Our destination-specific customs advice explains the documents you'll need to complete and the requirements you must meet when shipping belongings.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
Bestrewn with vast swathes of golden beaches, heaps of bucket list experiences, and an abundance of friendly locals, Australia's unbelievable size and diversity means there's something for every type of traveller. No matter if you're after an adrenaline fix, outback adventure, cultural foray or simply want to kick back with a beer and a barbeque, the Land Down Under delivers. And so does Seven Seas Worldwide.
Our international shipping company has over 25 years of experience shipping to Australia, pages of five-star reviews and an enthusiastic team of experts on hand to help you every step of the way. From shipping surfboards and suitcases for the trip of a lifetime to transporting the entire contents of your home ready to start a new chapter in Oz, our unmatched overseas shipping services can do it all.
A trusted team, shipping to Australia for over 25 years
Although Seven Seas Worldwide's trackable service has been shipping to Australia for more than a quarter of a century, our main priority remains the same as when we started — to provide customers with a premium service at an affordable price. Here're just a few of the benefits we offer to make sending boxes overseas stress-free and easy:
- A seamless service from start to finish: our vast network of depots spans the globe, from Canada to New Zealand and countless countries in between, enabling our team of international shippers to handle the entire process. That's why we can promise that from the time you place your order to the moment we deliver your shipment, you'll be communicating with us and only us.
- Safe and secure transportation: unlike many international shipping companies, we ensure customs and quarantine inspections on the goods we're transporting are conducted on our premises, not an outside warehouse, and under the supervision of trusted staff.
- No unexpected charges: to provide 100% transparency, our free no-obligation quote tool clearly itemises all the shipping costs involved, so you can rest easy knowing you're not going to get hit with any additional costs further down the line.
- Multilingual real-person support: have a question? No problem, our team are just a phone call away! They speak various languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese and Afrikaans and know all the in's and out's of shipping to Australia.
Overseas shipping to Australia in 5 steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
What size are our high-quality shipping boxes?
To make our door-to-door cheap shipping services even more effortless, we can provide all the packaging materials necessary to safely transport your belongings from A to B, including bubble wrap, brown tape and export strength boxes. We offer our chemically-hardened, double-walled cardboard containers in two main sizes, Standard and Large, and have them manufactured to our particular specifications to give your possessions the best protection during transit.
Our Large shipping boxes are ideal for lightweight yet cumbersome items like clothing and bedding, while the Standard is best for books, kitchenware, toys and other heavier household goods. However, please be aware that to protect our drivers and yourself, we can't accept boxes exceeding 30kg/66lbs. Instead, we suggest you overestimate the number of containers you need and order plenty, and then, if you find you have some left over (and they're in a good condition), we'll collect them to be reused for no extra charge.
Also, see our MoveCube® page for our Small, Medium and Large MoveCube® sizes.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
Specialist cardboard boxes for shipping to Australia
To give you more time to finesse your itinerary and pick out the perfect swimsuit, we've designed our international shipping services to be as straightforward as possible. Once you've got your free instant quote and placed your order, we'll deliver plenty of our sturdy shipping boxes to your door. Then, when everything's packed and you've completed a few short online forms, our team will take care of the rest.
Plus, alongside our Large and Standard boxes, we also provide various specialist containers and packing materials for awkwardly shaped or particularly fragile items, including:
- Heavy-duty boxes for safeguarding surfboards.
- Protective containers and foam covers for mirrors and art in frames.
- Reinforced boxes for child and adult-sized bicycles (peddles and wheels will need to be removed before packing).
- Specialist boxes for guitars and other musical instruments.
Frequently asked questions about international shipping
With Seven Seas Worldwide, shipping household goods from the Netherlands to Australia couldn't be easier. Here's how it works in three steps:
- After you've acquired your free instant quote, placed your order and chosen suitable delivery and collection dates, our team will deliver the empty containers or MoveCube® to your home, ready for you to pack with your possessions. To help the transportation process run smoothly, please write your name and job number on at least one side of each box.
- Then, complete the documentation on your online account, including a detailed inventory listing the contents of your shipment and optional insurance forms, and a driver will come and pick up your shipment.
