Camper van shipping Australia

Shipping methods and routes that actually work

Camper van shipping Australia generally follows two proven paths. Roll on roll off ships drive vehicles into secure decks where they are braced for ocean transit. It is straightforward and often the best value for stock height vans that meet line requirements. Container shipping places your van inside a sealed steel box. It adds security and allows personal items when permitted by the carrier and importer, but height and length limits apply. Tall adventure vans may need open top container, flat rack, or RoRo oversize lines.

Main arrival ports include Brisbane, Port Kembla for Sydney, Melbourne, and Fremantle for Perth. From North America common load ports are Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle Tacoma. From Europe, Antwerp, Bremerhaven, and Southampton are frequent origins. From Asia, Singapore often acts as a transshipment hub. Typical port to port times run 21 to 45 days depending on routing and transshipment, with door to door stretched by inland trucking and customs clearance. Bookings tighten during peak export seasons, so secure a sailing and space well in advance.

When comparing RoRo and container rates, look beyond base ocean freight. Terminal handling charges, documentation, bunker surcharges, security fees, and destination port service fees all roll into the invoice. Marine insurance is separate, usually as total loss or all risk, and is priced on the declared value plus freight. Ask for written load restrictions. Many RoRo lines prohibit loose belongings. Container options can allow palletized spares and accessories within declared limits.

Compliance, quarantine, and the paperwork Australian ports require

Before a ship departs, the import path must be clear. Most permanent imports need a Vehicle Import Approval issued by the Australian Department of Infrastructure. Temporary entry for touring is commonly done under a Carnet de Passages en Douane, which requires you to export the vehicle within the carnet’s validity. Left hand drive rules vary by state and by vehicle age. Some states permit classic age vehicles with conditions while newer LHD vehicles may face restrictions. Check state regulations where you intend to register.

Australia enforces a total asbestos ban. That means no asbestos in brake pads, gaskets, or clutches. If your van is older, get a professional statement and, if necessary, component replacement before shipping. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry conducts biosecurity inspections on arrival. Their standard is exacting. Underbody must be free of soil, seeds, and organic matter. Interior must be spotless with no food residue, leaves, or pet hair. Camping gear often triggers re cleaning if found dirty. Cleaning at the destination can be costly and delays release, so deep clean at origin and provide photos.

Refrigerant systems, LPG installations, and electrical components must meet local standards when you plan to register the vehicle. That does not always prevent import, but it affects what you can do with the van once it arrives. Be prepared for post arrival modifications, inspections, and state based compliance checks. Customs valuation includes the vehicle’s cost, freight, and insurance. Duties and GST depend on origin and classification. Work with a licensed customs broker to pre clear the entry and minimize storage at the terminal.

Your document pack should include the title or registration in your name, bill of sale, passport copy, ocean bill of lading, a packing declaration if using a container, and any import approvals or carnet. Keep digital and printed copies. Photograph the van’s exterior, interior, odometer, and any accessories before handoff. Note fuel level, tire condition, and list items inside. Mark any pre existing scratches. Simple diligence makes insurance claims smoother if needed.

Costs, timelines, and a prep checklist that avoids delays

Total spend for camper van shipping Australia varies with size and method. A standard wheelbase van on RoRo can be markedly less than a high roof, long wheelbase build that exceeds line thresholds. Expect origin fees, ocean freight, destination fees, broker services, quarantine inspection, possible re cleaning, duty and GST where applicable, and inland transport. All risk marine insurance is advised for custom vehicles given the value of cabinetry, electrical systems, and specialty components.

Timeline planning is as important as price. Allow a week or two for booking and handoff, three to six weeks at sea, then another one to three weeks for discharge, inspection, and release. Add time for coastal trucking if your preferred port is far from final delivery. If you are using a carnet, keep your schedule aligned with its expiry.

Real world cost factors to watch

• Dimensions over standard height can push you into a different tariff tier.
• Container stuffing and de stuffing fees add to the bottom line.
• Peak season sailings and fuel surcharges move prices.
• Quarantine re cleaning and storage quickly eclipse the savings of a light pre clean.
• Remote destination delivery adds a regional logistics premium.

Preparation checklist before you deliver the keys

• Wash the underbody, wheel wells, radiator, and engine bay to biosecurity standards. Vacuum the interior thoroughly, including drawers and vents.
• Remove food and liquid, empty the fridge, and clean the galley dry.
• Drain water tanks and lines, run the pump dry, and leave valves open.
• Disconnect house and starter batteries as required by your line, and disable alarms, fuel cutoffs, and trackers per carrier guidance.
• Reduce fuel to the permitted level, usually a quarter tank or less.
• Secure loose items. For RoRo, keep the cabin clear. For container, load only what your forwarder approves, and lash properly with rated straps. Balance weight over the axles.
• Photograph everything and record serial numbers for major gear such as inverters and lithium batteries.

How OZK Customs supports your shipment

When your destination is Australia, small preparation gaps can become expensive delays. OZK Customs builds travel ready vans and prepares them for ocean transit with the same care we apply to our off grid systems. Our team can set your rig up for shipping with secure lashing points, labeled battery disconnects, drained water circuits, and a spotless interior that meets strict biosecurity standards. We coordinate with your freight forwarder or broker for a clean handoff, deliver documentation packets, and ensure every cabinet, panel, and fastener is transport secure.

If you want a purpose built camper before you book a sailing, review our platforms and custom options on our Recreational Vans page and decide what suits your itinerary. For a fully personalized layout, see how we approach a from scratch build on Custom Build Van. If you prefer a vehicle that aligns with book value and financing paths in the U.S., consider our Mainstream Vans overview for platform choices that travel well and pack efficiently for long routes. Our shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas makes pickup easy and our Adventure Point on site helps you learn the rig before it meets the port gate.

Ready to build a van that can cross the Pacific and roll out in Australia without drama? Share your route and timeline, and we will design the interior, power, water, and storage to match, then prepare the vehicle for shipping standards and a smooth port release. Start your plan today.

• Explore recreational vans: https://www.ozkcustoms.com/recreational-vans
• Custom build a van: https://www.ozkcustoms.com/recreational-vans/custom-build-van
• Mainstream vans that finance: https://www.ozkcustoms.com/recreational-vans/mainstream-vans

What OZK Customs does We design and build recreational adventure vans, overland rigs, and custom towables, and provide expert preparation for transport. We do not rent vehicles, do not assist with DIY builds, and are not an RV dealer.