If you're looking for online privacy, security, and freedom of access while in Australia, or you want to access local Australian services when traveling, you will need a VPN. Best VPNs Australia

A VPN is one of the most important tools for protecting your privacy online. In Australia, the government imposes mandatory data retention for a period of two years. This means you must use a VPN to prevent your ISP and the government from tracking everything you do.

Australia also imposes online restrictions, including blocks on popular torrenting sites. With a VPN, you can bypass this unnecessary censorship. A VPN for Australia also lets you access region-locked international web services, so you can access Australian TV streams on vacation (or foreign services while in Australia).

You can also use a VPN to protect yourself against hackers on public WiFi. This makes it a vital internet security tool for tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Below, you can see a shortlist of our favorite VPNs for Australia. We will provide in-depth summaries about each provider later in this guide.

Best VPNs for Australia:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Australia. A fast, secure, and highly reliable VPN. Has servers in 60+ countries, including Australia. Strong on privacy and security. Has many advanced privacy features. Works with Netflix, Kayo Sports, and other popular services. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN on the market. Lets you connect with unlimited devices. Has superb apps with many advanced features. Throws in a free Smart DNS service. Works to access Netflix. Has a kill-switch, obfuscation, and ad blocking.
  3. ExpressVPN: Over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries. Has powerful privacy apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. Zero-logs policy. Allows torrenting throughout its network. Works to watch Australian TV streams abroad.
  4. Proton VPN: Advanced apps for all popular platforms. Includes split tunneling and port forwarding, to torrent securely in Australia. Apps include a kill switch and stealth VPN. Servers in 69+ countries. Supports the WireGuard protocol.
  5. PrivateVPN: Secure and reliable. One of the best VPNs for torrenting thanks to its port forwarding feature. Works with over a dozen Netflix regions. Servers in Australia work to watch Seven, Ten, Fox, and Kayo Sports from abroad.
  6. CyberGhost: One of the fastest VPNs. Over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including Australia. A fantastic option for beginners. Fewer advanced features, but works well to access streaming services and for gaming. Works with Netflix, Prime Video, and more.

Summary Table

No value TEST WINNER No value No value No value No value No value
No value NordVPN NordVPN logowww.nordvpn.com Surfshark Surfshark logowww.surfshark.com ExpressVPN ExpressVPN logowww.expressvpn.com Proton VPN Proton VPN logowww.protonvpn.com PrivateVPN PrivateVPN logowww.privatevpn.com CyberGhost CyberGhost logowww.cyberghost.com
Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6
Australian servers 190+ servers 90+ servers 4 cities Undisclosed 4 cities 150+ servers
Avg Speed (Mbps) 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 71 Mbps 100+ Mbps
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 5 10 10 7
Devices Supported Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Android TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Amazon Fire TV Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month) $3.39
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86% off 2yr starter plan
$6.67
Save 49%
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SAVE 50%
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At BleepingComputer, we use specific criteria to find the best VPNs. Below, we have listed the features we looked for. Later in this guide, we will provide additional information about how we tested the best VPNs for Australia.

  • Apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and other platforms.
  • Outstanding ease of use.
  • Fast server speeds.
  • Strong security features, including a kill switch and AES encryption.
  • A global server network, including servers in Australia.
  • Excellent accessibility and unblocking capabilities if you need a VPN for streaming. 
  • In order to qualify for the top three positions, the provider must operate a fully diskless VPN server infrastructure, plus have its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

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The best VPNs for Australia

Below, you can find detailed summaries about each of the best VPNs for Australia. Our summaries explain each VPN’s talking points, including any potential drawbacks.

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10

NordVPN is the best VPN for Australia for a number of reasons and continues to push VPN technology forward. Subscriptions start at just $3.09 per month – to use the VPN on up to six devices. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Firestick/FireTV, and various routers. It also has guides for using the VPN with consoles, smart TVs, and other internet-connected devices.

The VPN has over 5,900 servers in 60+ countries, including servers in Australia that work to access streaming services like Foxtel Now, Kayo Sports, Seven, Nine, and Network 10. Plus, this VPN works to access Netflix US, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and countless other popular international services. All of its servers are now entirely run on RAM, which means that all data on the disk is lost the moment it’s turned off or rebooted.

NordVPN is fast thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. This makes it ideal for streaming 4K videos, playing games, torrenting, or making video calls. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, and the VPN has split tunneling to let you pick which apps use the VPN and which connect to the internet directly.

