How to get an Australian IP address with a VPN in 5 easy steps

Are you interested in streaming Australian TV while traveling abroad? Most major streaming services determine your location by looking at your IP address, so you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to get an Australian IP address and unblock platforms like Stan, 7plus, or 9Now from anywhere in the world.

VPNs works by encrypting your traffic and sending it through a server somewhere else in the world. This changes your IP address, making region-locked sites think you’re in the same country as your chosen server. As a bonus, that encryption protects your online activities from snoopers and hackers, keeping you and your data safe.

In this article, we explain exactly how to use a VPN to get an Australian IP address and list the best VPNs for the job based on our thorough research and comprehensive testing. We provide an in-depth analysis of the top providers later, but if you are short of time, here’s a summary.

The best VPNs for an Australian IP address:

1. NordVPN Our #1 choice VPN for getting an Australian IP address! Speedy, security-conscious, and able to unblock the most popular Australian services with ease. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Australia.
2. Surfshark A cheap, privacy-first service that punches far above its weight. Has plenty of Australian VPN servers. Connect as many devices as you like and stream Australian TV anywhere.
3. Total VPN: Fast servers in five Australian locations. Easy-to-use apps with built-in leak protection and a kill switch. Low-cost subscriptions.
4. ProtonVPN Is a reliable and trusted VPN with servers in 122+ countries, including Australia. Handy 30-day money-back guarantee in case you need it.
5. ExpressVPN Fast Australian servers that unblock most popular streaming sites. Strong security, no logs, and a great record on privacy.
6. IPVanish Torrent-friendly VPN service with great connection speeds and a large choice of servers in Australia, no-logs policy, and strong encryption.
7. CyberGhost Easy for beginners, with top security, fast speeds, and no internet connection records. Plenty of servers to help you get an Aussie IP.
8. PureVPN Servers in over 65 countries, including Australia to watch your favorite shows. Effective always-on obfuscation. 31-day money-back guarantee included.
9. PrivateVPN Has impressive speeds and the ability to unblock pretty much all geo-blocked Australian content while you travel abroad, including 9Now.

How to get an Australian IP address

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before; the process is quite simple. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Aussie content abroad in no time.

Here’s how to get an Australian IP address with a VPN:

1. Register for a quality VPN service. We recommend NordVPN for an Australian IP.
2. Download the app relevant to your device and connect to the VPN mobile app or desktop client.
3. Select a server in Australia and wait for a stable connection. This will change your IP address to an Australian one.
4. Head to an Australian site or streaming service. You should now be able to enjoy unrestricted access as if you were back home.
5. If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cookies and cache. If problems persist, contact your VPN technical support.

Criteria for the best Australian IP address VPNs

There are plenty of VPNs on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. Here’s an overview of some of the key things we looked for before recommending the best VPNs for an Australian IP address:

• Speed: There’s no point getting an Australian IP address if the resulting connection is too slow to use. To find which providers were fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their Australian servers.
• Server availability: We judged which VPNs had the most Australian IP addresses available by scoring them on their Australian server-location count and the overall size of their networks. We also took into consideration the number of countries they supported overall.
• Security and privacy: A surprising number of VPNs aren’t able to keep connections private and secure. To find the most capable providers, we scored them on 16 different security and privacy metrics. Those that performed poorly were rejected.
• Value for money: We all like getting a good deal, but it doesn’t always pay to base decisions solely on subscription costs. To comprehensively judge ‘value’, we measure providers against eight different value-for-money metrics.
• Ease of use: We looked providers that could provide users with an Australian IP address as quickly and painlessly as possible. We gauged how easy each of their services was to use by measuring them against 10 different ease-of-use criteria.

You can read more about this testing process and the results of those tests — in our methodology section below. First, let’s take a closer look at the providers who impressed us.

Best VPNs for an Australian IP compared

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN — our #1 choice for getting an IP address from Australia.

The best Aussie IP VPNs

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for acquiring an Australian IP address:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2025

NordVPN is the best option for getting an Australian IP address. This provider has more than 8,000 servers in 120 countries around the world, with roughly 200 to choose from in Australia. We saw great results using this VPN to access Australian TV platforms like ABC iView and 7plus, though it works with international services like Netflix too. There’s a 10 simultaneous connection limit as well as 24/7 live chat-based customer support.

This provider regularly scores highly in our industry-wide performance tests, so we had high hopes going into this round of testing. Our team tried NordVPN’s Australian servers at three times of day using a typical 250 Mbps connection. Let’s see how well this provider did:

NordVPN delivered an average speed of 145.44 Mbps, making it the fastest VPN in this list. For context, that’s quick enough to stream multiple 4K videos at the same time, play online games with no issues, or download a 1 GB file in about a minute.

There are plenty of advanced security features built-in too. For starters, NordVPN keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption (or ChaCha20 if you choose its custom NordLynx protocol), an app-specific kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. Users can also opt to use NordVPN’s other homegrown protocol, NordWhisper, which is designed to circumvent some of the world’s strictest blocking, such as China’s Great Firewall.

Believe it or not, that’s only the beginning. NordVPN also offers automatic ad and tracker-blocking, obfuscated servers, split tunneling functionality, and a dark web monitor that can alert you if your details are leaked online. There’s a fully-audited no-logs policy too, so you can browse without worrying about who else might be monitoring your activities.

If you have any devices that aren’t compatible with VPN software, NordVPN has a smart DNS feature that can enable them to switch their virtual location to the US. This is useful if you want to access the US version of Netflix, for example.

Apps are available for Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. You can also manually install it on most routers, or take advantage of its Smart DNS feature to stream US TV on Smart TVs and games consoles with minimal setup needed.

BEST FOR AUSTRALIA:NordVPN is our first choice It unblocks popular streaming sites, has a huge network of speedy servers, and takes your security seriously. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try it out risk-free.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for getting an Australian IP address. Its network is made up of 4,500 servers spread across 100 countries, with roughly 40 in Australia. It works with just about every major streaming service including 7plus, 9Now, Netflix, and Hulu in Australia, plus torrenting is permitted on any server. Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you like simultaneously and offers 24/7 customer support over live chat.

To see how fast Surfshark’s Australian servers are, our team tested them three times (in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon) using a typical 250 Mbps connection. With an average speed of 144.12 Mbps, Surfshark was remarkably quick, beating most of its competitors. Even if everyone in your home wants to watch TV ta the same time, this VPN is fast enough to keep up. Here are our full results:

While this is one of the most affordable VPNs we’ve seen, it doesn’t compromise on security. Surfshark uses a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection and uncrackable AES-256 encryption to keep your online activities private. It has a ton of advanced tools too, including ad and tracker-blocking, a censorship-beating NoBorders mode, and static IP address servers in case you need an IP address that dfoesn’t change.

We’re big fans of Surfshark’s new content-blocking tool. This filters out profanity, adult content, and other potentially harmful content, making it a quick and easy way to make sure your kids are staying safe online. There’s also a Rotating IP feature that’ll swap your IP address periodically, and a tool that can generate a fake persona to make it easier to sign up for things anonymously. Surfshark has been professionally audited to prove it doesn’t keep any logs.

Surfshark offers software for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, Apple TV, and iOS — all of which have a full GUI. The software can be manually configured to work with network routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is quick, secure, and affordable. Protect all your devices and stream safely from anywhere. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more? checkout our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN is another fantastic choice for anyone hoping to stream Aussie TV abroad. There are servers in five Australian locations (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney), as well as 80+ other countries. Better still, it works flawlessly with major platforms like ABC iView, Netflix, 9Now, and Amazon Prime Video, giving you plenty of options for things to watch. Customer support staff are accessible 24 hours per day over live chat. There’s also a five-connection limit, which is a little low but still plenty for most users.

