How To Get An Australian IP Address From Anywhere

When you travel out of Australia for work or for holidays, or move to another country, you will find that a lot of the websites and streaming services that you use at home lock you out. You won’t be able to access certain Australian streaming sites even if you pay a subscription, and you have trouble accessing online bank accounts. We reveal how a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you get an Australian IP address and the best ones for the job.

Each device connected to the internet has to have a unique IP address so there can be no confusion over where a reply to a request needs to be sent. Your IP address is allocated by your access provider temporarily and contains an indicator of your geolocation. Some services, such as Foxtel, Optus Sport, 7plus, and 9Now restrict their content and block users based on IP detection. Spoofing your IP address to make it seem as though you are in Australia gets around these blocks.

How Does a VPN Help?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) solves the location problem. Your connections get diverted through a VPN server in the country of your choice and assigns you an IP address from that server. If you connect to a server in Australia, it will appear to destination websites that you’re physically located in Australia. An added bonus is that a VPN encrypts your internet traffic so it’s unreadable to any potential snoopers, including ISPs, government agencies, and hackers.

How to get an Australian IP address

Just follow the steps below to obtain an Australian IP address:

1. Sign up to your preferred VPN service (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the appropriate app for your device.
3. Open the app and choose a VPN location in Australia.
4. Visit an Australian website that geo-blocks its content. If it doesn’t load immediately, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then refresh the page.

GET AN AUSTRALIAN IP ADDRESS FOR FREE: If you just need an Australian IP address temporarily, for example, if you’re planning a vacation, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s deal. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can use the service for a month and get a refund at the end, no questions asked.

How to choose the right VPN for an Australian IP address

When finding the best VPNs for Australia we looked for services with the following attributes:

• Server options in Australia
• Strong encryption
• A no-logs policy
• Fast speeds for video streaming
• An easy-to-use app
• Superior cloaking technology

Best VPNs for an Australian IP address

After testing all of the VPN I have access to, the following VPNs proved to be the top VPNs for accessing Australia.

1. NordVPN: Provides reliable access to Australian IP addresses. This provider delivers fast, well-protected connections to content in Australia and other countries.
2. Surfshark: This budget-priced option for unlimited Australian connections. The provider offers features that provide added online anonymity.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable connections to Australian IP addresses. Comprehensive online security and privacy for those who are willing to spend a bit more on a premium VPN.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for rookie VPN users in search of an Australian IP address. The provider offers a variety of easy-to-use apps, along with one-click access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): A well-known and respected VPN provider. PIA provides fast connections to Australian IP addresses, secured by comprehensive online security and privacy.
6. PrivateVPN: This provider’s small but powerful server network provides access to Australia. Does an excellent job of protecting users of the big four device platforms.
7. Atlas VPN: The provider offers reliable access to other countries. It’s small but growing global network provides fast, well-protected connections.

Best VPNs for Australia – Summary table

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 Australian IP Address.

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Here is our list of the best VPNs to get an Australian IP address:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN operates more than 5,500 servers spread across 60 countries. It has nearly 200 servers in 5 cities in Australia. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party operators well-away from your personal information.

The provider’s fast speeds will make you feel at home. NordVPN is known for its excellent unblocking capabilities and can provide access to 7plus, Optus Sports, Netflix Australia and more.

Connections are secured by 256-bit AES encryption. Key exchange and session establishment procedures are protected by 2048-bit RSA encryption. Extra features include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a double-hop option. The latter routes your connection through two VPN servers in different countries adding an extra layer of security. You can also connect to the Tor network through the encrypted NordVPN service.

All NordVPN servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is completely and securely wiped from a server whenever it is shutdown or rebooted.

Apps can be downloaded for Windows, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), iOS, Linux, Android and Android TV. You can also install NordVPN manually on Blackberry and Raspberry Pi, and on routers and some set top boxes. You can also get a free NordVPN browser extension for Firefox and Chrome.