In terms of privacy features, the VPN is extremely solid. A no-logs policy ensures the VPN never tracks what you do online, and it is based in Panama, which is fantastic in terms of privacy. Panama isn’t a member of any publicly-known intelligence alliance, so the government is not compelled to share information with countries that request it. 

In addition, the VPN has DNS leak protection, OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, MultiHop connections, ad blocking, malware filtering, and Tor over VPN. The only feature it doesn't have is port forwarding, so if you want this, check out some of the VPNs later in this guide. Finally, this VPN has 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. The best all-rounder for Australians who want to protect their data whether at home or on public WiFi.

Pros:

  • Consistent and reliable servers in 60+ countries entirely run on RAM
  • Super-fast connections for streaming in HD and gaming
  • User-friendly apps for all devices with many advanced features
  • No logs policy has been audited
  • Diskless infrastructure

Cons:

  • Lacks port forwarding 

BEST VPN FOR AUSTRALIA: NordVPN is fast and secure. Has an incredible feature set and vast resources. Never tracks your IP or the servers you connect to. Works with many popular Australian streaming services. Consistently fast enough for playing games and streaming in HD. Works with Netflix US and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.8/10
Customer Support: 10/10

Surfshark is a VPN that could easily have been our top pick for Australia. Despite being just four years old, the company has managed to emulate the most impressive features found in the VPNs released before it. To compete with more established VPNs, it has rock-bottom prices and an unlimited connection allowance. This means you can share your account with all of your family and friends.

Unique features like a GUI interface for Linux, a private search engine, and rotating IP addresses justify Sufshark’s position as our number two provider in this list. It continues to impressively demonstrate how capable it is at adapting to the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

The VPN provides the modern WireGuard protocol, which gives it fast speeds for torrenting, gaming, and streaming. What’s more, Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that work with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTubeTV, DirecTV, BBC iPlayer, and other international streaming services.

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. These are big numbers. This includes fast servers in Australia to let you access internet banking, streaming services, or any other region-locked Australian services from abroad. It also allows torrenting, which makes it appealing to many Australian users. Also, its servers are entirely run on RAM and it has the added bonus of having an excellent track record of working in China – something a lot of providers are no longer able to do.

A no-logs policy ensures everything you do online remains private at all times. Plus, Surfshark has a kill switch, OpenVPN with solid AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, obfuscation, and advert, tracker, and malware blocking. This is an impressive list of features considering the monthly cost of a subscription starts at just $2.05.

You can try the VPN yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, and we are always impressed by this VPNs 24/7 live chat support, which is manned by agents that are both helpful and knowledgeable.

Pros:

  • Audited zero logs policy
  • Works with Netflix, Prime Video, Kayo Sports, and more
  • Diskless infrastructure
  • Super-fast WireGuard protocol for streaming and gaming
  • Unbeatable prices

Cons:

  • Fastest server feature doesn’t always pick the best option

BEST BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark is excellent for streaming. Allows an unlimited number of connections. Super-fast WireGuard protocol. Servers in Australia to access home services on vacation. Live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee to compare it to our other recommendations yourself.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.5/10
Customer Support: 6/10

ExpressVPN was first launched in 2009. It is currently used by people in over 180 countries due to its robust security features and privacy policies. The VPN never tracks what users do while connected, and it never records your source IP or the servers you connect to. Perhaps the only drawback is that it is pricey. However, you get what you pay for.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firesticks. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. In addition to having guides to install the VPN on various VPN-compatible routers, ExpressVPN has a custom router app for Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. And you can buy a router from ExpressVPN that comes ready to use with the VPN.

A range of servers are available in 105+ countries, which makes it great for accessing many international services. This includes servers in Australia to use local services abroad. In our tests, ExpressVPN worked with Kayo, Foxtel, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Plus, this VPN offers support for streaming and gaming thanks to its Lightway protocol.

This provider bucked industry trends by creating its own unique connection protocol and continues to be one of the leading providers in shaping and developing VPN technology. The stand-out features that set it apart from other VPNs further down this list include a custom app for routers and parallel connection technology for faster access. It's a high-end service, packed with features that are sure to be helpful for the average Australian user. 

Unlike many VPNs, ExpressVPN has had its infrastructure and software audited, which demonstrates its commitment to transparency and resolving potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem.

