Touring in Australia - What are best options for hiring or taking own bike?

[pjpnz]

I am hoping to do a two week tour of east coast of Australia in March or April next year. I would appreciate advice on the following:

Should I take my own bike, or hire one over there?

If I take my own, what are shipping and other costs? Reputable shipping company?

If I hire, what companies do you recommend? I would want to hire an adventure-type bike. Although most of my riding will be on road, I would like the option of being able to go off road occassionally.

Thanks for any help!

[Forest]

Two weeks isn't really enough time to make it worth taking your own bike over. Australia has some pretty strict requirements for vehicle entry. It is a real hassle arranging temporary Carnets.

I would suggest you contact Phil Gibbs at Phil Gibbs at Jenner Cargo International Ltd. He will tell you everything you need to know - he moves vehicles for a living and really knows his stuff. Phil's details are:

Phone +649 254-4005
Fax +649 254-4819
Mobile +64 21 988697
Email phil AT jenners.co.nz

If you want to hire a bike, think about where you intend to start and stop your journey as that will determine who you can use as your hire agent. If you're starting in Melbourne then Garner's (http://www.garnersmotorcycles.com.au/) is a decent outfit. Not cheap, and they have a $4,000 AUD insurance excess on hired bikes (as I found out the hard way), but they're a reliable and honest bunch.

[Hitcher]

Eddie Garner in Melbourne is brilliant to deal with. We hired an FJR1300 off him for 10 days last March and toured Victoria and the bottom end of NSW/ACT. The bikes come with luggage, etc, are well maintained and presented.

If you only plan riding for two weeks, then rent. The costs of freighting bikes across the Tasman won't work to your advantage unless you plan riding for at least a month.

[ntst8]

After spending some time looking into taking our classic bikes over for a rally a couple of us hired bikes from Garners in Melbourne earlier this year for a two week trip. For a short trip it was too much hassle to ship. Hire bikes had a few miles on them but no hassles and easy out of hours drop off if needed.
The only hard part was the taxi driver who could not find central Melbourne from the airport!!!
They also offer rental helmets and jackets but having done that i would take my own next time.

[Racing Dave]

I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, for a 3-day ride, and we hired two BMW R1150GSs from Garners. They often have specials on their website, and these were only $99 per day.

Barry, the manager, was very helpful, and came in on a Sunday for our drop-off. Take the SkyBus from the airport, then the tram to Garner's door from near the bus station, and you'll be in town quicker and cheaper than a taxi.

Eddie Garner no longer owns that particular business, and is setting up in NZ soon.

[crynsie]

be aware that if you take your own helmets from NZ, you may get a ticket from the plod.
The aussies are very keen on helmet standards... if your helmet does not have an Australian standards sticker on it, they will give you a ticket and a fine.
Also only DOT and Snell standards are acceptable for helmets.
You may get away with it if you explain that you are on holiday, but something to be aware of...