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Everything you need to know about Netflix Australia

When it comes to home entertainment, Netflix is a household name around the world. While the Australian TV landscape had previously been dominated by Pay TV giant Foxtel, the development of faster internet connections and introduction of streaming services has seen video streaming fast become the go-to source of entertainment for Aussies. If you’re new to the streaming service, read on for your ultimate guide to everything Netflix Australia.

What is Netflix?

Originally set up as a DVD rental service which would post DVDs to your home address, Netflix launched its online streaming service in the US back in 2007. Over the years it has not only expanded its content library, but has expanded to other countries, with the service coming to Australia in 2015.

Netflix is a video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service, which requires an internet connection, capable device, and Netflix subscription to access content. While Pay TV would require a technician to come to your home to setup service via cable and a set-top box connected to your TV, VOD streaming doesn’t require any extra hardware or special setup. Once you sign up to Netflix, you can start watching straight away, unlimited and commercial free.

Over the years, Netflix has increased its content library: there’s now thousands of shows and movies available, including a growing number of Netflix Originals. It’s worth noting that the content available on Netflix depends on which country you’re in; for example, Netflix Australia will have different content available than you’ll find in the US.

How much does Netflix Australia cost?

There are multiple Netflix plans to choose from, ranging from $6.99 to $22.99. The different price points are reflected in the type of access on each plan. For example, the Basic plan doesn’t have HD streaming, while the Premium plan has both HD and Ultra HD streaming. Each plan will also have a different number of devices that you’re able to stream on at the same time.

If you’re wondering which Netflix Australia plan is right for you, the following table includes a comparison of the Netflix price (in AUD) and plan features.

Basic Plan with Ads Basic Plan Standard Plan Premium Plan
Monthly price $6.99 $10.99 $16.99 $22.99
HD available
Ultra HD available
No. of screens you can watch on at the same time 1 1 2 4
No. of phones or tablets you can have downloads on 1 1 2 4

It should also be noted that in May 2023, Netflix rolled out its crackdown on password sharing, meaning that those who have been using an account of someone who they don’t live with, they may be asked to create their own account, or be locked out.

Sign up to BINGE! 

Are you looking for something binge-worthy? Why not check out BINGE? With multiple subscription plans available, you can choose a plan that suits you (or your family) and settle in for a night on the couch with a wide range of movies and shows!

Brand Subscription Type No. of Screens/same time viewing Advertised Cost^^/month
Binge logo

BINGE Basic Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 1 screens at the same time
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $10 over one month

1No. of Screens /same time viewing $10
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site
Binge logo

BINGE Standard Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 2 screens at the same time
  • HD available
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $16 over one month

2No. of Screens /same time viewing $16
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site
Binge logo

BINGE Premium Plan

  • Stream over 10,000+ hours of shows and movies
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • HD available
  • 7 day free trial

min. cost $18 over one month

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $18
Advertised Cost/month
Go To Site

Which Netflix plan is right for me?

There is a lot to consider when you’re looking into Netflix. If you are on a tight budget, the Basic plans might suit you; however, you will be restricted to Standard Definition streaming and only able to watch on one device at a time, and have to sit through ads if you opt for the ‘with Ads’ plan’. These plans will mostly suit you if you’re primarily going to watch Netflix on your mobile or tablet, and if only one or two people will be using it.

A Standard Netflix plan is a few dollars more than the Basic plan, and offers you HD streaming, plus viewing on two devices at the same time – a good option for families with young kids, where parents will be monitoring when and where their children can watch Netflix. The Premium plan is a bit pricier, and would suit if you’re serious about your HD streaming (with access to Ultra HD) and if you have a larger family or teenagers.

If you already have a budget in place, you should look into which plan will suit your price range, and go from there. Netflix is definitely a great streaming service, and has plenty of content if you like to chill out and binge-watch some great shows, movies, and specials.

Test your NBN speed

Got a show or movie lined up but aren’t sure if your internet can handle it? Test your NBN Speed below!

How to watch Netflix

Netflix Streaming Devices

While using your web browser is the more traditional way to watch Netflix Australia, with the increased use of portable devices and the improved streaming technologies there are now many ways to stream.

You can download the Netflix app for free on your mobile or tablet device through the Apple App Store, Google Play or the Windows Phone Store, which is handy if you want to watch Netflix on the go. However, don’t forget that streaming Netflix on your phone will use up mobile data if you’re not connected to a WiFi network. One hour of standard definition streaming uses around 1GB of data, while HD streaming will use around 3GB per hour. Check out our guide here on how much data streaming Netflix uses.

While many telcos now offer plans with generous data inclusions for little money, Optus and Vodafone offer the option to add data-free video streaming on to select plans for an additional monthly fee. However these add-ons will only offer data-free streaming capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is enough for SD quality only.

