Is It Worth Shipping a Car to Australia from the UK? (2026 Honest Answer)

Shipping a car from the UK to Australia is usually worth it when the car is right-hand drive, fairly valuable (roughly £15,000 or more), a classic or enthusiast model, or something you would struggle to buy in Australia at the same price. It is usually not worth it for an ordinary, low-value family car, because shipping, Australian taxes, compliance work and registration can add up to more than the car is worth.

Our published RoRo rate from the UK to Australia (Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne or Sydney) starts from £1,795 for a saloon and £2,525 for an SUV, port to port. On top of that you should budget for Australian customs duty (often 0% for qualifying UK-built cars under the UK–Australia Free Trade Agreement, otherwise 5%), 10% GST, possible Luxury Car Tax, biosecurity cleaning, compliance and registration.

The simplest way to decide is to compare two numbers. First, the total landed cost: shipping plus all Australian charges plus the cost of getting the car registered. Second, the replacement cost: what it would cost to buy the same car, in the same condition, in Australia.

If the landed cost is clearly lower than the replacement cost, shipping makes sense. If it is close, the extra hassle and waiting time usually tip the balance towards selling in the UK and buying in Australia. Australian used car prices have historically been higher than UK prices for many European models, which is why so many people moving from Britain do ship their cars.

Remember that you must have a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before the car is shipped. Without it the car can be refused entry, stored at your expense or even exported again. Check your pathway early — personal import, older vehicle (25 years or more), or the specialist and enthusiast vehicles scheme.

Classic and collector cars: British classics such as Jaguars, Triumphs, MGs, Minis and older Land Rovers are popular in Australia, and a car that is 25 years or older has a simpler import pathway.

Prestige and performance cars: a high-value car often costs more to replace in Australia, although you must check whether Luxury Car Tax applies.

Cars with sentimental value: some cars simply cannot be replaced, whatever the maths says.

Newer cars you have owned for a while: under the personal import pathway, if you have owned and used the car overseas for at least 12 months before moving, you may be able to import it more easily. Taxes still apply unless you qualify for a concession.

Family moves with two cars: a 40ft container shared between two vehicles, with household items, can be good value compared with buying two cars locally.

An older, low-value hatchback or saloon is rarely worth shipping. Once you add freight, GST, cleaning, compliance and state registration, you may spend more than the car's value. Left-hand drive cars are also more restricted in Australia and are generally harder to register and sell.

Cars with modifications, heavy rust or recall work still outstanding can face extra costs at compliance. If your car falls into one of these groups, get a fixed shipping quote and a rough compliance estimate before deciding.

Shipping: from £1,795 (saloon) or £2,525 (SUV) by RoRo, port to port, based on our published rates. Container shipping and shared container options are available by quote.

UK collection: optional; we can collect the car anywhere in the UK and take it to the port.

Australian customs duty: 0% for qualifying UK-origin cars under the free trade agreement where the rules of origin are met, otherwise 5% on the customs value.

GST: 10% on the customs value plus duty, freight and insurance.

Luxury Car Tax: 33% on the part of the value above the LCT threshold, where it applies.

Biosecurity: the car must be spotlessly clean; failed inspections lead to compulsory cleaning.

Compliance and registration: roadworthy or safety certificate, state registration and compulsory third-party insurance.

Because Australian rules change, always confirm the latest duty, GST, LCT and VIA requirements with the Australian government or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

RoRo sailings from the UK to Australia typically take around six to eight weeks on the water, depending on the route and destination port. Allow extra time for VIA approval before shipping, UK port delivery, and customs and biosecurity clearance on arrival. Most families plan the whole process across three to four months.

Answer these five questions honestly. Is the car right-hand drive? Is it worth more than about £15,000, or is it a classic or enthusiast model? Would the same car cost noticeably more in Australia? Can you get a Vehicle Import Approval under a pathway that fits the car? Can you manage without the car for three to four months? If you answered yes to most of them, shipping is probably worth it. If you answered no to two or more, get a valuation in the UK and compare it with local Australian listings before deciding.

It also helps to think about running costs. Parts for some European brands are more expensive in Australia, and insurance for imported cars can vary. Ask an Australian insurer for a quote before you ship, so there are no surprises after arrival.

Service the car and fix any faults before it leaves the UK, as repairs can be more expensive in Australia. Have it professionally steam cleaned inside and out, including the underside, wheel arches, engine bay and boot, because Australian biosecurity inspections are strict. Remove all personal items, as RoRo cars must be empty. Leave about a quarter of a tank of fuel. Photograph the car from every angle on the day it is collected, and keep the photos with your shipping documents.

Documents checklist: your V5C registration document (or proof of ownership), passport or photo ID, a commercial invoice or bill of sale showing the value, and the booking confirmation we send you. We prepare the UK export declaration on the Customs Declaration Service and give you the bill of lading once the vehicle has sailed. Keep digital copies of everything, because the destination customs broker will ask for the same documents again.

Get two numbers: a fixed shipping quote from us and a realistic Australian replacement price for the same car. Then add the Australian taxes and compliance costs. If the car is valuable, classic, right-hand drive and in good condition, shipping usually wins. If it is an everyday car worth a few thousand pounds, selling before you move is usually the smarter choice.

Whichever you choose, The Ship Cars can help with collection, export paperwork, RoRo or container shipping and advice for arrival in Australia.

The Ship Cars works with Ascope Shipping Services LTD, our official vehicle shipping agent in Hull, rated 4.7/5 from 710 Trustpilot reviews. You get one point of contact for UK collection, export paperwork, RoRo or container freight and advice for arrival. Every quote is fixed and based on our published country rates where they apply, so there are no surprises on the port-to-port price. For Australia we can arrange RoRo from £1,795 for a saloon or container shipping by quote, and we can collect your car from anywhere in the UK.