This provider has a solid record where speed is concerned. Still, it pays to retest regularly so we can account for any recent optimizations or improvements. Total VPN’s Australian servers provided an average speed of 136.18 Mbps, with roughly 8 Mbps of fluctuation throughout the day. That’s quick and consistent enough for virtually any task whether it’s watching Australian TV, video calling, or playing games.

Total VPN takes your security seriously and it shows. This provider uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption by default and refuses to keep any logs of your online activities. It also prevents DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and includes a kill switch that’ll stop you from browsing without protection after an unexpected disconnection. This provider even has its own protocol named Hydra that obfuscates your traffic and allows you to use networks that normally block VPNs entirely.

If you’re on a tight budget, then Total VPN’s subscription prices will be particularly appealing. Its one-year plan costs the equivalent of $1.59 a month and comes bundled with Total AdBlock and Total AV.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS.

ROBUST SECURITY:Total VPN uses strong 256-bit AES encryption and protects users from IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. It has plenty of Australian servers and works with most streaming services. Low-cost subscription come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has one of the largest networks of any major provider, offering access to 15,000+ in more than 120 countries, with more than 300 in Australia alone. Not only that, it works perfectly with most popular streaming services. We were able to stream live Foxtel Now, Stan, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding something to watch. You can secure up to 10 devices at the same time and there’s 24/7 customer support via live chat.

Our team performed three speed tests on ProtonVPN’s Australian servers to see what kind of speeds they were capable of. Once all results had been gathered, ProtonVPN had an average speed of 126.53 Mbps. That’s well above what’s needed for uninterrupted gaming, streaming, or torrenting. Let’s take a look at the results:

Let’s talk about this provider’s security toolkit. It boasts uncrackable encryption (either AES-256 or ChaCha20 depending on which protocol you’re using), DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. ProtonVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has been audited to prove it. There are lots of advanced features as well, such as its stealth mode, split tunneling support, and automatic ad and tracker-blocking. This VPN also provides special Secure Core servers for a higher level of privacy.

ProtonVPN has its own apps for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. All of this provider’s apps are open-source and its website has manual setup instructions for a wide range of routers.

We’ve mentioned that ProtonVPN is a touch more expensive than our other recommendations for longer plans. However, if you only need a VPN for a month, it is cheaper than most competitors. If you want to test-drive the service, feel free to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

HIGHLY SECURE:ProtonVPN is a reliable and trusted VPN with servers in 122+ countries, including Australia. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to watch Australian TV during a short trip abroad. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch. Easy to use on all devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a well-known, well-respected provider with a lot to offer. First off, its network covers more than 105 countries, including Australia and nearby countries like New Zealand, Indonesia, and Singapore. This VPN has no issues accessing Australian streaming services either, handily unblocking 7plus, 9Now, and Stan from abroad. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat and users can connect 10 devices at once on the Basic plan, or up to 14 with a Pro subscription.

Now, this VPN also comes bundled with a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer. This allows you to unblock American streaming services on devices that don’t support full VPN apps such as games consoles or older Smart TVs. It won’t, however, help you access content from any other countries.

With an average speed of 120.61 Mbps, ExpressVPN isn’t the quickest provider on the market but it’s certainly competitive. In fact, even at its slowest, this VPN is fast enough to handle data-intensive tasks like live streaming, using P2P networks, or playing online games where a quick connection is vital. Here’s a breakdown of ExpressVPN’s performance at different times of day:

If you’re concerned about online privacy but don’t want to spend forever tweaking advanced settings, ExpressVPN might just be perfect for you. This service’s uncrackable AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks are all enabled by default. Not only that, it can automatically obfuscate your traffic if it realizes you’re in a country with strict digital censorship. ExpressVPN recently added a combined ad/tracker-blocker and has been audited numerous times, proving you can trust its no-logging policy.

