How to get an Australian IP address

You will need an Australian IP address to access region-locked content, websites, and services. A VPN is the easiest way to obtain an Australian IP.

For any Aussies who are currently abroad, a VPN can help you get an IP address back home. For example, you might need an Australian IP to access online banking, or you might want to stream local Oz content from channels like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Foxtel/Binge/Kayo, and Stan.

We’ll take you through various ways to obtain an Australian IP address, including a couple of free methods. However, it’s worth noting that a VPN is a simple, secure way to do so, with the added benefit of increased privacy.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by encrypting your data and routing your traffic through a server located elsewhere. You’ll be assigned a different IP address to match the server you’ve selected. If there are locations in Australia, you’ll be able to connect from anywhere in the world. If you’d just like a quick summary, here are the best options below.

Best VPNs for getting an Australian IP address from abroad:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for Australia. Exceptional speeds, can access various local streaming services, and 150+ server locations in Oz. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great choice for any users working with a tighter budget. Unlimited device connections, strong security, and can be used to stream Australian TV worldwide.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium provider with speedy Australian servers. Custom protocol, streaming experts, and locations that include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth.
4. Mullvad: Secure VPN service with lots of privacy features. Zero-logs policy, simple plans, and servers in six Australian cities.
5. Proton VPN: Privacy specialist with a capable Australian network. Notable features include Double VPN and Tor over VPN, plus it's independently audited.
6. CyberGhost: Thousands of servers worldwide, beginner-friendly apps, and dedicated Australian IP addresses available.
7. PrivateVPN: Several Australian server locations to choose from, great for accessing blocked content, and allows up to 10 simultaneous devices.

Steps to getting an Australian IP

It’ll only take a few minutes to get an Australian IP address with a VPN. Here’s a step-by-step guide to take you through what to do.

1. Select a VPN with Australian server locations. We’d recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up via the website, and download the relevant VPN app for your device.
3. Sign in to the VPN, and select one of the Australian server locations.
4. You may need to clear your cookies and restart your device for the changes to take effect.

This process works from anywhere in the world. For example, if you’re on holiday, you’ll be able to connect to an Oz server which will give you an Australian IP address. 

When selecting the best VPN providers for this list, we carefully considered the criteria below.

• Australian servers: We check out the strength of each VPN’s Australian network.
• Unblocking: Can the VPN be used to access blocked Australian streaming services like Netflix and Stan?
• Fast speeds: Nippy connection speeds are a must for anything from streaming to gaming.
• Security and privacy: We look at the provider's logging policy, along with the method of encryption and any available VPN protocols.
• Compatibility: Does it work with all popular mobile and desktop operating systems?
• Features: A range of features help a VPN to stand out from the crowd.
• Value for money: The provider must offer plans which are fairly priced.

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that have all of the following:

• Diskless servers (wiped daily making it almost impossible for the VPN to retain any usage data).
• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PWC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so.
• The VPN must have been through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself.

The best VPNs to get an Australian IP address – summary table

Here is an in-depth look at the best VPNs for obtaining an Australian IP address:

NordVPN is our top recommendation if you’re hoping to find the best VPN for an Australian IP address. It works to access SBS, 7play, Foxtel Now, Stan, HayU, TenPlay, 9Now, and BINGE from abroad.

 Connection speeds are noteworthy thanks to the custom NordLynx protocol, so there’s no chance of lag while streaming or gaming. There are 170 Australian servers in total, split between Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. It has over 6,000 servers worldwide, so it’s a network that is unmatched by most of the competition.

NordVPN is great for accessing Australian streaming services, as well as content from the US, the UK, and beyond. Notable privacy features include Threat Protection, anti-DDoS, and split tunneling. It even works in tough regions like China thanks to obfuscated servers. No personally identifiable information is logged, it has been audited multiple times, and you’ll be safe to browse the web from anywhere.

Apps are easy to use and are available for Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, and macOS. It also offers a proxy extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge if you’d prefer a lightweight experience.

However, it lacks dedicated IP addresses in Australia, and there is a bit of a slowdown while switching servers. It is also worth noting that a third-party server in Finland was breached back in 2018. Due to the incident, NordVPN now controls all of its network and has improved its security by hiring independent auditors. The owners of NordVPN also recently acquired Atlas VPN and Surfshark, however, they remain independently managed.

BEST VPN FOR AN AUSTRALIAN IP ADDRESS: NordVPN is our top pick if you need a VPN for an Australian IP address. Heaps of additional features, blistering speeds, and it works in restrictive countries like China. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is ideal if you’re working with a limited budget, thanks to a variety of affordable deals available at any given time. It has encrypted Australian servers in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Each offers Private DNS, WireGuard support, and NoBorders. The latter is a form of obfuscation, and ensures that Surfshark will work in restrictive regions with no issues.

