The Australian share market has closed higher, led by strong gains among the big miners.

At the close on Thursday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 3.5 points, or 0.06 per cent, higher at 5,522.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 5.4 points, or 0.09 per cent, at 5,509.9, according to preliminary figures.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was three points higher at 5,477, with 25,290 contracts traded.