Finally, this provider actually has its own connection protocol named Lightway. This aims to minimize speed loss when using a distant server, which is perfect for anyone hoping to use Australian servers abroad. What’s more, this protocol can even keep you safe when switching between mobile data and wifi.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. These are particularly user-friendly, and make it easy for those with no VPN experience to secure their connection. Unlike most other providers, ExpressVPN has its own router firmware, meaning securing your whole network is simple and straightforward.

STRONG ON SECURITY:ExpressVPN offers plenty of security features and doesn’t skimp on speed either. It’s very easy to use, includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, and and easily unblocks a ton of Australian streaming services.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a remarkably versatile VPN that owns and operates more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries around the world. Of these, around 100 are located in Australia (spread throughout Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney). One interesting thing about this provider is that it lets you see each servers’ current load, making it a great choice for situations where high speeds are essential. There’s absolutely no connection limit and 24/7 customer support is available over live chat.

This VPN’s apps are intuitive and easy to use, plus they have no problem accessing stubborn streaming services like 7plus, SBS on Demand, and 10Play abroad. Of course, you can also unblock international platforms like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount Plus.

So just how fast is IPVanish? To find out, our experts ran three speed tests: once in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. We used a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average household broadband speed in the US and will better reflect the speeds most people will experience. IPVanish achieved an average speed of 129.4 Mbps, with just over 4 Mbps of variability throughout the day. That’s a solid result, and well above what’s required for streaming 4K video. Take a look:

We’re big fans of IPVanish’s security toolkit. To begin with, it uses AES-256 encryption on the OpenVPN protocol and ChaCha20 on WireGuard connections, both of which are considered uncrackable. Further, this VPN prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, includes a kill switch, and follows a strict, independently-audited zero-logs policy. That’s not bad at all, but it’s only the start of what IPVanish has to offer.

This provider is also capable of scrambling your OpenVPN traffic. It’s not strong enough to beat China’s Great Firewall but you may be able to access networks that normally block VPN users. Additionally, IPVanish offers multi-hop servers that encrypt your traffic twice, an ad and tracker-blocker, and a tool that checks whether links are safe to open or not. Finally, it’s possible to block LAN traffic entirely so that other devices on the network can’t communicate with yours.

A basic IPVanish subscription starts at the equivalent of $2.19 a month, which is great value — particularly as it allows unlimited device connections. The Advanced plan — which costs just over a dollar a month more — gets you 1TB of cloud storage and access to a secure browser.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. You can use this service on Linux systems and most routers but you’ll have to follow a manual setup guide.

GREAT FOR PRIVACY:IPVanish is a good option for torrenting. With fast speeds, and any number of devices allowed, IPVanish is popular for torrenting and Kodi users who want to share a subscription. Long-term plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an easy to use, highly-versatile provider with thousands of servers spread across 100+ countries. One thing that sets this VPN apart from its rivals is that it tells you which servers are best for streaming 10Play, Stan, and Netflix Australia. There are also some optimized for tasks like torrenting and gaming. Customer support is provided via 24/7 live chat and you can secure up to seven devices at the same time with a single account.

As well as making it as easy as possible to access your favorite TV channels abroad, CyberGhost’s Australian servers also provide solid performance, with an overall average download speed of 121.38 Mbps. This means you won’t have to worry about lag, stuttering, or buffering interrupting your show.

CyberGhost has a robust set of security features, most of which are enabled by default. These include WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and unbreakable encryption (ChaCha20 on WireGuard connections, AES-256 on OpenVPN). There’s also a combined ad and tracker-blocker, plus wifi protection that’ll connect automatically if you use an unsecured network. CyberGhost refuses to keep logs of your activities and has been audited several times.

That’s not all! CyberGhost has a Smart Rules feature that allows you to customize your experience. For instance, you can tell the VPN to connect automatically when you launch Chrome, or have it open your favorite Australian streaming app when you choose an Australian server. Finally, this VPN offers NoSpy servers that are held in high-security data centers to restrict who has access.

This provider has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to install it directly on your home router.

