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Australia is one of the most popular long-haul relocation destinations for British movers. Emigration, work visas, family reunion and lifestyle moves generate a consistent high volume of UK to Australia removals each year. Moving to Australia is fundamentally different from any European destination: all household goods travel by sea freight (25 to 40 days); Australia has the world's strictest biosecurity inspection regime; all pets face mandatory quarantine; and Australian customs uses its own documentation framework completely separate from the EU Transfer of Residence system.
This page lists five Australian-based and five UK-based FIDI-certified removal companies with demonstrated UK to Australia capability. Both categories matter: UK companies handle the origin packing and export; Australian companies manage port clearance, biosecurity and domestic delivery. The best moves use a company with direct relationships at both ends.
International Removals Companies is a free route matching platform operated by Darren Benjamin since 2010 (DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576). We match each Australia enquiry with one suitable FIDI-certified removal company based on your UK origin, Australian destination state, timeline and volume. One contact. One quote.
UK to Australia moves use sea freight, priced by cubic metres in either a shared LCL container or a dedicated FCL container. Prices vary by volume, destination state, service level and season. These are indicative guides only. The matched removal company gives the confirmed price after a home survey.
LCL shared container
Sydney / Melbourne: from approx. £2,000 to £3,200
Perth: from approx. £1,800 to £2,800
20ft FCL dedicated container
Sydney / Melbourne: from approx. £3,800 to £6,000
Perth: from approx. £3,200 to £5,200
40ft FCL dedicated container
Sydney / Melbourne: from approx. £5,800 to £9,000
Perth: from approx. £5,000 to £7,500
Typically included: Professional export packing to DAFF biosecurity standards, UK port delivery, sea freight, Australian ABF customs clearance, DAFF biosecurity inspection, destination delivery and goods-in-transit insurance. Biosecurity treatment costs (fumigation, cleaning) are additional if ordered by DAFF and are not included in the removal price. Confirm exact inclusions before booking.
All prices are indicative planning guides only. The matched FIDI-certified removal company confirms the actual price after a home survey. Perth is often less expensive than East Coast destinations because it is closer by sea via the Suez Canal.
Five Australian-based companies and five UK-based companies, all FIDI FAIM certified. Australian companies manage port operations, DAFF biosecurity inspection and Australian domestic delivery; UK companies manage the origin packing, export and sea freight. FIDI FAIM requires more than 200 independent quality checks and an Ernst and Young audit every three years.
Grace Removals is part of the Grace Group, founded in Sydney in 1885. A founding member of FIDI and holding both FIDI FAIM and FAIM-DSP certification, Grace is Australia's only FAIM-DSP certified company for international corporate relocation. With 57 branches across Australia from Adelaide and Brisbane to Darwin, Perth and Hobart, Grace has the broadest domestic Australian footprint of any company in this list. ISO certified for business processes, IT security and environmental management, Grace handles every category of Australian move including diplomatic, corporate, fine art and household.
Suited to: customers requiring the widest possible Australian delivery network, direct DAFF biosecurity expertise, FAIM-DSP corporate relocation services and a company with 140 years of Australian removal history.
Kent Removals and Storage (Kent Relocation Group) is an Australian removal company with over 70 years of experience, headquartered in Clayton, Victoria. FIDI FAIM certified, AIMA and IAM member, Kent operates across all Australian states and provides a full range of international removal services including DAFF biosecurity preparation, ABF customs clearance, vehicle shipping and Australian domestic delivery. Its AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) membership reflects its standing within the Australian domestic removals industry, complementing its international FIDI credentials.
Suited to: customers moving to Victoria and South-East Australia who want an Australian company with direct Melbourne-area operations, 70 years of Australian removal experience and domestic-to-international full-service capability.
Allied Moving Services (formerly Allied Pickfords) is one of Australia's largest moving networks, with Australian origins dating to Downard Transport and now operating from over 40 branches across Australia as part of the global SIRVA network. FIDI certified, IAM and AFRA member, Allied handles interstate and international moves throughout Australia with a national footprint that covers capital cities and major regional centres. Its SIRVA global network gives it strong inbound UK to Australia capabilities through its international affiliate relationships.
Suited to: customers moving to any Australian city or regional area who need the broadest national branch coverage, and families who may be moving first to one Australian city then relocating domestically within Australia after arrival.
OSS World Wide Movers is an Australian-based FIDI FAIM certified international removal specialist with over 50 years of experience. Operating bonded warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, OSS provides sea freight, air freight and land freight services for household goods, fine art, antiques and vehicles to and from Australia. Its consistent Trustpilot ratings highlight communication, packing quality and professional delivery. The company's bonded warehouse network enables DAFF biosecurity inspection and treatment to be handled directly before domestic delivery, avoiding delays common to non-bonded operations.
