Last Updated on August 28, 2024
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I just thought I’d demonstrate another method of bypassing geo-blocking restrictions that so many big media sites like the BBC use. Now you’ve probably heard of using a VPN to hide your location and bypass these blocks well this is a variation on this, but it works just as well down under and better still you can try it for free first.
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This demonstrates how to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia using a slightly different method to the VPN/proxy one. It’s a very new technology and so far, only a handful of providers available, it’s called Smart DNS and I’ve been testing it out over the last few weeks. So far, I’ve just watched UK TV, mainly using it for watching BBC iPlayer abroad to catch up with Match of the Day and the latest Brexit news! I do know lots of ex-pats friends are trying it instead of the normal VPN method used commonly to watch BBC and ITV in Spain.
I have to say so far, I’m impressed! It’s still quite annoying that there’s no way of investing in a proper subscription or license fee to watch BBC iPlayer overseas legitimately but that’s where we are. Perhaps by the time you read this there might be a BBC global iPlayer that gives you the proper version not a cut down subscription service like Britbox.
One of the issues, using things like VPN services to bypass the sort of blocks BBC worldwide and other streaming service sites implement is speed especially in Australia. This is particularly important if you’re watching the HD quality streams e.g., anything with David Attenborough on BBC One! Not so important for Radio One or just enjoying the BBC News.
Although the best ones have a very fast infrastructure and the correct server locations to hide your IP address. It’s still an additional jump in your journey so there’s bound to be some impact on your download speed. For people with fast connections, it’s not noticeable but in many in places like Australia where broadband is still quite expensive and they often have comparatively slow connections it could be. For streaming video in order to enjoy things like iPlayer abroad, speed is of course essential, without it you’ll get constant buffering which can make a video hard to watch.
This is where Smart DNS comes into its own – speed. This is because instead of streaming your entire connection through a British based server in order to access a UK only website, Smart DNS acts like a filter and only routes specific information, just enough to convince the server you’re based in the UK. All the actual video streaming goes directly from the BBC iPlayer web server to your PC. In some senses it’s similar to those old TV catch-up sites which used to exist, where you’re directly downloading from the web site. It’s also the reason why Smart DNS is much cheaper as there are no huge bandwidth costs for the provider of the service.
Watch UK TV In Australia – Demonstration
Here’s a quick demonstration of how you can use Smart DNS to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia
There are other advantages apart from speed and cost too, an important factor is its simplicity. Because there is no software involved, the solution is device independent, it works on virtually anything from a Smart TV to a PlayStation. If you can access it’s DNS settings, then you should be able to get any device at all to use Smart DNS.
Watching BBC iPlayer Australia on your Smartphone too
So, for example it’s much easier to deploy it on devices like tablets, Amazon fire tv and even gaming consoles. All you need is access to the network configuration, and you can unblock BBC iPlayer on nearly any device at all. That means the ex-pat who’s decided to live abroad can merely modify a few network settings and ensure their devices are all linked back to the United Kingdom. It’s obviously easier to change the IP address of a DNS server than trying to set up a UK VPN on a media streamer or a TV.
One of the other advantages of this particular Smart DNS service is the ability to configure multiple services on the same account. So, for example, you can set everything up for British TV if you wish but then specify other setting for US television stations too. So, watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK and have the same device switch to the US version of Netflix and Hulu. It effectively allows you to control multiple locales all on the same device, something you can’t do with VPN connections but it relatively easy using this DNS proxy service. As soon as you’ve changed the DNS settings on a device then you’ve got BBC iPlayer worldwide access on it wherever you take it.
Watch the BBC for Free in Australia for 14 Days
I think I’ve tried all the main Smart DNS solutions now, including the one demonstrated in the video, and I think the best by far is Smart DNS Proxy. It is extremely stable, very fast (probably quicker now as they’ve introduced a Turbo-DNS setting which I haven’t used yet) – it is the only one which lets you configure locales too – for example set US for Netflix, UK for BBC and so on all from a single change to the dns settings on each device. I have it set to US so that I can access HBO and enjoy Game of Thrones too.
Remember you can also simply make this change on your router if you want to enable all devices on your network. You’ll be able to watch UK TV on everything that connects through that device.
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How to Watch British TV in Australia on Any Device
I’ve tried it on several devices, and it works seamlessly without affecting your connection speeds at all as a VPN server may do. I’ve tried through an Xbox, Wii-U, Samsung Smart TV plus several laptops and PCs. It’s one of the easiest methods on how to watch BBC in Australia. In fact, the only device where it is a little difficult to configure is those where you cannot access the network settings – some I encountered where the Roku and the BT Broadband Wireless router. Having said that getting a BBC iPlayer Australia VPN or proxy to work on those devices would be even more difficult. For those who don’t like messing around with these settings there is a TV guide to help, and you can even download an application to install directly. These will also work on Apple TV although I haven’t verified this directly as a method to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK.