One account can be used with unlimited simultaneous devices, which is great if you’re able to share logins with others in your household. Speeds are also quick enough for streaming with no lag. Surfshark can access various platforms including Netflix Australia, which has a well-earned reputation for blocking the use of VPNs internationally.

You’ll find apps for all popular devices, along with a trio of browser extensions. It keeps no connection logs, and Surfshark has been independently audited by Cure53. If you’d like to connect to servers further afield, it has a total of 3,200+ in 100+ countries. It also allows torrenting, which makes it a superb option for Australians who need a VPN both on vacation and when living back home.

Another fact worth knowing is that Surfshark is now owned by Nordsec Ltd., which runs NordVPN. Despite this recent acquisition, both VPNs remain independently managed.

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY: Surfshark is the best budget option for an Oz IP. Unlimited simultaneous devices, strong security, Australian streaming access, NoBorders, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is one of the more popular providers on the market. A beginner-friendly option, the proprietary Lightway protocol is great for ensuring optimal speeds from anywhere. It has been operating for over a decade, offering strong encryption, split tunneling, and TrustedServer technology.

Servers in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth can be used to access various Australian sites and services, such as Netflix, 9Now, Foxtel, Stan, and more. The VPN is a strong pick for the region, as well as for countries like the United States and the UK.

ExpressVPN comes with apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. One flaw is that it’s a bit pricier than the competition, but it’s still a great choice considering the overall standard of service. It keeps no logs aside from anonymous metadata, and it’s based in the British Virgin Islands.

The parent company has a history in ad tech, and rebranded to escape its previous bad reputation and to change itself into a privacy technology enterprise. Kape Technologies now owns ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost. These VPNs are all run independently.

EXCELLENT STREAMING CAPABILITIES: ExpressVPN is a top pick for getting an Australian IP with ease. A viable pick for streaming content from anywhere in the world, it’s one of the more dependable providers in terms of speed and security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Mullvad has a collection of 25+ servers in six Australian cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.) It’s not the largest amount by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s a provider that solely focuses on improving security and user privacy, rather than streaming, or the size of its network. That does mean that we’d advise to look elsewhere for accessing anything aside from US Netflix.

There are various benefits to consider, including WireGuard, MultiHop, and a strict no-logs policy combined with a comprehensive privacy policy. The Sweden-based VPN collects no user information during sign up, instead using a randomly generated number to log you in. Speeds are decent, even if they’re not the fastest, and there’s a kill switch available for all apps.

It offers client support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers.

TAKES PRIVACY SERIOUSLY: Mullvad is a strong choice for any serious privacy enthusiast. Servers in six Australian cities, strict no-logs policy, WireGuard support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is another strong pick for security-conscious users. Privacy features include everything from Double VPN and Tor over VPN to split tunneling.

A modest collection of 36+ servers in four Australian cities (Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney) offer streaming support and an ad-blocker. You can also use Proton’s Secure Core servers to connect to Australia, which route network traffic through servers in privacy-friendly countries, with a choice between Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland.

Proton VPN’s Australian servers can access popular channels such as Network 10, Channel 7, Channel 9, and ABC (iview). It also works with numerous streaming platforms. One drawback is that it doesn’t work in China, and it has a smaller network overall. Despite being seen as a great pick for security, its parent company recently handed data over to the Swiss government.

FAST SPEEDS: Proton VPN offers superb speeds and security, will give the user an Australian IP, and can be used to access local services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks overall. There are 180+ in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney), and over 9,000 worldwide. It’s also one of the few services to offer dedicated IP addresses in Australia. (As you may have guessed, these are found in Sydney.) A dedicated IP address is solely for one person, and it’s useful if you need a stable connection, or to connect to the same service regularly.

The provider is registered in Romania, which is privacy-friendly, and has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS. CyberGhost is perfect for streaming. Along with Netflix, you’ll be able to access Australian services like Tenplay, Foxtel, and SBS. Additional features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.

Another Kape VPN, ownership is arguably the most notable flaw. It’s also worth noting that while it keeps no user logs, some aggregate metadata is sent anonymously to third-party services (MixPanel) for trend analysis.

VAST SERVER NETWORK: CyberGhost has great Australian coverage. Dedicated Sydney IP address, large network, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

PrivateVPN has a small collection of servers found in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Predominantly focused on security, it’s a great choice for torrenting, and it works with popular Australian streaming services including Netflix, Stan, and 9Now.