GOOD FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost has thousands of servers worldwide. Features high-speed servers, live chat support and excellent security. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN has what it takes to get you an Australian IP address. In fact, its network covers an impressive 65 countries and four Aussie cities so you can appear to be browsing from a wide range of locations. This VPN is great for watching TV too, working well with major apps like Netflix, Stan, 7plus, and ABC iView. There are even servers optimized for this, though they’re hidden in the Shortcuts menu. Up to 10 devices can be protected at once, and there’s 24/7 customer support via live chat.

So just how quick is this provider, and more importantly, is it fast enough for day to day tasks like streaming? Following a full day of testing, PureVPN delivered an average speed of 124.38 Mbps, which is more than you’ll need for virtually any task. There was around 17 Mbps of variance, though, so there’s room for improvement still. Let’s take a look at the full results of our testing:

PureVPN’s security credentials are pretty impressive too. It uses unbreakable encryption to hide your activities from snoopers, supports multiple expert-approved protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard), and includes necessary safeguards like a kill switch and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. This provider obfuscates all OpenVPN traffic, so you can rely on this service even in high-censorship countries like China. There’s also split tunneling support, a tracker-blocker, and a dark web monitor that can alert you if your login info is shared on the darknet.

Subscriptions start at the equivalent of $2.14 a month. Unusually among reputable VPN providers, PureVPN offers a five-year plan that enables you to lock in the introductory deal for far longer. If you’re not sure whether to commit, you can make use of the 31-day money-back guarantee to try the software out.

PureVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux (GUI and command-line — it’s your choice). The support section of its website provides step by step configuration guides for routers too.

LOW COST:PureVPN is a low-cost VPN tidal to access Australian TV services on vacation. It has servers in over 65 countries, including Australia, to watch Kayo, Foxtel Now, Stan, and others. Robust privacy and security features. Fast WireGuard protocol and apps for all platforms. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider but don’t let that put you off. Unlike most consumer VPNs, this one owns, manages, and provides hosting for its entire network in-house. While there are only 200 servers in 60+ countries, this service excels at beating geographic restrictions. As such, it’s a fantastic option, whether you’re planning a trip to China or just want to stream Netflix or Stan while traveling abroad. There’s a generous 10-connection limit, plus live chat-based customer support during business hours.

Now, PrivateVPN has two different interfaces, with users able to switch between them at the press of a button. The Simple view is just as advertized — basic, easy to understand, and completely devoid of any advanced functionality. Swap to the Advanced view, however, and you’ll get access to the Stealth mode and various important connection information.

The Advanced View contains the various customization options that those with more experience might appreciate. Users can switch between protocols, change the level of encryption (for quicker download speeds), and see how much data is being transferred when connected.

This provider has had some problems keeping up with its competitors where speed is concerned, so we decided to run a new series of tests using its Australian servers. Unfortunately, it had a difficult time, likely because of how far away our chosen servers were. PrivateVPN achieved an average speed of 33.2 Mbps, which is enough for most tasks though if your base connection is fairly slow, you may want to consider one of the other VPNs in this list.

This is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in enhancing their digital privacy. PrivateVPN offers adjustable encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES), a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. It also follows a strict zero-logs policy though unlike some of the providers above, it has yet to be professionally audited. There’s also a Stealth mode that’ll let you browse safely from places like China, plus port forwarding support that can help with torrenting and gaming.

PrivateVPN subscriptions are excellent value, with a three-year plan costing the equivalent of $2 a month. Privacy-conscious users can sign up with a burner email and pay with cryptocurrency. Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS, with manual configuration required for routers.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast servers which makes it ideal for streaming Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of PrivateVPN.

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Using a free VPN to obtain an Australian IP address

When you’re browsing on the internet in the hunt for a suitable VPN service, it’s inevitable that you will come across tons of advertisements for free VPNs. These services are tempting because you can sign up without a credit card or any long-term commitment. However, that’s usually where the allure ends. The experience that such services offer is unreliable at best and can be downright intrusive, too.

