After almost 20 years, Netflix has finally come to Australia. Here is what you need to know.
It is estimated that over 200,000 Australians have been accessing Netflix from the United States using VPN to hide their IP address. This is no longer necessary as the Australian version of Netflix includes popular original series like Orange is the New Black, along with television shows like How I Met Your Mother and Lost.
There is also a large variety of children’s programming offered in addition to the selection of movies.
Included in the movie selection are a number produced originally for the Australian market. These include The Hunter, Storm Surfers, and Wake in Fright among others. This is the type of personalised programming that has made Netflix a success globally.
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How much does Netflix Australia cost?
For a limited time, Australians are invited to try Netflix for one month free. If they choose to continue service plans start at $7.99 USD a month, approximately $10 Australian dollars (AUD). There are no contracts with Netflix so you can cancel the service at anytime, but your credit card that was used to sign-up will automatically be charged for the service each month.
If you have obtained a coupon code for Netflix services, you can get your discount when you sign up for the service. Simply wait to be prompted during check-out and enter the code where indicated. You will see the discount applied on your first billing statement.
There are three plans offered by Netflix that you can choose from, Basic, Standard and Premium. The one you pick will depend on the types of features you want with your Netflix subscription.
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices in the US (per month) | US$7.99 | US$8.99 | US$11.99 |
| Prices in Australia (per month) | $8.99 | $11.99 | $14.99 |
| HD | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra HD | No | No | Yes |
| Number of screens you can watch at the same time | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Watch video on laptop, TV, tablet and cell phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited access to TV shows and movies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cancel anytime | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| First month free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Not only can you cancel at anytime, you can change your plan if your needs change. Differences in rates will be prorated to account for the difference.
It is important to note that your account is going to be automatically billed by Netflix. If you wish to cancel you will need to do so before your billing cycle ends.
Back to topWhat devices are compatible for Netflix Australia?
One appealing aspect that Netflix has over other video streaming providers is the number of devices you can use to access the movies and TV series. These include:
Computer
- PC
- Mac
Gaming console
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox One
- Xbox 360
- Wii U
- Wii
Tablet and mobile
- iPad
- iPhone
- iPod Touch
- Android Tablet
- Windows Tablets
- Windows Phone
Smart TV, streaming media player and other
- Samsung Smart TV
- LG Smart TV
- LG Blu-ray Players
- Google Chromecast
- Apple TV
- Boxee Box
- Rock-Box
- Western Digital (WD) Set-top boxes
- Strong Digital Media Receivers
In order to watch a video streamed from Netflix on your PC or laptop you will have to have the Microsoft Silverlight plug-in installed. This is a free download that enables Netflix to run properly through your computer.
Back to topWhy is Netflix in Australia and why it's a big deal?
In 1997 the way in which movies were rented in the United States was revolutionised when Netflix was founded. Subscribers could view the company’s selection of movies online, order what they wanted and it was delivered to their mailbox. The customer would watch, pop the movie back in a pre-paid envelope and send it back to Netflix. In 1999 they introduced their customers to monthly subscriptions and stopped offering single rentals by 2000. This was the start of a movie rental concept with no due dates or late fees and unlimited rentals per month for a flat fee.
The business plan took a few years to catch on, but by 2003 Netflix posted its first profit of $6.5 million US dollars (USD). By 2005 Netflix was shipping a million DVDs out to subscribers daily from a stock of over 35,000 different film titles. Ten years after its introduction, Netflix had delivered its billionth DVD and was looking towards introducing video on demand using the internet.
Online streaming of video through Netflix turned the company from being one of the post office’s biggest customers to being the largest source of internet traffic in North America by 2010. By 2011 Netflix began to acquire content that would be exclusive to their service. This includes House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Lilyhammer. This has also included picking up popular TV series for additional seasons like with Star Wars. The Clone Wars.
Back to topThe international expansion of Netflix
Netflix began offering its video streaming services to Canada in September of 2010 followed by a large expansion into Central and Southern America including Mexico in 2011. This proved to be very lucrative, especially in the Canadian market.
