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

Understanding the need to maintain that digital tether to Australia is a reality for many. Your answer could be an Australian VPN server—an easy and swift solution to secure an Australian IP address, regardless of your geographical location. A VPN operates by encrypting your device’s traffic and channeling it via a chosen intermediary server, thereby altering your apparent location.

Perhaps you’re an Aussie expatriate longing to stay in sync with your home banking facilities or a frequent traveler yearning to catch the exhilarating Australian Open or your favorite local TV shows on Foxtel and 7plus. Having an Australian IP address can ensure you stay connected regardless of location.

We have unraveled the various methods to gain an Australian IP address, free and paid. Our recommendations are built on thorough research and comprehensive testing, ensuring you get precise, reliable, and updated information.

With many leading VPN providers offering servers in Australia, you’re just a few steps away from getting an Australian IP, irrespective of your current global location.

We provide an in-depth analysis of the top VPNs for an Australian IP address, but if you are short of time, here’s a summary list of the best VPNs to get an Australian IP:

1. NordVPN Our #1 choice VPN for an Australian IP! 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. IPVanish Torrent-friendly VPN service with great connection speeds and a choice of servers in Australia, no-logs policy, and strong encryption.
4. ExpressVPN Fast Australian servers that unblock most popular streaming sites. Strong security, no logs, and a great record on privacy.
5. CyberGhost Easy for beginners, with top security, fast speeds, and no internet connection records. Plenty of servers for an Aussie IP.
6. PrivateVPN Impressive speeds and can unblock pretty much all geo-blocked Australian content while you travel abroad, including 9Now.
7. PureVPN It has servers in over 65 countries, including Australia to watch your favorite shows. 31-day money-back guarantee included.
8. ProtonVPN Is a reliable and trusted VPN with servers in 85+ countries, including Australia. Handy 30-day money-back guarantee in case you need it.

See also: How to get a Sydney IP address

How to get an Australian IP address

Here’s how to get an Australian IP address:

Australian IP VPN comparison table

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

Criteria for the best Australian IP address VPNs

We cover our VPN testing methodology in more detail later in this article. For now, here’s an overview of some of the key things we look for in VPNs that can provide an Australian IP address:

• Servers in Australia to obtain a local IP address
• Fast speeds for 4k streaming, torrenting, and more
• Strong security features like 256-bit encryption
• Apps for popular devices, including mobile
• Responsive customer support is available via live chat
• Fair pricing with a money-back guarantee

The best VPNs for an Australian IP

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

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN operates 193 servers in Australia. These are a part of a total global network of more than 5,000 in 62 countries. The service is fast, highly customizable, and comes with all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a modern-day VPN.

This provider is proven to unblock geo-restricted content with ease. It’s one of the rare services that works with Netflix and offers support for other streaming providers, too. As mentioned earlier, NordVPN offers a plethora of customizable features. These include selecting a server based on the specific mode of accessing the internet, such as streaming Aussie TV, ultra-secure privacy, anti-DDoS, and more.

The strong encryption standards it deploys are hardy and robust. NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. The service doesn’t log user data or any form of personally identifiable information. This means you can stay hidden online without any concerns about data pilferage.

Apps are available for Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

NordVPN speed test data

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.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark currently has more than 800 servers in 50 countries, including some in Australia and Zealand. This VPN works with major region-locked platforms like 7plus, 9Now, and Netflix Australia without any issues, and its speeds are high enough for lag-free video streaming. In contrast to most other VPNs, Surfshark permits an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

One of the best things about this service is its strong commitment to your privacy. It keeps your traffic safe from prying eyes using 256-bit AES encryption, an internet kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. There’s even a feature that automatically blocks ads and scans for malware. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, but you can always pay using cryptocurrency if you’re concerned about privacy. 24/7 support is available over live chat.

Surfshark offers software for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. In April 2024, it launched an app for Apple TV. The software can be manually configured to work with network routers.

Surfshark speed test data

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.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a popular and reliable VPN service with 60+ servers in Australia as well as a few in neighboring New Zealand. Its global network encompasses over 2,000 servers spread across over 75 locations worldwide. The service is fast, private, and has minimal downtime. This provider emphasizes speed, internet security, and privacy and works seamlessly with many streaming services. These include 9Now, 7plus, and Stan.

