Australia Post is encouraging people to stay ahead of the holiday rush, announcing the all-important last-sending dates for delivery within Australia and overseas to ensure gifts arrive in time for Christmas. For sending to and from most destinations within Australia:
- Parcel Post: Parcels should be sent by Friday 20 December
- Express Post: Parcels should be sent by Monday 23 December
- Letters/cards: Christmas letters and cards should be sent by Friday 13 December (interstate) and Monday 16 December (same state)
People sending to or from Western Australia and the Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.For customers sending cards and gifts internationally:
- Economy Air: Last sending dates fall between 19 November – 4 December (depending on the destination)
- International Standard: Enjoy a few extra days to find the perfect gift with last sending dates between 26 November – 11 December (depending on the destination)
- International Express: Last-minute shoppers can take advantage of an extra week with last sending dates between 2 – 16 December (depending on the destination)
Gary Starr, Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services emphasised the importance of these dates in helping people plan ahead. “We understand how crucial these deadlines are for ensuring cards and gifts reach loved ones in time for Christmas, which is why we’re providing this information as early as possible. We’ve been preparing for the Christmas rush all year and are bringing on thousands of new team members across our network, plus enhancing delivery updates through the Australia Post app.” Starr commented “While we’ll do our best to deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, they may not arrive until after Christmas.”