Discovering quality content among free-to-air options is truly refreshing, given the abundance of premium streaming services requiring monthly payments. It comes down to not just the quantity of content offered but also the proportion of that content that meets a certain standard.
Unlike endless scrolling through paid platforms, SBS On Demand curates a fantastic selection, ensuring you only see shows worth your time. While it may not rival the likes of Netflix, Stan, or Prime Video, there’s still an abundance of worthwhile viewing options that compensate for any criticisms leveled against SBS On Demand. Ready to ditch the subscription overload and experience the best of free streaming? Here’s your ultimate guide to unlocking hours of entertainment and watching live sports on SBS Australia.
What is SBS Australia?
SBS Australia is a significant player in Australia’s free-to-air TV landscape, and it is celebrated for its diverse programming reflecting multiculturalism. Its lineup spans international news, documentaries, educational content, dramas, comedies, movies, and sports, often featuring languages other than English with subtitles.
As one of Australia’s top five free-to-air networks, it aims to provide a blend of informative and entertaining content. Additionally, SBS Online hosts SBS On Demand, offering Australians free streaming access to a variety of programs and films.
Is SBS Australia Free?
Yes, SBS On Demand operates as a fully free streaming service supported by advertisements. You can access a vast library of exclusive series and movies on nearly any streaming device. Simply sign up for an account using your email address, or log in via your Google or Facebook account.
How do I sign up for SBS On-Demand
To watch SBS On Demand, users need to create a free account using their email address. Here’s how:
- Go to the SBS On Demand website
- Click on the Create Account button in the top right corner.
- Fill in the required fields with your personal information, including name, email, birth year, and gender, and create a strong password.
- SBS will send a verification email to the address you provided. Check your inbox and click on the link to verify your account.
- Sign in with your credentials and start watching.
Alternatively, you can log in to SBS On Demand using your Apple, Facebook, or Google account.
Upcoming Sports Events on SBS Australia
- AusCycling MTB Downhill and XCO National Series
- AusCycling National Road Series
- AusCycling BMX National Series
- Cape Epic
- La Vuelta Femenina
- Giro d’Italia
- Tour de France
- Tour de France Femmes
- Vuelta a Espana
- UCI World Road Cycling Championships
| Event | Date | Time | Sport |
| Round 3, Queensland Raceway – Australian Superbike Championship 2024 | Sun 28 Apr | 8:00-11:30am | Motorsport |
| Stage 1 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Sun 28 Apr | 6:45-9:15pm | Cycling |
| Stage 2 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Sun 28 Apr | 6:30-9:00pm | Cycling |
| Stage 3 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Mon 29 Apr | 6:30-9:00pm | Cycling |
| Live Stream – Eschborn-Frankfurt 2024 | Tue 30 Apr | 3:00-8:55pm | Cycling |
| Stage 4 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Wed 1 May | 6:30-9:00pm | Cycling |
| Stage 5 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Wed 1 May | 6:30-9:00pm | Cycling |
| Stage 6 – La Vuelta Femenina 2024 | Thu 2 May | 6:30-9:00pm | Cycling |
What Sports can you watch on SBS Australia?
Even though SBS is known for its documentaries and movie library, it offers comprehensive coverage of Australian plus International sporting events. Here are the sports that you can watch on SBS live and on-demand:
Cycling on SBS:
SBS remains Australia’s premier destination for cycling fans, offering end-to-end coverage of significant events such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. From the iconic climbs of the Alps to the cobblestone classics, SBS brings the excitement of the world’s most prestigious cycling races into your living room.
Motorsport on SBS:
SBS delivers the best motorcycle racing, from Revving engines and high-octane action taking center stage on SBS, catering to both two-wheel and four-wheel fans, from the adrenaline-pumping Australian Superbikes to the gripping battles of the World Superbikes. Meanwhile, fans of a four-wheeled competition can enjoy the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series thrills and follow the Dakar Rally’s rugged terrain as it unfolds in Saudi Arabia. With live events and catch-up options, SBS ensures motorsport fans can catch every moment of the action.
Athletics on SBS:
SBS offers a platform for track and field enthusiasts to witness the speed, power, and precision of athletic competition. Watch the world’s best track-and-field athletes all in one place, and free on SBS On Demand, with the World Athletics Championships, World Cross Country Championships, and World Indoor Championships.
