watch Australian Netflix outside Australia

If you’re currently outside Australia, you may have noticed that Netflix’s content seems different from what you’re accustomed to back home. You might not be able to find your favourite TV show or movie, or you might have access to even more content.

This is happening because Netflix libraries differ based on geographic location or country. Every TV show and movie is owned by a parent company and these companies often impose copyright restrictions that limit where they can be broadcast, or more specifically who can broadcast them.

This can be annoying, especially if you’re missing out on your favorite Australian shows while overseas. However, luckily there’s a straightforward solution to access Australian Netflix no matter where you are in the world.

The key is a reliable VPN that works with Netflix. This handy tool can make your device appear as if it’s streaming straight from Australia, letting you dive into the Aussie Netflix library wherever you might be.

This article will explain how to watch Netflix outside Australia using a VPN.

How to watch Australian Netflix outside Australia: Quick Guide

To gain access to the Australian Netflix library outside Australia, all you need to do is change your IP address to an Australian IP address.

It sounds complicated but don’t worry it’s very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:

  1. Sign up with ExpressVPN ($6.67/month).

  2. Download and launch the VPN application.

  3. Choose a server located in Australia.

  4. Watch Australian Netflix outside Australia

Why is Australian Netflix different to other countries?

Netflix operates globally, but the content you can access varies based on your location.

This variation stems from licensing agreements. These contracts determine how films, TV series, and music are showcased. They’re agreements between content creators, like film studios, and distributors such as Netflix, detailing where content can be aired and who by.

In essence, Netflix’s offerings are tailored to each region. For a show or film to be on Australian Netflix, two things must happen: the content creator must decide to make it available in Australia, and Netflix Australia must secure the rights to broadcast it.

If something isn’t on Australian Netflix, it might be because another Australian streaming service owns the rights, or perhaps it’s simply not available in Australia.

However, there’s a silver lining. Just because a title isn’t on Australian Netflix doesn’t mean it’s absent from all Netflix regions. Different regions like the US or UK may have acquired the rights to broadcast the content you’re looking for.

Can I watch Australian Netflix outside Australia?

Absolutely! Accessing Australian Netflix from other parts of the world is a breeze. While there are alternatives to VPNs, we advocate using a VPN to do this as it’s one of the most efficient and simple ways to connect to any Netflix library regardless of your location.

However, not all VPNs work with Netflix. Recently, the streaming service has introduced VPN blocking measures to prevent anyone using a VPN from accessing its platform. It does this to protect itself from potential copyright and licensing breaches.

These blocks can be hard for a VPN to get around, which makes picking the right one essential.

A good VPN for Netflix can beat these blocking techniques. We test VPNs and from our assessments, to watch Australian Netflix without problems, we found ExpressVPN and NordVPN produce the best results. However, if neither of those options are attractive to you there are several others on our list are equally effective.

Our Pick 🥇

ExpressVPN
VPN Logos Small 0003 ExpressVPN logo
  • Best-in-class performance
  • Super-fast dedicated servers worldwide
  • Specialised Lightway protocol

Buy now for $6.67/month

Highly Recommended 🥈

NordVPN
VPN Logos Small 0001 NordVPN Logo
  • Incredibly reliable servers
  • Proprietary NordLynx protocol
  • Available on most devices

Buy now for $3.99/month

Runner-up

Private Internet Access
VPN Logos Small 0000 PIA Logo
  • Install on an unlimited amount of devices
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
  • A bundle of features for an affordable price

Buy now for $2.03/month

Budget Option

Ivacy
VPN Logos Small 0002 Ivacy Logo
  • One of the most affordable VPNs
  • Advanced features like port forwarding
  • Option for a personal dedicated IP address

Buy now for $1.00/month

Budget Option

CyberGhost
VPN Logos Small 0004 CyberGhost logo
  • Reliable NoSpy servers
  • Servers in over 90 countries worldwide
  • Kill Switch and Split Tunneling support

Buy now for $2.19/month

Does Netflix block VPNs?

Yes, over the years, Netflix has developed measures to identify and block VPN users.

Similar to other streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer and MAX, Netflix blocks VPNs using techniques that detect VPN activity. When this happens, they prevent users from accessing content outside their region.

However, certain VPNs consistently manage to bypass Netflix’s restrictions due to their advanced features, regular IP updates, and ability to stay one step ahead of these blocks.

Remember, to enjoy Australian Netflix anywhere in the world, you need to choose a VPN that ticks all the boxes. Our listed VPNs have proven their mettle time and again. If you opt for a subpar VPN, you’ll most likely run into Netflix not working with VPN issues.

watch Australian Netflix outside Australia

Does Netflix work with a VPN?

Certainly, Netflix works with a VPN, however, it’s crucial to recognise that not every VPN is cut out for the task. A lot of VPNs get caught out by Netflix’s VPN blocks.

Based on our insights, VPNs that consistently outsmart Netflix’s VPN deterrents typically share four key attributes.

