Why this matters
Western Australia and Tasmania apply stricter biosecurity rules than a standard interstate move.
In practice, that means the vehicle should arrive clean and free from risky goods. Remove anything that could carry soil, seeds, plant material, insects, food, or contamination before transport.
This page is a practical guide, not a legal ruling. Requirements can change, and some moves need extra clarification depending on the vehicle type, what is travelling with it, and whether you are moving household effects as well as the car.
Western Australia quarantine basics
WA quarantine rules focus heavily on contamination risk. The official WA traveller guidance says that if you are moving personal effects into WA you should complete a declaration form with your removals company, and that used motor vehicles, motorcycles, quad bikes, and machinery are among the goods that may need to be declared.
Before sending a vehicle into WA, treat the following as red-flag items and remove them unless you have checked them first:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- cut flowers, bulbs, plants, seeds, grain, or birdseed
- honey, honeycomb, or beekeeping equipment
- hay, straw, fodder, wool, hides, soil, potting mix, mulch, or landscaping material
- used produce containers, animal transport containers, or anything carrying dirt or plant residue
- garden tools, lawnmowers, motorcycles, machinery, or vehicles that still have soil or plant matter on them
If the vehicle, trailer, machinery, or tools are dirty, expect inspection, delays, and possible fees before release.
If you are moving household goods as well as the vehicle, ask your removalist to lodge the official WA declaration rather than assuming the car will be waved through as normal freight.
Tasmania quarantine basics
Tasmania is also stricter than a normal interstate move. The official Tasmanian vehicle guidance says vehicles are allowed only if they are fully cleaned, including the underside, wheel arches, trays or tubes, and floor mats, with no trace of mud, soil, seeds, plant material, insects, or other debris.
Remove loose goods, food, plant material, outdoor gear with dirt on it, and anything else that could carry seeds, insects, or contamination.
This matters most for vehicles used off-road, on farms, or around gardens and landscaping work. If the car, trailer, caravan, bike, or equipment has mud, grass, seeds, or organic matter on it, clean it before transport.
If you are travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania, all vehicles, caravans, trailers, and farm equipment should be cleaned of visible soil and mud before embarkation. Tasmania also warns that inadequately cleaned vehicles can be directed for cleaning or treatment, and moving permanently to Tasmania means lodging a personal-effects declaration before import.
State biosecurity rules vs our own cargo policy
These are related, but they are not the same thing.
State quarantine risk
WA and Tasmania care most about contamination and restricted items. Their concern is whether the vehicle or its contents could carry soil, seeds, plant material, insects, pests, or disease risk.
Our own vehicle-cargo policy
Separately, we do not want the car treated like a removals container. That is about transport safety, claim risk, and keeping the job straightforward, even where a particular item is not a quarantine problem.
What should stay out of the car
The simplest rule is to avoid treating the vehicle like a removals container. Keep the inside of the car clear and predictable.
- no cargo on any seat
- baby seats are allowed when fitted properly
- cars must be clean
- all cargo is at your own risk
- no valuables
- no weapons
- no dangerous or hazardous goods
- no food, fruit, or vegetables
- no illegal substances
- no fragile or glass items
Even if an item is not automatically banned by quarantine rules, it can still be a bad idea to send it inside the vehicle.
Simple dispatch checklist
- empty the vehicle of personal effects unless you have specifically booked a goods-in-car arrangement
- vacuum the interior and remove food, wrappers, loose gear, and anything organic
- wash the exterior, wheel arches, underbody, tray areas, roof racks, and accessories
- clean tools, machinery, lawn gear, or attachments that are travelling with the move
- check whether you also need an official declaration because you are moving personal effects into WA or Tasmania
- tell the team early if the vehicle is non-drivable, modified, or has unusual accessories
Not sure if your move will pass quarantine cleanly?
If you are unsure about cleanliness, what can stay inside the vehicle, or whether a declaration might be required, use the contact path first.
Check before pickup rather than dealing with a hold, a cleaning cost, or a delay after arrival.