International Shipping
International Shipping to Australia from UK
Get an instant quote for shipping to Australia from the UK. No matter whether you’re sending boxes, packages, or other personal effects, we offer the best service at a low cost.
Renowned for world-famous beaches and barbeques as well as a welcoming population, ‘the Land Down Under’ is a popular destination for those moving from the UK. Whether you are planning on taking in the sights of cities such as Sydney or want to explore more of the natural diversity Australia has to offer, you’ll find something for everyone in this vast country.
PSS has been shipping to Australia from the UK for over 40 years, and after all this time, our priorities remain the same. To provide customers with exceptional service and affordable shipping costs from the UK to Australia. Whether you’re a UK migrant shipping your whole house contents or an Aussie expat wanting to ship boxes home, PSS can take care of the whole process.
Our overseas shipping to Australia service is intended to make your transition to life in Australia as stress-free as possible. From shipping a few boxes to your whole household contents and car, our expert teams fully organise your UK to Australia shipment, including customs clearance and assistance with documents.
Shipping your belongings to Australia is easy with PSS
STEP 1
Home Survey or Quote
Get an online quote in 60 seconds or book a FREE home survey.
STEP 2
Help and Advice
Your dedicated Account Manager can help answer your questions and tailor your shipping requirements.
STEP 3
Quick and easy collection and shipping
Whether you are shipping boxes or furniture, choose either our self-packing or professional packing service.
STEP 4
Customs clearance & delivery to your new home
On arrival our agents will take care of customs clearance and deliver to your door.
“Why choose PSS International in 2024?”
- Free home or video survey
- Independent, family-run business with 40 years of experience
- We only handle overseas removals & international shipping
- Members of BAR Overseas Group
- Protection by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme
- FIDI Global Alliance (Worldwide Moving Association)
- FAIM Accredited (Removal Quality Assurance Standard)
How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.
Overseas Shipping to Australia from UK
From the second you register your interest, you’ll be assigned a move coordinator to manage your UK to Aus shipping from pre-home survey through to the unloading of your belongings.
Our experience as the UK’s leading personal shipping service, means we know what it takes to move the belongings of families, expats, travellers and students to Australia and can make the whole Australia shipping process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We serve every Australian city and region, so no matter where you’re heading in Australia, we’ll ensure your belongings get there safely.
Some of the most popular towns and cities for our Australia shipping service include:
Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Wollongong, Alice Springs, Cairns, Darwin and Byron Bay.
We provide high-quality packing materials including shipment boxes and packing services to ensure your belongings are safe and secure for shipping to Australia.
Container Shipping to Australia
Our international container shipping services include sea freight and air freight with both part and full loads available. Air freight to Australia is recommended if you want quick shipping to Australia. Sea freight is slower but is the cheapest way to ship to Australia.
You can also combine both air freight and sea freight. Personal effects that need to be shipped quickly can be transported via air freight and belongings that are not urgently needed can be cheaply shipped to Australia using our sea freight service.
What Does our International Shipping Service to Australia Include?
- Door-to-door shipping
- Free home/video survey
- Part or full load container service
- Air freight or sea freight options
- A dedicated move manager
- Help with documentation, customs requirements & customs documents
- Export quality packing materials
- Choice of self-pack or professional packing service
- Use of recognised accredited shipping lines
- Customs clearance
- Storage in UK or Australia if required
PSS move managers help with customs clearance, customs documents and prohibited items, ensuring no delays or complications at the final destination. We offer cheap shipping to Australia from the UK without compromising the service quality.
International Shipping to Australia Reviews
International Shipping to Australia Cost Calculator
Want to know how much it will cost to move house to Australia? Our free online shipping to Australia cost calculator will help you calculate the volume of household goods you want to ship and provide you with an estimate of the cost of UK to Aus shipping.
The Ultimate Guide to Shipping from the UK to Australia
Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about shipping to Australia including common questions about shipping boxes to Australia, what to pack, smaller loads, sending bikes and more.
Where in Australia Do You Ship To?
