If you’re an Australian citizen traveling outside the borders of the land down under, or if you’re an Australian expat who now lives in another country (such as the United States), you may be finding it difficult to keep up with episodes of your favorite Australian TV series.
Popular television shows like River Cottage Australia, or sporting events like KFC Big Bash League Cricket, are not available for direct viewing outside of Australia, due to the fact that many Aussie television streaming providers block access from outside the country.
The Best Way to Watch Australian TV Online From Abroad
Australian television networks limit viewer access to their streaming services to those who actually reside in Australia. That means that if you’re looking to view your favorite Aussie show, your device will need to have an Australian IP address.
You can get an Australian IP address by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which temporarily assigns a new IP address to your device. This IP address-“spoofing” ability can make it appear to the outside world that you’re sitting in Sydney, when you’re really in San Francisco.
In my most recent testing of VPNs, I have found that the best all-around VPN is NordVPN, which I recommend to unblock access to your favorite Australian shows, no matter where you’re currently stationed. It’s also the fastest VPN I’ve ever tested.
A 30-day money-back guarantee provides ample opportunity to run NordVPN through its paces.
In this article, I discuss why Australian TV networks block access to their content from international viewers, and what you can do about it.
About Australian Television
Australian television broadcasts to the general public didn’t begin until 1956, and early content for the fledgling Australian networks consisted of shows from the US and Great Britain.
Although the Australian television industry got off to a slow start compared to that of other nations, the industry’s current state of health is grouse (that’s Australian for “awesome”).
While there are a limited number of available networks in the country, their series and movie offerings are comparable in quality to the content offered in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Most of Australia’s television networks, which include SBS, ABC, Seven West, Nine (available through 9Now), and the Optus Sport channels, also offer their series episodes and movies via streaming, making it convenient for Aussie viewers to enjoy their favorite shows anywhere they might be—well, as long as they stay inside the borders of Oz.
However, there is a way to view Aussie shows from outside of Australia, as well shall see shortly.
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Why Are International Users Banned From Australian TV Streams?
Australian ex-pats and Australian citizens traveling abroad may wonder why it is that they can’t view episodes of their favorite Australian TV series.
Much like other online streaming providers, Australian television networks have agreements for the content they provide to viewers. These agreements commonly include a clause blocking the streaming of contracted television episodes or movies to viewers outside of a designated viewing area.
Such blockades are erected to protect the producers’ revenue streams. If folks could stream Australian content internationally for free, there wouldn’t be much incentive for non-Aussie networks and streaming services to pay for the rights to the content.
While such restrictions are common, it doesn’t make them any less frustrating for television fans who are located outside the Australian viewing area. While some Aussie TV content is available via syndication, or on services like Hulu and Netflix, a great amount of it is not available outside of Australia.
How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
When a user’s computer or other device connects to the internet, it’s assigned an IP address.
This address acts as an identifier, allowing servers on the web to know who is requesting their content and where to send the requested information. The address acts much like a mailing address does for snail mail and packages.
In addition to letting other computers know where to send content, an IP address can also identify where you are located. Australian streaming providers can tell from your IP address whether or not you are located within their country (you can see your location by visiting this website).
If you show up as residing in another country, Australian television providers can then block you from accessing their content.
How Can I Watch Blocked Australian TV Overseas?
The easiest way to access Australia-only streaming content is to use an IP address located down under. Short of flying back, the easiest way to get an Australian IP address is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that offers servers located in that country.
When a user connects to a VPN server, their internet connection is assigned a new IP address, making it appear that they are located somewhere else, be it in the next state or on the other side of the world.
A VPN user looking to access Australian television content can connect to a VPN server located in Australia, which will assign them a new IP address, which indicates the user is located in Oz.
This IP address-“spoofing” will make Australian streaming providers believe the user is located in-country, and they will happily provide content for the user’s viewing pleasure.
While a Virtual Private Network makes a great way to unlock blocked streaming content, it also offers a large number of other advantages to online users.
When you connect to a VPN provider, their service automatically encrypts your internet connection, adding a layer of protection that keeps your online activities, and any associated personal or business information, from prying eyes.
Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Watching Australian TV
Most VPN service providers offer servers in Australia. But having servers in Australia, in and of itself, is not a sign that the VPN will be optimal for unblocking Australian TV. You have to consider more than just the fact that it offers Australian servers.
Here are the most important factors for choosing a VPN for unblocking Australian TV, and why they’re important:
- Speed: Having fast speeds will ensure that your streaming experience is a good one, as you won’t have to deal with low resolution or a long buffering time. NordVPN, my recommendation for watching Australian TV from abroad, offers some of the fastest speeds available from any VPN on the market today.
- Server Network: Of course, it’s important for a VPN to offer Australian servers to unblock Australian TV. But also look for a high server count, which NordVPN offers. A large number of servers means that your speeds will be faster, as there won’t be a huge number of users on a single server.
- Value: No VPN should charge more than what makes sense for the features and functionality that it offers. NordVPN offers a stellar service for a reasonable price, given what it provides.
- Ease of Use: Always check to see if a VPN offers apps for your preferred streaming devices. But also consider how easy it is to use the provider’s app, as that will make it easier to quickly connect and start bingeing your favorite Australian shows. NordVPN’s apps are quite easy to use.
- Security and Privacy: Don’t forget to consider the digital security and privacy protections that a VPN offers, as you want to be protected while you’re streaming. A VPN should offer, at least, banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection, if not more. A strict no-logs policy also ensures that no one can get their hands on a record of your online activities. NordVPN offers all of this.
- Streaming: If you’re interested in streaming Australian TV, you’re probably also interested in streaming from all sorts of video streaming services. That’s why I recommend NordVPN, which is not only capable of offering an excellent experience while streaming from Australia-based services but also Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Our research doesn’t end here. In fact, the factors listed above are just a small part of our comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We take this data-driven approach to help us better understand the services, so we can recommend only those providers that are a good fit for your needs.
Which VPN Is Best for Streaming Australian TV While Abroad?
Many VPN providers can offer you access to blocked Australian television content.
However, I’ve found that one provider, in particular, does the best job of unlocking said content.
NordVPN
NordVPN is the best available VPN to unblock access to your favorite Australian television series, movies, and sporting events. The service currently has 190+ VPN servers in five cities in Australia, providing reliable access to Australia-only content.
Today’s streaming services offer content in 1080p and 4K format, which requires fast and reliable connections. NordVPN provides fast connection speeds that can easily handle today’s high-definition content streams.
NordVPN users need not worry that their online activities will be left open to third-party scrutiny, thanks to the provider’s government-grade encryption and strict no-logs policy.
Here’s my review of how well the provider works when it comes to streaming foreign content. For more information, check out a full review of the service.
1. Connection Speed
When it comes to internet connections, faster is always better. When considering a VPN provider, always look for one that provides top-notch connection speeds that can handle high-definition video streams.
Most major streaming services offer their content in the 1080p HD format. Plus, quite a few of them either already offer or are preparing to offer their shows and films in 4K HDR.
Both video formats require reliable, speedy connections. Slow connections can lead to extended waits for content to buffer or mid-session pauses as you wait for your connection to catch up with the stream.
NordVPN’s servers deliver speedy connections, which in recent testing proved to be some of the fastest download speeds of any provider tested. Depending on your usual connection speeds, they can easily keep up with even the most demanding content streams.
Keep in mind that your ISP connection speeds have a big effect on your connection’s overall performance. However, NordVPN keeps fast connections fast.
2. Multi-Platform Support
No matter what connected device you own, you can likely use it to view video from the internet. This makes native app support an important factor to consider when researching VPN providers to unblock Aussie TV streams.
NordVPN provides native app support for the macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Windows, Linux, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire and iOS platforms. There are Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions as well. Comprehensive router support is also available.
3. Customer Support
Although NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPN providers around today, you may someday have a question about the service. That’s when the provider’s round-the-clock customer support will come in handy.
NordVPN delivers 24/7 support via its live support chat feature, trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-search support library.
4. Global Server Coverage
At first blush, you may only be concerned about whether a VPN provider has servers located in Australia.
However, once you learn all the things a VPN can do for you when it comes to unblocking content, you’ll also want to make use of the provider’s servers in other countries.
NordVPN has over 190 servers located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, all of which provide plenty of content-barricade-busting power.
However, those servers are just a part of the 5,200+ servers it has stationed in 60 countries around the globe the provider has at the time of this writing.
5. Pricing
While NordVPN offers all of the features of its higher-priced competitors, the provider’s pricing resembles that of a bargain-basement, limited feature provider. I strongly suggest you take a close look at NordVPN’s extended subscription offerings.
A 30-day money-back guarantee provides sufficient time to ensure NordVPN is the right VPN for you.
Australian TV VPN FAQs
What Are The Best TV Streaming Services in Australia?
There are many fine Australian TV streaming services, and some of the best include Netflix, Stan, BINGE (which has the exclusive rights to HBO Max content), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Kayo Sports, 10 All Access (which includes content from American TV network CBS), Foxtel Now, and many more.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN to Stream Australian TV?
Yes, it is totally legal to use a VPN to stream Australian TV. That said, if am Australian TV streaming service discovers that you're using a VPN to access their content library, they could block your IP address. That's why it's important to use a reliable VPN provider, like NordVPN.
How Do I Watch MAFS: Australia in the US?
Married at First Sight (MAFS): Australia is available on the Lifetime cable network. However, if you don't subscribe to Lifetime, you can also use a VPN to access the series from the Australian 9NOW streaming service.
In What Cities Are NordVPN's Australian Servers Located?
NordVPN has 190+ servers located in Australia, and they're spread among the following cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. This allows users to select a server near where their desired content resides.
What Australian TV Content Can I Watch Using a VPN?
When you're connected to an Australian VPN server you'll be able to view plenty of Australia-only content. This includes content from 9Now, 7plus, Foxtel Now, Stan, TenPlay, and many others. You'll also have access to Aussie-only content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and various other international streaming services.
Conclusion
Whenever you can’t be down under, there’s no need to miss your favorite shows and sporting events. NordVPN can provide reliable access to Australian television services, no matter where you’re located.
The provider delivers excellent connection speeds, worldwide content access, comprehensive security and privacy protections, and top-notch native app support. The provider’s customer support department stands at the ready in the unlikely case something goes wrong.
For more information or to give NordVPN a try, visit the NordVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- The Best Way to Watch Australian TV Online From Abroad
- About Australian Television
- Why Are International Users Banned From Australian TV Streams?
- How Is Content Geographically Blocked?
- How Can I Watch Blocked Australian TV Overseas?
- Methodology for Assessing a VPN for Watching Australian TV
- Which VPN Is Best for Streaming Australian TV While Abroad?
- NordVPN
- Australian TV VPN FAQs
- What Are The Best TV Streaming Services in Australia?
- Is It Legal to Use a VPN to Stream Australian TV?
- How Do I Watch MAFS: Australia in the US?
- In What Cities Are NordVPN's Australian Servers Located?
- What Australian TV Content Can I Watch Using a VPN?
- Conclusion