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.
I did ask AMD and their preferred transport company only goes to depot in Newcastle so then still need to hire a vehicle so is actually more expensive.
I will contact Wally that does the Melbourne to Brisbane run 1-2 a month - see if the stars align and he deliveries to your door and carry into your house. Last pinball was delivered at 3am in the morning lol
you haven't seen swinsky's house. Dunno how happy he'd be going up the steps??