Encryption standards put IPVanish firmly in the top-tier of VPNs. It uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. Its policy of nil data storage makes it an example of a completely logless provider.

This service is popular with Kodi users because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

IPVanish speed test data

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

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a fan favorite because of its reliable service, fast speeds, and minimalist design. At the moment, ExpressVPN offers more than 3,000 high-speed servers spread across the globe. Servers in Australia are plentiful and there are options in nearby countries too, including New Zealand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

ExpressVPN’s standout feature is its continuing ability to securely access geo-restricted services, including Netflix, 9Now Foxtel, Stan, and more.

The service makes use of military-grade encryption protocols. This means your connection is encrypted and secure at all times. Specifically, ExpressVPN incorporates 256-bit AES-CBC as the default encryption standard, HMAC authentication, and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included, which it refers to as a ‘network lock.’ The latter feature means that your connection will remain encrypted even if the connection to a server drops out of the blue.

The company has a privacy policy of not storing any detailed traffic logs on its servers. There is a slight bit of metadata retention, but that ultimately helps users as it’s used to improve overall service quality levels. Individual IP addresses will not be logged.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

ExpressVPN speed test data

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.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost used to be a run-of-the-mill provider with a limited selection of servers and weak encryption. However, the service has dramatically improved over the past year after its acquisition by Crossrider – an Israeli firm registered in the UK. It’s gone through a rebranding phase with a clear investment in streaming capabilities, improving the server network, and firming up encryption standards.

At the moment, it offers a choice of 100+ servers in Australia, part of a global network that includes more than 10,000 servers scattered across 89 countries.

CyberGhost manages to access a host of streaming services, including Netflix securely. It also offers a bunch of nifty add-ons, including an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.

All traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default. This is coupled with perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included. The company is headquartered and registered in Romania where laws don’t require mandatory data retention for VPN service providers.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and MacOS.

CyberGhost speed test data

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.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller choice of VPN server locations as compared to the other providers on our list. But that shouldn’t discount its offering in any way. At the time of writing, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all packages.

Globally, PrivateVPN offers just over 80 servers in 56 locations, with one server located in Australia. This provider works with popular streaming services including Netflix, Stan, 9Now, and many more. Its speed and privacy ranking are on par with the other providers mentioned in the article.

PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy on the OpenVPN protocol, which are industry-leading standards. It also offers an internet kill switch. The service doesn’t store user logs or engage in data mining, and it offers impressive value for money.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

PrivateVPN speed test data

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.

7. PureVPN

If you want to get an Australian IP address at the lowest possible cost, PureVPN is going to be hard to beat. The VPN is not only cheap but easy to use and effective for gaining online privacy and freedom of access.

Subscribers can connect to more than 6000 servers in 65 countries, including Australia. This gets you a local IP address to access popular streaming servers, internet banking, shopping, and Google search from Australia – even while abroad. The VPN has secure AES encryption. This means you can bypass blocks at work or on campus without being tracked.

PureVPN’s WireGuard protocol is fast, making it especially useful for activities such as streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video conferencing. In our tests, it worked not only to get an Aussie IP but also to access British TV services, US streams like Netflix and Hulu, and platforms elsewhere around the globe.

In terms of security, you get a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and a strict policy against logging user data. This ensures the VPN is fit to protect your online privacy. Torrenting is allowed, but you do have to pay extra for port forwarding, so keep that in mind when making a decision.

The biggest downside is that live chat support is a bit slow to respond, but considering the cost this is a small caveat. You can test the VPN yourself to make sure it works seamlessly on your devices using the 31-day money-back guarantee.

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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8. ProtonVPN

While ProtonVPN’s longer-term plans may be on the pricier side, it’s more cost-effective for short-term needs such as vacations. This Switzerland-based VPN is known for its robust no-logging policy which has undergone independent audits. It is highly secure and works to access numerous Australian streaming services, including Stan and Foxtel Now. It also works to watch international services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

ProtonVPN is perfectly suited for tech enthusiasts requiring an Australian IP address. It has many advanced features, including split tunneling, port forwarding, multi-hop, and obfuscation. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy to compare ProtonVPN to other VPNs without risk.

It’s an excellent choice for torrenting due to its split tunneling and port forwarding features. The VPN also excels in safeguarding against ISP and government surveillance, making it a superb option if you plan to visit countries with high levels of censorship.

