Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s time to start sending those parcels and cards. To give your gifts the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas Day, we have compiled a list of Australia Post Cut-Off dates for 2025.
With services busier than ever, it’s crucial to plan your delivery. Below, we break down the key dates and tips for sending within Australia and Overseas to deliver your parcels by Christmas.
Sending Parcels Within Australia – Metro
Whether you’re using Parcel Post or Express, the cut-off dates depend on the destination and the type of delivery service you choose. Australia Post recommends allowing additional time for parcels being sent from rural or regional locations, as parcels sent after these dates may not arrive in time.
Parcel Post Deadlines ( Gold Coast )
The table below highlights cut-off dates for items sent via Parcel Post from metro locations.
Parcels from the Gold Coast to other Metro areas follow the Queensland timetable below.
| Sending From | NSW | ACT | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| ACT | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| VIC | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| QLD | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 12 Dec |
| SA | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec |
| WA | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 22 Dec | 16 Dec | 12 Dec |
| TAS | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec | 22 Dec | 12 Dec |
| NT | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 17 Dec | 17 Dec | 17 Dec | 12 Dec | 22 Dec |
Express Post Deadlines (Domestic)
For faster delivery, Express Post is available. Note that deadlines differ slightly for Tasmania (TAS), Western Australia (WA), and the Northern Territory (NT).
| Destination | Cut-Off Date |
|---|---|
| All other states | 23 Dec 2025 |
| NT, TAS, and WA | 22 Dec 2025 |
Parcels sent to/from Geelong, Gold Coast and Newcastle follow the above metro location last sending dates.
Sending Your Parcels Overseas
If you’re planning to send Christmas gifts internationally, earlier planning is essential. Delays caused by customs checks and postal service disruptions in other countries mean it’s better to send as soon as possible. Here’s a summary, International sending cut-off dates vary for popular destinations:
| Destination | Economy Air | Standard Post | Express Post | Courier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 04 Dec 2025 | 11 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 |
| USA | 4 Dec 2025 | 11 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 | Suspended |
| UK | 04 Dec 2025 | 11 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 |
Note: Economy Air is not available for all destinations. International Courier is only available at select retail outlets.
For detailed cut-off dates for less common destinations, check the Australia Post website or speak to a Post Office representative to ensure your parcel is delivered as quickly as possible.
Sending to Remote Islands
Delivery to some remote Australian islands during the festive season requires additional planning due to changes in transport schedules. For Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, only Express Post is available.
| Destination | Parcel Post | Express Post |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk Island | 7-14 November 2025 | 15-18 December 2025 |
| Lord Howe Island | 1-8 December 2025 | 14-17 December 2025 |
| Christmas/Cocos Islands | Not available | NT: 9 December 2025NSW/QLD/SA/TAS/VIC: 10 December 2025WA: 12 December 2025 |
Australia Post has also extended the opening hours of 300+ Post Offices across Australia to help you collect and send parcels for Christmas.
