Using free Wi-Fi is convenient and saves money. When you’re away from campus, it helps to know where else to find it.
Fun Fact – Wi-Fi was invented in Australia! But that doesn’t mean it’s everywhere. In some cities, you may have to go looking. There are two types of Wi-Fi you’ll find:
- Large-scale networks/hotspots (check out our capital city guide below)
- Hotspots at businesses (like cafes) however, you might have to buy something to log-in.
In any city, these are good places to try:
- Public libraries
- Council buildings
- McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks
- Starbucks, Gloria Jeans Coffee, The Pancake Parlour
- Officeworks stores
- Apple stores
- Large Shopping Centres (especially in food courts)
- Airports
TIP – There are also apps available that show nearby hotspots.
Capital City Wi-Fi Guide
*Check local council websites for maps and usage conditions
Adelaide
The AdelaideFree network provides coverage to its CBD and parts of North Adelaide. Trams and buses are also covered by Adelaide Metro’s Wi-Fi.
Brisbane
There are 22 different parks and public spaces around Brisbane CBD where you can use Brisbane’s CouncilWiFi. You’re also in luck at The Queen Street Mall, Reddacliff Place, Victoria Bridge, South Bank Parklands and pedestrian areas in Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown Malls.
Canberra
You can get onto Canberra’s network, CBRfree in Belconnen, Dickson and Manuka as well as areas of Civic East and Civic West.
Darwin
There are just a few choice locations for Wi-Fi in Darwin so, the Smith Street Mall, Parliament House and the Casuarina, Darwin City, Karama and Nightcliff libraries are the places to be.
Hobart
Unfortunately, Hobart is a little sparse on free Wi-Fi. There are discussions about introducing some in the future, so watch this space. In the meantime, we recommend checking out the general options above.
Melbourne
Melbourne has it’s VicFreeWiFi service, available within all Melbourne CBD train stations, the Bourke St Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and South Wharf Promenade at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more locations to be rolled out in the future. You can also find wi-fi at Federation Square, Melbourne Visitors Centre, Melbourne Museum or The Hub Docklands.
Sydney
Surprisingly, Sydney is a little behind on the free Wi-Fi. Most Ferry routes provide free Wi-Fi, so does Circular Quay Train Station and Central Station (on the Grand Concourse and regional platforms). Otherwise, try Sydney’s many cafés, bars and restaurants.
Perth
Perth’s city centre is swimming in free Wi-Fi. The CBD has blanket coverage so you don’t have to stay near hotspots but can move around the city at your leisure.
