The Ultimate Smart Home Guide for Australians
Smart home technology is no longer just for overly enthusiastic techies. It’s here, it’s affordable, and it’s making its way into homes across Australia — one smart bulb, sensor, and speaker at a time.
This guide is your go-to resource for building a smart home — whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned tinkerer.
What's in This Guide?
This guide walks you through each category of smart home technology available in Australia and shows you how to integrate it into a seamless smart home system.
An Introduction to Smart Home Technology
What is Smart Home Technology?
Smart home tech (sometimes called home automation) refers to everyday appliances and devices connected via a network — usually your home Wi-Fi — to be controlled remotely, automatically, or by voice.
Examples:
- A group of garden lights that turn on from your phone
- Roller blinds that close automatically when it's over 30°C inside
- Saying “Alexa, play music” and having it stream through your whole house
Where Should You Start?
You don’t need to transform your entire house overnight. Start small, keep it simple, and build from there.
👉 If you’re brand new to smart home tech, start with The Easiest Way to Make Your Home Smart
Categories of Smart Home Tech in Australia
Let’s break it down by room or function — so you can choose what matters most to you.
🛋️ Smart Home Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest (and most addictive) ways to get started. It’s affordable, practical, and has an immediate “wow” factor.
🎁 Fun fact: We gifted my father-in-law a smart speaker and smart bulbs. Now he’s hooked — and has since added smart curtains and more!
What Makes It Smart?
- App or voice control
- Scheduling (e.g. sunset triggers)
- Integration into routines
Related Posts:
- Smart Home Lighting Introduction
- Outdoor Smart Lighting Tips
- Holman Spotlight Kit Review
- RGB Wi-Fi Garden Controller Review
- Smart Home Tech at Kmart
❄️ Smart Heating & Cooling
Smart ACs, fans and thermostats help you manage extreme Aussie temps more easily.
Imagine saying “OK Google, turn on the fan” before you even get home.
🔗 Smart Heating & Cooling Guide
🍳 Smart Kitchen Technology
From sous vide cookers to the mythical smart fridge, the smart kitchen is ideal for both hobby chefs and meal-preppers.
- Smart Kitchen Appliance Guide
- The Smart Fridge is Coming
- Anova Sous Vide Review
- Robot Vacuums: Yes Please
🎶 Smart Audio & Music
Add voice-controlled music, multi-room audio, or trigger your favourite playlist as part of a “Good Morning” routine.
💻 Smart Home Office
Work smarter with smart office gear — automated desks, lighting, and productivity tools.
🛡️ Smart Home Security
No need to commit to a security contract. Smart cameras and video doorbells give you eyes and ears when you're away.
🌿 Smart Outdoors & Gardening
From smart sprinklers to outdoor lighting — yes, the smart home extends to the backyard too.
🐾 Smart Pet Tech
Feel guilty leaving your pet at home? Smart pet gadgets can feed, entertain, and watch over your furry mates while you’re away.
🏠 Smart Homes for Renters
Even if you’re renting, you can still build an awesome smart home with plug-in devices and portable smart tech.
🔗 Integration: The Key to a Real Smart Home
Here’s the truth: buying smart gadgets is easy. Making them work together — that’s where the magic happens.
The glue? A smart assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
These allow you to:
- Control multiple brands in one place
- Set up automations and voice routines
- Bring everything together into one ecosystem
Start Here:
🤖 Smart Home Routines
Want your blinds to close, lights to dim, and music to play with one command? That’s where routines come in.
🙋 Got Questions?
Need help choosing your next smart device? Want help setting up routines or figuring out which platform is best?
Want More?
Check out the full Smart Home Blog Archive or dive into Smart Home Tech for Beginners.