Shipping Cars to Port of Melbourne, Melbourne
Australia · UN/LOCODE AUMEL
The Port of Melbourne is Australia's busiest container port and a major vehicle-import gateway on Port Phillip Bay, handling significant volumes of UK personal-import and classic car shipments destined for Victoria and southern Australia. Vehicle cargo is processed through dedicated auto terminals separate from the port's main container operations.. See our shipping to Australia guide or request a quote.
Services
RORO, Container (FCL & shared)
Transit Time
32–40 days from Southampton or Tilbury via Suez or Cape routing
UK Ports
Southampton, Tilbury
Region
Oceania
Overview
The Port of Melbourne is Australia's busiest container port and a major vehicle-import gateway on Port Phillip Bay, handling significant volumes of UK personal-import and classic car shipments destined for Victoria and southern Australia. Vehicle cargo is processed through dedicated auto terminals separate from the port's main container operations.
Terminal & Vessel Facilities
Webb Dock's Autoterminal facility handles RORO and containerised vehicle cargo with covered storage, quarantine treatment areas and direct access to the West Gate Freeway for onward transport across Victoria. Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture (biosecurity) inspection points are located on-site.
Typical Transit Time from the UK
32–40 days from Southampton or Tilbury via Suez or Cape routing.
UK departure ports served: Southampton, Tilbury.
Customs & Clearance Notes
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before shipping, and imports must satisfy the Road Vehicle Standards Act, though vehicles 25 years or older and eligible personal-import categories (returning residents, inheritance) qualify under simplified schemes. Biosecurity inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is mandatory and thorough, checking for soil, seeds and pest contamination.
Collection & Storage
DAFF biosecurity inspection typically adds 2–5 working days; failed inspections require professional fumigation or cleaning before re-inspection. Free storage at Webb Dock is generally 5 days before charges apply, so scheduling collection promptly after quarantine clearance is important.