For now, the British Broadcasting Corporation don’t seem to be targeting these Smart DNS solutions, however, remember it is possible to block these. It is also important to be aware that although Smart DNS can bypass geo blocks and hided IP addresses, there’s no security, military grade encryption or security of any kind for your internet traffic.
Always check with a small trial account before taking out longer subscriptions. Smart DNS Proxy also has two options including a VPN service too. These systems are always changing and there is always the possibility that the BBC could introduce some sort of global iPlayer which can only be accessed with a license fee check. It’s the service that worked best for me for watching the BBC iPlayer in Australia and is working fine in 2024 where I’m using it for the BBC and the ITV Hub access without problems.
BBC TV Shows – What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Australia?
Well the BBC is packed full of great drama and wonderful TV shows, so it’s hard to pick a show.Yet, if you want a brilliant show with an Australian link then I’d definitely give The Tourist a look. It follows the story of a British man who wakes up in the Australian Outback with no memory of his identity after a car crash. He’s pursued by dangerous figures from his past, and struggles to uncover who he is, while also navigating the mysterious and sometimes hostile environment around him.The second series moves to Europe and is receiving rave reviews, both series are available on BBC iPLayer accessible in Australia as described above.
What’s on BBC iPLayer – List of Great Shows to Watch on BBC
Here’s a few shows that you might want to watch, all are currently on the BBC iPLayer archive (although this can change at any moment!)
Sherlock
“Sherlock” is a BBC television series that presents a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. The show primarily revolves around Sherlock Holmes, an eccentric, brilliant, and self-proclaimed high-functioning sociopath, and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson, a war veteran. Set in the 21st century in London, the series showcases Holmes utilizing his remarkable intellect and exceptional observational skills to solve complex and mysterious criminal cases. His trusted companion, Dr. Watson, documents their adventures on his blog. The series is known for its high-quality production, clever writing, and the remarkable performances of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson.
Dr Who
Everyone know’s this show, but many have forgotten from their childhood ! “Doctor Who” is a long-running British science fiction television show produced by the BBC since 1963. The show centers around a mysterious time-traveling figure known as The Doctor, who is an alien Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor explores the universe in a time-travelling spaceship called the TARDIS, which appears as a blue British police box, a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, the Doctor combats a variety of foes while working to save civilizations and help people in need. A unique aspect of the show is the concept of regeneration into a new incarnation, which has allowed different actors to play the Doctor over the years.
Line of Duty
“Line of Duty” is a British police procedural television series created by Jed Mercurio and produced by the BBC. The series follows the work of AC-12, a special Anti-Corruption unit that investigates corruption within the police force. Each season typically focuses on a different case, with AC-12 officers DS Steve Arnott, DC Kate Fleming, and their superintendent, Ted Hastings, working to uncover the truth. The series delves into the personal and professional lives of these officers as they confront issues of trust, ethics, and justice in their line of duty. It also highlights the complexity of police work and the challenges faced by those who aim to uphold the law.
Peaky Blinders
You can get this show on a few platforms at the moment but every series is available for free on BBC iPLayer currently.“Peaky Blinders” is a British period crime drama television series. Set in Birmingham, England, the series follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family in the direct aftermath of the First World War. The fictional family is loosely based on a real urban youth gang of the same name, who were active in the city from the 1890s to the early 20th century. The show is known for its stylish cinematography and gritty plotlines. The main character, Thomas Shelby, is portrayed as a war veteran who fought in the First World War and is determined to move his family up in the world no matter the cost. The series has a complex narrative filled with political maneuverings, personal drama, intense violence, and a constant tug-of-war between crime and legitimacy.
Call the Midwife.
“Call the Midwife” is a British period drama series set in the 1950s-1960s. It follows the lives of a group of midwives living in East London. The series highlights the complex and challenging work of these midwives, who are attached to an order of nursing nuns. The midwives tackle a range of issues faced by the local working-class community, such as poverty, disease, and social stigma. Each episode typically involves a new birth and medical case, while also focusing on personal stories of the main characters. The show is applauded for its realistic portrayal of the post-war era, women’s healthcare, and the profound impact of midwifery on society.
2. “Doctor Who”
3. “Line of Duty”
4. “Peaky Blinders”
5. “Killing Eve”
6. “The Bodyguard”
7. “Fleabag”
8. “Luther”
9. “The Office” (UK version)
10. “Call the Midwife”
BBC Streaming in Australia – Problems with Speed ?
Anyone who has used the internet in Australia, knows that speed often can be an issue. So is BBC One Australia a real option? It’s especially the case if you’re trying to stream something like the BBC in high definition from a server on the other side of the world! This is why it’s often better to use Smart DNS than a VPN in Australia as it doesn’t slow down your connection as much. To be fair most of the best VPN services are very fast, however they do an an extra ‘hop’ in your internet connection so there’s always going to be some impact. Smart DNS will not route all your traffic through an intermediary server and so the majority of the stream is direct with the BBC servers.