200+ servers in 63+ countries including Australia, the United States, the UK, and Germany. This gives you plenty of options for getting different IP addresses around the globe. Camouflage Mode and WireGuard support ensure speedy, secure encryptions, with the former working as a form of obfuscation. Camouflage Mode helps to bypass any content filtering by changing your IP and hiding your traffic.

Native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS ensure that every popular operating system is covered. PrivateVPN allows for 10 simultaneous connections, and it doesn’t store any user logs.

GREAT FOR TORRENTING: PrivateVPN offers quick speeds and lots of interesting features to help the user to remain anonymous online. Enjoy Australian IP addresses from multiple cities, streaming support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

VPN for Australian IP – Testing methodology

The best VPN for an Australian IP won’t necessarily be the same as the best VPN for something else. There are hundreds of providers to choose from, so we used the following testing methodology to come up with this list containing top providers for the region:

• Australian servers: We looked at the strength of each VPN’s Australian network, including the number of servers, and how many cities are covered. We’ve also factored in coverage in other countries, including Asian locations like South Korea and Hong Kong. 
• Unblocking: Can the VPN be used to access blocked Australian streaming services? We also check how it performs with international websites that are restricted. Ideally, the VPN will also work with banking services, and a range of further geo-blocked content. 
• Fast speeds: Nippy connection speeds are a must for anything from streaming to gaming. If you’re abroad, the servers will have to pick up the slack.
• Security and privacy: The VPN must be free of any IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. We look at the logging policy, along with the method of encryption and any available VPN protocols.
• Compatibility: Does it work with all popular operating systems? Furthermore, are there VPN apps for the likes of macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows? We look for Linux support, as well as any browser versions.
• Features: A range of features help a VPN to stand out from the crowd. This may include ad blocking, Smart DNS, Tor over VPN, or a dedicated IP address. It must have key features such as a kill switch.
• Value for money: The provider must offer plans which are fairly priced. Ideally, there will be deals for longer subs, and the VPN will offer a simple money-back guarantee.

Bonus points

The VPNs we recommend all share several desirable qualities. For instance, they all use industry-standard encryption and prioritize privacy by logging as little data as possible. However, there are a few key reasons that we consistently place NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark in the top three positions of our lists, and we’ll explore these below.

As well as the criteria above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following:

• Diskless servers: By moving infrastructure to RAM-only servers, VPN providers have a centrally controlled network where nothing is stored locally. That means if someone were to seize one of these servers, they’d effectively be taking an empty piece of hardware with no data or configuration files worth anything. Our top providers (as well as CyberGhost) run their servers on RAM instead of via traditional storage.
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: A huge number of countries share intelligence. The best-known alliance of this nature is the 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SiGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of. As NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands, they aren’t part of any publicly-known intelligence alliance.
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: Rather than relying on a VPN to tell the truth with no guarantees, we’ve looked at providers who have called in auditors to perform an independent review of their claims. For example, a number of major VPNs including CyberGhost, and IPVanish have undergone infrastructure audits which have shown these VPNs are telling the truth about their logging policies. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have had both server and application audits performed (though Surfshark’s app audit only examined the browser extensions, not the desktop or mobile apps).

Can I use a free VPN to obtain an Australian IP address?

Possibly, but there are some caveats to consider. The majority of free providers tend to focus on the United States, and may have a few European servers on offer. However, Australian servers tend to be an afterthought, and it’s unlikely that a free provider will offer coverage in the region.

If you do manage to find a free provider with Australian servers, they’re likely to have inferior encryption, while many throttle speeds or limit bandwidth. The majority will have been blocked by popular streaming services, and it’s inadvisable for banking or anything involving sensitive data.

Many free providers use adverts to fund their service. Other, more unscrupulous services may choose to sell your data to third parties. Check out our list of the best VPNs for Australia for some great premium options.

I’ve chosen a VPN for Australia. What should I do next?

Once you’ve decided on a provider, you’ll need to sign up and input your payment details. Some VPNs allow the user to do so anonymously, often with the use of cryptocurrencies. Most services will send you a confirmation email containing your login information.

Make sure you’ve downloaded the right app for your device, and input your username and password when prompted. You should now be able to pick from any available servers, including those found in Australia.

Choose an Australian location, and wait to be connected. You’ll be assigned an Australian IP address, which can be used to safely browse the internet and access local apps and services.

Why do I need an IP address for Australia?

