Djk,
I would suggest unless it is an extremely unusual piece of equipment or has sentimental value you should simply leave it in Australia and buy an equivalent in the USA.
I've thought that since originally reading this thread in it's infancy.
When you consider that International Frieght charges are on the up (like anything else) carting large or heavy appliances half way across the world makes no sense at all.
I'd hate anyone to lose out, I know a few folks that moved from here to the US and just bought new stuff upon thier arrival.
One of my friends moved over to Canada(Nova Scotia) and took all his stuff with him.
{He is an exception to the rule, he had
super-rich parents!!, same guy also took French lessons worth $2000 only to find that every one where he was living spoke English.
}