Free VPNs offer a tiny choice of servers, deploy weak encryption standards, and may throttle your connection if too many internet users try to log in. You might get lucky and be able to connect to an Australian server, but it definitely won’t be hassle-free and is unlikely to lead to uninterrupted streaming.

A free VPN should also raise eyebrows because there’s definitely a catch involved. They’re trying to profit off you somehow; this might manifest itself in migraine-inducing popup advertisements or frequent cuts in service to convince you to upgrade to a premium version of the service. Some free VPNs have also been caught stealing user data and selling it to advertisers. If you aim to access financial services or sensitive content securely, then you’re putting yourself at huge risk by opting for a free VPN.

We don’t believe such providers are worth the immense trouble you will inevitably put yourself through. It’s best to opt for one of the reputable paid VPNs recommended on our list.

Why do I need an IP address from Australia?

Advocacy body Freedom House says the internet landscape in Australia is “free,” noting that “Australians generally enjoy affordable, high-quality access to the internet and other digital media.”

Access to broadband internet is a fundamental human right down under. The government doesn’t censor content and generally allows citizens the right of free speech as long as it doesn’t fall in the category of libel.

However, torrenting copyrighted material is considered illegal in the country. The rule is rarely enforced, but it’s best to remain prudent and secure. In 2016, a federal court in Australia ordered Internet Service Providers to block BitTorrent tracker sites

An IP address from Australia can help if you’d like to access the free and open web or keep your internet activities hidden from your internet provider.

Australians traveling abroad will find it useful to obtain an IP address from back home. This helps access Australian content from sources such as Foxtel, 7plus, Australian Netflix, ABC, and SBS. If you’re looking to access a VPN while currently resident in Australia, then read our detailed guide on Australia VPNs.

Comparitech does not encourage the use of a VPN to illegally stream Australian content. Please consult local laws before deciding to embark on this route. If you have any questions, then it’s best to talk to a lawyer in your country of residence.

Using a DNS server in Australia

Your IP address is just one method websites use to determine your actual physical location. DNS, or Domain Name System, operates as a hybrid registry where web names (domains) are verified with IP addresses. When you try to access content that’s restricted to a certain country or region, the website or app in question will check where the DNS request originates from. If there’s a mismatch between your IP address and the DNS request, the website will block you. Therefore, both of them need to appear from the same location.

Some of the recommended VPNs in this article offer DNS leak protection. All of them incorporate a robust product so your DNS requests will also be routed through the same encrypted tunnel when connected to a VPN server. These providers operate their own private DNS servers, so your ISP cannot snoop on your web activity by simply monitoring DNS requests.

Some free VPN services will send your DNS requests through the encrypted tunnel but then use a public DNS service on the other side. This can be construed as a potential invasion of privacy.

It’s possible to manually configure DNS servers on most devices. OpenNIC can do the trick for you; it offers free DNS servers in specific countries.

Other methods to obtain an Australian IP address

Other than paid VPNs, there is an option of downloading the Tor browser. It’s a product of the Tor project, which aims to shore up global efforts against surveillance and network intrusion.

The Tor browser is free to download and use. It has been meticulously engineered and incorporates sophisticated encryption and anonymity standards. It’s popular with people such as journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers as it keeps them hidden on the internet.

But Tor isn’t a great option if you want to stream HD video or engage in online financial dealings. Ordinarily, speeds will be extremely stunted which isn’t ideal for watching Greys Anatomy. You can still choose to get an Australian IP address with Tor if you so desire and this guide will break it down in more detail.

A second option is to engage a free proxy server. However, these are similar to free VPNs in that they operate with data caps, a small selection of locations, and shady privacy policies. Plus, most streaming providers like Netflix have started to block proxies and there’s a high chance of them not working the way you want them to anyway. At the same time, proxy servers don’t encrypt your internet traffic the way a VPN does. So if you try to access banking services using this method, you’re leaving yourself susceptible to hackers.

Australian VPN with IP Address FAQ