  1. First they need to be a safe VPN. VPNs that prioritise safety ensure that you have a 100% anonymous and secure internet connection. Not only does this help in preventing issues when trying to watch Australian Netflix outside Australia, it also allows you to be safe whenever you’re online
  2. The best VPNs use safe and fast protocols. The best we’ve used is ExpressVPN with its proprietary LightWay protocol.
  3. There’s no point in streaming Netflix with a VPN if it constantly causes buffering, lag or slowdowns. This is why it’s important you use a service with fast VPN speed.
  4. The best VPNs have dedicated servers and or virtual servers all around the world so you can gain access to not only Australian Netflix but any Netflix library worldwide.

The best VPNs for Netflix

1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month

The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN of 2023

  • 160+ IP addresses in 94+ countries
  • 5 simultaneous devices
  • Live chat support
  • Over 3,000 servers
  • >80% connection speed
  • Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN review

ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is still the best VPN. And importantly, it ALWAYS has servers that are open with major streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, etc.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

2. NordVPN $3.19/month

An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN

  • Over 5,000 servers worldwide
  • 6 simultaneous devices
  • Reliable customer service
  • Fast NordLynx protocol
  • Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
  • Easy to use interface
NordVPN Best VPN image

NordVPN is the most widely-used VPN in the world. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a polished app that delivers fast connections (more on this later) to a massive network of VPN servers.

It’s the most reliable at unblocking popular streaming services too – US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, etc. This is because NordVPN hired a full-time technical team (that’s responsible for monitoring its servers’ connections with popular TV streaming services) and has been aggressively investing in its network of IP addresses in key locations.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month

An affordable, reliable VPN

  • 35,000 servers worldwide
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices
  • 24/7 chat support
  • Servers in over 80 countries
  • MACE ad blocker included
  • Supports multiple protocols
Best VPN list - PIA

Private Internet Access is one of the leading no-log VPN services with over 1-million paying customers.

This VPN is one of the best in the industry at beating streaming sites’ VPN bans. It provides reliable connections with US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, MAX, Disney+ Amazon Prime, and many more.

Even better, it allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous devices to be connected to its servers at the same time. So you can share the account with all of your friends.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

4. Ivacy $1.00/month

A trustworthy and affordable VPN

  • 5700+ servers worldwide
  • 10 simultaneous devices
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Dedicated IP address option
  • Available on all major platforms
  • Great price
Ivacy Best VPN image

If you’re looking for an excellent VPN, with an even better price tag, Ivacy ($1.00/month) is a great option.

While it doesn’t do much more than the other VPNs on this list, the main attraction is the price. This is an affordable VPN that will allow you to stream BBC iPlayer, in HD, from any country in the world on Mac, PC, Android, iOS and FireStick. You’ll also be able to unlock other services like US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, MAX, Amazon Prime, etc. with ease.

Read our full Ivacy review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

5. CyberGhost $2.19/month

A solid VPN package

  • Deloitte verified no logs policy
  • Servers in 91 countries
  • 7 simulatenous devices
  • Proprietary NoSpy servers
  • Multiple protocol options
  • Split tunneling support
CyberGhost Best VPN image

CyberGhost is one of the more established VPNs on the market. It has a well-established, and well-tested global network of servers that perform well.

It also offers NoSpy servers which are specially designed to provide an extra layer of security and privacy for users.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

Special Offer for you!

(30-day money-back guarantee)

Is watching Netflix with a VPN legal?

There are pros and cons of using a VPN with Netflix, but the question of legality isn’t really an issue. It’s legal to use a VPN to access Netflix.

In most countries, using a VPN is legal. However, a few countries, often with stricter regimes, have made VPN usage illegal. These countries include China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, UAE, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua, and Tajikistan.

Outside these countries, you can use a VPN legally. But remember, using a VPN might go against Netflix’s terms of service.

When you sign up for a streaming service like Netflix, you agree to its terms. Netflix’s terms state that you should access its content only from the country where you set up your account and only in places where Netflix is officially available. It also says that users shouldn’t bypass its content protections or use tools to automate access.

If you break these terms, Netflix has the right to cancel your account. This means if you use a VPN with Netflix, you could potentially risk having your account stopped. However, the best VPNs for Netflix use strong encryption, making it hard for Netflix to see where you’re really tuning in from.

It’s worth noting, though, that despite these terms, Netflix hasn’t actually banned anyone for using a VPN. So, while there is a possibility you may get banned or blocked from the service, using a VPN with Netflix isn’t against the law, using a VPN with Netflix is legal.

Can I watch Netflix with a free VPN?

Using a free VPN with Netflix might seem tempting, but our tests have found that the results are often underwhelming.

From our experience, using a free VPN with Netflix, rarely offers a seamless experience. In fact, they frequently fail to work with the streaming platform.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, free VPNs are usually slow VPNs. They may restrict your data usage, cap your speed, and limit server access. Secondly, they find it hard to bypass Netflix’s VPN blocking methods. It’s easier for Netflix to detect and block IP addresses from free VPNs due to their high user numbers.

However, if a premium VPN isn’t within your budget, and you still wish to access Australian Netflix from abroad, here are our best free VPNs for Netflix.

Patch Bowen is a VPN expert who has trialed, tested and used different VPNs all over the world. He loves the latest technology especially when it comes to gaming. Patch Bowen is also an experienced Tech Reviewer. Whether it's laptops, smartphones, earbuds or keyboards he's seen it all.