The genuine breeds are similar but in the end quite different. They do share some genetics - Australorps were developed from Orpingtons - hence the name, Austra-Lorp, or Australian Orpington. But due to outcrossing and different standards they are no longer the same breed.
A show quality Orpington will look drastically different from a show quality Australorp. Examples (photos not mine):
English style Orpington
American style (or possibly low quality English) Orpington
Australorp
That said, the hatchery quality versions of the breeds will look pretty similar. All Orpingtons from hatcheries will be production type (which will look like a pretty low quality American - very little fluff compared to the English birds). Australorps will be very similar to this, probably even a bit skinnier. That said, I'm not sure if any hatcheries are even carrying Black Orpingtons yet.
x4The genuine breeds are similar but in the end quite different. They do share some genetics - Australorps were developed from Orpingtons - hence the name, Austra-Lorp, or Australian Orpington. But due to outcrossing and different standards they are no longer the same breed.
A show quality Orpington will look drastically different from a show quality Australorp. Examples (photos not mine):
English style Orpington
American style (or possibly low quality English) Orpington
Australorp
That said, the hatchery quality versions of the breeds will look pretty similar. All Orpingtons from hatcheries will be production type (which will look like a pretty low quality American - very little fluff compared to the English birds). Australorps will be very similar to this, probably even a bit skinnier. That said, I'm not sure if any hatcheries are even carrying Black Orpingtons yet.