We ship from anywhere in the UK (including London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to all destinations. Popular destinations in Australia we ship to include:
Australian Capital Territory
Queensland
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
Western Australia
- Perth
- Fremantle
Northern Territories
- Darwin
Tasmania
- Hobart
PSS is a company with years of experience with international shipping to Australia. Popular items shipped to Australia include golf clubs, snowboards, walking sticks, bikes, surfboards, monitors, tool boxes and musical instruments. We will ensure your belongings are safe from the start of the journey to the final destination.
How Long Does Shipping From UK to Australia Take?
Shipping times to Australia can vary. Shipping groupage in a shared container takes longer than shipping a full container load as different customer shipments need to be consolidated to fill one container.
Port in Australia | Full Container Load (FCL) | Shared Container (Groupage) |
---|---|---|
Sydney, New South Wales | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Melbourne, Victoria | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Perth / Fremantle, Western Australia | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Brisbane, Queensland | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Adelaide, South Australia | 6-9 weeks | 9 -16 weeks |
Hobart, Tasmania | 6-9 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
Darwin, Northern Territories | 6-9 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
NB: These are approximate sea freight shipping times to ports in Australia only. You will need to allow additional time for customs clearance and final delivery to your destination.
How Long Does Air Freight Shipping to Australia take from the UK?
For sending excess baggage or boxes to Australia by air freight allow approximately 7 – 14 days.
How Much Does Shipping to Australia Cost from the UK in 2024?
Why We're the Best Way to Ship to Australia
When exporting sentimental items or expensive furniture overseas, you need to have full confidence in the international shipping company you choose. Accreditations and associations are the best indicators of how trusted a company is within the industry. That’s why PSS holds a number of memberships and achievements:
- FAIM Accredited – the only globally recognised independent quality assurance standard for the international moving industry.
- FIDI Global Alliance Members – providing customers with the same superior standards in Australia as in the UK.
- British Association of Removers Members – the leading British quality standard and ensures customers’ financial protection with the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme.
- Movers Traders Club (MTC) – Members of this organisation join together to negotiate the best service and shipping rates with leading international shipping companies. Members are therefore able to offer lower shipping rates to customers.
What Are the Different International Shipping Services to Australia?
We offer multiple shipping options to Australia, whether you are sending boxes to Australia, personal items, furniture, pets or vehicles, our Australia movers have a solution ready and waiting for you:
Shipping Personal Effects to Australia from the UK
Shipping personal effects to Australia is simple with PSS. We send personal items to Australia for countless customers each year, from clothing and shoes, makeup and toiletries, to sports equipment, tech, musical instruments and more. Popular items shipped to Australia include golf clubs, bikes, snowboards, walking sticks, surfboards, monitors, tool boxes and musical instruments.
International Shipping for Furniture and Household Goods to Australia
Shipping household goods to Australia is a PSS speciality. Using our freight services and industry expertise, PSS can ship furniture of any weight, dimensions and quantity from the UK to destinations across Australia.
Our team of experienced international packers will ensure your items are carefully export-wrapped and packed for their journey.
Shipping Excess Baggage & Unaccompanied Luggage from the UK to Australia
Using PSS to ship boxes, luggage, suitcases and excess baggage to Australia cuts out the extortionate charges issued by airline carriers and makes your journey to Australia more manageable by reducing the amount of luggage you have to carry. We can supply you with a variety of box sizes or you can use your own bags or suitcases.
Whether you have one box, two suitcases or ten loads of excess baggage, our baggage shipping to Australia is an ideal service and will save money!
Shipping Boxes to Australia from UK
If you only have small items to ship to Australia, we recommend our box shipping service. Your boxes will be shipped along with those from other customers in a shared container (Groupage) so you only pay for the space you use.
We can supply a variety of box and carton sizes including packing and wrapping materials such as bubble wrap. We also have custom cartons for items such as bicycles and TVs.
Shipping Cars and Vehicles to Australia
PSS provides a range of shipping options to make car shipping to Australia feasible, regardless of your vehicle. Whether you want to send a car to Australia in a container of its own or alongside personal and household items, our Australia vehicle shipping options make it possible.
