For tricky lighting conditions like these, ColorVu cameras from Hikvision and Dahua are worth looking at. They capture full-colour footage day and night, even in low light — so you don't lose detail when it matters most.A lot of Aussie homeowners spend good money on outdoor security cameras. Then they mount them in the wrong spot. And end up with footage of the fence post. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, around 40% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Another 35% force entry through a door or window. That means your cameras need to be watching those exact spots.
This guide walks you through the whole process. Where to look. What to look for. And how to mount your home security cameras so they actually do the job.
Step 1: Walk the Perimeter First
Before you touch a single drill bit, walk around your whole property. This is the most important step in any DIY CCTV installation — and most people skip it.
You're not just checking the front of the house. You're looking at every realistic way someone could approach or access the property.
What to check on your walk-around:
- Front door and porch — the most obvious entry point, and the most commonly targeted
- Driveway and garage — burglars often approach through the driveway, not the footpath
- Side access gates and paths — a common blind spot in Australian homes with side return access
- Back fence and rear entry — especially important for homes that back onto a laneway or reserve
- Hidden corners and low-visibility areas — anywhere that offers cover
The goal isn't just to know where someone might end up. It's to understand how they'd approach your property. A security camera that only captures someone already at your door has missed the approach entirely.
Step 2: Spot What's Actually in the Way
Once you've done your walk-around, look for obstructions. These are the things that'll ruin your footage even if your IP cameras are in the right spot.
Common culprits around Australian homes include:
- Overgrown bushes or trees — branches move in the wind. They trigger constant false alerts, or simply block the view. Cameras with AcuSense AI can filter out moving foliage and only alert you to humans or vehicles.
- Walls and fence corners — mounting too close to a corner can cut half the frame
- Pergola posts and eave overhangs — these can cast deep shadows or block the lens angle
- Parked cars in the driveway — think about long-term placement, not just the day you install
Take note of anything that cuts into the sightline of the area you want covered. If you can't see it clearly while standing at the planned mount point, the camera won't either.
Step 3: Choose Your Mounting Spots Based on Coverage
Once you know what you want to cover and what's in the way, work out where to mount.
This is where a lot of DIY security camera installations go sideways. People pick a spot because it's easy to reach or looks tidy — not because it gives the right coverage.
Under the Eaves — Usually the Best Starting Point
Under the eaves is the best default for most Australian homes. It gives you:
- Natural weather protection — keeps the lens dry during rain
- Elevation — puts the camera high enough to cover a wide area
- A stable surface — most eaves can take a standard mounting bracket
For most outdoor security cameras, aim for a mounting height of around 2.5 to 3 metres off the ground. High enough that it can't be easily tampered with. Low enough to actually capture faces and features — not just the tops of heads.
What to Avoid
- Mounting directly above a door frame with no side angle — you'll only catch the back of someone's head
- Spots where a wall cuts off more than a third of the field of view
- Areas where branches overhang the lens
- Positions where the sun will backlight the subject during peak hours (east-facing at sunrise, west-facing at sunset)
For tricky lighting conditions like these, ColorVu cameras are worth looking at. They capture full-colour footage day and night, even in low light, so you don't lose detail when it matters most.
Step 4: Think Carefully About the Angle
Mounting height and mounting position both matter. But so does the angle.
A camera pointed straight down from a high eave will show you the top of someone's head. That's not useful for identification.
What you want is a slightly downward angle. One that captures a clear, face-level view of anyone approaching the area.
Practical tips for getting the angle right:
- Side of the door, not directly above it — mount a metre or two to the side and angle toward the entry point
- Tilt down about 15–30 degrees — enough to capture faces without losing the background
- Check the live view before you commit — most modern PoE cameras connect to an app via your NVR. Walk through the area and confirm what the camera sees before you tighten the bracket.
If you're covering a long driveway or side path, angle the camera along the path rather than across it. That way you catch people as they approach — not just as they pass.
If you want extra detail on driveways or number plates, a 4K security camera makes a big difference. You can zoom in on recorded footage without losing clarity.
