This article is all about how you can use a VPN for Australia to increase your privacy online. Australia, like many other countries, operates online surveillance and a new law passed, giving the Australian police more power than ever when it comes to spying on citizens.
By using a VPN in Australia, you can ensure that your internet activity is not intercepted by any third parties, and cannot be linked back to you. An Australian VPN is also beneficial for users who want an Australian IP address to watch Foxtel Go or Netflix Australia from other parts of the world.
From making the most out of your VPN to the providers we recommend, our guide below features everything you need to know.
VPNs encrypt all of your internet traffic which basically means that anything you do online remains private from third parties. These third parties can include cybercriminals, network providers, law enforcement, and government agencies.
If you want to increase your privacy online in Australia, you need a VPN. The first step is to sign up for a VPN subscription with a reliable service, such as one of the options below. Once you’ve done that, install the app onto your chosen devices.
When the VPN app is ready to use, open it up. For more privacy, it is best to adjust the VPN settings before establishing a connection; for example, choose a secure tunneling protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Enable any additional privacy features such as the kill switch, auto-connection options for VPN protection on new networks, and any additional security features.
Once you have customized the VPN settings, you can either use the fast connection option, which most VPNs offer, to connect to the best server in terms of speed.
Alternatively, if you want to connect to a specific location, find the server in the list and tap on it to connect. When the connection is active, you can go about your daily browsing habits like usual, knowing that you have more privacy online than before.
There are many VPN services available, making it difficult to choose the right one for you. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs for Australia to save you time and money.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is a great VPN for Australia with server locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Its network consists of more than 5,400 servers around the world, meaning you aren’t only limited to IP addresses from Australia.
If you want an Australian IP to unblock Australian websites and content, NordVPN is a great option. It operates more than 4,000 streaming-optimized servers so can provide access to streaming sites like Foxtel and Netflix in Australia, as well as US streaming services.
NordVPN is also a great choice if you want to torrent in private in Australia. All of NordVPN’s Australian servers are optimized for torrenting. Moreover, there are fast and reliable server download and upload speeds, especially if you use the NordLynx protocol. Plus, NordVPN’s security features mean you can torrent with more privacy; there is AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch, and private DNS on all servers.
There is a no-logs policy with NordVPN which means your data won’t be stored on the VPN’s network. This also ensures that it won’t be shared with third parties such as the Australian police, as NordVPN doesn’t have anything to share.
NordVPN is compatible with most devices and all major operating systems. There are VPN apps for macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows. With a single account, you have 6 simultaneous connections, which should be enough for most users.
The NordVPN app is extremely user-friendly. It features a large server map, allowing you to connect to an Australian server easily. There is also a Quick Connect option that will automatically connect you to the best server in terms of proximity so you can enjoy excellent connection speeds.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Whether you want to watch Aussie Rules football or stream Channel 10 content when vacationing abroad, ExpressVPN will allow you to do so with ease. The provider offers over 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world, including servers in Australia. You can get a real Australian IP address from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, with ExpressVPN.
Fast speeds are guaranteed with ExpressVPN, especially when using the VPN’s Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol is fast, reliable, and also ensures total privacy. ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption and private DNS on all servers to maintain your privacy in Australia. Perfect Forward Secrecy also ensures that encryption keys are changed at the start of every new VPN session.
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock is the kill switch feature that is activated automatically on every app. This tool will guarantee that your internet traffic is never exposed to third parties in Australia as it will cease all data transfer if the VPN drops.
ExpressVPN operates a no-logs policy and is also based in the British Virgin Islands; these two factors ensure that the company won’t share its data with the Australian government since the British Virgin Islands doesn’t have any strict data retention laws.
A single subscription enables protection for up to five devices simultaneously. The ExpressVPN app is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. There is also custom firmware for routers and comprehensive setup guides for Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and Kindle. This means that you can protect all of your devices when connecting to the internet in Australia.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark offers access to many servers in Australia, in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. All of the provider’s Australian servers provide military-grade encryption, private DNS technology to hide DNS requests, and Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) to ensure your online activity remains private.
