How To Get an Australian IP Address From Anywhere

If you're itching to access your favorite online Aussie content, the good news is that many of the best VPNs (virtual private networks) can help you get an Australian IP address. It's like teleporting your internet connection Down Under without leaving your couch.

Read on to learn how to get an Australian IP address from anywhere with a VPN, what to consider when deciding on a VPN, and the best VPNs for an Australian IP address.

What is an Australian IP address?

IP address is short for Internet Protocol address. It's a code that your internet service provider (ISP) assigns to your device when you connect to the internet. This code is unique to your device, just like your home address is unique to your house.

An Australian IP address would show that your device is in Australia, even if you're not physically there. With a VPN, you can get an Australian IP address no matter where you’re located.  

So, if you want to watch shows or visit geo-blocked websites, using an Australian IP address through a VPN makes it possible. It's like pretending to be in Australia while you're somewhere else.

How to change your IP address

If it's your first time using a VPN, don’t worry — you can follow these steps to set up a VPN to get an Australia IP address:

1. Choose a VPN service: Choose a VPN that offers servers in Australia. 
2. Sign up and download: Sign up for the chosen VPN service and create an account.
3. Install the VPN app on your device: It could be any device the VPN supports, like your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
4. Launch the VPN app: Open the VPN app.
5. Log in to the VPN: Log in to the app using the account credentials you created during sign-up.
6. Connect to an Australian server: Once logged in, you'll likely see a list of servers from different countries. Choose a server located in Australia. It might be labeled Australia, AU or have the Australian flag next to it. Initiate the connection.
7. Wait for connection: The VPN app may take a few moments to connect to the Australian server. You might see a loading icon or animation during this process.
8. Check your VPN connection to the Australia server: The VPN should clearly say ON, Connected, Live, or Enabled. Once the connection is established, you'll be virtually connected to Australia. Your online activities will now appear as if you are browsing from within Australia.
9. Verify Your IP address: To confirm that you have an Australian IP address, you can use online tools or websites like an internet speed test that displays your IP address. If you followed the steps correctly, it should now show an Australian IP address.
10. Start browsing: With your new Australian IP address, you can browse the internet as if you were in Australia. You can access Australian websites, services, and content that might be restricted in other locations.

Remember, disconnecting from the VPN server will restore your original IP address. When you want to resume browsing with an Australian IP, simply reconnect to the Australian server through the VPN.

Best VPNs for Australian IP addresses

CyberGhost, NordVPN, and Surfshark are three popular VPNs for Australian IP addresses. Each of these VPNs offers unique features designed to enhance your online security and freedom.

Let's dive into what sets them apart, from their server networks and security features to their speed and performance.

	CyberGhost	NordVPN	Surfshark
Starting price	Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years)
No-logs policy
Servers in Australia	200 servers in 3 cities (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane)	190 servers in 5 cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney)	40 servers in 5 cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth)
Streaming support	Netflix Australia, 9Now, 10Play	Netflix Australia, 9Now, 10Play, Kayo Sports, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, Foxtel Now, Stan	Netflix Australia, Kayo, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC
Details	Get CyberGhost	Get NordVPN	Get Surfshark

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an affordable VPN with Australian servers. Founded in 2011, CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, which is out of the reach of international surveillance alliances. It has 200+ servers throughout Australia, with locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

This VPN boasts great security features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. With just one click, you can establish a secure connection protected by AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring that even your ISP remains unaware of your online actions and you’re protected from hackers.

We love CyberGhost for its affordability. Of the three VPNs, CyberGhost is the lowest priced, starting at just $2.03/mo (billed every two years). You can also protect up to seven devices at once, which helps sweeten the price. And if you ever need anything, CyberGhost has a responsive 24/7 live chat and an in-depth knowledge base.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a reliable VPN for Australian IP addresses. Server locations are available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, with up to 190 Australian servers. It allows for 10 simultaneous connections and boasts a great 24/7 customer support department. NordVPN relies on AES-256 encryption and the WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols to provide maximum security. Nord also doesn't log your data.

Founded in 2012, NordVPN is headquartered in Panama. This means it’s not subject to any data retention laws. However, Nord is the most expensive offering on the list, with its cheapest plan at $2.99/mo (billed every two years).

Surfshark

Surfshark is very budget-friendly, costing $1.99/mo (billed every two years) for its starting plan. It has 40 Australian servers across five cities in Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth). One thing we love about Surfshark is that you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously, which is an excellent value for the cost.