Football on SBS:
SBS brings the passion of the beautiful game to viewers across Australia, from the drama of the UEFA Champions League to the excitement of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Football Championship. With a lineup that includes top-notch tournaments and top-tier leagues such as the English Premier League and FA Cup, football fans have plenty to cheer about on SBS.
Figure Skating on SBS:
Experience the finesse and athleticism of figure skating showcased on SBS, featuring events like the World Figure Skating Championships and the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. Where top athletes from around the world display their grace and skill, captivating audiences with each glide, spin, and leap.
Volleyball on SBS:
SBS’s coverage of volleyball includes the Australian Volleyball Super League, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, and more Australian events. The coverage includes live streaming, replays, and highlights.
Table Tennis on SBS:
SBS provides extensive coverage of table tennis tournaments, offering fans the opportunity to witness the sport’s top competitions. Events such as the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, WTT Champions, and other international table tennis events throughout the year, ensure fans stay engaged with the sport’s excitement and drama.
Other Live Sports on SBS:
In addition to these featured sports, SBS offers a diverse range of live sports coverage, catering to fans of diverse athletic pursuits. From niche sports to international competitions, SBS ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, keeping viewers entertained and engaged throughout the year.
What range of content does SBS Australia offer for access?
SBS On-Demand is Australia’s top-tier free streaming platform for dramas. Offering a vast array of genres from dark comedies to investigative thrillers, it boasts a substantial collection of locally-produced films and TV shows, along with content from across the globe. With over 11,000 hours of binge-worthy entertainment available for free, it’s a great way to enjoy quality programming without worrying about adding to your monthly expenses.
- Stream Live sports
Like every other streaming service, SBS Australia also provides live streaming of certain Australian and International sports. You can catch the live coverage of the biggest events like FIFA World Cup 2026, UEFA Champions League, Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España among others.
- latest mini recaps
SBS provides daily extended highlights and 15-minute mini-recaps for your favorite sports events. Mini recaps are 20-minute-long videos of ongoing sports events for you to catch up if you missed the live streaming.
- SBS On Demand sports programs
Below is a list of top-notch live sports available for streaming on SBS On Demand:
- Kooyong Classic
- Football NT Women’s Premier League
- UK Super League
- WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League)
- Surf Life Saving National Championships
- Superbike World Championship
- Movies
SBS on-demand is their free streaming service that has a large library of movies, including Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and foreign language films.
Check out the top 10 movies currently available on SBS on Demand:
- Killer Joe (MA15+) – 2011
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) – 2009
- Parasite (MA15+) – 2019
- A Beautiful Mind (M) – 2001
- Black Sheep (MA15+) – 2006
- Pulp Fiction (MA15+) – 1994
- Drop Dead Gorgeous (M) – 1999
- Rush (MA15+) – 2013
- Bring It On (PG) – 2000
- Fried Green Tomatoes (PG) – 1991
- TV Shows
SBS offers a diverse range of programming, including both Australian and international drama, local and foreign comedy, documentaries, educational shows, and news with a global focus. They feature Hollywood blockbusters in multiple languages besides English. Additionally, there’s content tailored for children. Here are the top 10 TV shows available on SBS on-demand:
- The Long Call – Crime
- Scenes After A Marriage – Romance
- Swift Street – Drama
- The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family – Docudrama
- COBRA – Politics
- Faithless – Comedy drama
- Back to Life – Comedy drama
- Algiers Confidential – Thriller
- Of Money and Blood – Thriller
- The Stroke – Drama
- Documentaries
From fashion to puppies and human stories, you won’t want to miss these feature documentaries at SBS On Demand.
- Alone Australia – Competition Reality
- Travel Man – Travel
- Into Death Valley with Nick Knowles – Documentary
- Dark Side of Comedy – Documentary
- Destination Ancient Rome – Documentary, 2019
- 24 Hours In Emergency – Medical
- A Cold War of Spies – Documentary
- Spitfire – Documentary, 2018
- Lost Temples of Cambodia – Documentary
- Vikings: The Rise and Fall – Documentary
- Dark Side of the 2000s – Documentary
- Ireland’s Wild Islands – Documentary
- Couples Therapy – Documentary
Which Channels Does SBS Offer?
SBS offers extensive audio services in over 60 languages through its SBS Audio network. Its digital platform, SBS On Demand, allows audiences to access content anytime and anywhere. Here’s a brief overview of each channel:
- SBS: The main channel of the network SBS ONE, SBS broadcasts a mix of news, current affairs, documentaries, drama series, movies, and other entertainment content. It often features international programs and multicultural content.
