Having access to an Australian IP address is on the priority list for many people. Aussies living abroad may need it to access online banking services. Australian residents traversing the globe require an IP address from back home to stay in touch with sporting events like the Australian Open or local television content, such as that provided by Foxtel and 7plus.

In this guide, we’ll explain some methods of how to obtain an IP address from Australia, including a free method. The easiest and quickest way to do that is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device and routes it via an intermediary server. This makes it appear you’re accessing the web from outside your current location. Many top-tier VPN companies offer servers in Australia, which means you can be based anywhere globally and still acquire an Australian IP address.

We provide in-depth analysis on 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:

  • 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.
  • Surfshark A cheap, privacy-first service that punches far above its weight. Connect as many devices as you like and stream Australian TV anywhere.
  • ExpressVPN Super-fast servers that unblock most popular streaming sites. Strong security, no logs, and a great record on privacy.
  • CyberGhost Easy for beginners, with top security, fast speeds, and no internet connection records.
  • IPVanish Torrent-friendly VPN service with good connection speeds, no-logs policy, and strong encryption.
  • PrivateVPN Impressive speeds and can unblock pretty much all geo-blocked content while you travel abroad, including 9Now.
  • Atlas VPN: High-speed servers in Australia. Stream Stan, Netflix, and more lag-free. Unlimited connections and extra security with MultiHop servers.

See also: How to get a Sydney IP address

What are the steps to get an Australian IP address?

The most straightforward method to obtain an Australian IP address is to sign up for a paid VPN service. We’ll highlight appropriate ones throughout this article. It doesn’t matter where you’re located in the world – it could be the US, France, Germany, Canada, the UK, India, Singapore, Thailand, or elsewhere – the process to obtain an IP address from Australia is simplified with a VPN.

How to get an Australian IP address:

What’s the best VPN to acquire an Australian IP address?

Our list of the best VPNs for Australian IP addresses has been curated based on many factors.

  • Register for the VPN service and download the app relevant to your device. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Clear all cookies and restart your device.
  • Connect to the VPN mobile app or desktop client.
  • Select a server in Australia and wait for a stable connection.
  • Now you have an IP address from Australia and can enjoy unrestricted access to a host of websites and content.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide not to continue with NordVPN and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

If you would like to know more about our in-depth analysis of VPNs then take a look at our full VPN testing methodology below our reviews.

The best VPN to get an Australian IP address – at a glance

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.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN operates 193 servers in Australia. These are a part of a total global network of more than 4,500 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.

Pros:

  • Provides a secure, encrypted connection
  • The fastest VPN we’ve tested
  • Exceptional unblocking ability
  • Doesn’t track personal data
  • Use up to six devices simultaneously

Cons:

  • Desktop app is a little cumbersome

Our score:

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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 if you’re concerned about privacy, you can always pay in cryptocurrency. 24/7 support is available over live chat.

Surfshark has software for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. It 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.

  • Unblocks plenty of Australian services from abroad

  • Generally provides fast enough speeds for lag-free streaming

  • Secure as many devices as you like

  • Major emphasis on security

  • Keeps no connection logs

  • Server speeds can vary slightly

  • Has a fairly small network

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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 along with 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.

  • Has servers in 94 countries

  • Has fast speeds for streaming

  • Unblocks 7plus, 9Now, and more

  • Offers a secure, private service

  • A little more expensive than some rivals

  • May not be customizable enough for experienced users

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

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 104 servers in Australia, part of a global network that numbers more than 5,700 servers sprinkled across 89 countries.

CyberGhost manages to securely access a host of streaming services, including Netflix. 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.

  • Decent, reliable speeds

  • Offers 24/7 live chat support

  • Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Won’t work in Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia or UAE

  • Provides little control over advanced functionality

Here’s our in-depth CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has 60+ servers in Australia as well as a few in neighboring New Zealand. Its total global network encompasses over 1,900 servers spread across more than 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.

  • Keeps no connection logs

  • Very fast speeds

  • Use up any number of devices simultaneously

  • Doesn’t accept bitcoin

  • Doesn’t work with consistently with Netflix

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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 along with perfect forward secrecy on the OpenVPN protocol. These are industry-leading standards. An internet kill switch is offered too. The service doesn’t store any user logs or engage in data mining of any nature and it offers impressive value for money.

PrivateVPN speed test data

  • Operates a network spanning 57 countries

  • Keeps no connection logs whatsoever

  • Accepts bitcoin

  • Works with Netflix

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • Smaller server network than other providers on this list

Here’s our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN has quickly established itself as one of the best VPNs for streaming. It provides some of the fastest speeds around, averaging 247 Mbps in our latest tests. Servers are located across dozens of countries and this includes Australia so you can get an Australian IP address. This allows you to access a wide range of geo-blocked content from abroad including Stan, Binge, and Foxtel.

With just one Atlas VPN account, you’ll be able to secure all of your devices at the same time. Data is routed through a secure, 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. Aside from DNS leak protection and a kill switch, you’ll also find a malware and tracker blocker and MultiHop servers. Although very easy to use, Atlas VPN has around-the-clock support (live chat and email). It also doesn’t keep any identifying logs of users.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:AtlasVPN is fast, has servers in Australia, and works with Netflix, Stan, 7 plus, and more. Easy to use and with 24/7 support. Unlimited devices, MultiHop servers, and a malware blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very good server speeds means no lag or buffering when streaming

  • High level of security with extras including MultiHop servers

  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously

  • Not the biggest server network (approximately 750 servers)

  • Doesn’t provide support for routers as yet

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

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.
  • 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.

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

The nice thing about a VPN with an Australian IP address is that you can access Aussie subscription services like Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, and DAZN while on vacation outside of the country. 

In addition, you can use the VPN to access those services anywhere within Australia where they have been blocked by the local network administrator. So if your school, employer, or wifi hotspot provider is blocking a sporting event, our VPN recommendations will easily allow you to regain access.

That said, there are many dodgy VPN providers on the market, and it is essential that you do not accidentally subscribe to one of these services. Unreliable VPNs often lie about the level of protection they provide, which gives you a false sense of security. They also harvest data to create a revenue stream. 

The danger of using these second-rate VPNs is that you will not gain the privacy and security you expect. Instead, you could encounter additional tracking, and could have your personal data collected and disseminated by the VPN provider for marketing purposes and targeted advertising.

Finally, there is an outside risk that using a VPN could cause you to be blocked by certain services. Accessing Australian services from abroad may be against the terms of service. Thus, it is worth considering the services you plan to access from abroad to find out whether they monitor for VPN use. 

Market leading VPNs like the ones recommended in this guide provide robust VPN tunneling protocols that implement military grade AES encryption. This protects your data against eavesdroppers, and prevents local networks, ISPs, and governments from placing your online habits under surveillance.

These benefits make a VPN service a far more secure and reliable way to gain an IP address in Australia. In addition, reliable VPNs have robust privacy policies that explain exactly how they use data. They also have a proven track record (including third party audits) that proves that they provide the privacy levels they claim.

Compare this to online proxies; for which it is often hard to know who is controlling the exit node. This means that it is impossible to know who controls the proxy and what they are doing with the data that passes through it, creating a huge risk to your online footprint.

Finally, high quality VPNs have much faster servers than those you get when using proxy services. This makes the VPN much more useful and versatile, and means you can use an Australian IP address to stream, play games, and do other data-intensive tasks.