Surfshark uses obfuscation, which camouflages your data and your VPN use. It runs on the WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols and uses AES-256 GCM encryption. For customer support, Surfshark has 24/7 live chat, a knowledge base, and email for support tickets.

All in all, Surfshark is a quality VPN that packs a punch for a low price. The only thing we aren’t crazy about is that it is located in The Netherlands, part of the Nine Eyes alliance.

The Nine Eyes alliance is one of three major intelligence-sharing agreements between multiple countries worldwide. With the Netherlands being part of the Nine Eyes alliance, not everyone who is shopping for a VPN will be on board due to concerns around personal liberties, mass surveillance, and impact on data security. As always, choose a VPN at your own risk based on your privacy needs.

How can I get a free VPN in Australia?

If you want a 100% free VPN in Australia, we recommend TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a reputable VPN company founded in 2011 and based in Toronto, Canada. In 2017, TunnelBear became one of the first consumer VPN providers to publicly publish an independent security audit. The company still does this today, maintaining trust among its customer base. TunnelBear also maintains a no-logs policy.

After running a speed test using a Sydney server, our download speed was 27.3 Mbps, upload speed was 44 Mbps, and ping was 247 ms. The latency here is high, so it’s probably not the VPN of choice for streaming or gaming. But for a free VPN, TunnelBear works fine for basic browsing needs.

We like that all TunnelBear plans have the same performance levels, regardless of whether they are free or paid. The free version has a 2 GB data cap for secure browsing, but this amount resets monthly.

However, we don’t like that TunnelBear is governed under U.S. jurisdiction. In 2018, the American computer security company McAfee acquired TunnelBear. The United States is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which may be a no-go for VPN users who are serious about protecting their privacy and security.

Overall, TunnelBear is a decent free VPN to get an Australian IP address if you accept the risk of its jurisdiction. If you want to explore other options without that risk, check out our list of the best free VPNs today. As always, know your risk tolerance and needs before downloading any VPN, free or paid.

What to look for in a VPN

When you're looking for a VPN, there are a few essential things to remember. At a minimum, you’ll need to consider the number of servers in Australia, the connection speed, and the ability to access blocked Australian content. Don’t stop there, though. There’s so much more when choosing!

Here's a detailed rundown of what matters most:

• Australian server availability: Prioritize VPNs with multiple servers located in Australia for smoother and faster connections. Check if they cover various Australian cities to enhance server options.
• Speed performance in Australia: Select VPNs known for maintaining fast speeds while connected in Australia. Look for providers that offer dedicated fast servers in the region.
• Ability to bypass geo-restrictions: Ensure the VPN has a track record of successfully bypassing geo-restrictions on Australian websites and services. Opt for providers explicitly mentioning their ability to access Australian content.
• Privacy and security standards: Opt for VPNs with robust encryption protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec to safeguard your online activities. Verify if the provider follows a strict no-logs policy to protect your digital footprint.
• Server reliability and uptime: Choose VPNs with reliable servers and minimal downtime to ensure consistent access. Research user experiences or performance tests to gauge server reliability in Australia.
• User-friendly interface: Prioritize VPNs with intuitive apps compatible with your devices, guaranteeing straightforward setup and use.
• Customer support availability: Check for VPNs offering 24/7 customer support through live chat or email for prompt assistance.
• Trial or guarantee options: Consider VPNs with trial periods or money-back guarantees to evaluate their compatibility with your requirements risk-free.
• Device compatibility: Verify if the VPN supports the devices you use the most, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, or other devices.
• Geographic scope: While focusing on Australia, verify if neighboring regions, like New Zealand, are covered to optimize connections and broaden content access.

Focusing on these factors can pinpoint a VPN that effectively provides an Australian IP address while delivering reliable speed, security, and accessibility tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Bottom line

If you're looking to access Australian content and services from abroad, using a VPN to get an Australian IP address is essential. It opens up a world of benefits, from unblocking region-specific streaming services to protecting your data. 

CyberGhost, Surfshark, and NordVPN are great paid VPNs that offer secure connections and extensive server networks for obtaining an Australian IP address. For those seeking a free VPN option, TunnelBear is suitable for everyday browsers.

Ready to explore the best VPNs for Australia and discover the ideal solution to access Australian content while safeguarding your online activities? Check out our comprehensive guide to the top VPN services to enhance your online experience in Australia.