Cheapest way of transporting bikes interstate?

As some of you know I recently bought a new bike and I'm lovin' it. However I recently lost my job and have decided to move to WA to see if the grass is greener. I have no intentions of letting my bike go to someone else so I'm looking into getting it transported to Perth...what a mission. One quote I got from a dedicated motorbike transport group was over $1600 so I was thinking about freight-training it over but can't seem to find rail system that offers the service. I'm not wanting to pay a premium for super secure transport but don't want to throw it in with a heap of iron ore either...something in between would be great. Anyone have any suggestions?

I shipped a bike from Perth to Sydney with, I think GKN for about $350 plus crating. I got a local bike shop to put it a Suzuki 'crate' for about $200 including the crate. Basically, I think its a lot cheaper if you use normal freight rather than specialist bike transport, but the catch is you gotta crate it.

I had mine transported by truck once from Vic to Qld .It was cheap , a long time ago $8o .Very long time ago .If you can find a furniture rem.
truck going there should be fine .They like to be Full .Take blinkers, screen ,off .Ring around remember to haggle ,an empty space earns nothing .

A while back I googled bike transport and couldn't believe how many companies in Oz were in this business - some very professional looking outfits - I guessed that many provide a service to race teams (big and small, down to individuals). The 'race team' transporters may (or may not - I have no idea) charge a certain rate that the average punter might not be prepared to pay. But there seemed to be enough to get a few competitive quotes if you haven't done so already - I was surprised that the demand would be big enough to sustain the number of transporters in Oz. I might have completely misunderstood the demand and supply equation but I was thinking that something has to give.

I had my 1200 Bandit transported by rail. Had to crate it (like Dekanai described) and it took a couple of weeks as low-priority (cheapest rate) and was very cheap. QR can answer your questions.

Awesome cheers for that all. Is the any insurance I get if I go by rail or I just have to wait at the station and hope it rocks up in one piece?

Talk to QR; they will give you all the variables.