- Finally, our international shippers will safely transport your goods to Australia, completing customs documents to ensure clearance and delivering the boxes to your chosen destination. However, if you prefer, we can notify you when your shipment arrives so you can collect it from the port instead.
We ship boxes to Australia from the Netherlands by sea. Sea shipping is the most cost-effective option, perfect if you're sending a large consignment, and takes 131 days to reach your destination.
Another fantastic benefit of our international luggage shipping service is our online tracking tool that lets you monitor every step of your shipment's travels, offering further peace of mind.
The best way to get the most accurate price for shipping boxes from the Netherlands to Australia is to fill out our free instant shipping quote form. It's quick and easy to submit and will give you a clear breakdown of all costs involved, including customs clearance, warehouse handling and other related charges.
Importing personal effects and household items into Australia duty-free can be tricky because each region is governed by its own customs authority. To avoid taxes, you must fulfil the following criteria:
- You're a returning Aussie citizen or a visitor with a long-stay/permanent residence visa, returning permanently after more than 12 months outside the country.
- You must either be present in the country or planning to return within six months of your shipment's arrival.
- You must have owned the items you're importing for more than twelve months, and they should not be for resale, gifts, leasing, disposing or any commercial purpose.
To protect the health of their citizens and unique flora and fauna, the Australian government's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources enforces strict regulations regarding household goods that might contain soil, dirt and other contaminants. To help guarantee their entry to the country, please ensure the following items are clean and dry before packing and are easily accessible in case Australian customs officials need to inspect them:
- Sports equipment: golf clubs and bags, cricket gear, fishing rods, bicycles, surfboards, mountaineering ropes etc.
- Camping tools: walking sticks, tents, poles and pegs, camping chairs etc.
- Shoes and boots: when shipping boxes, bags or suitcases to Australia, please ensure you pack all footwear, such as hiking boots, golf shoes, trainers etc., at the top of the container with their soles facing upwards, so they are visible for inspection.
Also, along with other commonly restricted items, such as alcohol, tobacco products, food, drugs and narcotics, pirated goods and weapons or replica weapons, Australia prohibits the importation of pain relief head bags and Christmas decorations made of organic materials like wreaths, pinecones and mistletoe, and all candles by air.
Our Prohibited Goods page contains a comprehensive list of all the items you can't send along with certain service-based restrictions.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
How long does international shipping from the Netherlands to Australia take?*
By sea
131 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
How to pack your shipping boxes in 4 stress-free steps
When shipping boxes to Australia from the Netherlands, your shipment will travel thousands of miles in many different vehicles. That's why it's so essential you securely wrap your goods before their journey to ensure they reach their destination without any dents or knocks. Here are four easy steps to help you become a packing pro (find more information in our Excess Baggage FAQs).
Declutter your possessions and assemble the boxes:
When shipping goods to Australia, have a declutter before packing your boxes to save money and simplify the process. All you need to do is gather the items you're considering sending and separate them into three categories — sell, donate and ship.
Once you've finalised what you're going to pack, order plenty of our ultra-durable boxes, and we'll deliver them flat to your door, ready for you to put together and fill.
Wrap items individually and add plenty of padding:
Prevent the contents of your boxes from banging into each other by wrapping everything individually in bubble wrap and packing the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest at the top.
Lastly, fill any gaps with shock-absorbing materials like foam peanuts, crumpled paper, or more bubble wrap to provide cushioning and help the carton keep its shape.
Tape, tape, tape!:
Lots of brown tape is the key to successfully packing your shipping boxes, helping secure and strengthen everything from the bubblewrap encasing your possessions to the containers holding them.
When sealing your boxes, we recommend using the H-tape method, where you place strips over the seams of the carton and down the middle, ensuring there aren't any gaps.
Clearly label all of your containers:
Label at least one side of all your boxes with your name and job number, as this will help our staff during shipping, making the process even more seamless and straightforward.
To clear your shipment through customs, we'll also need a detailed inventory of the goods you're sending. Don't worry — you can do this through your online account, and there are plenty of helpful pointers to assist.
I cannot recommend Seven Seas Worldwide enough. From initial calls about the best form of transport for our needs to arranging the collection and drop off of our items, everyone we interacted with at Seven Seas Worldwide has been a star. We relocated from the UK to Australia and sent our personal belongings with Seven Seas Worldwide. They were efficient, helpful and trustworthy, and the online portal with documents and tracking was fantastic. Highly, highly recommend!!!
