I have transported a dog from Australasia to the UK
No, it isn't that big an ordeal - or at least, with careful planning it is not that big an ordeal. You do need to be mindful of things like the temperature at stopover points, duration of stopover (shorter is better), etc.
You should also bear in mind that in order for a dog to be relocated to the UK without having to undergo a long period (6mths) of quarantine, then he needs to travel under - and comply with the requirements of - the PETS travel scheme. Basically that works as follows (and EXACTLY in this order):
Step 1: Get your dog microchipped.
Step 2: Have the dog scanned for positive ID (the microchip), then
vaccinated against rabies. It does not matter that Australia is rabies-free, the dog isn't entering the UK without this.
Step 3: About 6 weeks (check that) after the vaccination, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a
UK-approved lab for analysis (they're checking for antibodies against rabies, to ensure the dog got adequate protection from his vaccination).
Step 4: Wait. Wait for the acceptable lab results, and then wait some more. There must be 6 months between the date of his vaccination and the date of travel.
From that point, it is quite a simple matter of booking the dog on a flight - which needs to be on an approved route and airline. He will have tick/tapeworm treatment before travelling, and a vet check to certify him fit to travel). He will travel in the hold (so choose carrier carefully, some have better reputations than others. Qantas is fine) and he will not be allowed out of that crate until arrival in the UK. He
will not be sedated, and he probably won't be fed. He will have constant access to water, as long as your crate allows for it. But you can see why it is a good idea to pick a flight with only a short stopover en route, and preferably not in too high temperstures.
If you don't go through the PETS scheme, then you can travel right away, but your dogs WILL be quarantined on arrival in the UK, probably for 6mths. It will be at your expense, and probably run to about £15-20 per day ($30-40) per dog.
All the information you need to know about bringing a dog into the UK can be found here:
Defra, UK - Animal health and welfare - Pet Travel Scheme
Defra, UK - Animal health and welfare - Pet Travel Scheme - What you need to do to bring your pet into or back into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme