Shipping from China to Australia: Costs, Routes, and Delivery Times Explained
A comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know to get your parcels from China to Australia safely and affordably, with insights from a top-tier agent.
Australia has long been a key market for goods from China, with high demand for everything from fashion and tech to home goods and gadgets. Thanks to a large student population and a thriving Chinese diaspora, the volume of parcels shipped from China to Australia continues to grow.
The good news is that a network of dedicated shipping lines makes this process more reliable and affordable than ever before, often with final delivery handled by Australia Post for seamless last-mile service.
What Makes Shipping to Australia Unique?
Long-Distance Logistics: Air freight offers speed, while sea freight is the most economical choice for heavier goods. The right route depends entirely on your needs.
Final Delivery by Australia Post: Many specialized routes integrate directly with Australia Post, ensuring your package can be tracked and delivered to major cities and remote regions alike.
Strict Customs and Biosecurity: Australia has tight controls on certain items, especially food, supplements, and electronics. Choosing a compliant route is crucial for avoiding delays or seizures.
High Demand for Small Parcels: Consumers and small-scale resellers often ship parcels of 3 kg or less, making specialized small-packet services a popular choice.
Breaking Down the Costs of Shipping to Australia
When you use a reliable agent like FISHGOO, the final "shipping fee" is a comprehensive cost that covers several services:
Domestic Freight: The initial cost to get your items from the Chinese seller to the FISHGOO warehouse. This is separate from the item's purchase price.
International Freight: The core charge based on weight or volume, depending on the shipping line. This is where parcel consolidation saves you money.
Optional Protection: For a small fee, you can add services like waterproof wrapping or reinforced cartons, essential for fragile or high-value items.
Insurance: A must-have for valuable orders. Adding shipping insurance protects you against total loss or damage.
Pro Tip: Use the online freight estimator on the FISHGOO site to calculate costs before you ship. Their support team is always available to help.
Available Delivery Options for Parcels to Australia
Method | Transit Time | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
Air Freight | ~10-20 days | Urgent shipments under 20 kg. |
Sea Freight | 25-60 days | Bulky, non-urgent goods. The cheapest option for heavy loads. |
Express Lines | Varies | A balance of speed and cost. Many partner with Australia Post for final delivery. |
China to Australia Shipping Prices: Real Examples and Estimates
While costs fluctuate, here’s a general reference based on current rates:
Air Express: Typically around $8-12 USD per kg.
Sea Freight: Can be as low as $3-5 USD per kg for large, bulk orders.
Small Packets: A 3 kg parcel can cost between $20-40 USD, depending on the carrier and service level.
Example 1: A 3 kg parcel of clothes shipped via a special express line might cost about $39 USD, with a delivery time of 10-25 days.
Example 2: The same 3 kg package via a special line could cost around $37 USD, with a faster delivery time of 10-15 days.
Why Use FISHGOO for Shipping to Australia?
If you don't have a local Chinese e-commerce account, FISHGOO acts as your buying agent, handling the entire logistics chain from the seller's door to yours in Australia.
Savings First: New users receive a shipping coupon pack worth ¥1000, and you can earn reward points to cut costs on future orders.
Smooth Checkout: Pay with popular methods like PayPal, credit cards, or even international bank transfers.
Warehouse Services: In the warehouse, you can combine orders from different sellers, request photos of your items, and add extras like reinforced packaging.
Tailored AU Routes: FISHGOO offers specialized routes for Australia, with many services integrating directly with Australia Post.
FISHGOO’s Australia Shipping Routes
Route Name | Delivery Time | Weight Limit | Best Features |
|---|---|---|---|
AU Small Packet (Actual Weight) | 10-15 days | 0-3 kg | Ideal for small, light parcels. Delivered by Australia Post, tax-free clearance. |
AU (Special) | 16-20 days | 0-20 kg | Great for larger parcels. Tracking updates after arrival in AU. Final delivery by Australia Post. |
AU-EXPRESS | 10-15 days | 0-20 kg | Low cost and stable delivery times. Strict declaration rules apply. |
AU-EXPRESS (Actual Weight) | 10-15 days | 0-20 kg | Billing by actual weight. Faster clearance and final delivery by Australia Post. |
AU-21KG+ | 16-20 days | 21-45 kg | The best option for large shipments, bypassing high courier costs. |
AU-SEA-Z | 25-45 days | 0-250 kg | The cheapest route for bulky goods, though with a long transit time. |
AU-SEA (Actual Weight) | 25-45 days | 0-18.5 kg | Affordable sea freight billed by actual weight. Slower but very cost-effective. |
AU-Z | 15-20 days | 0-20 kg | An express line with customs service and final delivery by Australia Post. |
AU Sea Packet | 40-60 days | 0-25 kg | The slowest and cheapest sea option. No returns or insurance. |
Practical Advice for Sending Parcels to Australia
For parcels under 3 kg, use a Small Packet service—it’s affordable and handled by Australia Post.
If you're shipping bulky items, opt for a sea line if you can wait 1-2 months.
Always ship well before holidays like Christmas and Chinese New Year to avoid major delays.
Save more by combining your FISHGOO shipping coupons with reward points.
Want to compare? Check out our shipping guides for the UK, Netherlands, and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Australia?
A: For small packages, the AU Small Packet service is often the most cost-effective. For larger volumes, a sea line offers the lowest rates.
Q: How long does delivery usually take?
A: Air express lines take about 10-25 days. Sea freight takes significantly longer, from 25 to 60 days.
Q: Can I track my parcel?
A: Yes. Some routes don't update for the first 7-10 days, but tracking typically becomes active once the parcel enters Australia and is handed off to Australia Post.
Q: Will I need to pay taxes in Australia?
A: Low-value parcels generally clear smoothly. However, higher-value or restricted items may be subject to GST and customs checks. It is the responsibility of the importer to know their obligations.
Claim Your ¥1000 FISHGOO Shipping Coupon Pack
New users who register with FISHGOO get an ¥1000 shipping coupon pack, plus bonus points on sign-up. This means your first shipping from China to Australia order can be cheaper from day one.