Lauren Mihaljek
Most popular destinations in Australia
Loved for its awe-inspiring landscapes, exotic wildlife (I mean, who doesn't want to cuddle a koala?!) and continuous sunshine, the list of reasons why Australia's worth a visit is almost as vast as the country itself. Plus, Seven Seas Worldwide operates depots in many of the major cities, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Sydney, as well as the island of Tasmania, giving you plenty of scope to explore. See below for our four favourite Aussie destinations.
Sydney, New South Wales
Australia's Harbour City is the first stop on many tours of the Land Down Under, and with good reason. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to its globally renowned beaches, this is one place you don't want to miss.
Best time to visit: Oz's springtime, running from September to November, offers the most temperate weather to see the city and fewer tourists.
How to get around: Sydney's public transport network is reasonably priced, reliable and much more convenient than driving. Simply hop on a train, bus or ferry and start exploring.
Neighbourhoods to know: George Street is the main strip and the city's vibrant centre packed with stunning architecture, chic bars and excellent eateries, while the Rocks is home to bustling markets and cosy cafes, and Bondi boasts the most famous stretch of coast on the planet.
Things to do: While the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (or the Coathanger as the locals call it!) are a must, no trip to Syndey is complete without grabbing the suncream and catching some rays on the white sands of Bondi beach.
Melbourne, Victoria
Situated at the mouth of the Yarra River, which flows into Port Philip Bay, the vibrant city of Melbourne is the country's cultural hub. From snapping pics of the city's street art to catching waves at St. Kilda beach, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Best time to visit: Although the weather is at its hottest peak during Australia's summer months, December to February, the city buzzes with countless outdoor events and festivals.
How to get around: The City Circle Tram is the easiest way to see Melbourne's top sites, including the central district and Docklands — plus, it's free!
Neighbourhoods to know: The CBD (Central Business District) is where you'll find Melbourne's most popular attractions. However, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy is a magnet for lovers of vintage clothing and second-hand books, and St Kilda is the place to go to escape the hustle and bustle.
Things to do: Enjoy spectacular vistas at full speed riding the Scenic Railway, a wooden rollercoaster at the retro Luna Park, spot big cats, butterflies and more at Melbourne Zoo, or marvel at over 70,000 works of art at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Perth, Western Australia
One of the most isolated metropolises in the world, Perth, the sun-soaked capital of Western Australia, is an urban oasis where skyscrapers and busy streets meet lush parks and sparkling seascapes.
Best time to visit: Visit in spring to see Perth's stunning wildflowers in bloom and, if you're lucky, the chance to catch a glimpse of a humpback or blue whale.
How to get around: With an average of 32,000 hours of sun per year, Perth's incredible weather means walking and cycling around the city are always an enjoyable way to see the sights.
Neighbourhoods to know: Northbridge is the trendiest part of Perth's, full of hole-in-the-wall bars, Instragrammable restaurants and designer boutiques. Whereas South Perth, on the other side of the winding Swan River, is a little quieter and a great place to sit in the shade and take in the city's magnificent skyline.
Things to do: One of the quirkiest attractions to add to your list is the Perth Mint, which documents the history of gold in Oz and displays the world's largest coin, weighing a whopping one-tonne, and lots of bullion and gold nuggets.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Stretching along the southeast of Queensland the glamorous Gold Coast's sun, sand and sea makes it one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations and a mecca for surfers.
Best time to visit: Opt for autumn or winter as summer tends to be the busiest period, with crowds of vacationers flocking to the coast to cool off.
How to get around: Buses, trains and trams run regularly, but a hire car is the best way to discover the extensive network of hiking trails just outside of the city.
Neighbourhoods to know: The seaside resort of Surfers Paradise is the place to visit if you want to hang ten and catch some waves, whereas the glitz and glamour of Broadbeach is an ideal spot for topping up your tan.
Things to do: If you ever get bored of the Gold Coast's immaculate beaches (unlikely!), the city's also known for its theme parks, including Dreamworld, which combines white-knuckle rides with close-up encounters of native Australian animals.