By 2012 they had become available in the UK and Northern Ireland which was even more successful than their introduction into Canada. From here they slowly integrated into most of the rest of Europe over the next two years. Distribution rights makes it impossible for Netflix to provide the exact same content to foreign countries, but they attempt to make up for this with their exclusive series and movies as well as adding localised content for their overseas subscribers.
In the early part of 2015, Netflix entered Australia and New Zealand video streaming market, with plans on expanding to Japan by the end of the year.
Back to topWhere can I buy a Netflix gift card?
Netflix Australia offers gift cards priced at $20, $30 and $50. These can be gifted to a friend or family member, or even used by yourself if you're particularly paranoid about storing your payment details online. Below is a list of stores you can purchase Netflix gift cards from in Australia.
- Australia Post
- Big W
- Caltex
- Coles
- EB Games
- MYER
- Officeworks
- 7-11
- Target
- Woolworths
How much data will Netflix use?
This depends on what quality you're streaming Netflix at. Usage varies depending on whether you're streaming in SD, HD or 4K. Below is a guide to how much data Netflix will consume at each quality grade:
- Low quality: Approx. 300MB p/hour
- Standard Definition (SD): Approx. 700MB p/hour
- High Definition (HD): Approx. 3 GB p/hour
- Ultra High Definition (UHD): Approx. 7GB p/hour
Not sure what quality you're streaming at? There is a way to check (see below), but essentially, if you're paying for the basic package, you're streaming in SD, up to HD with the standard package and up to 4K (assuming you have a 4K capable television) on the premium package. If your internet service provider (ISP) offers unmetered Netflix streaming (not sure? check here) or you're signed up to an unlimited broadband plan, data usage isn't going to be of much concern to you. If you do have a data limit, however, or even worse, you're streaming on the mobile network, data usage is something you should seriously consider, as excess usage can result in hefty charges from your provider.
Back to topWill Netflix hog my bandwidth?
Yes. Whether or not that has an effect on your broadband speed is dependant on a few factors, including your modem and internet service provider (ISP). Considering the climate of Australian broadband speeds, however, it's safe to say you will likely experience lag on other devices when streaming Netflix– this can be especially annoying if you're in the middle of an online match and somebody under the same Wi-Fi decides to binge House of Cards.
How do I stop Netflix from hogging my bandwidth?
Unfortunately, there's no easy fix that will keep both parties satisfied. However, if the Netflix user in your house is willing to compromise, there is a way to lower the amount of data Netflix user and effectively lighten the load on your bandwidth. There four playback settings you can choose from:
- Low quality - 0.3 GB p/hour
- Medium quality - Standard-definition: 0.7 GB per hour
- High quality - High-definition: 3 GB p/hour, Ultra high-definition - 7 GB p/hour
- Auto - Alters the video quality based on your internet connection
To change these settings, simply access Netflix from your web browser and click on the profile image in the top-right corner of the window. Then, in the drop-down menu, select "Your Account". On the "My Profile" page, select "Playback settings" in the "My Profile" section. From there, you can manually select the video quality of your Netflix stream. In the case where you're experiencing lag, you're going to want to switch it to "Low" (you may have to wait up to 8 hours for the changes to be processed).
If you want to do the opposite and maximize your Netflix stream, check out our guide to speeding up your Netflix stream.Frequently asked questions
Back to topApple TV and Netflix Issues
In Australia, Apple TV has become the go-to device for Netflix users who don't currently own a Smart TV or video game console but still want to stream through their televisions. It's a reasonable, low-price alternative that should be familiar and easy-to-use for anyone accustomed with the Apple ecosystem. However, as many are pointing out, Apple's TV streaming platform is rife with issues and many users are experiencing trouble when trying to connect to Netflix. Look for a solution in our basic troubleshooting guide below.
