Movelane › Moving interstate with plants
Moving interstate with plants, soil and fresh food
Most of Australia has rules on what crosses state lines, and the strictest ones catch people moving house: pot plants, garden soil and the fruit bowl. Here's what applies where, and what to do instead.
- WAchecks interstate freight at the border
- 24 hnotice to bring plants into Tasmania
- 0tolerance for fresh fruit at SA's Yamba station
The short version
If any of these apply to your move, read the state card below before you pack.
Leaving South East Queensland
Fire ant rules cover soil, potted plants, mulch and turf.
Moving to WA
Fresh produce, honey and plants in soil are the usual problems.
Moving to Tasmania
Plants, soil, seeds and fresh produce are restricted; paperwork first.
Driving through SA's Riverland
Bin fresh fruit and veg before the Yamba quarantine station.
State by state
Rules change with pest outbreaks, and fire ant zones are updated monthly. Check the official source in each card before you move.
- Soil, potted plants, mulch, manure, hay and turf can carry fire ants, so their movement is controlled
- Potted plants need treating before they move, and soil leaving the zones needs a permit
- NSW and other states also restrict fire ant carriers arriving from the infested area
- Check your address on the zone map at fireants.org.au
- Leave behind fresh fruit and veg, home-dried fruit and honey
- Plants in soil or potting mix aren't allowed without prior approval; 20 or fewer may qualify
- Don't pack in used fruit or vegetable boxes
- Your removalist lodges a declaration with you; call Quarantine WA on 08 9334 1800
- Fruit, vegetables, plant material, soil and seeds are restricted
- Household pot plants count as nursery stock: lodge a Notice of Intention 24 hours before arrival
- Belongings must be free of soil, dirt and seeds; removalists use a separate declaration
- Not sure? Declare it. Biosecurity Tasmania: 03 6165 3777
- The Yamba quarantine station on the Sturt Highway has zero tolerance for restricted fruit and veg
- Eat it or use the signed disposal bins before the station; receipts aren't accepted
- Random roadblocks also check, and fines apply
- Buy fresh produce once you're through; check outbreak areas on fruitfly.sa.gov.au
Driving from Sydney to Perth through Mildura? You'll pass the Riverland and then WA's border check at Eucla. From Melbourne, the usual route through Adelaide skips the Riverland, but WA's check still applies. Plan to arrive with no fresh produce at all. See the Sydney to Perth and Melbourne to Perth guides.
What to do with your plants instead
For most interstate moves, it's simpler to start again at the other end.
Give them away
Neighbours, friends or a local buy-nothing group will take most pot plants.
Photograph your favourites
Then buy the same varieties from a local nursery once you've arrived.
Clean what you keep
Empty and wash pots, and clean soil off garden tools, the mower, outdoor furniture and shoes.
Ask your removalist
Some won't carry plants or soil on interstate moves. Check before you pack them.
Planning the rest of the move?
Tell us about your move once and up to 3 removalists that run your route will contact you with a quote. Free, with no obligation.
Common questions
Can I take my pot plants interstate?
Sometimes, but it's often more trouble than it's worth. WA and Tasmania restrict plants in soil and need paperwork or approval, and plants leaving Queensland's fire ant zone must be treated before they move. Check the rules for the states you're leaving and entering.
Can I take plants to Western Australia?
Not in soil or potting mix without prior approval from Quarantine WA. If you have 20 or fewer, they may approve them under conditions such as no soil and a full inspection on arrival. Call 08 9334 1800 before you pack.
Can I take fruit and vegetables when I move?
Plan not to. WA and Tasmania restrict fresh produce, and South Australia's Riverland has zero tolerance at the Yamba quarantine station. Eat it or bin it before you cross.
Do I need to clean my lawnmower and garden tools?
Yes, especially for WA and Tasmania. They must be free of soil and plant material, and Quarantine WA may inspect them on arrival.
Does Movelane move plants?
No. Movelane is a free quote service: we pass your request to up to 3 removalists that run your route. Ask them directly what they will and won't carry.
Sources. Fire ants: National Fire Ant Eradication Program (fireants.org.au) and NSW Department of Primary Industries emergency order. Western Australia: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Quarantine WA). Tasmania: Biosecurity Tasmania, Department of Natural Resources and Environment. South Australia: PIRSA (fruitfly.sa.gov.au). Rules change with pest outbreaks; check each source before you move. Checked October 2026.