

Televisions and video recorders made for the UK will not work in Australia, because the frequency of the sound signal differs between the two countries - you might be able to tune into a TV station and see a picture, but you won't be able to hear the sound. However, Australian videos will work on a UK player (but not once from the USA), and so it might be worthwhile taking the video and TV so the children can watch videos without interrupting you!
So what can you watch? There are five terrestrial channels in Australia, which are all free (there is no TV License system in Australia).
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation, or the ABC (also known as Auntie Beeb, just like the BBC in the UK). Government funded, has no adverts and output includes several programmes made by the BBC and other British TV production companies.
- Special Broadcasting Services, or SBS. Also Government funded, carries no adverts, and its programmes tend to be more non-English language focussed as its remit is to provide multi-lingual output.
- Channel 7
- Channel 9
- Channel 10
Some regional stations are attached to the national networks - for example Prime Television is attached to the Channel 7 network.
But as you would expect there is more available than the free to air channels. If you are an avid movie watcher, want to see live sporting action, or want to catch the news live from the UK you will want to consider paying to watch TV via cable or satellite.
- Austar - satellite television to mainly rural Australia (except WA), plus Darwin and Hobart. Carries similar channels to FOXTEL, including FoxSports, Disney, Discovery, etc.
- FOXTEL - cable TV to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, and satellite to certain other country areas (including most of the populated area of WA). As well as numerous other channels FOXTEL broadcasts its own channels screening live sport and overseas (mainly American) content. Click here to find out whether you can receive FOXTEL.
- Optus Cable. The Optus Cable Network carries Optus Local calls, Optus Television, and Optus@Home High-speed cable. Optus say that their network "is the communications network of the future," passing over 2 million homes in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
There are also some smaller cable operators working in locations outside the major cities.
To find out online what's on the TV where you are in Australia click here.
Happy viewing!
Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia