Plain-English explainers on what crypto is, how its networks and wallets work, and what the common terms mean. If you’re new to crypto, the Start Here reading path puts eight guides in order. This page groups the explainers by topic.
About this page
General information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Each guide shows when its facts were last checked and links to its sources.
The basics
What Is Cryptocurrency?
How crypto differs from money in a bank account, how a transfer works, the terms you’ll keep seeing, the risks that come from how crypto works, and how it’s treated in Australia.
How Does Blockchain Work?
The shared ledger, transactions and blocks, how a network agrees on its record (proof of work and proof of stake), when a transaction is final, and what a public blockchain doesn’t protect you from.
Coin vs Token: What’s the Difference?
The working convention for coins and tokens, why the labels aren’t used consistently, and why the difference matters for fees, networks and the controls an issuer may keep.
Wallets and keys
What Is a Crypto Wallet?
What a wallet does, software and hardware wallets, custodial and self-custody, what happens if you lose access, and wallet warning signs.
Understanding Private Keys & Seed Phrases
How a private key, an address and a seed phrase differ, why losing or exposing a seed phrase matters, how to back one up, and the scams that target your keys.
Before you buy
What to Check Before Choosing a Crypto Platform
What you can check about a crypto platform before you sign up, from registration and licences to custody, costs, withdrawals, account security, complaints and records, and what those checks can’t tell you.
How to Buy Crypto Safely in Australia
A first purchase step by step: checking the platform, securing the account, understanding the full cost, keeping records from the start and deciding who holds the keys, with a safety check before you send any money.
Related guides
- Tax and records: Crypto Taxes in Australia and Keeping Crypto Records From Day One.
- Scams: Avoiding Crypto Scams and Staying Safe.