How to Watch Great Expectations on BBC iPlayer Free From Australia| Step-by-Step Easy Guide

Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens that has been adapted into numerous films and TV series. One such adaptation is the 2011 miniseries on Hulu, which consists of three episodes and stars Douglas Booth as Pip, Vanessa Kirby as Estella, and Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham. Based on a classic piece of literature from 1861, Great Expectations is an upcoming television series that interweaves the themes of ambition, classism, innocence, and family in one neatly tied package. The period drama revolves around the life of a boy named Pip, who is undoubtedly one of the most complex yet relatable characters penned by Charles Dickens. Here is a complete guide to watching Great Expectations in Australia and everything you need to know about it.

BBC iPlayer Abouts:

BBC iPlayer is a completely free British streaming service that offers a wide range of online content, including live television and on-demand programs to its users. This streaming service is owned and operated by United Kingdom’s leading broadcasting network, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and was launched on December 25, 2007. BBC iPlayer aims to provide all of BBC’s channels including, BBC One, BBC News, BBC Two, and on-demand content to a wider audience breaking the shackles of traditional television and is slowly becoming one of the most popular streaming services in the UK if not the world. We know the question coming to your mind right now is Can I access BBC iPlayer from Australia? the answer is yes. But it is a little tricky so hang on and read further to find our step-by-step guide

How to access BBC iPlayer from Australia?

You can get the answer to question by following these three easy steps to access BBC iPlayer from Australia

1. Subscribe to a secure premium VPN service and download it on your device (we highly recommend ExpressVPN as the best option after testing it out ourselves)
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to a UK server from the list (We personally recommend using the London server)
3. Now go to the BBC iPlayer website and enjoy everything it has to offer from Australia

Note: BBC iPlayer doesn’t require you to get a subscription but you will have to make a BBC iPlayer account to avoid login issues and get a better-personalised experience.

Is BBC iPlayer available in Australia?

We have a piece of unfortunate news for you, BBC iPlayer is a streaming service that is currently only available in the United Kingdom to all UK residents with a valid TV license, and accessing BBC iPlayer from outside UK regions like Australia can prove to be quite difficult because BBC has some of the strictest geo-restriction blocks in the world. But don’t fret. There is a solution to this problem, you just require two things; first, a secure premium VPN like ExpressVPN that will hide your IP address from BBC iPlayer, and second, a BBC iPlayer account which is absolutely free to create without cost.

Is BBC iPlayer a totally free-to-watch platform?

Yes, BBC iPlayer is indeed a totally free streaming service that offers a wide range of BBC channels, programs, on-demand content, and services for audiences across the United Kingdom. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones both Android and iOs, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. BBC iPlayer is delivered to viewers across the UK with a valid TV license. A TV license is a legal requirement in the UK set by the government itself for anyone who wants to watch live TV, regardless of what device they are using to watch it. The license fee is used to fund the BBC and its services, including BBC iPlayer.

How to get a BBC iPlayer account in Australia?

Wondering how you can register for BBC iPlayer in Australia? Don’t worry we’re here for you. Follow our step-by-step guide below:

1. Select a reliable VPN service and subscribe to it. We highly recommend ExpressVPN as an option after testing it out ourselves.
2. Launch the VPN and select any UK server. We personally recommend using the London server.
3. Visit the BBC iPlayer website
4. Click the Register Now option
5. Select 13 or over and Enter your date of birth.
6. Fill in all the required fields and finally click the Register option. (note: for the Postal Code field, we recommend you use SW1A 1AA for London, E1 OAA for East London, and E16 2JE for Docklands)
7. Start watching and enjoy all that BBC iPlayer has to offer.

Note: When you will subscribe to BBC iPlayer, from Australia, it’s possible to you might get a notification inquiring if you have a TV license since we have mentioned that it is a requirement in UK law. But you don’t need to worry about that, just click on the “Yes” option, and it’ll immediately give you access to all the content without any problem.

30day money-back  guarantee

Why do you need a VPN service to access BBC iPlayer in Australia?

As mentioned above, BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted service only available in the United Kingdom, and if you try to access it from a location out of the UK, you will receive a message saying “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to streaming rights”. 

This is exactly the time when you need a secure and reliable VPN service that can change your IP address to a region within your chosen server locations, in this case, locations within the UK. Now, because BBC iPlayer restricts you through your IP address, the VPN service will conceal it and make BBC iPlayer unable to do that.

Note: Not all VPN services are going to do the trick. BBC iPlayer uses very advanced geo-tracking technology, so you will need to get a trusted premium VPN service that offers a wide range of servers in the UK like Express VPN.

