Maybe try a transport company - it may well be very close to the cost of you hiring a ute.
For example, i just looked up northline, and they quote around $130 for Sydney to Newcastle. I have a Paragon booked with them to come from Melbourne, and when i rang, the very good price i got quoted was door to door. Obviously can't say if they are good or not, since my machine is not available at the moment to be picked up.