Basic troubleshooting for Apple TV and Netflix
Running Netflix on Apple TV can be quite finicky, but most issues can be solved by performing these four basic troubleshooting techniques:
- Power cycling your Apple TV (powering off and on)
- Closing down and reopening the Netflix application
- Restarting your Wi-Fi modem
- Making sure the correct time and date are set on your Apple TV.
Netflix gives the message "An error has occurred loading this content. Try again later."
This issue most commonly occurs when the Apple TV is having trouble establishing a connection with the Netflix service. This is an awfully common problem that, unfortunately, lacks one simple solution. Many users have reported success with following methods.
Test the strength of your connection
- Navigate to "Settings" from the Main Menu
- Select "General"
- Select "Network"
- Select "Test Network"
- Select "OK"
- Select "Yes"
- Select the download speed your Netflix connection requires (0.5Mbps is the minimum, but 3.0Mbps is the recommended speed for Standard Definition (SD).
Deactivate and reactivate Netflix
- Using the Apple TV remote, open the Netflix application
- Navigate to the main Netflix menu and select "Sign Out"
- Select Yes
- Exit the Netflix application and reopen it from the Apple TV menu
- Select "Already a member? Sign in"
- Enter your registered email address and password
- Attempt to stream a TV show or movie
Recently watched shows have disappeared from Netflix application
This is another common experience with Apple TV users. Fortunately, this one seems to be resolved with a simple firmware update. To perform a firmware update on your Apple TV, follow these steps below:
- Enter "Settings"
- Select "General"
- Click "Update Software"
- Then, select "Download and Install" to begin the download
- Wait for the download to complete
- Your Apple TV should then restart and the update will install automatically.
As a new provider to Australia, you may have questions about how Netflix works and what it offers. Here we answer some of the more frequently asked questions:
Does Netflix stream in HD?
Yes, you will find that a large number of titles available through Netflix are available in HD. Of course, this quality will only be evident if you are streaming the video to an HD equipped television.
Will using Netflix affect my internet quota?
Yes, Netflix is a metered video streaming service so your allowed usage will be affected. Keep in mind that streaming in HD uses a higher bandwidth and will affect your usage at a faster rate than watching videos in standard definition will.
How fast does my internet speed need to be in order for Netflix to work?
The minimum connection speed is 0.5Mbps, but this will give you a poor quality image. The speed and the bandwidth of your internet connection will have a direct impact on how you view the content, so you will want a high speed connection for best results.
On how many different devices can I use Netflix on at the same time?
This will depend on the membership plan that you have ordered.
Is there a Netflix app?
Yes, the Netflix app will enable you to watch content from Netflix on any of your mobile devices.
The introduction of Netflix has changed the video streaming industry instantly, as Australians now have more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing a video streaming service provider. Before you make any final decision, check and compare the features and prices to find the one that has what you want for the right price.
Am I charged in USD or AUD when using Netflix Australia?
You would be charged in AUD for the services, Netflix processes the payments locally so that you don't have to be worried about exchange rates.
Get set up with Netflix today
Don't know how to set it up? Follow our step-by-step guide here (with video).
$49.00
Is there a family rate for Netflix. A friend told me her daughter pays $11.99 per month but to add her on costs my friend only $2 per month. Is this correct?
Hello Christine,
Thanks for your question.
Netflix offers these plans for 1-screen for AU$8.99, 2-screens for $11.99 and 4-screens for $14.99 a month. You may also view this link for more info
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chester
Seeing that the Aust Netflix is not up to the U.S. Netflix why doesn’t NetfliX offer a multi subscription to access Netflix from all parts of the globe. It would save using unblockers
Hello Michael,
Thanks for your question.
If you are traveling and Netflix is available in that country, you will be able to access and stream the available content on that region. And in regards to billing, you will still be charged on your initial local currency and not in the currency where you are currently located.
I hope this helps,
Cheers!
Chester
I am not travelling I only want what the U.S. has to offer.I am willing to pay more for the extra locations.
Hello Michael,
Thanks for your question,
Netflix works depending on the region where you are located due to your IP address. Since they went global their main goal is to match catalogs on all regions. But since they do not own the rights on most of the shows, they would also need to pay for these licenses in order to stream them. the owners of the shows decides on which region to stream their titles.
