The best Australian shares to buy in 2026

If you are looking for some of the best Australian shares to buy for when the market reopens, then read on!

Listed below are three shares that could be top picks for investors after the public holiday.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

While recent years have been underwhelming, CSL continues to set the standard for Australian shares operating on a global stage.

The biotech giant’s plasma collection network and biotechnology operations form a system that is extraordinarily difficult to replicate. This creates a natural barrier to competition and supports long-term demand for its therapies, which are tied to essential healthcare needs rather than economic cycles.

What often gets overlooked is how CSL reinvests in its business. Capacity expansion, research and development, and operational efficiency remain ongoing priorities, even when conditions are less supportive. This leaves it well-positioned for growth once the headwinds it has been facing ease.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another Australian share that could be a best buy is REA Group.

This real estate listings company’s digital platforms are deeply embedded in how buyers, sellers, and agents interact, creating strong network effects that reinforce its market position. Even when transaction volumes fluctuate, the relevance of REA’s platforms remains intact.

You only need to look at its numbers to see this. In the first quarter of FY 2026, it boasted 147.9 million average monthly visits. This is a whopping 111.4 million more monthly visits than the nearest competitor on average.

It also highlighted that 12.6 million people visited its site each month on average, with 6.7 million people exclusively using realestate.com.au.

This domination gives it significant pricing power and cements its position as the place to go for property in Australia. So, with its shares down meaningfully from recent highs, now could be an opportune time to invest.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

A final Australian share that could be a great option for investors is logistics solutions technology company WiseTech Global.

Its software platform plays a critical role in freight forwarding and logistics, handling complex regulatory, operational, and data requirements across international supply chains. Once implemented, WiseTech’s systems are deeply embedded in customer workflows, making them difficult to replace.

Recent controversies have drawn attention away from the underlying business, which continues to benefit from increasing supply chain complexity and globalisation of trade. This has weighed on its share price and arguably created an incredible buying opportunity for patient investors.

The post The best Australian shares to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget PLS shares! This ASX growth stock is tipped to rise 60% by 2027
• How to build a $50,000 portfolio with ASX 200 shares
• Why Wisetech could be worth watching after a rough year
•  Why are WiseTech shares still falling?
• 2 beaten-down ASX blue-chip tech shares I’d buy today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, REA Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.