If you’re planning on shipping a motorbike from the UK to Australia, understanding the process, regulations, costs and preparation requirements is essential.
Australia has strict biosecurity laws, vehicle import approval requirements and GST obligations, but with the right preparation and professional crating, shipping your motorcycle can be straightforward and secure.
At Autoshippers, we specialise in shared container motorbike shipping from the UK to Australia, with every bike professionally export-crated using ISPM 15 compliant treated timber to ensure safe transit and smooth quarantine clearance.
This guide explains the full process, costs and what to expect at each stage.
Why Ship Your Motorbike to Australia?
Many customers ship motorcycles to Australia because they are:
- Relocating permanently
- Returning Australian residents
- Looking for a temporary import for touring
- Classic bike owners
- Owners of high-value or rare UK models
In many cases, shipping your own motorcycle makes financial and practical sense, particularly if the bike is customised, rare, or already prepared for long-distance touring. For many riders, their motorcycle is more than just a vehicle; it’s a personal investment of time, money and passion that simply can’t be replaced by buying another bike overseas.
How We Ship Motorbikes from the UK to Australia
Bespoke Professional Motorcycle Crating. Built for Export
Every motorcycle we ship to Australia is secured using our bespoke export crating system, designed specifically for international container transport. For many riders, their bike is far more than just a vehicle, which is why protection comes first.
Unlike standard roll-on roll-off services, every motorcycle we ship to Australia is individually crated.
Our professional crates are built to your bike’s exact specifications. We can also construct larger crates to accommodate spare parts or declared personal effects where required.
- Securing the motorcycle to a heavy-duty, purpose-built timber base
- Precision wheel chocking and stabilisation
- Industrial strapping systems to prevent movement
- Fully enclosed within an export standard wooden crate
- Construction using ISPM 15 compliant treated timber
Each crate is constructed around the individual motorcycle to ensure maximum stability during port handling and long-distance sea transit.
While some operators offer RoRo as a cost-effective alternative, containerised crating provides significantly greater physical protection and reduced handling exposure, particularly important on long international routes such as the UK to Australia.
ISPM 15 compliance is essential for Australian biosecurity. Non-compliant timber can result in fumigation charges, delays or quarantine intervention on arrival. Our crating system is designed to protect your motorcycle throughout the journey and help avoid unnecessary issues at destination.
Shared Container Shipping – The Most Popular and Safest Option
Once professionally crated, your motorcycle is loaded into a shared container for sea freight to Australia. We use shared container services because they provide:
- A cost-effective solution for individual bikes
- Secure, enclosed ocean transport
- Reduced handling during port operations
- Regular departures from the UK
Your motorcycle shares a container with other customers, helping reduce overall shipping costs while maintaining maximum protection throughout the journey. Transit time is typically 6–10 weeks depending on the destination port (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Fremantle).
See how we professionally crate motorcycles for shipping overseas here:
Check out more motorbike crating videos for some of our most recent shipments.
Step-By-Step Guide to Shipping Your Motorbike to Australia
1. Apply for Vehicle Import Approval (2–4 weeks)
Before your motorcycle can be shipped from the UK, you must obtain Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Australian Government.
Applications are submitted online through the official vehicle import system. The process requires you to select the appropriate import category and provide supporting documentation. Approval must be granted before the motorcycle departs the UK. We have a full guide on how to apply for Vehicle Import Approval. This process is the same for motorbikes as it is for cars.
2. Prepare the Motorbike for Export (1 day)
Motorcycles must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to meet Australian biosecurity standards prior to departure.
All visible soil, plant material and contamination must be removed, particularly around tyres, chain, guards and underbody areas. Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of quarantine delays or cleaning charges on arrival.
3. Professional Crating & Container Loading (3-5 days)
Every motorcycle we ship to Australia is individually secured using our bespoke export crating system before being loaded into a shared container service. Unlike roll-on roll-off services, containerised crated shipping provides enhanced protection and reduced handling exposure during transit.
Our crating process includes:
- Securing the motorcycle to a heavy-duty timber base
- Precision wheel chocking and stabilisation
- Industrial strapping systems
- Full protective enclosure
- Construction using ISPM 15 compliant treated timber
This ensures maximum stability and security during the long sea journey from the UK to Australia and supports smooth biosecurity clearance on arrival.
4. Sea Freight to Australia (6–10 weeks transit)
Once approved and prepared, your motorcycle is shipped via shared container sea freight. Transit time typically ranges from 6–10 weeks depending on departure port in the UK and destination port in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Fremantle).
5. Biosecurity Inspection on Arrival (2–5 working days)
On arrival, the motorcycle undergoes mandatory biosecurity inspection to ensure it is free from soil, plant material or contaminants. Well-prepared motorcycles usually clear quickly. Additional cleaning may be required if contamination is found.
