Mick,
I shipped by air to BNE a few moths ago. The whole process was painless, from Van's through to BAX, their shippers. Schenker now represent BAX in Australia. I ordered the emp, wings and fuselage in one go, in all 5 boxes, but slow build.
Payment is made directly to BAX and was exactly as quoted by Van's. The door to door fee was US$ 3,200.08. BAX liase with customs on your behalf, having sent you a couple of forms to process your kit. There is no import duty, but you will pay GST on the total value, including GST on the shipping costs above. The GST and all associated import fees were a further US$ 1,930.43.
My shipment took the best part of 3 weeks as the kit got split in SYD. Apart from a slightly crushed cardboard box, part of the emp, everything arrived safely.
I went with the air and door to door service as I could not guarantee to be home at the time of shipment arrival. The boxes are substantial and weigh considerably. It took a large truck, 4 guys and a lift at the back of the truck to get the kit to my garage, so my wife says.
Hope this helps,
Richard