How to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia
Chris
Chris, a UK-born media connoisseur, is an expert in watching international TV. Known as "The Global Screen Wanderer", he has travelled extensively across the globe with long stints away from home. With over 10 years of experience he has become the go-to guru for streaming content from home and abroad.
In this guide I’m going to show you how you can watch BBC iPlayer in Australia.
If you’re a British expat or even an Australian citizen and you’ve heard of BBC iPlayer then you’ll know the wealth of quality programming that is available on the service.
Unfortunately though if you’re in Australia and you try to access the service then you’ll be blocked from viewing.
If you’ve moved to Australia and want to keep up with all your favourite BBC shows or you’re Australia and just want to watch some British content then being blocked can leave you disappointed.
I’ve put together this guide to show you how you can watch BBC iPlayer in Australia and rather than be blocked you’ll be able to watch all your favourite shows.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia
When you visit the BBC iPlayer website in Australia you’re blocked with the following message.
The reason the BBC iPlayer website blocks you in Australia is because of something called your IP Address.
An IP Address is a set of numbers unique to your internet connection that allows the BBC iPlayer website and others to know who requested what and where to send it.
Unfortunately one of the negatives of an IP Address is it also gives away your location.
As BBC iPlayer isn’t available outside the UK they block you.
The great news is there is a really simple way to get yourself a UK IP Address in Australia by using a small tool called a VPN or Virtual Private Network.
Below I’m going to show you the best place to get a VPN and how to use it to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia.
Where to get a VPN for BBC iPlayer
The original purpose of VPN services is to protect your online privacy and help your anonymity. As this has become a big topic in recent years it means there is plenty of choices available.
A quick search of your favourite search engine for the term “VPN” will likely leave you like I was when I first researched this topic which was confused and baffled by the array of choices available.
I’ve tested some of the best VPN services to find those most suitable for watching BBC iPlayer in Australia and listed them below.
All you have to do is click one of the provider names above to visit their site.
Once there sign up and then continue reading below where I’ll show you how to use the VPN service to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia.
How to use the VPN service
The VPN from ExpressVPN, NordVPN & CyberGhost VPN can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. ExpressVPN also has additional Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick apps.
Firstly visit the website of the provider you signed up to and download either their software or visit the relevant app store and download their app.
Install and run the app and log in when required.
Connect to one of the UK Servers. Once connected visit the BBC iPlayer website and you’ll be able to stream any of the shows there including live TV.
Below I’ve put together a more in-depth guide using ExpressVPN on a Windows PC.
ExpressVPN:
- Visit the ExpressVPN website and click Get ExpressVPN to sign-up.
- Once signed up click Products.
- Click Windows and then Download Windows App.
- Double click and install the downloaded software then run it.
- Press Selected Location and then United Kingdom.
- Press Connect.
Unblock iPlayer on Oz.
The ExpressVPN software will now make connection to the UK. This should take between 15 and 30 seconds.
Once connected you now have a UK IP Address and any website you visit will think that you’re in the UK even though you’re in Australia.
You can now visit the BBC iPlayer website and rather than seeing the block message that you saw earlier you’ll be able to stream any catch-up show or watch live TV.
30-day money back guarantee
I’m in Australia, using Express VPN to access UK websites. Unfortunately, the BBC seems to have worked out that I’m using a VPN and therefore must be outside the UK. Is there a fix for this?
Paul, NSW
Hi Paul,
This seems to be an issue with most providers right now. This issue will likely resolve itself in the coming days/weeks. Changing provider probably won’t help right now.