When it comes to long-term investing, many Australians turn to ASX dividend shares for the steady income and stability they can provide.
But not all shares are equal. The key is finding ones with reliable earnings, strong competitive positions, and the capacity to keep paying investors year after year.
With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend shares that analysts think could be some of the safest to buy and hold forever.
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APA Group (ASX: APA)
APA Group is one of the country's largest energy infrastructure businesses, operating an extensive network of gas pipelines that transport energy across Australia. Its assets are critical to the economy, with long-term contracts that provide predictable cash flows regardless of short-term commodity price swings.
This stability underpins APA's ability to consistently reward shareholders with dividends. While energy markets evolve, the company's essential role in transmission means demand for its services is likely to endure for decades. For income-focused investors, this ASX dividend share offers both resilience and dependable distributions.
Macquarie is a fan of the company and has an outperform rating and $9.23 price target on its shares.
As for income, it is forecasting partially franked dividends per share of 58 cents in FY 2026 and then 59 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.77, this would mean dividend yields of 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively.
Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)
Another ASX dividend share to consider is Rural Funds. It provides a unique way to tap into Australia's agricultural sector, owning a diversified portfolio of farmland. This includes cattle, vineyards, and cropping properties — which it leases to high-quality tenants on long-term agreements.
This structure gives Rural Funds stable, inflation-linked rental income while also providing exposure to the long-term value of agricultural land. With global demand for food steadily rising, farmland remains a scarce and valuable asset class. As a result, for investors seeking defensive income outside of traditional sectors, Rural Funds could be one of the safer options on the ASX.
Bell Potter is bullish and has a buy rating and $2.45 price target on its shares.
In respect to dividends, the broker is forecasting payouts of 11.7 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 12.2 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.97, this would mean dividend yields of 5.9% and 6.2%, respectively.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Finally, Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications provider and a household name. Its networks are essential infrastructure, relied upon by millions of customers every day. That kind of scale and necessity gives Telstra a defensive edge that many companies can't match.
The ASX dividend share has been successfully streamlining its operations in recent years, focusing on efficiency and improving profitability. With steady cash flows and a clear commitment to paying dividends, Telstra continues to be one of the most reliable income shares in the country. For many investors, it could be a cornerstone holding for long-term portfolios.
Macquarie currently has an outperform rating and $5.04 price target on its shares.
As for dividends, the broker expects fully franked payouts of 20 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 21 cents per share in FY 2027. This represents dividend yields of approximately 4% and 4.2%, respectively.