What are some best VPN service options to choose from to access BBC iPlayer from Australia? [Tested]

There are loads of options available for premium VPN services to choose from, but after some in-depth analysis we have shortlisted our top three picks for you to choose from:

1. ExpressVPN
2. NordVPN
3. Surfshark

Note: We personally recommend Express VPN as it is the most globally trusted option and best-performing VPN option that offers reasonable pricing and we have tested it ourselves.

1. ExpressVPN:

The Quickest VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

ExpressVPN is currently the world’s leading VPN service provider and a very good option for you to access BBC iPlayer from Australia. The first and foremost reason for that is its wide range of global servers, ExpressVPN offers you approximately 3000+ servers in over 94 countries, with 5 servers in the UK itself that’ll enable you to access BBC iPlayer from Australia.

Another great feature of ExpressVPN is its unlimited speed and ability to provide high-quality video streaming to its users, you must’ve heard often that connecting to a VPN may lead to a decrease in internet speed, but that is not the case with Express VPN as when we tested it ourselves we were getting a fast download speed of 89.42 Mbps on a 100Mbps internet connection. ExpressVPN also offers an excellent feature called MediaStreamer DNS, this feature enables you to get superb unblocking capacity on devices that do not include VPN support.

You can access ExpressVPN simultaneously on five devices at the same time through a single account. ExpressVPN can be accessed on various devices including but not limited to, Android and iOS devices, Windows, Linux, and browsers such as Chrome, Opera, and Firefox, etc. In terms of security, ExpressVPN offers a first-class Network Lock feature, which is basically a kill switch, split tunnelling feature, AES-256 bit encryption, and IP leak protection.

You can get 15 months for the price of 12. An ExpressVPN subscription will cost you $6.67 USD per month which is 10.12 AUD per month along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

30day money-back  guarantee

2. Surfshark:

A Pocket-friendly VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

Do you want to access BBC iPlayer from Australia but are sceptical about spending too much money on a VPN service? Then Surfshark has to be your ideal choice. Surfshark enables you to unblock BBC iPlayer in Australia for just $2.49 USD per month which is 3.78 AUD per month. And not only that, but it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

One of Surfshark’s key features is that, unlike normal VPN services, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections and enables you to connect multiple devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, mobile phones, tablets, Laptops, etc.

When we tested out the service, Surfshark showed great potential, specifically with live streaming, as no buffering or performance drops were recorded. While testing Surfshark out we were getting an extraordinary download speed of 85.48 Mbps and an uploaded speed of 48.42 Mbps. 

The range of servers offered by Surfshark is approximately 3000-3200 in more than 60 countries including four servers in the UK. In terms of security, you can get over-the-counter security features at a low price with Surfshark including, a kill switch that’s completely automatic, a Clean web feature, GPS Spoofing and Multi-hop connect.

3. NordVPN:

The Most Extensive Server Network VPN Option for Accessing BBC iPlayer from Australia

As you may have already guessed, NordVPN is a VPN service provider with the largest network of global servers in the world with more than 5500 servers in more than 60 countries, 440+ of which are UK servers that are going enable you to access BBC iPlayer in Australia totally hassle-free.

NordVPN provides you with the most solid online streaming experience in comparison to other VPN service providers with absolutely zero connectivity problems and its remarkable SmartPlay feature that combines VPN technology with Smart DNS, which allows NordVPN to bypass any streaming platform’s geo-restriction blocks smoothly.

While testing it out, we recorded a fantastic download speed of 86.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.13 Mbps. In terms of security, NordVPN is not falling short, packing a wide range of security features including, NordVPN has an impressive line-up of security and privacy options, including dedicated IP addresses, a kill switch that works automatically, over-the-counter encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.

NordVPN allows its users to connect to six devices simultaneously and can be easily accessed on Android and iOS devices, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Now talking about pricing, you can get a 2-year plan of NordVPN at $3.49 USD per month which is 5.3 AUD per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Access BBC iPlayer from Australia using Nord VPN

NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service provider based in Panama, offering a broad range of features and functionalities designed to enhance online security, privacy, and freedom. If you’re considering purchasing NordVPN from Australia, here is some detailed information.

Purchasing Process

1. Visit the NordVPN website: Begin by navigating to the official NordVPN website.
2. Choose a plan: NordVPN offers several different subscription plans. You can choose between a one-month, one-year, two-year, or three-year plan. The longer the subscription period, the more cost-effective the plan generally becomes.
3. Create an account: After selecting your preferred subscription plan, you’ll need to create a NordVPN account. You’ll be asked for a valid email address, which will be used for communication and account recovery.
4. Select your payment method: NordVPN accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrency, and other online payment systems. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
5. Complete the purchase: Follow the prompts to complete your purchase. Once your payment is processed, you’ll gain access to the NordVPN service.