You get an allowance of 6 simultaneous connections, and a router connection counts as only one of that allocation even while it covers all of the devices in your home.

The provider’s 24/7 customer support options include round-the-clock agent chat, email, a trouble ticket system and a searchable online support library.

BEST VPN FOR AN AUSSIE IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is my top choice for grabbing an IP address from down under. The provider’s fast connection speeds and security extras included with this service makes this an excellent option for protecting and enhancing your internet connection. It does all of this at a reasonable price too. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark’s offers a fast-growing global server network. The provider currently has 3,200+ servers based in 64+ countries around the globe, including 69+ servers stationed in 5 Australian cities. The provider is an excellent choice for budget-minded VPN users, thanks to its bargain extended subscription deals.

Strong encryption is the name of the game at Surfshark, as it uses government-grade encryption to protect all of its users’ connections. In addition, the provider uses a kill switch option and DNS leak protection.

Also available are ad and tracker blocking, malware and phishing protection, and a “MultiHop” option that delivers double protection by routing your internet connection through two VPN servers.

Surfshark follows a strict no-server-logs-ever policy, and accepts various forms of cryptocurrency payment.

If your ISP-provided connection speeds can handle HD streaming, online gaming and large file sharing, you’ll find that Surfshark is up to the task. Plus, it never puts a damper on the online fun with data caps or bandwidth limitations.

Surfshark apps are easy to install and use and are available for the Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows and macOS (featuring Apple Silicon support) device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are available to protect your in-browser activities. The provider is also compatible with a large number of router makes and models.

An unlimited simultaneous connections policy means everyone at home or at work can connect their devices to Surfshark VPN servers at once.

Customer support is always available, due to the provider’s 24/7 live chat support, email support, a contact form and a searchable knowledge base.

BUDGET-PRICED UNLIMITED USAGE:To paraphrase Crocodile Dundee, “that’s not a simultaneous connections allowance, this is a simultaneous connections allowance.” That, of course, refers to Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections, as well as its budget-friendly pricing, are just icing on the cake. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers reliable access to Australia from anywhere in the world. The service includes 3,000+ servers in 160 locations in 94+ countries. In Australia, ExpressVPN has a total of four server farms, located in three Australian cities.

This premium-priced service excels at unblocking and accessing content from like Foxtel and 9Now should be a breeze. It can even give you access to the Netflix Australia library. Security measures include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption. AES is a symmetrical key system where both sides need the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. The distribution of keys is protected by 4096-bit RSA public key encryption.

The provider runs all of its servers using its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations only from RAM, never writing any information to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is totally wiped from the servers whenever they are shutdown or rebooted.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS and Chrome OS devices. The provider is also compatible with numerous routers. ExpressVPN also provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, which work alongside the native desktop apps.

Each account has an allowance of 5 simultaneous connections, but a router counts as just one.

If you run into issues, 24/7 live chat is available to help, as is email, a contact form and a searchable support library.

VERSATILE AUSTRALIAN IP ACCESS:ExpressVPN is a reliable all-around choice for grabbing an Australian IP address when you need one. It offers fast, reliable connections, and its top-notch security and ease of use make this provider a fine, if expensive VPN option. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost operates over 7,900 servers in 90+ countries, including 170+ servers in Australia (in Melbourne and Sydney). It unblocks multiple streaming services, including Netflix Australia, Optus Sports, and more.

The provider offers fast, no-data-caps connections, providing plenty of bandwidth for all of your favorite online pastimes.

CyberGhost implements a number of measures to ensure your security and privacy. It uses banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, private DNS, and the company doesn’t retain activity logs on its servers. Plus, CyberGhost offers ad and tracker blocking, as well as phishing and malware protection. You can even force a website to serve up secure versions of their pages, if they’re available.

Apps run on Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Amazon Fire devices. Router support is also available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing.

Each account has an allowance of seven simultaneous connections to the service.

