When Do You Find Out the Baby's Gender in Australia? Scan Timing and How to Plan the Reveal
You have the scan booked and Nan in Perth wants to know the minute you do. Here is when the answer is usually possible, and a simple way to share it.
In this guide · 7
Short answer: in Australia most parents can find out the baby's gender at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, usually booked around 18 to 22 weeks, if the baby is in a good position and you ask the sonographer. Your scan provider decides what they will tell you, so check when you book.
Once you know, the fun part is sharing it. A free online reveal lets Mum, Dad and your mates in Perth, Brisbane or overseas find out together from one link, with no app to download.
Gender scan timing at a glance
| Stage | Roughly when | Can you find out the gender? |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester scan | About 11 to 13 weeks | Usually too early to say from an ultrasound; ask your provider what they offer |
| Mid-pregnancy scan | About 18 to 22 weeks | Usually yes, if baby is positioned well and you ask |
| Later growth scans | 28 weeks onwards | Often possible, but baby's position can still hide it |
How to keep the result a surprise until the reveal
- Tell the sonographer you want it sealed. Ask for the result in an envelope, or ask them to tell only the person who is arranging the reveal.
- Pick one keeper. A sibling, a mate or the baker. The fewer people who know, the safer the surprise.
- Set the date. Make it a weekend a week or two after the scan so everyone can be there.
- Send one link. Put the reveal link in the family group chat with the local time for each city.
- Reveal together. Everyone sees the colour at the same moment, from their own phone.
How much does a gender reveal cost in Australia?
Short answer: it costs what you choose to add. An online reveal on Diaper Reveal is free for you and your guests. A backyard party costs more because of the things around it: food, drinks, a cake or cupcakes, decorations and any venue hire. Set a number before you plan, and cut the extras first.
| Style | What you pay for | Money-saver |
|---|---|---|
| Online reveal | Nothing for the reveal itself | Free, one link, no app |
| Backyard or park | Food, drinks, cake, decorations | Ask guests to bring a plate |
| Hired venue | Hire fee plus catering | Skip it; a home reveal feels just as personal |
Best day and time for a gender reveal in Australia
Short answer: a weekend, one to two weeks after the scan, so the result stays sealed and everyone can be there. If family is overseas, choose the hour that works for the most people, not just the host. A Saturday evening in Sydney is early morning in the UK, so Aussie evenings suit Europe and the Americas poorly. Send each city's local time in the invite.
A reveal for family spread across the country or overseas
Australia has the biggest time gap to most of the family. If relatives are overseas, a Saturday evening in Sydney is early morning in the UK, so read our guide for Aussie families overseas to choose a fair time. Heading into summer? Our bushfire-safe reveal ideas keep the moment fire-free.
After the reveal: the registry
Once the news is out, the next question is gifts. A free registry lets family claim items from any Australian shop by pasted link, so nothing gets bought twice. See the Australian baby registry, or our guide to baby showers in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
When do you find out the gender of your baby in Australia?
Most parents can find out at the mid-pregnancy scan, usually around 18 to 22 weeks, if baby is in a good position and the provider is happy to share it. Ask when you book.
Can I find out the gender at the 12 week scan in Australia?
It is usually too early to tell from a 12 week ultrasound. Ask your provider which scans or tests they offer and what they will disclose.
How do I keep the gender a secret from everyone?
Ask the sonographer for a sealed envelope, give it to one trusted person who plans the reveal, and keep the result off the group chat until the reveal.
How can family overseas watch an Australian gender reveal?
Send one link or 6-letter code. Guests open it in their browser, with no app or account, and everyone sees the reveal at the same moment. Write each city's local time in the invite.
How much does a gender reveal cost in Australia?
It depends on what you add. An online reveal on Diaper Reveal is free. A backyard party costs for food, drinks, cake and decorations, and a hired venue costs more. Decide a budget first and trim the extras.
What is the best time to hold a gender reveal in Australia?
A weekend one to two weeks after the scan works well. For family overseas, pick a time that suits the most people and put each city's local time in the invite.
Does Diaper Reveal cost anything?
Creating and joining a reveal is free and no app is needed. Guests join from a link or code in their phone browser.