In addition to shipping cars, we can assist with shipping all kinds of other vehicles to Australia including motorcycles, bikes, caravans, motorhomes and boats.
Shipping Pets, Dogs and Cats to Australia
Pet shipping to Australia can be daunting for any pet owner and pet relocation is a very specialised service. We therefore work with trusted partners for transporting animals from UK to Australia. Whether you want to take your cat or dog to Aus, you can entrust PSS and our partners to relocate them safely.
Shipping Parcels and Small Packages to Australia
For small parcels and packages, it is probably best to use an Australia parcel delivery service such as Royal Mail, especially for less than 2kg. For larger or multiple boxes you can save by using a personal shipping service from PSS.
Express Air Freight and Fast shipping from UK to Australia
If you need to ship items to Australia quickly, we recommend our priority Express Air Freight Service.
This takes about 7-14 days and is ideal if you wish to send boxes or bags of belongings ahead of your household container.
Express freight is also commonly used by traders wishing to ship tools to Australia so they can begin work immediately on arrival.
What size shipping container do I need for Australia?
The quantity or combined dimensions of your items will dictate whether you require full or shared container shipping to Australia.
Shared Shipping Containers to Australia (Groupage)
For small moves, a shared shipping container from the UK to Australia alongside the boxes of other PSS customers is used. This is also known as groupage or part-load container shipping.
Sometimes called LCL or Less than Container Load, this is a quick and easy way to send a single box of clothing or personal goods and sports equipment, smaller items of furniture, or household contents from a single room up to a small flat. You’ll only pay for the space you use.
Full-Load Container Shipping from the UK to Australia
If you have a larger load to send to Australia, our Full Container Load (FCL), also known as sole-use container shipping to Australia, is the most cost-effective. If you are sending a large family home of furniture and personal items, PSS can provide a 20ft or 40ft shipping container intended for your sole use.
Our 20ft and 40ft shipping containers have plenty of space, and it is up to you how you fill that container. A standard 20 ft shipping container is large enough for the contents of the average three-bedroom house. A 40 ft shipping container is usually big enough to fit the contents of a 4-bedroom house and car.
Container costs will depend on size and include a full, professional packing service. Sole- use shipping containers leave immediately on the next available ship bound for Australia with no waiting around for other customers to fill the container.
What Can or Can't I Ship to Australia?
Australia has very unique flora and fauna and so has strict biosecurity to protect the environment. You should pay attention to any prohibited items and ensure any outdoor items are thoroughly cleaned before your consignment is shipped.
What Items are prohibited from Shipping to Australia?
Prohibited imports to Australia include:
- Seeds, plants and dried floral arrangements
- Original pine cones or any plant matter used for Christmas decorations or wreaths.
- Raw untreated wood or bark
- Food and meats
- Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks or ivory (Without CITES certificate)
What Items are Restricted When Shipping to Australia?
Restricted imports to Australia where pre-approval may be required are:
- Antibiotics, medicines & therapeutic drugs
- Erasers (novelty) resembling food in scent or appearance
- Some types of cosmetics
- Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks, ivory etc. (With CITES certificate)
- Firearms, ammunition and accessories
- Knives and daggers (even for sport)
- Martial art swords or weapons
- Bamboo, wicker or cane items
Shipping Antiques to Australia
If you have antiques valued at AUD $1000 or above you will need an import declaration. You can import antiques over 100 years old free of duty if you can provide a Certificate of Antiquity.
Your move manager will guide you on Customs for shipping to Australia and what you can and cannot ship to Australia.
Shipping Tools/Toolbox to Australia
Shipping your tools to Australia from the UK is recommended as you may find them quite expensive to replace. All types of types of tools can be taken to Australia including building,
garden, plumbing and carpentry tools. It is important to ensure your work tools are thoroughly cleaned to avoid any problems with customs.