In addition to comprehensive VPN protection, CyberGhost offers a password manager, warnings when your email address has been exposed in a data breach and more. Windows users can take advantage of the provider’s antivirus and anti-malware protection, along with multiple other services.

Customer support includes a live support chat feature, a searchable support library and a support ticket system.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost’s modern, easy-to-use apps front a reliable service with fast speeds and strong security. This provider gives a 45-day money-back guarantee on all subscription periods except for the one month plan, which has a 14-day refund period.

Read my full CyberGhost review.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) delivers reliable access to Australian IP addresses, while protecting your online security and privacy.

The provider has 3,300+ servers, stationed in more than 80 countries, providing reliable access to content around most of the globe.

While the provider’s download speeds are not the fastest I’ve ever seen, it can easily handle any popular online pastimes.

PIA-provided connections are protected by government-level encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. The provider is also capable of blocking ads, trackers, malware and malicious sites.

It keeps no server logs and its Bitcoin payment option means there is no traceable connection between your payment information and you, if you use a disposable email address.

App support includes offerings for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing sessions. Meanwhile, the provider boasts Linksys, Asus and Netgear router compatibility.

Up to 10 devices can be connected at once on a single account.

The provider’s support options include live support chat, a trouble ticket form and a searchable support/troubleshooting library.

For more information, visit the Private internet Access VPN website.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO AUSTRALIAN IPs:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to IP addresses from down under. The provider also provides protection for all of your online activities. The provider’s connection speeds are above average. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN runs more than 200 servers in 60 countries. In Australia, it operates four server farms, located in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. This service pegs fast speeds and is known for its ability to unblock streaming services such as Foxtel, 9Now, and Netflix Australia.

Security features of this service include a private DNS service, a kill switch, and strong encryption. Session establishment and key exchange is secured by 2048-bit RSA encryption and the connection itself is protected by 256-bit AES encryption.

The provider keeps no logs of any kind, and it protects your payment privacy by offering a Bitcoin payment option.

Apps are easy to use and run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. You can set up a PrivateVPN connection manually on Linux computers, routers, and set-top boxes.

Each account holder gets an allowance of six simultaneous connections.

Support options include 24/7 live support chat. However, PrivateVPN’s FAQ section isn’t searchable, requiring users to manually scan the FAQ text for help. A contact form is also available.

PRIVATE AND SECURE VPN:PrivateVPN ensures total privacy on the internet, and offers a fast, reliable service with goods access to Australia. It lacks top-notch app support, but many users only have one of the big four devices anyway. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN provides excellent access to IP addresses from inside of Australia, while also keeping your online travels undercover.

Its global server network boasts 750+ servers stationed in more than 42 countries and counting. While those numbers are clearly not the best in this list, the network does a great job in accessing geo-controlled content in the 42+ countries where the provider’s servers are located.

Atlas VPN download speeds are quite impressive, and its no data cap connections can easily provide enough bandwidth for your favorite online enjoyments.

Government-grade encryption, a kill switch and other protections to keep your online antics undercover. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features block malicious websites and ads. The provider’s MultiHop+ feature grants added online anonymity by selecting a random exit server, rotating it as you browse.

An industry-standard no-server-logs policy means there is no evidence to be used later and a cryptocurrency payment option is now available.

Atlas VPN’s native app support includes options for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Unfortunately, Linux support, browser extensions, or router support are not available. However, support for all three is on the way.

The provider places no limit on the number of devices users can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers on their account.

Customer support options include live subscriber chat, email, a contact form and a support library.