The VPN apps come with a kill switch, obfuscation (enabled by default when you use OpenVPN), DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and auto-connect. It also has a quick connect feature that instantly connects you to the fastest server available. 24/7 live chat lets you ask questions at any time of day, and you can try it risk-free with its no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Audited no logs policy
  • Works to stream popular Australian services abroad
  • Super secure AES encryption and a no logs policy
  • Diskless infrastructure
  • Protects your privacy on public WiFi and at home

Cons:

  • Monthly cost is higher than our other recommendations

HIGHLY POPULAR: ExpressVPN has plenty of useful features, including a kill switch, AES encryption, and obfuscation. Fast for gaming and streaming thanks to its fast Lightway protocol. Solid no logging policy. Split tunneling. Allows torrenting throughout its network. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 6/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10

Proton VPN is one of the most trusted brands in the privacy space. The VPN was started by the company behind ProtonMail, and it is a no logs VPN that puts consumer privacy first. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland. This is good news because it’s a country with strong consumer privacy laws and a lack of mandatory data retention directives.

The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firestick. It is also compatible with various routers. The VPN apps come with a truly mindblowing feature set; a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and Wireguard), Stealth VPN, a system-wide kill switch, DNS leak protection for IPv4 and IPv6, auto-connect, and the ability to bypass the NAT firewall. It also has both split tunneling and port forwarding, which makes it the best VPN for torrenting in Australia.

The VPN works to access eight different Netflix regions, Disney Plus, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Plus, it has servers in Australia and 68 additional countries – which makes it great for bypassing online blocks. While it isn't the fastest VPN on this list, it still provides decent speeds, particularly when you opt for WireGuard. This makes it good for streaming and playing games. It's ideal for accessing Australian streaming services from abroad, combining reliable connections with advanced security features in the process. 

A drawback with Proton VPN is that you do not get live chat support. This means that you will need to contact its team via email. However, if you want a super-secure VPN that has numerous advanced features, this VPN is well worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Over 3,100 servers in 69+ countries, including Australia
  • Works with many streaming services
  • An impressive number of advanced features
  • Port forwarding for torrenting and hosting servers
  • Wireguard protocol for faster speeds

Cons:

  • Not the easiest for beginners
  • Not as fast as some of our other recommendations

STRONG ON PRIVACY: A no-logs VPN based in Switzerland. Strong brand recognition. Lots of advanced privacy and security features. Split tunneling and port forwarding. Excellent for torrenting. Apps for all platforms, including a GUI app for Linux. Allows 10 simultaneous connections. Works with Netflix. Fast WireGuard protocol. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 4/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 8/10
Customer Support: 9.4/10

PrivateVPN was developed with the backing of activists who support consumer privacy rights and the right to torrent. The service is based in Sweden, a country that has no mandatory data retention directives.

PrivateVPN runs on a network of bare metal servers completely controlled by the VPN, which is good news for network security and privacy. The only caveat is that it only has around 250 servers in total. However, it has servers in 63+ countries and it manages to provide reasonable download speeds. That said, it is slower than the other VPNs on this list.

Consumers often praise PrivateVPN due to its ability to access streaming services. It works with around two dozen Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and popular Australian services like Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Stan, Binge, and TV networks like 10 and Seven. Plus, it has servers that are specifically optimized for streaming. WireGuard is available, but you will need to connect using the third-party OpenVPN client, which is a bit of a pain.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can also set it up manually on a Linux machine. Plus, it is also often the VPN of choice for Kodi users. We are always impressed by this VPN’s 24/7 live chat support. In terms of features, this VPN has AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and port forwarding. This makes it a suitable VPN for torrenting.

Pros:

  • Fast servers in 63+ countries, including Australia
  • Works for watching Netflix, and most Australian TV platforms
  • Port forwarding makes it good for torrenting
  • No logs policy, AES encryption, kill switch, and stealth VPN
  • Excellent speeds

Cons:

  • Smaller server network than some of our other recommendations
  • No split tunneling feature

GOOD FOR TORRENTING: PrivateVPN is fast and secure. Works to access Australian streaming services like Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Binge, and Stan. Servers in 63+ countries work with around 20 Netflix regions. Reliable privacy and security features, including a kill switch and obfuscation. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 45 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9/10
Customer Support: 9/10

CyberGhost is a VPN that is a great workhorse. It is one of the fastest VPNs in the world, and it has over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. This allows it to balance its users to avoid server congestion. It also includes the modern WireGuard protocol, which has a minimal impact on Internet speeds. This makes it an excellent option for HD streaming, torrenting, gaming, and videoconferencing. Just note that it doesn't have port forwarding, which some torrent clients need for seeding.