Suited to: customers valuing an Australian-based specialist with dedicated bonded warehouses on the East Coast, strong fine art and antiques handling capability and over 50 years of Australian international removal experience.
Crown Relocations operates permanent Australian offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra, forming one of the most geographically complete Australian delivery networks in the international removal sector. As part of the global Crown Worldwide group, Crown Australia handles the full range of corporate and private international removals, including inbound UK to Australia sea freight, DAFF biosecurity coordination, ABF customs clearance and Australian destination settling-in services. Its Canberra office specifically serves the diplomatic and government community.
Suited to: corporate assignees, diplomatic staff and private customers moving to any Australian capital city who want a company with direct local operations at the destination and comprehensive destination settling-in services built in.
PSS International Removals is a UK-based family company with over 40 years of experience and Australia as its most frequently requested destination. FIDI FAIM Top Performer, BAR Overseas accredited, PSS provides door-to-door Australia removals with a dedicated Move Manager, full DAFF biosecurity declaration preparation, ABF customs documentation and Australian partner coordination from any UK address to any Australian state. Its specific Australia knowledge includes DAFF biosecurity item categories, packing standards to minimise inspection risk and biosecurity treatment cost avoidance.
Suited to: UK families and individuals moving to Australia who want a specialist British-based company with Australia as their primary long-haul route, an experienced dedicated Move Manager and deep DAFF biosecurity preparation knowledge.
Anglo Pacific International is a UK-based BAR Overseas accredited removal company that specialises in sea freight to Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Australia and New Zealand are its highest-volume intercontinental routes. The company provides LCL and FCL container services from UK ports to all Australian states, coordinates DAFF biosecurity preparation at the packing stage and manages ABF customs clearance via its Australian partner agents. Anglo Pacific also handles vehicle shipping to Australia for qualifying vehicles alongside or separately from household goods.
Suited to: UK customers moving to Australia, particularly those with smaller volumes suited to LCL shared containers, and those shipping a vehicle alongside household goods on the UK to Australia route.
Founded in 1884, John Mason International is a FIDI FAIM and BAR Overseas accredited UK removal company with Australia as one of its most active long-haul routes. The company's dedicated Move Managers handle DAFF biosecurity declaration preparation, Australian customs documentation and FCL/LCL container coordination from any UK origin. Its part-load shared container service to Australia provides a cost-effective option for customers with smaller volumes without requiring a full dedicated container.
Suited to: UK customers moving to Australia who want a long-established, award-winning company with strong biosecurity preparation processes and a cost-effective shared container service for smaller households.
White and Company is a FIDI FAIM and BAR Overseas accredited UK removal company and founding member of the BAR with Australia as an established long-haul route. The company handles complete export packing to biosecurity standards at UK origin, sea freight to all Australian ports (Sydney/Port Botany, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth/Fremantle, Adelaide) and coordinates ABF customs clearance and DAFF biosecurity inspection with its Australian OMNI and FIDI partner network.
Suited to: UK households moving to Australia who want a senior BAR founding member with FIDI FAIM certification, established Australian partner relationships and full export packing to DAFF biosecurity standards at the UK origin stage.
Seven Seas Worldwide is a UK-based BAR Overseas accredited international shipping specialist with Australia as one of its highest-volume routes. The company provides box and smaller-volume sea freight shipping services to all Australian states at transparent per-unit pricing, offering a cost-effective alternative to full container loads for customers moving books, boxes, small furniture and personal effects rather than a complete household. Its straightforward online booking and door-to-door tracking is particularly well-suited to graduates, young professionals and those making partial household moves to Australia.
Suited to: UK customers moving to Australia with smaller volumes — boxes, books, smaller items and partial household contents — who want a transparent, online-bookable, cost-effective sea freight service without a full container minimum.
All UK to Australia household removals travel by sea freight in an ISO shipping container. There is no road option. The journey is the longest of any destination in this series and requires the most planning time before departure.
DAFF biosecurity standards require thorough cleaning of wooden items, natural fibre products and all outdoor equipment before packing. Professional export packers at your UK address pack goods to Australian export standards: double-wall cartons, specialist wrapping for wooden furniture, custom crating for fragile items. Items identified as biosecurity risk must be declared.
Goods are loaded at Tilbury (London) or Southampton into either an LCL shared container (consolidated with other customers' goods) or an FCL dedicated container. LCL departure schedules depend on consolidation; FCL can often depart sooner on a customer-controlled schedule.
