From previous discussions this is not the case. It is not illegal to ship an aircraft to Australia. See the link below talking about packed aircraft. Also some

From previous discussions this is not the case. It is not illegal to ship an aircraft to Australia. See the link below talking about packed aircraft. Also some aircraft have short ranges that would make them impossible to fly across the ocean (even island hopping). https://fcbrokers.com.au/customs-clearance/aircraft/ https://fcbrokers.com.au/customs-clearance/aircraft/ However it works out to be cheaper for most aircraft since it is very expensive to take an aircraft to pieces and put it back together and then have it certified to fly. Reading a few forums there seem to be several factors decided if it is cheaper to ferry or ship. https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/384085-cost-importing-aircraft.html https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/38... https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/489061-overseas-aircraft-purchase.html https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/48...