In addition to its great speeds, this VPN is perfect for beginners. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android and all apps come with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and AES-256 encryption. It also has built-in ad blocking and a malicious content filter to provide you with additional safety as you browse the web.

CyberGhost is relatively simple, but it still has all the features that most users actually need. Best of all, this VPN consistently works with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max, and has reliable servers in Australia that provide an Australian IP address to watch local TV on vacation. It also allows torrenting, though it does not have split tunneling or port forwarding – so if you want these features, pick a suitable VPN above.

Live chat support is available on its website 24/7, and the VPN has a wealth of guides and FAQs to help you with using the VPN. It even has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (on longer plans), which means you can compare it to any of our other recommendations risk-free. CyberGhost is based in Romania, and it has a solid no-logs policy, which makes it great for privacy purposes.

Pros:

  • Huge server network in 90+ countries, including Australia
  • Incredibly fast servers are perfect if you need a VPN for streaming Australian content 
  • Works with a wide choice of streaming services
  • Includes servers in Australia to watch Foxtel, Kayo, Netflix AU, Binge, or Stan

Cons:

  • Has fewer advanced features than our other recommendations

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost has a huge server network. Servers in 90+ countries work to watch Netflix and other popular services. Ideal for streaming in HD, gaming, or videoconferencing. Reliable privacy and security features, including a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee on longer-term plans.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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Testing methodology: how we chose the best VPN for Australia

There are hundreds of competing VPNs available on the market. We help consumers by testing VPNs and our reviewers use specific criteria to do so. This lets us objectively evaluate which are better for specific uses.

The VPN testing criteria we use let us recommend the best VPN services for Australian internet users. Note that even the world's best VPNs have some things they aren't good at, which is why we provide summaries to help you choose between them. The good news is that our top recommendations are fantastic all-rounders.

Below, you can see how we picked the best VPNs for Australia:

  • A large global server network, including servers in Australia: This allows you to change your IP address to an IP in a wide range of countries; to bypass local blocks or sidestep geo-restrictions. All of our recommendations have Australian servers to let you access local services on vacation.
  • Apps for all popular platforms: We only recommend VPNs with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps. Extra points for Linux apps, Firestick/FireTV, routers, and browser extensions. The provider must allow for at least five simultaneous connections. 
  • A wide selection of privacy and security features: We look under the hood to check the encryption and to test for DNS leaks. We award points for the provision of a choice of protocols, kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, port forwarding, MultiHop connections, auto-connect, malware scanning, ad-blocking, and other advanced features. 
  • A strong no-logs policy. This ensures that the VPN never tracks what you do online, never stores records of the servers you connect to, never logs your source IP address, and never provides any personal information to third parties.
  • Servers that work with popular streaming platforms: Most VPNs have been blocked by TV networks and video streaming platforms. We check each VPN to find out which services it works with. The VPN must work with various major streaming platforms in Australia. 
  • Fast connection speeds: Inferior VPNs slow down your internet, making it hard to do data-intensive online tasks. We test each VPN to find out how it performs and only recommend VPNs that are secure but also fast enough to stream, torrent, play games, and make video calls. Download speeds should be quick enough for streaming and torrenting via Australian servers. 
  • Servers that allow torrenting: In Australia, torrent sites are blocked. We recommend VPNs that allow P2P connections to let you regain access. A VPN also protects you against exposing your IP address to malicious peers.
  • Third-party audits: Trust is incredibly important when selecting a VPN provider. The majority of providers claim to be a ‘no logs' VPN, but the only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. The providers in our top three positions have all undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
  • Diskless infrastructure: This is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could theoretically be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers, and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN for Australia

If you are new to VPNs, we have you covered below. Follow each step to get a VPN subscription and connect to your VPN to use the internet with added security.