If you want to watch Netflix on your TV, there are a few different devices that will enable to you stream Netflix directly to your screen. Newer smart TVs will generally have the Netflix app already installed, so you won’t need to use another device. The following TV brands include the Netflix app on newer model Smart TVs:

  • Hisense
  • LG
  • Panasonic
  • Philips
  • Samsung
  • Sony

If you need to setup a Netflix-supported device, there are several options to choose from:

  • Streaming media players including Apple TV and Google Chromecast
  • Game consoles including Sony PlayStation5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch
  • Set top boxes including Fetch TV and Telstra TV
  • Newer-model Blu-Ray players from LG, Samsung and Sony

Google Chromecast works by streaming to your TV from a device, so you’ll need to have the Netflix app on your phone or tablet. The other devices listed above will either come with the app pre-installed, or you might need to download the app to your device. All of these devices will require an internet connection to operate and use Netflix.

And if you want to watch a movie with friends that happen to live far away, you can always watch through Netflix Party, although it’s only available as a Chrome extension, so you may need to plan your movie night in advance.

Sign up to Disney+ Australia

Looking for something not on Netflix? Why not check out Disney+? There are two plan options to choose from – a monthly subscription, or prepay for a year. Both plans include the same features, with unlimited downloads and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. This table includes links to a referral partner.

Brand Subscription Type No. of Screens/same time viewing Advertised Cost^^/month or year
Disney+ Logo

Disney+ Monthly Subscription

  • Stream the Disney+ library, including Disney+ Originals, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic & Star
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • Add up to 7 profiles
  • Unlimited downloads of shows and movies on up to 10 devices

min. cost $13.99 over one month

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $13.99
Advertised Cost/month
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ *
Disney+ Logo

Disney+ Yearly Subscription

  • Stream the Disney+ library, including Disney+ Originals, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic & Star
  • Watch on 4 screens at the same time
  • Add up to 7 profiles
  • Unlimited downloads of shows and movies on up to 10 devices
  • Prepay for a yearly subscription and save on the monthly cost

min. cost $139.99 over one year

4No. of Screens /same time viewing $139.99
Advertised Cost/year
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ *

Can you watch Netflix Australia overseas?

The good news is that you can watch Netflix Australia when you’re overseas. You can download shows and movies to your device through the Netflix app and watch without an internet connection, plus you can stream with an internet connection. When travelling, you might notice that when you sign in to the Netflix app overseas, you’ll have access to stream the content that is available for that country. For example, if you’re travelling to the US, you’ll have access to the content from the US Netflix app rather than what is available on Netflix Australia.

Keep in mind, there might be some countries where you won’t be able to access Netflix, most likely countries where Netflix is not available. So if you know Netflix is available in the country you’re travelling to, it’s likely you’ll have access to watch when you travel.

What to watch on Netflix Australia

Once you log into your Netflix account, it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re presented with countless options for movies, shows and documentaries. Thankfully, you can select a few genres that you’re interested in, or you can check out our guides on the best movies on Netflix, as well as the best shows.

If you’re still not sure what to tune into on Netflix, here are some other guides to give you a few ideas for movie night:

Sign up to BritBox Australia

Check out the go-to streaming platform for all things British TV!

Brand Subscription Type No. of Screens/same time viewing Advertised Cost^^/month
BritBox Logo

BritBox Monthly Subscription:

  • 7 Day Trial period
  • Watch on 5 screens at the same time

min. cost $8.99 over 1 month

5No. of Screens /same time viewing $8.99Advertised Cost/month Go To Site
BritBox Logo

BritBox Annual Subscription

  • 12 months for the price of 10
  • Watch on 5 screens at the same time

min. cost $89.99 over 1 year

5No. of Screens /same time viewing $89.99Advertised Cost/year Go To Site

What are the best internet providers for Netflix?

Netflix Australia regularly releases a report into the best streaming speeds and performances from Aussie providers, with a snippet of the provider’s performances listed below:

If you want to get the full break down of providers, check out our guide on the best internet providers for Netflix. Or if you’re in the market for a new internet plan, use our selector below to see what’s available, or might be the best option for you (and your Netflix binges).

Is a Netflix subscription worth it?

Netflix has been one of the pioneers in changing the way we watch TV and movies, and often what most people associate with when you mention the word ‘streaming’. There’s certainly no shortage of content to make you’re way through (almost too much), with Netflix also continuously updating its library to include new titles for you to watch.

Netflix has also put a significant effort into creating its own high-quality content, with many of its shows and movies up for (and even winning) major Hollywood awards, and will no doubt look to continue being the juggernaut in streaming waters. As a result, it’s no surprise that many often turn to Netflix for a night in front of the TV, regardless of what genre of TV show or movie they’re in the mood for. But with so many options available in the streaming market, it may be worth checking out our ratings on Pay TV and streaming services to ensure you’re getting the right fit for you. Or you can always check out guides Netflix Vs. Stan to see how each streaming service compares.

About the author of this page

Emma Bradstock Canstar Blue

This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock. An expert in all things phone, internet, gaming and streaming, Emma helps to make complicated subjects easier for readers to understand, as well as covering the latest news and reviews across the telco industry. She’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed telco choices and highlighting the next best deals.

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