UNLIMITED AUSSIE IP ADDRESSES:Atlas VPN provides easy access to Australian IPs. The provider’s top-notch connection protections prevents anyone from monitoring your online antics. Better server coverage and device support would be a welcome addition. 30-day money-back guarantee available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for assessing VPNs for an Australian IP address

Not just any VPN can provide reliable access to an Australian IP address. There are certain aspects of the VPN service provider that you have to look for, including:

• Connection speed: All online activities benefit from fast speeds. Faster connections make streaming, gaming and file sharing more enjoyable. All of the VPNs on our list offer fast connections.
• Server network: If you want an Australian IP address, your VPN of choice has to have servers located in Australia. Each VPN on this list offers Aussie servers, as well as servers in numerous other locations around the globe.
• Value: Never subscribe to a VPN that has an asking price too high to justify its service offerings. Each VPN on my list has an asking price that is commensurate with what they offer in the way of services.
• Ease of use: A VPN should not make it difficult to protect and enhance your online activities. That’s why each VPN on this list offers easy-to-use apps that provide top-notch protection as well as access to an Aussie IP address.
• Security and privacy: Always look for a VPN that protects your online activities with government-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. VPN service providers should also not keep any activity logs. Every VPN on my list follows these rules.
• Streaming: Streaming is arguably one of the most popular activities for VPN users. Each VPN I recommend offers reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.

That’s not where my research ends. Other considerations are also included when conducting my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This approach allows me to understand a VPN and its services, meaning I can recommend only those VPNs that fit your needs.

Can I get an Australian IP address for free?

Creating and running a VPN service costs a lot of money. Although there are many free VPNs around, you have to wonder why they bother. Aren’t these people making any money? In most cases, free VPNs are making money by other means.

Some force you to watch promotional videos, make you look at adverts or even inject adverts into the web pages you visit. Other services are just straightforward cons—many don’t include any encryption and some track your activities on the internet and sell that information.

Websites that block access from abroad know about VPNs and they search all incoming requests for the signs of VPN activity. If these web servers detect a VPN, they block the requests. Only the very best VPNs can dodge detection, and free VPNs typically don’t have the resources to do so.

Even if a free VPN can unblock a given service, you’ll likely face other practical issues. These services tend to have lots of users vying for space on a limited number of servers. This leads to slow, intermittent connections and even wait times to connect to a server in the first place.

Clearly, it’s worth paying a few dollars per month for a decent provider.

Can I watch Australian TV abroad with a VPN?

Media streaming sites check where you are and free VPNs can’t dodge their exceptional location detection measures. Broadcasters buy the rights to show entertainment in specific countries. Many Australian media sites only have the right to show that content in Australia. It is a lot simpler for these streaming sites to limit access to Australia because each country has a different legal framework.

Netflix allows you to watch videos even when you are outside Australia. However, the media library is different in each country. When you travel abroad, you get the version of the service that is run for the country that you are in. Given its unique international profile, Netflix has invested in very extensive VPN blocking procedures and only the best VPNs can bypass them. When we tested the ones above, they provided access to the Australia Netflix library.

If you subscribe to Foxtel Now, Hayu, 10 All Access, Stan, or other Australian geo-restricted services, you won’t be able to watch any videos on those sites outside of Australia even though you are paying. However, using a VPN, you can spoof your IP address and gain access.

Is a VPN easy to use?

The technology behind VPNs seems complicated and you might be put off from trying one if you are not very good with computers and the internet. However, the apps for the services in our list are all so easy to use that you don’t need to have any technical knowledge to operate them. Don’t worry if you don’t understand how the internet works. All you need to know is that these VPNs will get you into the websites that you like to visit in Australia that are usually blocked when you try to access them from another country.

A VPN will give you privacy and prevent governments and internet service providers from spying on your activities and trying to control them.

The VPNs that we recommend in this guide are the best available for accessing websites in Australia when you are abroad. These services are all reliable and never go down. You will get good speeds from any of the VPNs in our list and any of them would be a good choice for streaming video from Australia.

You don’t need to worry about being ripped off with the services in our list because all of them offer a refund and they all honor their money-back guarantees without any hassle. So, don’t worry about not really understanding the VPN concept, you just need to know that it will get you into the sites you want to visit and the interfaces for them are so simple anyone can use them. Try out any of the VPNs on our list risk free and get back the access to Australian websites.

Australian IP Address VPN FAQs