Here's how to use a VPN for Australia:

  1. Choose a VPN for Australia. We have provided six options for you to pick from. Each of our recommendations is excellent, depending on your needs. If you want a VPN that offers the best all-around service and value for money, we recommend NordVPN.
  2. Navigate to the VPN’s website and subscribe. You can pick the subscription length that suits you on the VPN’s website. By using our link, you will get an exclusive discount. Remember that each VPN has a money-back guarantee to let you try it risk-free.
  3. Subscribe to the VPN and provide a valid payment method. You can pay using a card, PayPal, or even Bitcoin if you prefer to pay anonymously.
  4. Download the VPN software and install it on your device.
  5. Login to the VPN using your valid user credentials.

As soon as the VPN has finished installing, you are ready to start protecting your internet connection. All you need to do is pick a server location from the list and click connect. As soon as the connection establishes, your internet connection is encrypted and you appear to be in the server location you picked! Use an Australian server location if you're in need of an Australian IP address from abroad. 

Data Retention Laws in Australia

In 2015, Australia passed mandatory data retention laws that have raised significant privacy concerns. These laws require telecom companies and ISPs to store communications metadata for up to two years. While the aim is to enhance national security and combat crimes, these laws also allow the police and various other agencies to exert unprecedented levels of surveillance.

Privacy concerns have been raised due to this invasive surveillance, prolonged data retention, and the potential for misuse or unauthorized access to personally identifiable data. Even the police have previously been shown to engage in improper data use, causing serious concerns.

Under these laws, metadata, including call records, text messages, email logs, and location data, is collected and stored for an extended period, longer than in many other Western democracies. This makes it essential to use a VPN to gain privacy.

Enforcement involves government agencies and law enforcement accessing this data for various purposes, including criminal investigations and reasons of national security (which many argue is too broad and causes rights infringements). In any case, many users would prefer to mask their online activities, even if they have nothing to hide from the law. 

To safeguard online privacy in the face of these laws, we strongly recommend using a VPN to encrypt your data and prevent ISPs from tracking your browsing history and communications metadata. By routing your internet traffic through servers outside Australia, VPNs will bypass data retention, and give you access to censored content. 

Australia VPN: FAQs

What is a VPN for Australia?

A VPN is an online privacy tool designed to protect you against eavesdroppers, hackers, and government snoops.

VPNs work by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it to servers controlled by the VPN. This prevents local network administrators and your ISP from tracking what you are doing online. It also protects your data against hackers when you use public WiFi.

By proxying your data to a remote server location, a VPN also conceals your IP address from the websites you visit. This stops websites from tracking you each time you visit their site, which provides you with an important layer of online privacy.

A byproduct of how a VPN works to provide online privacy means that you can pretend to be in a different location. This allows you to bypass restrictions placed on a local network. As a result, you can use a VPN to sidestep internet blocks at work, for example.

You can also use VPN to bypass any online restrictions implemented by Australian ISPs on behalf of the government. As a result, you can access torrent sites, for example. And you can also use a VPN to bypass region locks, which means you can access foreign services and websites that would usually be unavailable where you currently are.

Why do I need a VPN in Australia?

In October 2015, the Australian government passed a metadata retention bill that forces telecom companies and ISPs to retain communications metadata for two years. As a result, the government now has access to a huge amount of surveillance data about Australian citizens:

  • Details of who you called, text messaged, or emailed
  • The time when you made calls, texts, or emails
  • Location information
  • The volume of data that is transmitted
  • Device level identifiers
  • Your email address
  • Your IP address

In 2020, it was also revealed that Australia’s sweeping mandatory data retention powers were also being leveraged to provide Australian police with details about people’s browsing habits. This surveillance is occurring even though the Federal Government excluded this use case in the original legislation.

Due to the surveillance Australians are subjected to, it is vital for all citizens to use a VPN to encrypt their data. A VPN prevents your ISP from being able to harvest metadata and web browsing histories. As a result, you remove your ISP’s ability to comply with the government’s invasive surveillance laws

Do I need a VPN for public WiFi in Australia?

Yes. When you connect to public WiFi, you expose yourself to tracking at the hands of the WiFi provider. The important thing to remember is that no matter where you connect to the internet, the local WiFi network administrator can see what you are doing.

When you use public WiFi, the company may track your data for profiling purposes. The company may even decide to create a profit by selling your browsing habits to third parties. This is why it is essential to use a VPN to protect your privacy. With a VPN, public WiFi hotspots cannot monitor what you do online.

