In my experience, shipping to Australia two complete bikes is almost the same cost as a cheap economy airfare to the US (return) and bringing said items back as luggage. If you add sales tax, customs charges and handling fees by UPS or DHL, then a week's holiday is also paid for. Sending bikes from Oz to the US costs about 1/3 of the price of US to Oz. Careful packing with size of the box (or rhombus) at an absolute minimum can see a frame get to OZ for about $120....but the sender must find a friendly post office. The risk you run is that a close fitting box (or wrap) potentially means damage which in the long run could work out more expensive. At the other end of the scale, $450US for freight, $60 customs, $50 agents fees, anywhere up to $500 Goods and Serrvices Tax (VAT /Sales tax) is not unusual. If you have the time, or can afford the time - go on the holiday and return with a new addition or two for the family and of course get an appropriate receipt for your documentation. Greg Softley Coffs Harbour Australia (with two desirable bikes today being loaded into a shipping container and about to float accross the Pacific)