Last updated: 23 October 2026

Moving to Australia means shipping your life 10,000 miles, and removals to Australia are one of the biggest costs of emigrating. The good news is that UK–Australia is one of the busiest removals routes in the world, so you have plenty of choice. This guide covers 2026 costs by city, how long shipping takes, Australia’s strict biosecurity rules, and how to compare removals companies.

Indicative ranges only. Prices vary with volume, access, packing, insurance and the destination city.

Costs by destination city

• Perth (Fremantle): often the cheapest and fastest of the big cities, being the first port of call on many routes
• Adelaide: similar to Perth, with fewer sailings
• Melbourne: a major port with frequent services
• Sydney: frequent sailings, but higher local delivery costs and tighter access in the inner suburbs
• Brisbane: usually the longest transit and slightly higher cost
• Regional areas: add inland trucking from the nearest port

How long do removals to Australia take?

Allow 8–12 weeks door to door. Shared container (groupage) moves can take longer, because the container must fill before it sails. Many families send a small air freight shipment of essentials so they can live normally in the meantime.

Biosecurity and customs: what Australia checks

Australia’s biosecurity system is one of the strictest in the world, and household goods are inspected on arrival.

• Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534): the main customs form for your belongings. Your mover’s Australian agent will guide you.
• Clean everything that has touched soil: bikes, garden furniture, tools, prams, boots, camping gear and the lawnmower. Dirty items lead to cleaning fees or fumigation.
• Wooden items: cane, bamboo, raw wood and wicker may need treatment.
• Do not pack: food, plants, seeds, soil, animal products or anything flammable.
• Duty and GST: used personal effects you have owned and used are usually free of duty and GST, but new items may be taxed.

How to choose a removals company for Australia

1. Get at least three surveys. Video surveys are fine, but every quote should be based on a real inventory.
2. Check trade memberships, such as BAR Overseas or FIDI, which provide financial protection.
3. Ask who handles the Australian end. The destination agent does customs, biosecurity and delivery.
4. Compare like for like: packing, port charges, Australian terminal fees, quarantine inspection fees and delivery.
5. Read the marine insurance terms, usually 2–3% of the declared value.

Ways to cut the cost

• Sell bulky furniture and appliances. Australian appliances use different plugs, and many UK electrical items are not worth shipping.
• Share a container if you have less than about 600 cu ft.
• Move outside the peak months of June to August, when UK removals are busiest.
• Pack non-fragile items yourself, if the insurance allows it.

See our full moving to Australia from the UK guide, plus shipping a car to Australia e pet relocation to Australia.

Travel with your belongings by sea

While your container sails, you can too. Some container ships carry passengers from the UK to Australia in about five to six weeks. Read ship from England to Australia.

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