You can ship a box of tools cheaply by sea freight with your other personal items or if you need them urgently for work, we offer a cost-effective air freight service. The cost of shipping tools to Australia is calculated based on volume and for air freight weight.
Most UK power tools will work fine in Australia but speak to our team about requirements for shipping batteries as there are different rules for air and sea freight.
To get a quote or cost for shipping tools to Australia use the cost calculator on this page. We also have an overweight items shipping service if you have large or heavy tools to ship.
Can You Help Pack My Household Items for Shipping?
PSS provides two packing options, a full professional packing service or you can self-pack with our “You Pack, We Ship” service.
When you opt for our professional overseas packing service, a specialist team will arrive at your home on the day of your move to pack the required items in sturdy packing materials and moving boxes ready for sending to Australia. For shipping furniture, we offer a fully protected export wrapping service. We also provide custom-made wooden crates and antique wrapping for delicate items. Our packing teams will create an inventory of every item that we will ship to Australia.
Small Loads
If you are only sending a small number of items in boxes or suitcases, you can opt to self- pack your belongings in the comfort of your own home. This “You Pack, We Ship” is an increasingly popular option for sending boxes to Australia.
We understand the importance of the safe handling and delivery of your goods to Australia, so still provide all moving boxes, tea cartons and packing materials such as bubble wrap when you self-pack free of charge!
Once you’re ready, we’ll pick up your boxes and deliver them to your new home Down Under.
How to Handle Customs Clearance in Australia
As part of our shipping service to Australia, we take care of everything from door to door. We’ll guide you through any necessary customs documentation and our agents in Australia
will take care of the customs process for you. Our shipping quote includes basic customs clearance excluding taxes, import duties and other customs charges such as inspection and quarantine fees.
If we pack your container or shipment for you, we will compile a customs inventory on your behalf and we will also advise you of what other shipping documents are required. We advise you to check the list of prohibited and restricted items carefully as well as how certain items should be prepared for import into Australia.
Our team will be able to advise you on Customs Clearance for Australia.
Do I Need Marine Shipping Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover to Australia?
It is highly advisable to take out marine shipping insurance or shipment protection cover before you ship your personal effects or household goods to Australia.
Although it’s unlikely you’ll experience problems when shipping items from the UK to Australia, it is still wise to have shipment protection cover when sending goods overseas, especially for items of significant financial value.
PSS International offers very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose the individual items you wish to cover.
Your PSS Move Manager can explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.
What is the Best Way to Send Boxes to Australia?
No matter whether you are taking one, a few or even multiple boxes to Australia then our box shipping service is the best way for you to ship your boxes.
We provide boxes and packaging materials and deliver them to your address in the UK.
You then pack all your personal possessions or household items and call us when you are ready for them to be collected.
There are three shipping options for your boxes. The method you choose depends on shipping costs to Australia and urgency.
- Sea Freight: your boxes are sent in a shared shipping container with other peoples boxes and belongings moving to Australia. This is the cheapest, but the slowest method.
- Air Freight: If you need your belongings to arrive sooner then air freight can be a good option.
- Express Air Freight: If your shipment is needed very urgently then express air freight is the best option, however, this will be more expensive.
Your dedicated Move Manager will help you with all the required paperwork and answer any questions you have.
You can then take time to enjoy a stop-over on your journey home to Australia whilst we take care of transporting your boxes.
Our partner company in Australia will notify you when your ship arrives, take care of customs clearance and deliver your boxes at a time that’s convenient for you.
They can also arrange storage for you if you are not yet ready to take delivery.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Boxes to Australia from the UK?
The cost of sending boxes to Australia from the UK will depend on the volume of boxes you are shipping and whether you are using sea or air freight. For example, if you want to fly your boxes to Australia, that will incur a higher cost than belongings moving to Australia via sea freight. To get an initial price, we recommend using our free online cost calculator available on this page. Our Move Managers will also be able to tailor your quote to meet your personal requirements. PSS is widely regarded as the cheapest and best company for shipping your boxes or luggage to Australia. We are confident that we can give you a very good quote without compromising on service.
