, whitepaper (if it has one), and online community before trading.
Community isn’t everything, but it matters
Look into how active the coin’s community is. Is the development team communicating updates? Is there any real discussion happening—or is it all hype? Reddit threads, Discord groups, and X (formerly Twitter) mentions can reveal a lot.
Meme coins can be unpredictable.
Research, diversify, and understand your risk tolerance before diving in.
Remember: being early to a meme coin might sound appealing, but so is knowing when to walk away. The more you learn before you invest, the better equipped you are to handle the swings—good or bad.
FAQs – Meme Coins in Australia
What are meme coins?
Meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet culture, jokes, or viral trends. They’re often driven by online communities rather than traditional fundamentals, such as tech utility or project roadmaps. Think Dogecoin, but also Shiba Inu, PEPE, and others popping up in your newsfeed.
How to buy meme coins in Australia?
Start by creating an account on an AUSTRAC-registered exchange, such as Digital Surge. Once you’ve verified your ID and deposited AUD via PayID or bank transfer, you can search for meme coins like DOGE or SHIB and place your order.
Where to buy Trump meme coin?
You can buy the Trump meme coin directly through Digital Surge, one of Australia’s trusted crypto exchanges. Just log in, search “TRUMP” in the asset list, and follow the prompts to buy using your AUD balance.
How to trade meme coins?
Trading meme coins? Be ready for fast moves. Use limit orders to manage entries and exits, and keep an eye on the community or social buzz that may influence price. These tokens may shift based on hype rather than fundamentals.
How to buy Dogecoin in Australia?
Dogecoin is available on most major Australian-based exchanges. Sign up to Digital Surge, verify your identity, deposit AUD, and you can buy Dogecoin straight from your dashboard.
Should You Explore Meme Coins?
A Step Into the Cultural Side of Crypto
Meme coins might look like internet jokes—and sometimes they are. But they’ve also become a real part of the crypto conversation in Australia. They’re unpredictable, often entertaining, and sometimes surprisingly influential.
For anyone curious about how culture and finance collide, meme coins offer a front-row seat. But like anything in crypto, jumping in without context can lead to confusion. So don’t skip the research. Know what you’re buying. And most importantly, use tools and platforms that are transparent, local, and built to make your experience smoother from day one.
Ready to explore the weird and wonderful world of meme coins?
Start by creating a free account on Digital Surge, Australia’s crypto platform designed for simplicity, security, and direct access to over 400 coins (including memes).
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial or investment advice and should not be construed or relied on as such. Before making any commitment of a legal or financial nature you should seek advice from a qualified and registered legal practitioner or financial or investment adviser. No material contained within this website should be construed or relied upon as providing recommendations in relation to any legal or financial product.
