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Brisbane to Sydney removalists: compare up to 3 quotes

Tell us about your move once. Up to 3 removalists that run the Brisbane to Sydney route contact you with a quote. It's free and there's no obligation.

918 kmby road, about 10–11 hours' driving
2–4 daystypical transit, dedicated truck
1–5 daystypical transit, backloading

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Heading south: ask about backloading

Far more households move from New South Wales to Queensland than the other way. Queensland has gained people from interstate moves in every quarter since 1981, and in 2024–25 New South Wales was the source of 60% of that gain.

Why it matters
Removalists that run Sydney to Brisbane trucks have to bring them back south. Space on that return leg is what backloading fills, so it's worth asking each removalist for a backloading price as well as a dedicated truck. It won't be cheaper every week, but flexible dates give you the best chance.
Distance
About 918 km by road, mostly on the Pacific Highway and the M1 into Sydney.
Dedicated truck
Usually 2 to 4 business days door to door, on dates you agree up front.
Backloading
Often 1 to 5 business days, depending on how loads are combined on the truck.
How it's priced
By volume in cubic metres (m³). Rates are roughly the same in both directions; the cost guide has estimates by home size.

Leaving South East Queensland: plants, soil and fire ants

Parts of Brisbane and South East Queensland are inside fire ant biosecurity zones. Fire ants travel in soil, so taking some garden items out of these areas, and into New South Wales, is restricted. It's the one part of this move that catches people out.

  • Check your address first on the fire ant biosecurity zone map. Zones are reviewed monthly.
  • Leave soil, mulch, compost and manure behind. Moving them out of a zone needs approval.
  • Potted plants are the main catch. NSW lists potted plants, including indoor ones, as fire ant carriers, and bringing them in from Queensland's infested area has to follow the NSW rules for moving products into NSW. Giving plants away before you go is often the simplest option.
  • Clean the soil off garden tools, mowers, empty pots and outdoor furniture before they go on the truck.
  • Tell your removalist about any plants or garden equipment when you ask for quotes.

The rules change often. Check with Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the NSW DPI biosecurity helpline on 1800 680 244 before you pack the garden. This is a summary, not legal advice.

Before you book

  • List everything, including the garage, shed and outdoor furniture. Volume sets the price, and bedroom count is only a rough guide to it.
  • Book the lift and loading dock. Many Sydney apartment buildings need a lift booking and only allow moves at set hours. Ask the building manager early and pass the details to your removalist.
  • Check parking at the Sydney end. Narrow streets and permit parking are common in inner suburbs. Tell the removalist if the truck can't park close.
  • Get the volume and inclusions in writing, so the price doesn't change on the day.
  • Watch the calendar. The end of the month and school holidays book out first, and Queensland and NSW school holidays don't line up exactly.
  • Mind the clock. NSW uses daylight saving and Queensland doesn't, so from October to April Sydney is an hour ahead. Confirm pickup and delivery times in local time.

Once you're in Sydney

  • Driver licence: you can drive in NSW on your Queensland licence for 3 months. After that, transfer it at a Service NSW Centre.
  • Car registration: to register your car in NSW you'll need a NSW green slip (CTP insurance) and a safety inspection report (blue slip) first. Then take your Queensland plates to a Service NSW Centre.
  • Rental bond: in Queensland your bond is held by the Residential Tenancies Authority. Claim it back through the RTA once the final inspection is done.
  • Address updates: Medicare and the ATO through myGov, your bank, and the AEC for your electoral enrolment. Australia Post can redirect your mail for a fee.

How it works

You deal with the removalists directly. We don't add anything to their price.

  1. Tell us about your move

    Suburbs, home size and your date. One form.

  2. Removalists contact you

    Up to 3 companies that run Brisbane to Sydney get in touch with a quote.

  3. Pick the one that fits

    Compare price, dates and what's included, then book directly.

Common questions

How long does a Brisbane to Sydney move take?

With a dedicated truck, usually 2 to 4 business days from pickup to delivery. Backloading is often 1 to 5 business days, because the truck may collect and drop off other loads on the way.

How much does it cost to move from Brisbane to Sydney?

About the same as the other direction: from around $1,000 for a few items to $7,500 or more for a 4-bedroom home, before extras. See the cost guide for estimates by home size.

Can I take my pot plants to Sydney?

Possibly, but potted plants from Queensland's fire ant areas are restricted coming into NSW. Check your address on the zone map and the NSW rules before moving day, or give the plants away.

Does it cost anything?

No. Requesting quotes is free and you're under no obligation to book. Removalists may pay us for receiving requests; it doesn't change the price they quote you.

Sources. Interstate migration: Queensland Government Statistician's Office, Population growth highlights and trends, Queensland, 2026 edition (ABS data to June 2025). Licence and registration: Service NSW. Fire ants: National Fire Ant Eradication Program and NSW DPI. Checked October 2026.