With just 11 weeks until Christmas, Australia Post has announced its key dates to remember this festive season.
As Aussies plan for the holidays, customers are urged to take note of when gifts and cards must be posted in order to avoid disappointment.
Last-sending dates depend on location, with posted items recommended to be sent early to give enough time to arrive before Christmas.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
Australia Post recorded its largest peak season on record in 2025, delivering almost 111 million parcels during November and December, a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year.
“With major shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, we expect millions of Australians to take advantage of sales and start their Christmas shopping earlier than ever,” Australia Post Executive General Manager Gary Starr said.
Australia Post has recruited around 3,800 seasonal team members across its network to support the Christmas volume. Credit: AAP
“Whether you’re sending a gift close to home, across the country or internationally, getting organised early can help take some of the stress out of the festive season,” Starr said.
“Our message is simple: check the dates, shop early, send early and get one more thing ticked off your Christmas to-do list.”
Australia Post said it expects even greater volumes for the 2026 peak season, and has recruited around 3800 seasonal team members across its network to support the volume.
Last-sending dates across Australian metro locations
Parcels
- Parcel Post: Parcels should be sent by December 21 for interstate deliveries and December 22 for same-state deliveries.
- Express Post: Parcels should be sent by December 23.
Letters/Cards
- Christmas letters and cards should be sent by December 18 for interstate deliveries and December 21 for same state deliveries.
- Items lodged over the counter at a post office will need to be lodged by 2.30pm on the abovementioned dates.
People sending to or from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, or regional and remote locations should allow a few extra days for all postal services.
International last-sending dates
- Economy Air: Parcels should be sent between November 24 and December 4, depending on the destination.
- International Standard: Parcels should be sent between December 1 and December 11, depending on the destination.
- International Express: Parcels should be sent between December 4 and December 15, depending on the destination.
‘Every chance’ surcharge ban could fuel inflation as coffee prices rise
2 min read
Teen entrepreneur turns passion into successful business
1 min read