Apps are available for all major devices, meaning you can install ProtonVPN on smartphones. Tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it suitable for families. The only caveat is that it is a touch more expensive than our other recommendations on the longer plans. However, if you only need a VPN for a month it is cheaper than most competitors. 24/7 customer support through live chat is available on its website.

HIGHLY SECURE:ProtonVPN is a reliable and trusted VPN with servers in 85+ countries, including Australia. It works to access Australian streaming services abroad or while at work within Australia. 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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VPN for Australian IP – Testing Methodology

The online marketplace is saturated with competing VPN providers. Each of those services differs, which makes it hard for consumers to know which VPN provides value for money and the features necessary to gain online privacy and data security – as well as increased freedom of access.

At Comparitech, we understand these difficulties, which is why we review VPNs and help consumers to find the right service for their needs. During our process, we review each provider’s apps using a scientific VPN for Australia testing methodology. This allows us to compare each service and recommend VPNs for specific use cases.

For added transparency, we have included a list of features we looked for when recommending VPNs with an Australian IP address below.

• A wide choice of servers: A useful VPN will provide a global server network for you to connect to, including servers in Australia to get an IP address there. This allows you to access services from many countries around the world, and to access geo-restricted services while on vacation.
• Apps for all devices: We check the VPNs reliability and compatibility by looking at its app selection. All of our recommendations have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. They also may have additional apps for Linux, Firesticks, routers, and browser extensions. This lets you get the most out of your subscription by allowing you to use the VPN on all your devices.
• Unblocking capability: Just providing an Australian IP address isn’t enough. VPNs must also be able to bypass complex blocking technology used by streaming platforms. We check that users can access Aussie services like SBS on Demand, Stan, and 7Plus.
• Ease of use: Not all VPNs are developed to the same high design standards, which means that some have a lousy user interface that is confusing. We look for VPNs that are reliable but also easy to use, with well-made interfaces and apps that are suitable for beginners and techy-users alike.
• Fast speeds: One of the main problems with VPNs is the sluggish speeds that 90% of services provide. These VPNs make it hard to do data intensive tasks online. We test VPNs thoroughly using our own testing server to find the fastest VPNs on the market. This allows us to recommend secure VPNs that are also suitable for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and videoconferencing.
• Robust security: We test each VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure that it provides the privacy it claims. We also look under the hood to see how the VPN implements its encryption and VPN protocols. Additionally, we check for a working kill-switch to ensure you are secure, even if the VPN connection drops out.
• Advanced features: Not all VPNs have the same features. In this article, we have recommended VPNs that are versatile and provide as many features as possible. When recommending VPNs, we looked for the basics but also things like split tunneling, port forwarding, multi-hop, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, malware protection, ad blocking, Smart DNS, Tor over VPN, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
• Value for money: Budget isn’t always best, but that doesn’t mean that a good VPN should break the bank. We take a look at subscription costs, free trial periods, and money-back guarantees to determine whether or not a VPN service is good value for money. We also provide extra points for a generous number of simultaneous device connections.

Can I use 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. Some free VPNs have been caught stealing user data and selling it to advertisers. You might get lucky and be able to connect to an Australian server but it definitely won’t be hassle-free. If your aim is to stream content or securely access financial services, then you’re putting yourself at huge risk by opting for a free VPN.

A free VPN should 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.

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.

I’ve decided on a VPN for Australia. What do I do next?

We encourage you to read our user reviews of each VPN service before settling on a provider. Once that’s done, all you need to do is sign up with your credit card information (an easy way is to click on the links beneath each mini-review). You should receive a confirmation email with your login information and links to the relevant apps. Proceed to download those directly from the website or relevant app store. Restart your device after the installation is complete.

Once your login information is successfully authenticated, the VPN network service should ping you about a list of available server locations. Browse through them until you find an option for Australia. Some providers let you select a server based on country alone, while others let you select by city.

A successful connection will normally be indicated by a green icon on your taskbar or a VPN symbol at the top of your smartphone screen. Now your connection will be anonymous and secure, and you’ll be browsing the internet with an Australian IP address.

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 using a VPN to stream Australian content illegally. 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.

What are the 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.

See also: How to watch 9Now abroad with a VPN

Australian VPN with IP Address FAQ