Craving your favourite British TV shows while living or travelling in Australia? You’re not alone. From Peaky Blinders and The Great British Bake Off to live BBC coverage, UK television has a massive fanbase across the world — including Down Under.
Unfortunately, many of the UK’s best streaming platforms (like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4) are blocked outside the UK. But don’t worry — there’s a simple, secure solution that works perfectly in Australia: a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Why British TV Is Blocked in Australia
British streaming platforms are usually geo-restricted, meaning they’re only available to users inside the UK. This is due to licensing agreements and content distribution rights.
If you try to access BBC iPlayer, for instance, from Sydney or Melbourne, your Australian IP address reveals your location — and you’ll be met with an error message saying the content isn’t available in your region.
How a VPN Lets You Stream UK TV in Australia
A VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from another country — like the UK. This tricks British streaming services into thinking you’re browsing locally, unlocking full access to their content.
For example:
- ✅ Want to stream The Great British Bake Off from Brisbane?
- ✅ Need to watch Love Island UK live in Perth?
- ✅ Trying to catch EastEnders from your couch in Adelaide?
A VPN makes it all possible — with just a few clicks.
Best VPNs to Watch British TV in Australia
Not every VPN is up to the task. Free or cheap services often fail to bypass geo-blocks, and they can be slow or even unsafe. That’s why we recommend premium, tested VPNs with fast UK servers and strong streaming support.
👉 Choose NordVPN
- Ultra-fast speeds ideal for HD streaming
- Multiple UK servers (London, Manchester)
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and more
- Reliable privacy features and 24/7 support
👉 Or go for Surfshark
- Unlimited devices on one plan
- Fast, stable servers in the UK
- Works great for British TV in Australia
- Very affordable, especially for families
🔍 Not sure which one suits you best?
👉 Compare NordVPN, Surfshark, and more here
How to Set Up a VPN to Watch UK TV in Australia
Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, setup is quick and simple. Follow these steps:
- Choose a reliable VPN – NordVPN or Surfshark are highly recommended.
- Install the VPN app on your device (phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV).
- Connect to a UK server – London or Manchester are great options.
- Go to your favourite UK streaming site – BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Sky Go, etc.
- Start streaming! You’ll now have full access, just like someone watching from the UK.
💡 Pro Tip: Clear your browser cookies before accessing sites like BBC iPlayer to avoid location conflicts.
Popular British Platforms You Can Access in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of top British TV services and what they offer:
| Platform | Content Highlights | Free or Paid |
|---|---|---|
| BBC iPlayer | Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty, Wimbledon | Free |
| ITVX | Love Island UK, The Chase, live TV | Free |
| Channel 4 | Gogglebox, Derry Girls, Bake Off | Free |
| Sky Go | Premier League, Succession, Sky News | Paid |
| UK Netflix | UK-exclusive shows and movies | Paid |
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Australia?
Yes — VPN use is completely legal in Australia. You’re allowed to use a VPN to protect your online privacy, encrypt your connection, and access content.
However, it’s worth noting that some streaming services may include clauses in their terms of service about VPN use. To avoid disruptions, stick with high-quality, reputable providers like NordVPN or Surfshark.
Added Bonus: Stay Safe While Streaming
A VPN doesn’t just unlock British content. It also encrypts your internet connection, keeping your personal data safe from hackers, ISPs, and advertisers — especially on public Wi-Fi.
Using a VPN is one of the easiest ways to stay secure while enjoying your favourite British shows from anywhere in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a UK expat living in Australia or simply a fan of British entertainment, a VPN is the key to watching British TV without limits.
🎬 Catch every BBC drama and ITV reality show
🔐 Protect your privacy on any network
🌏 Stream from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth — or anywhere in the world
Ready to start watching British TV in Australia?
👉 Try NordVPN now
👉 Or go with Surfshark VPN
👉 Compare VPNs to find your best match