Not only will your connection be super private in Australia with Surfshark VPN, but users outside of Australia can unblock local content. Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks on streaming sites, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. You can ensure you have a fast and reliable connection by changing your protocol to IKEv2 or WireGuard.
There are VPN apps for multiple devices including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark even offers an unlimited simultaneous connections policy to ensure that you can use the VPN on all of your devices at the same time.
The VPN client is well-designed and simple to use, even if you are a VPN novice. The mobile app features a Quick Connect option, to connect you to the fastest VPN server and an alphabetical server list. The app also features Whitelister, a split tunneling option that allows you to choose which apps you want to be encrypted and those you want to bypass your VPN connection.
Live chat support is also available 24/7 if you run into any issues when using the VPN in Australia. There is also a generous 30-day refund policy too, allowing you to test the product risk-free for additional peace of mind.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
CyberGhost VPN is the best service if you want privacy and access to a large range of VPN servers. There are more than 7,800 servers on CyberGhost’s network, including 150 servers in Australia. You can get an IP address from Melbourne and Sydney with CyberGhost.
CyberGhost’s Australian servers have AES-256 bit encryption to ensure your browsing data is always safe. You’ll have the choice of first-rate tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.
CyberGhost is also well-known for its NoSpy servers located in Romania, a country that enjoys excellent data retention laws. These specific servers are all owned and managed by CyberGhost, which means that any security issues are quickly detected and resolved. You can connect to one of these servers from Australia for more privacy.
The provider has a strict zero-logs policy. CyberGhost has no access to user browsing history, online traffic destinations, search preferences, or activity content. Such data is not stored and won’t be shared with Australian authorities.
Speeds are excellent with CyberGhost, especially since all of its Australian servers are physically based, and not virtual. This bodes well for streaming and torrenting, both of which are supported on Australia’s servers.
The custom client is available for all popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The VPN supports 7 simultaneous device connections, which is slightly more than most providers.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Limited payment options
Doesn't unblock BBC iPlayer
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
IPVanish is a great streaming VPN and offers 69 servers in Australia. It operates servers across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. The provider also owns and manages all of its servers rather than relying on third-party software. This means that IPVanish has much more control over its VPN server network, enhancing your personal privacy online.
The VPN operates on AES-256 bit encryption and first-rate protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2. There is also the option to choose between OpenVPN 1194 and OpenVPN 443 ports. IPVanish’s client is well-designed and consists of key features like a reliable kill-switch feature to secure your private web traffic, a simple Connect/Disconnect button, as well as DNS and IP leak protection.
There is also an excellent privacy policy with a commitment to no-logging. The provider does not collect user data which means that your private information and browsing activity will never be stored or misused by IPVanish. This is great news for VPN users in Australia.
The VPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebooks, Amazon Fire TV, and routers. There is support for an unlimited number of connections meaning you can protect all of your devices at once.
Should you run into any issues when connecting to one of IPVanish’s Australian servers, there is an excellent live-chat option, as well as limited phone support. This premium VPN provider also offers a 30-day refund policy.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free version
Fast server speeds
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Expensive paid plan
Based in USA (5 Eyes)
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
If you want to watch live coverage of Aussie rules football, rugby, or cricket games from outside Australia, Hotspot Shield will enable you to do so. The service operates VPN server locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds and reliable unblocking capabilities. The Catapult Hydra protocol combines fast connection speeds and reliable encryption. During speed tests, we experienced some of the fastest download speeds from a VPN server in Australia, reaching over 40Mbps.
There are great privacy features with Hotspot Shield. These include military-grade encryption to ensure your internet traffic remains private. The provider also ensures complete protection against DNS leaks, which means there is no chance that your real IP could become exposed.
Hotspot also offers an easy-to-use app, making it suitable for even novice VPN users. The VPN app provides a range of strong security features, including a simple ON/OFF button, and a Smart VPN option that enables an automatic connection to the best available server in terms of location. You can use the VPN on up to 5 devices at one time, which is average for the VPN industry.
If you’re living in Australia then there are many reasons why you should be using a VPN; however, an Australian VPN will also provide benefits to users living outside of the country.
If you want to prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from logging your data and potentially selling it to third parties, then you should use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your online identity.