Features and Benefits

NordVPN offers a variety of features that make it appealing to users in Australia, and globally:

1. Global Server Network: NordVPN boasts a network of over 5,000 servers spread across 59 countries. This means you can connect virtually anywhere in the world, accessing geo-restricted content or simply protecting your privacy.
2. Strong Encryption: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, the same level of security used by many governments and military organisations, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
3. No-logs Policy: As a Panama-based company, NordVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. This means that they do not track, collect, or share your private data.
4. Double VPN: This feature routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security.
5. CyberSec: This feature blocks ads and protects you from entering malicious websites.
6. Kill Switch: In case your VPN connection drops, the kill switch feature blocks your device from accessing the internet, ensuring your data is not exposed.
7. P2P Sharing: NordVPN allows peer-to-peer file sharing, which is essential for torrenting.

Remember, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. However, it’s important to use it responsibly and not for any illegal activities.

Great Expectations – Official Trailer

What to expect from Great Expectations

Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, an orphan living a miserable life with his aggressive older sister and her blacksmith husband. Being poor and downtrodden, the young man seeks to get a respite from the fate he has been dealt with and desires a better existence.

Meeting Miss Havisham

Dressed in an old wedding gown, Miss Havisham is described as a recluse living like a spinster after being left at the altar during her youth. However, she is an extremely peculiar and enigmatic character who opens a world of possibilities for Pip when their paths cross.

After finding out that Pip is enamoured with her adopted daughter Estella, Miss Havisham asks him about his intentions before using her tragic past to warn of how love could ruin one. The trailer for the series also captures the intense exchange between the two characters, with Pip declaring that being affluent and successful is the key to winning affection after being caught up in the strange machinations of the older woman.

Will Pip Become the Man He Wishes to Be?

With the BBC series only comprising six episodes, it will be interesting to see which aspects of Pip’s life from the original series will make it to the screen. If the screenwriter stays faithful to the source material, the viewers can expect to see Pip grow from an insecure boy with bright eyes and become a confident gentleman with shattered dreams. His introduction to high society and the truth about his benefactor will also make the tale more exciting.

The cast of Great Expectations

The cast of Great Expectations is led by Olivia and Dunkirk actor Fionn Whitehead. The remaining cast members are listed below.

• Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham
• Fionn Whitehead as Pip
• Ashley Thomas as Jaggers
• Johnny Harris as Abel Magwitch
• Shalom Brune-Franklin as Estella
• Hayley Squires as Sara Gargery
• Owen McDonnell as Joe Gargery
• Rudi Dharmalingam as Wemmick
• Matt Berry as Mr Pumblechuck
• Trystan Gravelle as Compeyson
• Laurie Ogden as Biddy

How many episodes of Great Expectations are there?

The British series will have six episodes in total. Here is the list of episodes with release date and titles.

1- Episode #1 – March 26, 2023

2- Episode #2 – March 26, 2023

3- Episode #3 – March 26, 2023

4- Episode #4 – March 26, 2023

5- Episode #5 – March 26, 2023

6- Episode #6 – March 26, 2023

Who wrote the Great Expectation script?

Steven Knight, along with Tom Hardy, has completed the script of Great Expectations. This is not the first time these two have worked together on a project, last we saw them working together on A Christmas Carol. We all know Tom Hardy from Inception and Venom.

Great Expectation 2023 has a long list of executive producers, including Ridley Scott (The Martian), Dean Baker, David W. Zucker (The Good Wife, Kaleidoscope), Kate Crowe, etc.

Where was the filming location of Great Expectation?

The filming for the series started in early 2022. Although the story is set in Kent, some scenes were filmed in Shropshire, UK, in May 2022. To make the street look old, Victorian props were added to the streets in Shrewsbury, along with a horse and carriage, old wheelbarrows, and vintage signs.

Shrewsbury’s town centre was transformed to give a retro look. Modern signages, lighting, and furniture were hidden in a perfect way. The amazing dress and costumes of the actors made us believe that we have traveled back in time.

Great Expectations adaptations in the past

It was 1946 when Charles Dicken’s work was brought to the screen for the very first time. We saw the first adaptation of Great Expectations starring John Mills and Alec Guinness. The second time it was in 1998, when we saw a modern adaptation of the novel starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow. In 2011, BBC made the very first series starring Ray Winstone as Magwitch and Gillian Anderson as Miss Havisham. It was followed with a newer version next year in 2012, which had Toby Irvine and Ralph Fiennes, with Helena Bonham Carter playing Miss Havisham. This will be the fifth time Great Expectations has been adapted and made into a movie or a tv series. We all love to see the story of Pip and his relationship with Miss Havisham and Mr. Jagger.

Wrap Up

If you are a fan of Charles Dickens and want to see Pip come to life on your TV screen, make sure to check out Great Expectations on BBC this March. We have tested ExpressVPN to watch several British series on BBC, and it worked perfectly.

Therefore we highly recommend it to all our readers and streaming enthusiasts.