Malcolm Turnbull has telephoned United States president-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his election win.
The prime minister noted the two countries' common interests, values and goals.
The government has already begun talks with Trump administration advisers as the new president prepares to take over the White House in January.
Mr Turnbull described the discussion with Mr Trump as "very warm".
"I suppose as both being businessmen who found our way into politics, somewhat later in life, we come to the problems of our own nations and indeed world problems with a pragmatic approach," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra.
"He is a businessman, a deal maker and he will, I have no doubt, view the world in a very practical and pragmatic way."
Both leaders agreed on the vital importance of the US-Australian alliance.
"Mr Trump recognises the solidarity that Australia has shown the United States and the United States has shown Australia over 98 years, during which we have fought side-by-side with the United States in every major conflict" Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Trump also observed the success of the Australian economy and "congratulated me on that".
Mr Turnbull confirmed the pair had discussed the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
While the prime minister acknowledged Mr Trump's opposition to the treaty, he maintained the pact was in Australia's national interest.
"The argument we have put to the United States is that it is in America's strategic interest to be seen to be the cornerstone of an important trade agreement in our region," he said.
Asked whether he sought assurances the US would not retreat on its defence presence in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Turnbull said the president-elect was committed to a strong US with enhanced military power.
Both leaders also discussed plans to boost their respective naval strengths.