Perth is often the cheapest Australian destination from the UK because of the shorter sea distance via the Suez Canal route.
On arrival at the Australian port, goods are lodged with the Australian Border Force (ABF, abf.gov.au) for customs clearance. For qualifying household effects with correct documentation, customs clearance typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
After customs clearance, all inbound household goods containers are assessed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Containers are X-rayed or physically inspected. Items that trigger a biosecurity concern are subject to treatment (fumigation, steam cleaning), washing or destruction. Treatment costs are charged to the importer. This stage can add 1 to 14 days to the delivery timeline. Companies experienced with DAFF preparation significantly reduce the probability of treatment orders.
After biosecurity clearance, goods travel by road to your Australian address. Inland delivery times vary: Sydney CBD 1 day from Port Botany; regional New South Wales 2 to 4 days; rural Queensland 3 to 7 days.
Step 1 — Apply for import permit: Apply to the Australian Department of Agriculture for a permit to import your pet through the BICON system (bicon.agriculture.gov.au). This typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to process. Without a permit, your pet cannot travel.
Step 2 — Microchip: ISO 15-digit microchip required. Must be in place before any vaccinations or treatments count.
Step 3 — Rabies vaccination: A primary course of rabies vaccination, followed by a booster, all given after microchipping.
Step 4 — Rabies serological blood test (RNATT): A blood titre test confirming adequate rabies antibody levels must be taken at an approved laboratory. The test must show a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Results typically take 2 to 4 weeks. A 180-day waiting period after a successful blood test applies before travel.
Step 5 — Treatments: Dogs require tick, heartworm and tapeworm treatments to Australian specification within 14 days before departure. Cats require certain parasite treatments.
Duration: A minimum of 10 days mandatory quarantine at the Post-entry Quarantine Facility (PIAP) at Mickleham, 35 km north-west of Melbourne. All pets entering Australia regardless of origin must complete this quarantine. There are no exemptions.
Cost: Approximately AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,500 for 10 days quarantine accommodation per pet. This cost is in addition to all veterinary preparation costs and travel costs.
Limited spaces: PIAP has limited quarantine capacity. Book your place in quarantine at least 3 to 4 months before your travel date. Spaces fill quickly.
Approved airlines and routes: Pets must travel on a limited list of approved airlines and must arrive at a designated airport (typically Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth). Confirm the approved route with your vet or a specialist pet relocation company.
Pets do not travel with household goods: The pet journey is entirely separate from the removal shipment. Specialist pet relocation agents handle Australian pet imports; your removal company can refer you to a specialist.
Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has the strictest biosecurity regime of any country receiving international household removals. Every incoming container is assessed. Items found to pose a biosecurity risk face treatment, cleaning or destruction — all at the importer's expense and on top of the removal cost. Working with an experienced FIDI-certified removal company that understands DAFF preparation is the single most effective way to reduce biosecurity treatment costs.
Clean everything before packing: Wooden furniture should be cleaned with a brush and damp cloth. All soil must be removed from equipment, shoes and garden tools. Wicker and cane items should be inspected for insects and cleaned.
Declare everything: DAFF treats undeclared items more severely than declared ones. Your inventory must list every item, including high-risk categories. Do not try to avoid declaring items.
Professional packing to biosecurity standards: FIDI-certified removal companies experienced with Australia know which items need additional cleaning, which should be packed separately for easier inspection access, and which items are best left behind rather than risking treatment costs.
Treatment costs: If DAFF orders treatment, costs can range from AUD 200 for a simple cleaning to AUD 2,000 or more for fumigation of a full container. These costs are the importer's responsibility, separate from the removal invoice.
Biosecurity Declaration form: Must be completed accurately before shipment. Your matched removal company provides this form and assists with completion. Inaccurate or incomplete declarations can result in penalties.
Match with an Australia biosecurity-experienced removal company →
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD), not EUR or USD. Your removal is quoted in GBP. All Australian property purchases, living costs and savings transfers are in AUD. The GBP/AUD exchange rate is distinct from GBP/EUR and GBP/USD and is subject to its own drivers.
Australian property prices vary dramatically by city and suburb. Sydney and Melbourne have median house prices among the highest in the world relative to income. A 5% movement in GBP/AUD on a AUD 900,000 Sydney property changes the sterling cost by approximately £25,000 to £30,000 at typical exchange rates. Australian property conveyancing (exchange of contracts to settlement) typically runs 30 to 90 days depending on state, during which the rate can shift.