I hope this answers your question.
Cheers!
Chester
I have been subscribing to Netflix most of this year and so far happy. However these last two days I CANNOT access from my Smart TV. The logo is there but when I select it the TV turns off. Please advise ASAP.
Hi Gail,
That’s an odd problem to have! Unfortunately from the sounds of it, there may be something specifically wrong with your TV — launching a smart TV app shouldn’t switch it off — so you may need to contact the manufacturer directly. It may be worth checking on another device (a laptop or desktop computer) that you can still access Netflix through your standard connection just to ensure that your subscription is still current, but it’s genuinely unusual that it should act that way.
Regards,
Alex.
How can I be disconnected from Netflix as I do not want it at present, I am on a free trial?
Hello Ruth,
Thanks for your question,
To cancel your Netflix account:
1. Go to http://www.netflix.com in your web browser and log in.
2. Click the drop-down menu next to your user name and select Your Account.
3. Under Membership and Billing, select Cancel Membership to cancel your Netflix membership.
If you want to make sure that your account has completely cancelled a no charges has been made to your credit card, you may visit Netflix’s website and click on help center. You may give them a call or chat with them.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Chester
Hi Good afternoon, I just want to find out if putting more than one profile will charge my account more or it will not affect charges. Im currently being charged $8.99 a month and my friend has also made a profile on my account re movies that she likes to watch. Will I be charged for this? Thank you
Hi Jia,
Netflix allows for multiple profiles within the one account in order for customers to build up viewing profiles (so if you watch different programs to your friend, you’ll get better tailored recommendations each). As long as you’re staying within the limit of concurrent streams on your plan, there should be no additional charge.
Regards,
Alex.
How do I change billing details
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your question.
You can change your Netflix billing details when you log-in to your account on Netflix website. Once you successfully logged in, look for “Your Account” from the drop-down menu on the upper-right corner of the page. Click on it then choose “Update payment method.” That is where you can change your billing information. From “Your Account” page, you can also change your plan, email address and password.
Cheers,
Anndy
When I switch to Netflix on my LG TV it asks me for email and password is there a way to skip this?
Hi Roxby,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please note that you’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually Netflix.
Yes, there is and you can set up your account only once on your LG TV. To connect your LG TV to your Netflix account, make sure you are on the Home screen and select Internet Tv. After that choose Netflix and then sign in.
If you do not see Sign In, select Yes on the Are you a member of Netflix? screen. If you are not yet a member, set up your membership. Enter your Netflix email address and password and select Sign In. If an activation code appears instead of a Sign In screen, enter the code at netflix.com/activate.
Other information on setting up Netflix on a compatible device can be found here.
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
May
Hope this helps.
I work in South Africa and come home to Australia 4 times a year (two weeks every quarter). Am I able to subscribe in Australia and use in South Africa?
Hi Jonah,
Thanks for your question.
If you have an account with Netflix created in any country, say Australia, you’ll be able to use it in any other country (e.g. South Africa) without a problem as long as Netflix is available there. There’s no difference on how to access in different countries, all you have to do is open the site, or app in case of a different device, and enter your log-in information, Netflix’s servers will automatically detect that you’re logging in from a different country and will adjust to the settings there. In your case, it will adjust to Netflix South Africa’s settings.
Hope this has answered your question.
Cheers,
May
When is Season Three of Peaky Blinders coming to Netflix Australia
Hi Fleta,
Netflix has yet to advise on when (or if) it will stream season 3 of Peaky Blinders, although having the first two seasons is at least a decent sign that it may turn up eventually.
Regards,
Alex.
how do I cancel my Netflix subscription
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your question.
If you want to cancel your Netflix subscription, you have to log in to your Netflix account. Click the drop-down menu beside your username in the top right and select your Account. In the Membership and Billing section, select Cancel Membership. You’ll be able to access Netflix until your current pay period has ended (ie. 30 days from your last payment).
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
May