At Eko Lab, we want your order to arrive safely, promptly, and in excellent condition. Because we ship live plants and bioactive organisms, our dispatch process is carefully planned around temperature, transit times, and animal welfare.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about processing times, delivery methods, and seasonal policies.
Where We Ship
Eko Lab ships across most of Australia, including Canberra, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver to Tasmania, Western Australia, or the Northern Territory due to biosecurity laws.
Our checkout process will automatically determine if we can post to you, but if you’re unsure, feel free to contact us before placing your order.
Please note: if you’re ordering plants or bioactive options, please do not enter a PO box address, as we cannot ensure the health of our items.
Shipping Method & Rates
All orders ship at a flat rate of $15 AUD, with fast, reliable delivery across Australia.
We use trusted carriers including Australia Post, FedEx, CouriersPlease, and other reputable services. All parcels are tracked.
To maintain safe packaging standards for live items, we limit each order to a maximum of 2 terrarium kits. Larger or bulk orders require custom packaging — please contact us for a quote.
Delivery Timeframes
Most express parcels arrive within 1–4 business days, depending on your location.
While delivery timeframes are generally reliable, delays can occur during peak seasons or weather disruptions. Live organisms are dispatched within defined temperature windows to ensure safe arrival.
If tracking shows no movement within 3 business days of dispatch, please contact us so we can investigate promptly.
Tracking Your Order
Once your parcel is on its way, you’ll receive an email from us and our shipping partner (Interparcel). If you don’t receive tracking information, please email us and we’ll get it to you as soon as possible. Most bioactive orders are shipped via Australia Post Express, so we recommend downloading their app and signing in, to automatically receive shipping notifications. We recommend monitoring tracking updates and ensuring someone is available to receive live deliveries during warmer periods.
Order Processing & Dispatch
Orders are generally processed over the weekend and dispatched by Monday or Tuesday, including express postage items. This early-week schedule helps ensure live items arrive before the weekend and avoids extended delays in transit.
However, the safety of live plants and bioactive organisms is our priority. During warmer periods or fluctuating weather conditions, dispatch days may be adjusted to align with the safest delivery window.
For example, if early-week temperatures are forecast to exceed safe limits, we may delay dispatch by a day or two to take advantage of cooler conditions later in the week. This helps prevent heat stress during transit and improves live arrival success.
If your dispatch is delayed, you will be notified by email.
Live Bioactive Organisms
Live organisms are significantly more sensitive to heat exposure than plants or hard goods. Australia Post vehicles and sorting facilities are not temperature controlled. During Australian summer, internal parcel temperatures can exceed ambient conditions.
To protect animal welfare and prevent avoidable losses, we may not dispatch live bioactive orders when forecast temperatures exceed 30°C at either the dispatch or destination location. Dispatch may be adjusted during borderline conditions (28–30°C).
During warmer months or warm periods, live orders are sent Signature Required. Signature ensures parcels are not left in hot letterboxes or exposed to direct sunlight. If no one is available to sign, the parcel will be safely held at your local post office for collection. Safe drop may be available during cooler months. However, live arrival guarantees do not apply if parcels are left unattended in extreme weather conditions.
Weather-Related Delays
If temperatures exceed safe transit limits, your order may be temporarily held until conditions improve. This policy is in place to protect live plants and organisms from heat stress during transit. If your order is affected, you will be notified vie email.
If you require urgent dispatch during borderline conditions, please contact us prior to dispatch to discuss available options. We cannot guarantee safe delivery if temperature guidelines are exceeded.
Delivery Responsibility
Once tracking confirms delivery, responsibility transfers to the customer. Please ensure someone is available to receive live deliveries, particularly during warmer weather.
If your parcel is marked as delivered but cannot be located, please contact the shipping carrier first, then notify us so we can assist.
Local Pickup Option
We’re located north of Melbourne, VIC. If you’d like to arrange local pickup, contact us before checking out.
Questions or Delays
If your parcel hasn’t arrived within 7 business days of dispatch, get in touch with us and we’ll help sort it out.