Non-residents and temporary visa holders generally require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to purchase Australian residential property. The rules are complex:
FIRB fees apply and have increased significantly in recent years. Seek Australian property law advice before committing to a purchase.
To receive AUD in Australia, you need an Australian bank account. Most major Australian banks (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) allow non-residents to open an account online before arriving, provided you plan to move to Australia. You will need your passport and Australian address. Opening before arrival means the account is operational for receiving AUD transfers from the settlement date.
Australian property purchases are subject to state-level stamp duty (called Land Transfer Duty in Victoria, Transfer Duty in NSW, etc.). Rates vary by state and property value but are typically 3% to 5.5% of the purchase price for standard residential property. This is in addition to the purchase price and must be budgeted in AUD. A currency specialist can align your GBP to AUD conversion with the settlement date to avoid exposure to a rate movement during the conveyancing period.
Regular Australian costs (rent, council rates, utility bills, private health insurance which is almost essential in Australia) are all in AUD. The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne is high; Perth and Adelaide are typically lower. A standing GBP to AUD payment facility with a currency specialist reduces ongoing conversion costs.
Unlike the USA where right-hand drive UK cars cannot be registered, Australia also drives on the LEFT. Right-hand drive UK vehicles can be registered and driven in Australia without this being an issue. This is a significant difference from most intercontinental destinations and makes UK car imports practically workable in Australia.
For vehicles under 15 years old, Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliance is required. Most UK-market cars sold after around 2005 already meet core ADR requirements due to harmonisation with EU standards. For specific non-conformances (particularly lighting and speedometer display), modifications through a RAWS (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme) facility may be needed. RAWS workshops assess the vehicle and certify compliance before registration.
Vehicles manufactured more than 15 years ago can be imported under the Personal Import Scheme without full ADR compliance. This significantly simplifies the import process for classic and vintage cars.
All imported vehicles must pass a DAFF biosecurity inspection on arrival. Tyres, undercarriage, wheel arches, engine bay and interior must be free of soil, seeds and plant material. Thorough cleaning before loading reduces the probability of a DAFF hold and treatment charge.
Vehicles travel by RORO (Roll-On Roll-Off) vessel or in an FCL container (more expensive but more protection). Transit to East Coast Australian ports: 25 to 35 days. To Fremantle (Perth): 20 to 28 days. SORN the vehicle with DVLA before UK export. Anglo Pacific International specialises in combined household goods and vehicle shipping to Australia.
UK storage is needed when your Australian visa is not yet confirmed, when your Australian rental or purchase is not available at the planned arrival date, or when your UK property sale completes before your departure. Options include:
Indicative UK container storage cost: from approximately £80 to £150 per container equivalent per month. Confirm with your matched removal company.
Several Australian-based companies in this list operate bonded warehouses allowing goods to be held after port arrival while DAFF biosecurity inspection and treatment is completed, before domestic delivery. This avoids goods moving between port and warehouse multiple times.
Australian depot storage beyond free period: approximately AUD 20 to AUD 40 per cubic metre per month. Confirm with your matched removal company.
Storage charges are separate from the removal price. Australian costs are quoted in AUD. Confirm inclusions, free period and costs with your matched removal company before booking.
1. Limited liability: Cover based on weight only (typically £40 to £60 per kilogram). For a 2-bedroom household at 2,000 kg this gives approximately £80,000 to £120,000, typically below replacement value. This is the default if you do not specify otherwise.
2. All-risks cover (full replacement value): Cover based on the declared replacement value. All-risks is strongly recommended for UK to Australia sea freight: goods spend 25 to 40 days in a container on the open ocean, experiencing significant movement and temperature variation in climatic zones from European winter through tropical waters to Australian summer. If a £2,000 item is damaged, it is replaced at £2,000.
The long sea transit and the biosecurity inspection handling both represent risk points beyond those present on shorter European routes. All-risks cover is the appropriate standard for any intercontinental container move.
Biosecurity treatment costs ordered by DAFF are a completely separate financial risk from goods-in-transit insurance and are not covered by any removal insurance policy. They are the importer's direct liability. The best protection against biosecurity treatment costs is thorough preparation and working with an FIDI-certified removal company experienced with DAFF requirements.
Australian customs is managed by the Australian Border Force (ABF, abf.gov.au). Unlike EU destinations, Australia uses its own Schedule 4 concession framework for household effects and does not use a Transfer of Residence system. All goods are also subject to a separate and independent biosecurity assessment by DAFF regardless of customs concession status.
To qualify for the duty-free and GST-free concession (Schedule 4, Item 16), household goods and personal effects must have been owned and used for at least 12 months before importation. This is the same as the Swiss rule and double the 6-month period required by EU countries. New items owned for less than 12 months are subject to 5% customs duty and 10% GST.