Step 5: Australian-Specific Things Worth Knowing
Weather and IP Ratings
Australian conditions are tough on outdoor gear. You're dealing with Queensland humidity, coastal salt air, South Australian summer heat, and Victorian frosts.
Look for IP cameras rated IP65 or higher for outdoor use. IP65 means the camera is fully dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction.
For particularly exposed spots, IP66 or IP67 gives you extra peace of mind. Most HiLook, Hikvision, and Dahua cameras in a good security camera kit will meet these ratings out of the box.
Under-eave mounting also helps. It reduces direct exposure to rain and UV, which extends the life of your cameras.
Night Vision Cameras
Don't forget about night coverage. Standard night vision cameras use infrared (IR) and produce black-and-white footage in the dark. That's fine for motion capture. But if you need to identify clothing colours or vehicle colours, go for a ColorVu model. It delivers full-colour footage around the clock.
Privacy Laws
Australia's privacy rules for home security cameras vary by state. The general rule is simple: keep your cameras pointed at your own property.
Cameras that clearly capture a neighbour's private spaces — or that record audio without consent — can put you in tricky legal territory. This is especially the case in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. Point your cameras at your own entries, driveway, and yard. Not across the fence line.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) also notes that if footage is ever shared or published, Australia's Privacy Principles may apply.
When in doubt, stick to covering your own property. And make cameras visible — visible cameras are a deterrent. They're also far less likely to cause disputes with neighbours.
Quick Checklist: Before You Install
- Use this before you drill a single hole:
- Walked the full perimeter and identified all entry points
- Noted the front door, driveway, side access and rear entry
- Identified obstructions: bushes, walls, overhangs, parked vehicles
- Chosen mount positions that cover the approach, not just the entry
- Confirmed mounting height will be 2.5–3m off the ground
- Checked the camera angle captures face-level detail
- Confirmed camera view stays within your own property boundary
FAQ — Security Camera Placement in Australia
Q1: How many cameras do I actually need for a typical Australian home?
Most homes need between three and six cameras for solid coverage: front entry, driveway, at least one side access point, and the back. Larger properties or homes with multiple access paths may need more. Start with the highest-risk entry points and add from there.
Q2: Can I mount a security camera on my fence?
Yes, in most cases — but be careful about the angle. If the camera captures your neighbour's property or a public footpath in detail, it can raise privacy concerns. Point it inward toward your own yard and you'll generally be fine.
Q3: Do security cameras deter burglars in Australia?
Yes. Visible cameras are a genuine deterrent. A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that security measures — including surveillance cameras — are a key factor in whether a would-be burglar decides to target a property. Cameras mounted visibly at entry points send a clear signal.
Q4: How high should I mount an outdoor security camera?
Around 2.5 to 3 metres is the standard recommendation for Australian homes. High enough to prevent tampering, low enough to capture clear facial detail. Avoid going much higher than 3 metres unless you're using a camera with a longer focal length.
Q5: What's the best place to put a camera if I can only afford one?
Front entry. It's the most commonly targeted access point and gives you the best return on a single camera. If your driveway is long or you have a side gate, that would be the second priority.
Q6: Are there any legal restrictions on security cameras in Australia?
Each state has its own rules, but the core principle is consistent: you can film your own property, but you need to be careful about capturing private spaces belonging to neighbours, or recording audio without consent. States like NSW, Victoria and Queensland have surveillance device laws that are worth reading before you install. When in doubt, keep cameras clearly pointed at your own property.
Q7: Does the angle matter as much as the position?
Absolutely. You can have the camera in the perfect spot and still get unusable footage if the angle is wrong. A camera pointed straight down will catch the tops of heads. A camera angled along the approach path and slightly downward will give you identifying detail. Always check the live view and walk through the coverage area before you lock in the mount.
You now know how to choose security camera placement , but if you're still deciding which cameras, how many channels, or which brand best suits your property, let our free AI Security Camera Advisor do the hard work.
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