Kindle Paperwhite shipping to Australia

Customers buying the Kindle Paperwhite through Amazon International are now getting their devices shipped directly to Aussie shores.

We knew the Paperwhite would be coming sometime early this year — but we did not expect that Amazon would try to sneak the release in unnoticed.

Following up on a report on Gizmodo that claimed some Australian customers were now receiving their Paperwhite e-readers direct from Amazon (rather than through a parcel forwarding service) led CNET Australia to the Amazon International product page — clearly showing the Paperwhite as finally available and in stock for Australian customers.

When you select Australia from the drop-down country selection menu, a pop-up box proudly declares, "We are excited to now ship Kindle to Australia."

The Kindle Paperwhite, long awaited by Kindle customers, is Amazon's first E Ink reader to have a built-in front-light. Although it was announced in September of last year, it was beaten to the Australian market by the Kobo Glo, an ePub-compatible reader with the same feature.

CNET Australia has contacted Amazon for comment and confirmation, and will update this story when we know more.

Head over to Amazon to pick up a Paperwhite for US$139 for the Wi-Fi version or US$199 for 3G. The cheaper, ad-supported Kindle with Special Offers is not available outside of the US.