Please note that sea freight costs are based on volume whereas air freight rates are calculated by volumetric weight – a combination of weight and volume.
How Long Does it Take to Ship Boxes from the UK to Australia?
Average shipping times to Australia from the UK
Port in Australia | Full Container Load (FCL) | Shared Container (Groupage) |
Sydney, New South Wales | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Melbourne, Victoria | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Perth / Fremantle, Western Australia | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Brisbane, Queensland | 6-9 weeks | 8 -12 weeks |
Adelaide, South Australia | 6-9 weeks | 9 -16 weeks |
Hobart, Tasmania | 6-9 weeks | 9-16 weeks |
Darwin, Northern Territories | 6-9 weeks | 9-16 weeks |
The table above gives you an estimate of how long it will take to ship your boxes to Australia. Delivery times will vary depending on where in Australia you are moving to.
Please note: These times are for arrival in your destination port – you will need to allow additional time for customs clearance.
Do You Have Bike Cartons/Boxes for Shipping Bicycles to Australia?
Yes! Whilst you can buy a specialist bike box, we can provide you with a strong cardboard bike carton for shipping your bicycle to Australia.
You will need to dismantle some parts of your cycle such as pedals and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned for Australian customs, but taking your bike with you is very easy.
Common Questions About Moving to Australia
Why Move to Australia From the UK?
There are plenty of great reasons to move to Australia. As a country known for its great humour and incredible landscapes alongside great cities, it’s no wonder countless Brits want to make the move each year. This laid-back nation offers a high quality of living, a great climate, good job prospects and an outdoor experience like no other.
In addition to this, Australian homes are also often larger than UK homes meaning lots of space for families moving to the country as well as a great family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of places to explore. Check out our blog on why move to Australia to find out more or get in touch.
Where is the Best Place to Move in Australia as an Expat?
Moving to Australia as a UK citizen is becoming more and more popular but where is best? Traditionally, Sydney has been one of the most popular places on the mainland to move and
still offers plenty of attractions for those moving from the UK. Many expats also consider Melbourne to be the best place to live in Australia with a unique blend of urban lifestyle and natural beauty. Alternatively, Brisbane sits in the Sunshine State with plenty of opportunities for skilled workers.
To find out more about the best places to live in Australia, check out our blog.
Can You Help With Moving to Tasmania?
Separated from the Australian mainland by the Bass Salt, Tasmania is a unique relocation destination for UK residents. The island state is renowned for having the cleanest air in the world as well as being home to unique wildlife and having an affordable cost of living. Tasmania is also a popular location for Brits due to its similar climate with its capital city Hobart being home to almost half of all Tasmanians. PSS can help with every step of your move to Tasmania from the UK.
Take a look at our Tasmania service page for more.
Is Moving to Sydney a Good Idea?
As the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is one of the most popular locations for Brits making the move. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the city
is also a hub of international trade with many global businesses making their home there. Sydney also offers a number of unique areas to explore and live outside of the CBD meaning it offers something for everyone.
Take a look at our Sydney movers page for more.
Moving to Brisbane
With over a third of its population foreign-born, Brisbane is the ideal place for British expats looking to make a new home overseas. Known for its botanical gardens, landmark buildings
and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane also offers a safe environment to raise a family with plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Take a look at our Brisbane moving page to find out more.
Moving to Perth
If you are considering moving to Western Australia, you may be thinking of moving to Perth. As the largest city in the region, it is a great spot to move with plenty of sandy beaches and more hours of sun than any other Australian capital city. Perth is ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities with a popular arts scene and affordable living options.
To find out more about moving services to Perth, take a look at our service page.
What Type of Property is Available to Buy in Australia?
If you are thinking of buying a home in Australia, the good news is that there are options to suit everyone. Many Aussi states still have affordable housing with everything from townhouses to apartments available.
Whether you are buying an aspirational penthouse in Sydney or a more family-friendly single-storey property in Western Australia, you’ll find plenty of places to live in this vast country to fit your preferences.
To find out more about buying property in Australia, take a look at our blog.