A practical 2026 guide to shipping a car from the UK to Melbourne — Port of Melbourne, SEVS approval, asbestos checks, quarantine and Victoria registration.
Yes. A Vehicle Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure must be in place before the vehicle is loaded in the UK. The Ship Cars helps prepare the application as part of the booking process.
Container or RORO transit from Southampton or Tilbury to the Port of Melbourne usually takes 38 to 50 days, with a further 2 to 4 weeks for clearance, compliance and Victorian registration.
Yes. Australia drives on the left, so UK right-hand-drive vehicles are fully compatible without any steering conversion.
Australia bans all asbestos. Many UK cars built before the early 2000s contain asbestos in brakes, clutches and gaskets. Sampling and replacement may be required at the importer's cost.
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