[4] Water polo is one of a small number of truly national sports in Australia, with the game being played by both men and women across every state.

The first known Australian match occurred at St. Kilda Baths, Melbourne on 3 March 1879 and was demonstrated by Professor Fred Cavill, who had only just emigrated from England.

[5] Australian men's teams have competed at every Olympic Games Water Polo Tournament since 1948, excepting 1968 (controversially not nominated by the AOC) and 1996 (did not qualify).

[7] The first history of the sport in Australia was launched in February 2009, under the title 'Water Warriors: Chronicle of Australian Water Polo',[8] by Dr. Tracy Rockwell.

A number of local associations and regional zones exist within the states and territories to support the sport's growth and development throughout Australia.