Ranked & Reviewed for Maximum Impact

In 2026, Australia’s PR landscape is more dynamic than ever. With digital transformation accelerating, crisis management in high demand amid economic shifts, and brands prioritizing authentic storytelling across social, media, and influencer channels, the right PR agency can skyrocket visibility, reputation, and ROI. From Sydney’s powerhouse networks to Melbourne’s creative hubs and Brisbane’s emerging innovators, top firms blend traditional media relations with digital PR, SEO-integrated strategies, and data-driven campaigns.

This comprehensive review ranks the 20 best PR agencies in Australia for 2026, based on recent industry rankings (Clutch.co February 2026, PRovoke Media Asia-Pacific 2025 insights extended, The Ardor, DesignRush, Goodfirms, and client feedback). Factors include client results, awards, innovation in digital/hybrid PR, sector expertise (corporate, consumer, tech, fashion/lifestyle, crisis), and national reach. Whether you’re a startup seeking buzz or a corporate needing reputation protection, these agencies lead the pack.

1. Edelman Australia – Best Overall & Global Powerhouse

Edelman Australia tops many 2026 lists for its unmatched scale and expertise. Part of the global Edelman network, it excels in corporate communications, crisis management, public affairs, and integrated campaigns. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond, Edelman handles high-profile clients across tech, finance, and government. Strengths: Data-driven insights via Trust Barometer, strong media relationships, and award-winning work in sustainability and issues management.

Pros: Global resources, proven crisis handling, broad sector coverage. Cons: Higher fees for larger enterprises. Best for: Multinational brands and complex reputation challenges.

2. Ogilvy Australia – Creative Excellence & Integrated PR

Ogilvy stands out for blending PR with advertising and digital creativity. Recognized in PRovoke’s best agencies, it delivers storytelling that cuts through noise, with expertise in consumer brands, health, and tech. Sydney and Melbourne bases ensure national coverage.

Pros: Award-winning creative campaigns, strong influencer integration. Cons: More advertising-focused than pure PR. Best for: Brands wanting PR that feels like bold marketing.

3. Burson (Burson Australia) – Strategic Depth & Merger Strength

Post-merger evolution makes Burson a 2026 leader in strategic communications, public affairs, and corporate PR. Excellent in B2B, government relations, and crisis.

Pros: Deep policy expertise, robust analytics. Cons: Less boutique feel. Best for: Corporate and public sector clients.

4. Herd MSL – Consumer & Lifestyle Specialist

Herd MSL shines in consumer, lifestyle, and brand storytelling, with creative campaigns that drive earned media and social buzz.

Pros: Strong influencer and experiential focus. Cons: More niche in consumer sectors. Best for: Fashion, beauty, FMCG brands.

5. ICON Agency – Multi-City Award-Winner

With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra, ICON is one of Australia’s most awarded PR firms. It excels in integrated PR, digital, and creative services across corporate, government, and consumer.

Pros: National footprint, award haul. Cons: Broad services may dilute pure PR focus. Best for: Brands needing cross-channel campaigns.

6. Thrive PR + Communications – Boutique Powerhouse

Family-owned and female-led, Thrive dominates in Sydney (with ANZ reach) for corporate, tech, finance, and crisis PR. Over 20 years of results-driven work.

Pros: Personalized service, crisis expertise. Cons: Smaller scale. Best for: Mid-sized businesses seeking high-touch PR.

7. Berkeley Communications Group – Dynamic & Reputation-Focused

Frequently ranked high on Clutch.co, Berkeley excels in media relations, brand reputation, and public affairs in Sydney.

Pros: Strong earned media results. Cons: Primarily Sydney-centric. Best for: Tech and professional services.

8. Sling & Stone – Digital PR Leader

Named ANZ PR Agency of the Year in recent awards, Sling & Stone blends digital PR, influencer, and content for modern brands.

Pros: Innovative digital strategies. Cons: Emerging vs. legacy giants. Best for: Tech startups and e-commerce.

9. AMPR Group – Impactful & Results-Driven

Sydney and Melbourne-based, AMPR delivers measurable campaigns in fashion, retail, beauty, and hospitality.

Pros: Creative, culture-aligned work. Cons: Sector-specific strengths. Best for: Lifestyle and consumer brands.

10. Reconnect PR – Rising Star on Clutch & Manifest

Surry Hills-based, Reconnect earns top reviews for strategic PR, media training, and brand storytelling.

Pros: High client satisfaction scores. Cons: Boutique size. Best for: SMEs and startups.

11. Eleven – Creative & Strategic

Part of PRovoke’s best, Eleven focuses on innovative campaigns across consumer and corporate.

Pros: Fresh ideas, strong execution. Cons: Competitive field. Best for: Disruptive brands.

12. History Will Be Kind – Boutique Innovator

Noted for thoughtful, narrative-driven PR in PRovoke rankings.

Pros: Deep storytelling. Cons: Niche appeal. Best for: Purpose-driven organizations.

13. Bench PR – Emerging Excellence

Recognized in Asia-Pacific best lists for agile, effective PR.

Pros: Nimble and responsive. Cons: Newer player. Best for: Fast-growing companies.

14. Adoni Media – Media Training & PR

Brisbane/Spring Hill focus, strong in public relations and media training.

Pros: Crisis and spokesperson prep. Cons: Regional emphasis. Best for: Executives and public figures.

15. The Atticism PR and Brand – Boutique Specialist

High ratings on Manifest for brand-focused PR.

Pros: Personalized, creative. Cons: Smaller team. Best for: Lifestyle and professional services.

16. Pure Public Relations – Results-Guaranteed

Sydney-based, guarantees outcomes for SMEs and NFPs.

Pros: Performance-based. Cons: Focused on smaller clients. Best for: Budget-conscious brands.

17. Sefiani – Strategic & Sustainability-Focused

Award-winning Sydney firm for corporate, investor relations, and sustainability PR.

Pros: Issues management strength. Cons: B2B lean. Best for: Corporate reputation.

18. Media Key – Melbourne Standout

Goodfirms-listed for dynamic publicity in arts, entertainment, and lifestyle.

Pros: Creative projects. Cons: Sector-specific. Best for: Entertainment brands.

19. Think HQ – Public Affairs Expert

Melbourne-based, excels in government relations and public affairs.

Pros: Policy influence. Cons: Less consumer-focused. Best for: Advocacy and public sector.

20. PRLab – International Reach with Local Expertise

Global network with strong Australian presence for tech and startup PR.

Pros: Cross-border capabilities. Cons: More digital-heavy. Best for: Tech and innovation sectors.

Key Trends Shaping PR in Australia 2026

• Digital Integration → Top agencies merge PR with SEO, social, and influencer for amplified reach.
• Crisis & Trust → Economic uncertainty boosts demand for reputation management.
• Sustainability & Purpose → Brands prioritize authentic ESG storytelling.
• Measurement → ROI via media value, sentiment analysis, and conversions.
• Regional Strength → Sydney leads in corporate, Melbourne in creative/lifestyle, Brisbane in emerging consumer.

How to Choose the Right PR Agency in 2026

• Define goals (brand awareness, crisis, launches?).
• Check portfolios and case studies.
• Prioritize Tier-1 regulators and ethics.
• Request references and metrics.
• Start with a pilot or retainer.
• Budget: Boutique $5k–$15k/month; global $20k+.

Australia’s PR scene offers options for every need—from global giants like Edelman to agile boutiques like Thrive. Partner with one of these top 20 to elevate your brand in 2026’s competitive market.