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International Removals Companies was founded by Darren Benjamin in 2010. Company number 07425576, registered in England and Wales. Five Australian-based and five UK-based companies. All hold FIDI FAIM certification. Accreditations are verified independently on a rolling basis.
British Association of Removers Overseas membership. Independent quality checks, Furniture Ombudsman dispute resolution and published industry service standards. Required for UK-origin companies in the network.
The international quality standard for removal companies. More than 200 independent quality checks. Audited every three years by Ernst and Young. Australia is an active FIDI member market with long-established Australian FIDI affiliates including Grace Removals (FIDI founding member).
Demonstrated UK to Australia sea freight operations. Expertise in DAFF biosecurity preparation and declaration, ABF Schedule 4 customs clearance, Australian bonded warehouse management, sea freight container operations at Australian ports and domestic delivery across all Australian states.
Valid UK passport, Australian visa or permanent residency documentation, proof of prior UK residence for 12 or more months, a complete numbered inventory with replacement values for all items, and a Biosecurity Declaration form listing every item. All goods entering Australia must be declared to DAFF for biosecurity assessment. Your matched removal company confirms the full list for your visa type and Australian state before you book.
UK to Sydney and Melbourne: 28 to 40 days door-to-door (LCL); 25 to 35 days (FCL). UK to Perth via Suez: 25 to 35 days. UK to Brisbane: 30 to 42 days. Add at least 10 days buffer for DAFF biosecurity inspection at the Australian port. Air freight: 4 to 8 days but very expensive for household goods volumes. Plan accommodation from at least 45 days after UK collection for East Coast destinations.
Household goods owned and used for at least 12 months (Schedule 4, Item 16 concession) may enter Australia duty-free and GST-free. Items owned for less than 12 months are subject to 5% customs duty and 10% GST. All goods are also subject to biosecurity assessment by DAFF regardless of duty concession status. Biosecurity treatment costs are separate from customs duty and are the importer's liability. Check current rules at abf.gov.au.
DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) inspects all incoming household goods containers for biological risk. Items commonly triggering treatment orders include: wooden furniture with soil residue, cane/wicker/bamboo, used outdoor and camping equipment, hiking boots with soil, sports equipment and any food. All items must be declared. DAFF can order fumigation, steam cleaning or destruction at the importer's cost. Working with an FIDI-certified removal company experienced in DAFF preparation is the most effective way to reduce treatment costs. More detail at agriculture.gov.au.
Yes, but all dogs and cats face mandatory minimum 10-day quarantine at PIAP Mickleham, Victoria — no exceptions. Pre-approval must be obtained months in advance via BICON (bicon.agriculture.gov.au). Requirements include microchip, rabies vaccination, RNATT blood test (with 180-day wait after satisfactory result), parasite treatments and an approved health certificate. Quarantine costs approximately AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,500 per pet. Spaces at PIAP are limited; book at least 3 to 4 months ahead. Begin the full process at least 6 months before travel.
Yes. Australia drives on the left, so right-hand drive UK cars can be registered. Vehicles under 15 years need ADR compliance via a RAWS workshop. Vehicles over 15 years qualify for the Personal Import Scheme. Import duty (5%), GST (10%) and Luxury Car Tax (33% above the LCT threshold) apply. All vehicles must pass DAFF biosecurity inspection (tyres, undercarriage, engine bay clean of soil and seeds). Anglo Pacific International specialises in combined vehicle and household goods shipping to Australia.
Australia uses AUD. A 5% GBP/AUD rate movement on a AUD 900,000 Sydney property changes the sterling cost by approximately £25,000 to £30,000. Australian property conveyancing runs 30 to 90 days state-dependent. FIRB approval is required for most non-residents and temporary visa holders. Australian stamp duty rates vary by state (approximately 3% to 5.5%). A forward contract locks in today's GBP/AUD rate for settlement. International Removals Companies does not provide currency exchange services. Seek advice from an FCA-authorised currency specialist.
UK depot storage: from approximately £80 to £150 per container equivalent per month. Australian bonded warehouse storage: Grace Removals, OSS World Wide Movers and Crown Relocations Australia all operate bonded warehouses allowing goods to be held post-port pending DAFF clearance. Most full-service moves include 30 days free Australian storage. Ongoing Australian depot storage from approximately AUD 20 to AUD 40 per cubic metre per month. Confirm with your matched removal company before booking.
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International Removals Companies — DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company 07425576. Norman House, Abbey Street, London SE1 3DH.