The encryption provided by a VPN also protects you against hackers on public WiFi, including evil twin attacks. This ensures that you are not exposed to session hijacking, replay attacks, and DNS hijacking that could expose you to malicious websites used for phishing or to deliver malware onto your devices

Can I watch Australian TV on vacation with a VPN?

Yes. When you go abroad on vacation or traveling for work, you will find that local TV services are no longer available. This means that you will need to use a VPN.

Australian TV networks and streaming services block their service overseas to comply with licensing agreements. As a result, you will see an error message when you try to log in to your account to watch live TV or On-Demand content.

By connecting to a VPN server in Australia, you can get a valid Australian IP address. This makes you appear to be back home, which means you can watch Australian TV from anywhere in the world.

The only caveat is that Australian streaming services have blocked most VPNs. This means that you must stick to recommended VPNs that still have servers that work to access popular streaming services.

The VPNs recommended for Australia in this guide work to access services like:

  • Foxtel Now
  • Kayo Sports
  • Stan
  • Binge
  • Seven Network
  • Nine Network
  • Network 10
  • Netflix Australia
  • Amazon Prime Video Australia
  • Paramount+ Australia

A VPN will also unblock any of the services listed above within Australia. So, if your employer, college, university – or any other public WiFi hotspot – is blocking access to these or any other websites, you can use a VPN to bypass those blocks instantly

Do I need a VPN for torrenting in Australia?

In 2018, the Australian government ordered ISPs to start blocking a number of torrenting sites. In 2021, the government doubled down on these restrictions by ordering ISPs to begin blocking 100s of websites linked to torrent sites and pirate streams. As a result of this censorship, it is necessary to use a VPN to access popular torrent repositories in Australia.

Besides needing a VPN to access torrent sites, you should always use a VPN while torrenting to protect yourself. The encryption provided by a VPN stops your ISP from tracking your downloads.

A VPN also conceals your IP address from other users. This prevents you from exposing your IP address to malicious peers, which protects you against hackers who could scan your home network for open ports in order to engage in hacking

What else can I do with a VPN for Australia?

A VPN is a hugely versatile online tool. Below, we have included a list of things you can do with a VPN:

  • Watch foreign streams and TV networks
  • Access region-locked websites on vacation through geo-spoofing
  • Prevent local networks from monitoring your web visits
  • Bypass blocks on any local network (school, work, public WiFi, etc)
  • Protect yourself against eavesdroppers and hackers on public WiFi
  • Unblock popular streaming sites from around the world
  • Watch foreign sports competitions online
  • Play on foreign game servers
  • Purchase games, online services, travel tickets, and other things for less
  • Access foreign bookies and online casinos
  • Prevent ISP throttling
  • Torrent safely
  • Bypass government censorship in Australia or abroad
  • Use VoIP messengers in countries that block them

Are VPNs legal in Australia?

Yes! VPNs are perfectly legal to use in Australia. Fortunately, there aren't any specific laws that prohibit or restrict the use of VPN services down under. This means that Australians and anybody visiting Oz from abroad have the freedom to use VPNs for a variety of purposes, including bolstering their online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and using torrent sites.

However, it's important to note that while VPNs themselves are legal, any activities performed while using your VPN must still adhere to Australia's laws. Engaging in illegal acts, like copyright infringement or cybercrime, remains illegal and if you commit crimes or engage in online harm while connected to a VPN, you could still face prosecution.

To ensure the responsible and lawful use of VPNs, it is vital that you never carry out any illegal activities. We recommend that you do your own research, and learn about local laws yourself to understand the current legal framework where you live (or intend to visit) as laws differ around the globe. Nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. You always use a VPN at your own risk and at your sole discretion.

Do I need a fast VPN in Australia?

Yes, having a fast VPN in Australia is essential for various reasons. Firstly, it ensures uninterrupted streaming when watching TV platforms like Ten, Seven, Foxtel, Kayo, or Disney+. Secondly, it provides a lag-free gaming experience and prevents bad ping. 

A fast VPN also enables faster downloading, uploading, and sharing of files – perfect for torrenting down under. Additionally, a faster VPN facilitates efficient remote work and collaboration for businesses without worrying about disappearing during Zoom calls.

Finally, a quick VPN improves your web browsing speed, allowing pages and video to lead without buffering or lag. All the VPNs for Australia in this guide were chosen because they have fast server networks and protocols such as WireGuard to let you enjoy smooth gaming, fast file transfers, and uninterrupted HD streaming.

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