Moving from Canada to Australia
Canadians moving to Australia often cite the climate as a major draw. With similar Commonwealth traditions and a high quality of life in both countries, the transition is generally smooth for Canadian expats.
6-10 weeks
2-3 weeks
Popular routes from Canada
Transit times vary by origin city and shipping method. All times are estimates and subject to shipping schedules.
| From | To | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Sydney | 28-35 days | 12-18 days |
| Toronto | Melbourne | 42-50 days | 14-21 days |
| Calgary | Brisbane | 35-45 days | 14-18 days |
| Montreal | Perth | 50-60 days | 14-21 days |
Complete removal services for Canadian expats
- 20ft & 40ft containers
- Shared container options
- Transit cover arranged
- 2-3 week delivery
- Ideal for essentials
- Door-to-door tracking
- Quarantine assistance
- Vet documentation
- IATA approved crates
- RORO & container shipping
- Compliance modifications
- Registration support
Tips for Canadian Movers
- Winter clothing and ski equipment are rarely needed - consider selling
- Canadian driving licences are easily exchanged in all Australian states
- Working Holiday visa available for Canadians under 35
- Healthcare requires private cover until Medicare eligibility (usually after PR)
Shipping a household from Canada to Australia takes roughly 6–10 weeks by sea, or 2–3 weeks by air. Canadian moves divide sharply by coast: Vancouver ships directly across the Pacific, while Montreal, Toronto and Halifax route via the Atlantic and take longer — and eastern departures can be affected by winter conditions on the St Lawrence.
What's different about moving from Canada
Australian import rules are the same wherever your shipment starts. These are the things that genuinely change with your origin country.
Your appliances will not work
Canada runs on 120V/60Hz; Australia runs on 230V/50Hz with a Type I plug. Motor-driven and heating appliances will not work correctly on a transformer. Electronics with a universal 100–240V power supply are fine with a plug adapter. Large white goods are not worth shipping.
West coast is materially faster
A container leaving Vancouver crosses the Pacific to Australia directly. One leaving Montreal, Toronto or Halifax travels a far longer route. For shipments originating in central Canada, it is worth asking your mover to price both routings rather than assuming the nearest port is cheapest overall.
Winter timing on eastern departures
Eastern Canadian departures in deep winter can face schedule disruption. If your move date is flexible and you are shipping from the east, a shoulder-season sailing is more predictable.
Vehicles are impractical
Australia drives on the left; Canadian vehicles are left-hand drive. Combined with import approval, duty and GST, shipping a car is rarely justified.
You will be quoted in different units
Canadian movers often quote in cubic feet or pounds; Australian quotes are in cubic metres. One cubic metre is about 35.3 cubic feet. Convert before comparing.
Choosing your departure port
This is the decision that most affects a Canadian move, and it is not simply about distance to the nearest port. Trucking from Ontario to Vancouver adds inland cost but can shorten the ocean leg considerably compared with an Atlantic routing. Which wins depends on your volume, your timing and current sailing schedules.
Ask for both options priced with total door-to-door transit time, not just the freight rate. A cheaper sailing that adds three weeks to your arrival is not cheaper if you are paying for temporary accommodation in Australia while you wait.
Cold-climate contents and biosecurity
Canadian households often ship items that attract particular biosecurity attention: skis and snowboards, hiking and camping equipment, garden tools, bicycles and anything used outdoors. Australia's inspection regime is strict about soil, plant material and organic residue.
Clean this equipment thoroughly before it is packed — not because a rule says so specifically, but because a triggered inspection means treatment costs and delay charged to you. It is the cheapest risk reduction available on any international move.
Australian customs and biosecurity requirements apply identically to every shipment regardless of origin. Rather than repeat them here, they are covered in full in our guide to Australian customs and quarantine and the B534 unaccompanied personal effects statement. Before packing, check what you can't ship to Australia. For what the move costs and how volume drives the price, see what it costs to move to Australia.
Moving from Canada: common questions
How long does shipping from Canada to Australia take?
Roughly 6–10 weeks door to door by sea. Vancouver departures sit at the shorter end because the Pacific crossing is direct; Montreal, Toronto and Halifax departures take longer. Air freight runs 2–3 weeks.
Is it cheaper to ship from Vancouver or Montreal?
It depends on where you are and how much you are shipping. Inland trucking to Vancouver adds cost but shortens the ocean leg; an eastern departure may have a lower inland cost and a longer, sometimes more expensive, sea leg. Have both priced door to door before deciding.
Will my Canadian appliances work in Australia?
Small electronics with a 100–240V power supply will, with a plug adapter. Anything motor-driven or heating — vacuums, kettles, power tools, kitchen appliances — will not work properly on Australia's 230V/50Hz supply, and large white goods are not economic to ship.
What should I clean before packing?
Anything that has been outdoors: skis, snowboards, camping and hiking gear, bicycles, garden tools, outdoor furniture and sports equipment. Australian biosecurity inspects for soil, seeds and plant material, and any required cleaning or treatment on arrival is billed to you along with the delay.
Important considerations for Canadian movers
Moving from Canada to Australia involves unique considerations. Here's what you need to know before your move.
Canadian driving licences are easily exchanged
Winter gear won't be needed - consider selling before you go
Healthcare transition requires private insurance initially
Working Holiday visas available for Canadians under 35
French language skills are valued in some Australian industries
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