Send a parcel to Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Parcel Monkey customers to send parcels to, which makes sense due to the historical connections between the two countries. The number of Brits who choose to travel or live in Australia continues to grow and so does the demand for those who need to post to Australia. 

Shipping times and prices have never been better with transport links moving goods more quickly and for more affordable rates due to the ever-increasing demand so if you are sending some shoes to Sydney, a cricket bat to Canberra or posting to Perth - you can save by booking online. 

How long does it take to send a parcel to Australia?

Just because our international shipping rates are cheaper, it doesn't mean there is any compromise on quality. We still offer premium tracked courier services provided by global delivery experts. 

DPD offer two types of delivery to Australia - Express for urgent parcels that get them delivered in 3-5 days, or Classic which takes 4-7 working days. They also let you have the option of dropping off at a local Pickup shop for a cheaper price or you can have a courier come and collect from your doorstep. Please note DPD do not allow 'personal effects' to be sent on their service.

Parcelforce delivers down under in 3-8 working days - depending on how remote the delivery address is and they too provide a collected service or you can drop into the Post Office or Parcelforce depot. We enjoy some low-cost Post Office prices, all you need to do is book online via our quote engine to make a cost saving. 

Air Express Post to Australia 

When you have a parcel that needs to arrive in Australia as quickly as possible then you should book an Air Express delivery service. DHL provide this type of service and delivery in as little as 3-4 days, or for almost half the price you can use Parcel Monkey's own brand service which is collected by Parcelforce and shipped and delivered in Australia by DHL. 

Expedited services are often used by businesses in the UK to post urgent items to Australia. 

Sending a heavy parcel via courier to Australia

Not all parcels are small and light, some items are heavy or large and they do cost more to post to far away locations like Australia. Luckily we have couriers who can handle this type of delivery and you will find the heavier the box you send, the more you can save by booking a courier online with Parcel Monkey compared to at the Post Office. 

DPD Air Classic would be the best option for a 15kg parcel in terms of price and will deliver in 4-7 days. 

The best way to send even bigger boxes for less would be with our own brand Parcel Monkey Air Express service. You can send a box weighing 30kg for under £130 using our service which is a premium and reliable service, perfect for those relocating to Australia or sending heavy items to those who live out there already.

Popular items which are heavy includes bulk loads of clothing or used car parts, but as long as your item is not prohibited you can send it with no problem. 

How should I address a parcel for shipping to Australia?

It is always wise to ensure the delivery address is perfect before you send a parcel to Australia, so why not check the delivery postcode using the handy Australia Post tool. Verify the address with the recipient if possible and also check on Google Maps. 

• Remember to always provide a contact number of the recipient so that they can be contacted to resolve any issue involving customs duty or any address issues. 

The trip between the United Kingdom and Australia is a long one, and your package will likely change carriers more than once, so secure packaging is important. The country is also very strict about valuation and customs declarations, so never ship anything without carefully and correctly filling out all applicable paperwork; neglecting to do this can delay delivery significantly. Your shipment may also be subject to the Goods and Service Tax. 

Customs and Import Restrictions  

Sending to Australia is so common that it is not very often we come across any Customs Issues. You can check the Parcel Monkey Customs guidance and as long as your item is declared properly and you do not try and send any prohibited items the process should be smooth enough. 

As with all international shipping, batteries and liquids are prohibited so remove these before you ship to reduce the chance of delayed or returned parcels. 

DPD has made 'personal effects' restricted items so if sending personal belongings to Australia, you should opt for a Parcelforce service.

We wanted to remind you that the Australian Government are introducing a change to Goods and Services Tax legislation on imports that will now be implemented on 1 July 2018. 

Find out more here

Australian Import Restrictions

Australia does have some of the more cautious rules and regulations surrounding imports. Due to its reliance on agriculture, many things that are allowed into the country are subject to close inspection and quarantine. The Australian Import Service keeps an especially close eye on all agricultural products.

Despite disease outbreaks in animal populations worldwide, Australia's plants and animals have remained largely unaffected. To maintain the country's clean standards, you will be unable to ship any meats and dairy products, as well as plants or soil. This may apply to items that come into contact with soil, such as used gardening equipment, outdoor furniture and bicycles.

Only a few categories are prohibited entirely from import to Australia. This includes things like cloned embryos and tools designed to assist in suicide. Most other categories are merely restricted. This includes:

• weapons,
• explosives,
• diamonds,
• pesticides,
• prescription or illicit drugs,
• tobacco

As a rule, never attempt to ship restricted items without first fully understanding the allowable parameters and obtaining permits. A full listing of the regulations and restricted items can be found here. 

Australia; a brief country profile

Today, 24 million citizens live in the country, with the majority of the population residing on the east coast of the main island. This creates a distinct separation between urban and rural areas. Australia has a strong economy, despite its small size and remote location. The quality of life categories, including life expectancy, health care and economic freedom are favourable to trade with Britain. Its proximity to Asian nations, however, leads the country to work more closely with these countries than many European partners.

Related Information 

Send a parcel to New Zealand 

How to send a parcel abroad

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