- SBS Viceland: Formerly known as SBS 2, SBS Viceland is a channel that focuses on youth-oriented programming, including documentaries, comedy, drama series, and movies. It also features content related to music, technology, and pop culture.
- Planet Luke Nguyen: This is a cooking and travel series hosted by Vietnamese-Australian chef Luke Nguyen. The show follows Nguyen as he explores different countries, cultures, and cuisines, showcasing recipes inspired by his travels.
- SBS Food: SBS Food is a channel dedicated to cooking and culinary content. It features cooking shows, food documentaries, culinary travel programs, and recipes from around the world. Viewers can learn about various cuisines and cooking techniques.
- SBS World Movies: Formerly known as World Movies, this channel offers a wide range of international films from different countries and cultures. It showcases a diverse selection of movies, including classic films, contemporary cinema, and award-winning productions.
- SBS Chill: SBS Chill is a radio station that also has an online streaming channel featuring a curated selection of relaxing music. It offers a mix of ambient, electronic, world, and downtempo music, creating a calming and atmospheric listening experience.
- NITV (National Indigenous Television): NITV is dedicated to Indigenous Australian content, including news, documentaries, dramas, and cultural programs. It provides a platform for Indigenous voices and perspectives, highlighting issues relevant to Indigenous communities.
- SBS WorldWatch: This channel provides news and current affairs content from around the world. It offers international news bulletins, documentaries, and programs focusing on global issues, politics, and culture.
What devices can I watch SBS Australia on?
With this extensive range of supported devices, you should have no trouble streaming SBS On Demand on most devices, even if they are older.
Additionally, the SBS On Demand app is available on various platforms, including:
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Samsung Smart TV
- Chromebook
- PlayStation
- Xbox
Is SBS Australia worth it?
Yes, SBS On Demand is a valuable service. Despite potential improvements like enhancing resolution and reducing ads, especially on shorter shows, it offers impressive benefits. With a diverse selection of movies, quality TV programs (including popular choices), and excellent sports content, SBS On Demand stands out.
Moreover, the apps or streamed shows have no significant download requirements. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to have SBS On Demand installed alongside other streaming services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports are on SBS Australia?
You can watch live sports on SBS Australia including:
- Cycling
- Motorsport
- Athletics
- Football (soccer)
- Figure Skating
- Volleyball
- Table Tennis
Additionally, SBS covers other live sports events and provides a diverse range of sports programming.
Can you watch live sports on SBS Australia?
Yes, you can watch live sports on SBS Australia. The network provides live coverage of major sporting events both Australian and International, including tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and more.
Does SBS Australia have live sports?
Yes, SBS Australia offers live sports coverage. The network broadcasts a variety of sporting events live. You can watch live sports on SBS Australia ranging from cycling and motorsport to athletics and football, among others.
What sports can you watch on SBS Australia?
You can watch a wide range of sports on SBS Australia, including:
- Cycling
- Motorsport
- Athletics
- Football (soccer)
- Figure Skating
- Volleyball
- Table Tennis
Additionally, SBS covers other live sports events and provides a diverse range of sports programming.
What can I watch on SBS Australia?
SBS Australia offers a diverse range of content, including:
- Live sports coverage
- Movies
- TV shows (dramas, comedy, documentaries, etc.)
- Documentaries
- Cooking and culinary content
- Indigenous Australian content (on NITV)
- International films (on SBS World Movies)
- News and current affairs (on SBS WorldWatch)
Various other programs cater to different interests and demographics.
What countries is SBS available in?
SBS is primarily available in Australia. However, individuals residing outside of Australia can access SBS On Demand using a premium VPN service to conceal their digital location and connect to a server in Australia.
What does SBS Australia include?
SBS Australia includes a diverse range of programming across its various channels, catering to different interests and demographics. This includes news, current affairs, documentaries, dramas, comedy, movies, cooking and culinary content, international films, Indigenous Australian content, and more.
What channels does SBS include?
SBS includes six distinct channels:
- SBS
- SBS Viceland
- SBS Food
- SBS World Movies
- SBS Chill (radio station with online streaming)
- NITV (National Indigenous Television)
Additionally, SBS offers extensive audio services through its SBS Audio network.