Your Internet Service Provider is not the only threat to your online privacy and anonymity. Almost all of our internet activity is tracked due to data retention laws, and Australia isn’t immune from these.
Australian law demands all telecoms store user data for up to 2 years and provides it, if required, to government agencies and law enforcement. However, VPN software can help you to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet activity so that your browsing history remains hidden and you don’t fall victim to online tracking.
A VPN is essential for additional privacy and security online if you use public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, libraries, hotels, or public transport while traveling in Australia. With a VPN you can stay safe on the internet at all times.
A VPN can create a secure internet connection and protect your device when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi networks by blocking malicious files and preventing cybercriminals from monitoring your online activities or stealing your private data which can lead to identity theft.
Many users have VPNs to access geo-restricted streaming content or sports coverage. Whether you want to watch a live Australian Rules football match, the Ashes, or Channel 10, or content on other streaming services outside of Australia, a VPN connection will enable you to do so by changing your virtual location and IP address.
You can also use a VPN to access websites that may fall foul to government censorship, either in Australia or in other countries when traveling.
Surprisingly, a VPN may even increase your overall internet connection speed. Often, ISPs throttle user network speeds because they cannot keep up with the constant demands of streamers or gamers. Your Internet Service Provider may restrict your data usage at a certain level.
However, with an active VPN server connection, your Internet Service Provider will be unable to view your activity and will be less likely to limit your data or connection speeds. You’ll be able to enjoy a stable connection at all times.
There is an extensive array of VPNs for use in Australia available on the market, making it often difficult to choose the right one for you. Not every VPN for Australia is equal, and some offer greater levels of security and privacy than others. Here’s what to look for if you need a Virtual Private Network for Australia:
There are no laws or regulations that prohibit the use of a VPN in Australia. However, you shouldn’t use a VPN to hide illegal activities online. For example, using a VPN to distribute copyrighted content or carry out illegal activity online is prohibited.
Since no VPN is 100% effective, using a VPN to cover up illicit activity may not be effective. Therefore, you should only use a VPN for legal reasons in Australia.
If you’re abroad and want to stream cricket, Aussie Rules football, Channel 10 Australia, or Netflix Australia, an Australian VPN will allow you to do so. All you need to do is get an Australian IP address to change your virtual location.
Firstly, you need to sign up for one of the popular VPN services from our list and download the dedicated app onto your device.
Launch the app and connect a VPN server in Australia from the VPN server network list. (For optimal speeds, choose a server location closest to you.) You’ll now be able to surf the web with an Australian IP address and enjoy more online security!
You can follow also the above steps above to surf the web with an IP address from any other country. Just connect to a server located in the country of your choice to change your IP address.
Although many VPN service providers offer a free VPN, the best VPNs for Australia are not free; free VPNs won’t give you the same level of speed, security, or privacy as with a premium provider. A free VPN will typically provide fewer server locations, low connection speeds, and less secure VPN protocols. Free VPN services are also much more likely to become blocked by streaming sites such as Amazon Prime Video or Netflix.
Some free VPN services make a profit from advertising. In contrast, others use more malicious methods such as storing personal user information that they then sell to third parties and advertisers, compromising your online privacy. Therefore, we recommend avoiding free VPNs and using a paid VPN.
However, if you really don’t want to pay, the best free VPN companies are ProtonVPN, ZenMate VPN, and PrivadoVPN. These VPNs operate decent security features but are limited in terms of data or connection limits.
Tuxler VPN and Hola VPN are great free VPNs for Australia as they will send your data via a real Australian user’s device to change your location. However, if online privacy in Australia is your concern, then it is better to avoid these free VPNs. They are community-powered VPNs and don’t offer the same levels of privacy as other VPNs in terms of encryption and protocols.
Both VPN proxies and VPN services help users bypass geo-restrictions on the web. However, a VPN offers the additional benefit of encryption and the use of protocols to ensure that your browsing data is routed through an encrypted tunnel and your online identity is hidden from third parties. Proxies usually just change your IP address but don’t encrypt your data, meaning Australian authorities can still view it.
It is important to do your research before deciding whether a proxy or VPN protection is best for use in Australia. We recommend always using a VPN connection with encryption as this will give you the most online privacy in Australia.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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