Australia scores highly in terms of internet freedom, and there isn’t much content which is restricted in the country. However, the same can’t be said for some of the surrounding regions, so a VPN is a great solution if you’d like to watch Australian content safely from anywhere in the world. It’ll ensure that your browsing habits remain private, and even your ISP won’t know what you’re up to. Instead, your ISP will only be able to see that you’re connected to a VPN.

You’ll also be able to torrent freely, and an Australian IP address is perfect for accessing any blocked services from home. (We don’t encourage using a VPN to stream Australian content illegally, so make sure to check out local laws.) As a rule of thumb, you'll need an Australian VPN server for an Aussie IP address. 

Other methods to obtain an Australian IP address

If you’re currently in Australia, you’ll be assigned a new IP address if you’re able to switch to a different network. For example, connecting via mobile data will assign you a new IP address.

Alternatively, the Tor browser is free to download and use. It works by routing your connection through different nodes, and it is typically used by journalists, human rights activists, and whistleblowers. The only flaw is that you’ll have to deal with slower speeds, so it can’t be used for streaming, torrenting, or any other intensive tasks.

A proxy server might be helpful if you’re not in the country. However, these tend to have data caps and slow speeds. Many are also questionable from a privacy perspective, and are similar to free VPNs in this respect. Lastly, proxy servers tend to struggle with accessing streaming platforms.

Australian VPN with IP address: FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN in Australia?

Yes. VPNs are totally legal in Australia. For example, some companies use an internal VPN for remote employees to access sensitive information securely. However, committing any online crimes while using a VPN won’t save you from the repercussions.

It’s also legal to get an Australian IP address from most other countries, as long as they don’t ban the use of VPNs outright. The likes of China, Russia, Belarus, and more have banned or restricted VPNs to some degree.

How can I find out my IP address?

It’s easy to find out your IP address. To do so, use a browser to access a search engine like Google, and type in “What is my IP?”. Otherwise, check out a site like What Is My IP Address, which can tell you your IP, give you a rough location, and check for any IPv6 leaks.

Can I get an Australian IP address from a specific city?

Yes, but it’ll depend on the VPN you’ve chosen. Some providers only have servers in one Australian city. (This is likely to be in Sydney.) Others will select your server location at random, so you might have to connect a few times to get an IP from the city you’d prefer.

How do I get an Australian IP address on iOS or Android?

As with desktop devices, it’s not difficult to get an Australian IP address on iOS or Android. Most premium VPNs will have apps for both platforms, with similar functionality compared to the desktop versions. Follow the step-by-step guide seen above to install and use a VPN on mobile.

However, it is worth mentioning that streaming results may vary depending on the device in question. As a rule of thumb, it’s easier to use a VPN for streaming on a desktop device, as some streaming services will use your phone’s GPS data to verify your current location.

Can I watch US content with a VPN?

It’s not fair that Aussies pay more for fewer entertainment options. Take Netflix. It’s more expensive in Australia, with less content on offer. You’ll be able to access streaming services from around the world with a VPN, from BBC iPlayer in the UK to heaps of US content.

Which Australian server should I choose?

If you’re aiming for top speeds; the closer the server, the better. This should help you to achieve faster connections if you're abroad in a faraway country and you’re in need of an Australian IP. Some providers will offer the user a ‘Recommended Server’, which should give optimal results.

Do I need a VPN with an Australian IP if I already live in Australia?

If you already live in Australia, using a VPN with an Australian IP address is not strictly necessary unless you want to use local services with added privacy and security. 

The primary purpose of connecting to a VPN server in a specific country is to bypass geo-restrictions and access content or services that are only available in that country. Thus, most people want a VPN with an Australian IP address to access home services, such as Foxtel or Kayo Sports, while on vacation or traveling for work.

However, it is also beneficial to use a VPN with an Australian IP address inside of Australia because Aussie ISPs are bound by mandatory data retention laws that force them to snoop on users for 12 months and provide that data to the government. Below, we have provided a few examples of why you may want to connect to a VPN within Australia:

1. Privacy and security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and provides an additional layer of security, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data. This can be useful when connecting to public WiFi networks or if you have concerns about your online privacy and want to prevent Aussie ISPs from tracking you on behalf of the government. By connecting to an IP address in Australia, you gain privacy and security while still being able to watch local TV or use Australian financial services that are restricted abroad.
2. Avoiding throttling or traffic shaping: Some Australian ISPs may engage in bandwidth throttling or traffic shaping, which can slow down specific types of internet traffic. By using a VPN, you stop your ISP from knowing what websites you are using, which can prevent them from throttling you during peak times. An Australian IP address allows you to prevent throttling while still maintaining access to local Aussie game servers or streaming services.