6. Customs Clearance & GST (3–7 working days)
Australian customs authorities assess the motorcycle and calculate applicable charges. There is 0% import duty on motorbikes, however 10% GST is typically payable. GST is calculated on the value of the motorcycle plus shipping and insurance.
Once GST is paid and biosecurity clearance is granted, the motorcycle is released for collection or onward delivery. This stage is managed by our approved customs clearance agents at your destination port.
7. Compliance & Road Registration (If Required 3–7 days)
Where required, the motorcycle must meet Australian safety and environmental standards before it can be registered for road use. Requirements vary depending on the import category and the motorcycle’s age and specification.
8. State Registration (1-2 days)
Once federal import requirements are satisfied, the motorcycle can be registered in the relevant Australian state or territory.
From initial booking in the UK to final registration in Australia, the process typically takes around 8–12 weeks, depending on shipping schedules and clearance timeframes.
While Australian import requirements are strict, proper preparation, professional crating and accurate documentation make the process straightforward. With experienced handling at both origin and destination, your motorcycle can progress efficiently through each stage and arrive ready for use in Australia.
Temporary Motorcycle Import to Australia – What You Need to Know
Whether you’re shipping your bike to attend a rally, embark on a long-distance tour, or enjoy an extended riding holiday, a temporary motorcycle import to Australia allows you to travel on your own UK-registered machine.
Australia is one of the world’s great riding destinations, and many customers choose to bring their own fully prepared motorcycle rather than buying locally. Riding a familiar bike (already set up for touring) offers confidence and comfort over long distances.
A temporary import can be suitable for:
- Extended touring holidays
- Round-the-world riders
- Adventure motorcyclists
- Seasonal visitors
- Riders attending organised events or rallies
For motorcycles used on public roads, ATA Carnets cannot be used. Instead, a CPD Carnet (Carnet de Passages en Douane) is typically required for tourists or temporary residents bringing their own vehicle into Australia on a temporary basis.
We can advise on the temporary motorcycle import process for Australia, arrange a CPD where required, and coordinate the appropriate shipping solution from the UK.
Because these journeys often involve remote routes and significant mileage, many riders prefer the reliability and familiarity of their own motorcycle, particularly when it is already equipped with panniers, upgraded suspension or navigation systems.
More information on CPD carnets is available here.
Why Choose Autoshippers for Shipping a Motorbike to Australia?
Autoshippers is a UK-based vehicle shipping specialist with decades of experience handling international vehicle exports. We specialise in shared container motorbike shipping, with every motorcycle professionally crated using ISPM 15 certified timber construction at our dedicated export facility.
We prioritise preparation, protection and regulatory customs compliance at every stage, including:
- Individually constructed export crates
- Secure shared container shipping
- ISPM 15 compliant timber construction
- Customs and biosecurity expertise
- Ongoing customer support from booking to arrival
Request a Quote to Ship Your Motorbike to Australia
If you are planning to relocate, return to Australia or arrange a temporary motorcycle import for touring, our team can provide a tailored quotation based on your motorcycle, UK collection point and Australian destination.
or contact Autoshippers today for a personalised shipping estimate and expert guidance throughout the process.
Shipping costs start from:
– Adelaide: from £483
– Brisbane: from £483
– Fremantle: from £423
– Melbourne: from £470
– Sydney: from £483
These rates are based on shared container motorbike shipping and standard crating sizes. Final costs can vary depending on:
– Motorcycle dimensions
– Crate size (if enlarged for spares or accessories)
– UK collection location
– Insurance requirements
For an accurate quotation, we recommend requesting a tailored estimate based on your own motorcycle and destination port.
There is no import duty (0%) on motorcycles imported into Australia. However, 10% GST is payable, calculated on the combined total of the value of the motorcycle plus shipping costs.
For motorcycles, shared container shipping with professional crating is generally considered safer than Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo).
With shared container motorbike shipping:
– The motorcycle is individually secured
– Fully enclosed within a bespoke export crate
– Subject to reduced handling exposure
RoRo involves the motorcycle being wheeled on and off the vessel and secured within a vehicle deck without full enclosure.
For high-value, classic or customised motorcycles, containerised crated shipping provides significantly greater protection.
Transit time from the UK to Australia typically ranges from 6–10 weeks depending on departure port and destination (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Fremantle).
Including import approval, customs clearance and registration, the full process generally takes 8–12 weeks.
Yes. You must obtain Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before your motorcycle departs the UK.
The application is submitted online through the Australian Government system and approval must be granted before shipment.
Check out our Vehicle Import Approval guide here.
