In this guide, we will explain how to watch Australian TV abroad. If you’re from Australia and want to catch up on some shows overseas, this easy tip will allow you to watch the likes of Channel 7, SBS, 10 Play and ABC iView. This is perfect if you’re from Australia, living and working abroad, backpacking or simply on a short break from home and wanting to catch up on the latest shows, dramas or sports events.
How to Watch Australian TV Abroad
How to Watch Australian TV Overseas Online
To get access to watch Australian TV overseas, access streaming sites and unblock the likes of ABC iView, you will need to have an account first. This is very simple to do. However, you may be asked for your location’s postal code (zip code). Then, connect to a fast, reliable geo-blocking VPN server in Australia. When you log into your streaming site, your location will appear like you are in Australia. Therefore, you will have access to all the shows you want.
You can use a whole host of VPNs for unblocking Australian shows and live TV. ExpressVPN is my top pick; further information about ExpressVPN is below. Beware, broadcasters do blacklist IP Addresses, so choose a VPN provider with a wide range of servers/locations to choose from.
What is Geo-Blocking?
If you’ve tried watching soaps like Home & Away or live sports such as the NRL & AFL from another country previously, you may be used to the familiar message that the program is not supported in this country or region. This is geo-blocking and is the system used to limit your access to the internet based on your geographic location.
How does a Geo-Blocking VPN work?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network tunnels your internet traffic through an intermediary server located in your chosen country. It can also hide your IP address and replace it with one from your chosen country, making it look like you are in that country. A VPN also encrypts all your traffic so that it is hidden, even from your internet service provider.
Why Do They Do This?
TV Broadcasters don’t have the international rights to show their shows abroad. This isn’t limited to Australian broadcasters either; the same goes for Canada, America, the UK.
Unblock Australian TV Quick Guide
- Open your VPN client and connect to a server in Australia.
- Navigate to the streaming service of your choice (SBS, ABC iView, 10 Play, Channel 7, etc.)
- Start watching your favourite UK shows from abroad for free!
Please Note: You may be required to log back into your account and delete your history or cookies from your browser if you are re-attempting to access after a failed attempt.
Best VPN for Watching TV Abroad
The VPN provider I would recommend for watching Australian TV overseas is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN lets you watch your favourite shows securely anywhere, even on public Wi-Fi and without content-based throttling by your internet service provider or network administrator.
It’s nice and easy to use. You can pay for your subscription with the likes of Bitcoin to keep you anonymous. Plus, they have a pretty good 30-day money-back guarantee. Particularly handy if you’re going away on holiday, then for whatever reason decide you don’t want to use it again.
ExpressVPN can also unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and many more!
What Devices Can I Watch My Australian iPlayers On?
There are so many media devices to watch Australian TV overseas on. And different VPN providers will be able to support only some of these. However, I personally use ExpressVPN, where you have the option to watch your shows in the following ways;
- On your Laptop with the likes of a Mac, Windows or Linux operating system.
- On your mobile device with apps for iOS or Android.
- With streaming media consoles like Apple TV or a Fire TV Stick.
What Australian Channels Can I Watch From Abroad?
Australia has some great free or paid streaming and on-demand services for those down under. But what about when you’re outside of Oz? Well, this VPN hack will also work on all of the below services.
How to watch ABC iView from abroad
Watch all your favourite ABC programs on ABC iView. The best of ABC dramas, documentaries, comedies and ABC News programs. The TV service is run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and is only intended for viewers in Australia.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to ABC iView from Abroad
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to an Australian server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to ABC iView (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching ABC Channels (ABC HD, ABC Comedy, ABC Kids, ABC News and many more)
How to watch Channel 7 (7 Plus) from abroad
Watch all your favourite shows on-demand or live free from Channel 7, 7mate, 7TWO and 7flix and Racing.com. Plus, they have a great collection of 7plus exclusives!
Quick Guide: How to Connect to 7Plus from Abroad
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to an Australian server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to 7Plus (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching Channel 7 (7flix, 7mate, 7sport, 7plus and many more)
How to watch Channel 10 (10 Play) from abroad
Watch your favourite TV shows from Channel 10, 10 Peach and 10 Bold on demand, plus much more on 10 Play! Catch up with Dancing with the Stars, Neighbours, The Batchelor, or simply watch Live News and Sports.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to Channel 10 (10 Play) from Abroad
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to an Australian server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to 10 Play (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching Channel10 (10 Peach, 10 Bold, & 10HD)
How to watch SBS On Demand from Abroad
SBS On Demand provides free, unlimited streaming of TV shows, films, and events. Users who have signed up for an account can watch full episodes of their favourite SBS shows online when they want.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to SBS from Abroad
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to an Australian server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to SBS and log in (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching SBS shows (SBS, SBS Food, Viceland & WorldMovies)
How to watch Netflix Australia from abroad
The Netflix streaming service allows paid members to watch a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original Netflix content on thousands of internet-connected devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, media sticks, laptops and mobile devices.
How to Watch Netflix US From Anywhere
If you’re a Netflix subscriber and fancy checking out some additional content from the US (or anywhere around the world), you’ll be pleased to hear that American Netflix also uses the same process. The only difference is you’ll need to connect to a server based in the USA instead of Australia.