The Real Deal on Moving Your Car Across Australia

Let me tell you something about moving cars across Australia that nobody seems to mention until you’re in the thick of it.

I thought it would be simple when I first got into this game. Call a transport company, they pick up your car, drop it off – done and dusted, right?

Wrong. So wrong.

After helping thousands of people move their vehicles, I’ve learned that each state has its own bizarre set of rules. And not knowing them can turn your simple car move into a complete disaster.

Why is it so complicated?

Australia’s massive, mate. What works in Melbourne’s busy streets doesn’t cut it in the red dirt outback of WA. Each state has cooked up their own rules based on local conditions and safety requirements (and let’s be real, some bureaucrat’s personal preferences).

You’ll hit different rules for:

• Unregistered cars
• Modified vehicles
• Pickup and dropoff locations
• Required inspections

And if your car isn’t registered, is damaged, or has any mods? That’s when things get properly messy.

NSW: Strict as

NSW won’t let you move an unregistered car even a meter under its own power. Not even to meet the transport truck around the corner. The truck has to come exactly where your car is sitting.

And Sydney? What a nightmare. Tiny depots, height restrictions everywhere, and if you’ve touched anything on your car, prepare for a paperwork avalanche.

Victoria: The emissions police

Victoria’s gone hardcore on emissions and modifications lately. Imported or customized cars get the third degree.

Any mods – engine work, suspension changes, even aftermarket exhausts – need to meet VicRoads standards. No registration? You’ll need a Temporary Movement Permit just to get it to the depot.

Oh, and heads up – Melbourne routes often hit toll roads and traffic, so your wallet might feel it.

Queensland: Safety obsessed

Queensland takes safety dead seriously, especially for interstate cars.

Your vehicle might need to pass an inspection under their Transport Operations laws before it can legally touch Queensland roads.

And regional Queensland? If you’ve got a lowered car or something special, good luck with those access roads. You’ll need careful planning.

Western Australia: Measurement freaks

WA is super strict with modified vehicles. Lowered suspension? Custom build? Anything non-standard? They want documentation and precise measurements.

Here’s a kicker – cars in remote WA usually need to be moved to Perth first before connecting to transport for other states. Adds time and money, but often there’s no way around it.

The smaller states have their quirks too

Tasmania: Your car has to ride the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, so marine freight rules apply. Better prep it properly.

Northern Territory: That extreme weather is brutal. Your car needs protection from dust, UV damage, and heat, especially if it’s sitting in a depot.

ACT and South Australia: Generally straightforward, but check local rules if your car’s unregistered or modified.

Can you pack your stuff in the car?

The million-dollar question! The answer: it depends on the transport company.

When personal items are allowed (and that’s a big when):

• They need to stay below the window line or in the boot
• Everything must be secured
• There are usually weight limits
• Your stuff typically isn’t covered by insurance

Also, Queensland and WA have biosecurity rules about what can cross state borders. Always check before packing.

How to avoid the headaches

After years in this game, here’s what works:

Be brutally honest about your car. When getting quotes, spill all the beans about modifications, damage, or quirks. It feels like you’re giving them reasons to charge more, but it actually helps everyone plan properly.

Sort your paperwork early. Especially for auction purchases, unregistered cars, or ownership transfers. So many delays come down to missing documents.

Actually prepare your car. Clean it properly (yes, even underneath), check the tires, and make it as ready as possible. Even if it’s not running, better condition means easier handling.

Work with people who know their stuff. Yeah, I’m biased, but experience matters. Companies that have been around know how to spot problems before they become expensive delays.

Bottom line

Australia’s car transport laws are a proper mess. It’s frustrating when you just want to move your car without needing a law degree.

But you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying interstate, or helping family, being prepared and working with experts makes all the difference.

The rules exist for good reasons – safety, environmental protection, and fair trading. Once you know what to expect, it gets much easier.

Remember, thousands of cars cross state lines every week without drama. With the right prep and the right transport partner, yours can be one of them.