Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to start sending those festive parcels and cards! To give your gifts the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas Day, Australia Post has released its official cut-off dates for 2024. With services busier than ever, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Below, we break down the key dates and tips for sending within Australia and overseas.
Sending Parcels Within Australia – Metro
Whether you’re using Parcel Post or Express Post, 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.
Parcel Post Deadlines ( Gold Coast )
The table below highlights cut-off dates for parcels sent via Parcel Post from metro locations.
Parcels from the Gold Coast to other Metro areas follow the below timetable.
| Sending From | NSW | ACT | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| ACT | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| VIC | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 18 Dec | 20 Dec | 16 Dec |
| QLD | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 13 Dec |
| SA | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 20 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 13 Dec |
| WA | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 13 Dec |
| TAS | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 20 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec | 20 Dec | 13 Dec |
| NT | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 13 Dec | 16 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 2024 |
| NT, TAS, and WA | 20 Dec 2024 |
Sending Parcels Overseas
If you’re planning to send 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 of international cut-off dates for popular destinations:
| Destination | Economy Air | Standard Post | Express Post | Courier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 28 Nov 2024 | 5 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 | 16 Dec 2024 |
| USA | 4 Dec 2024 | 11 Dec 2024 | 16 Dec 2024 | 16 Dec 2024 |
| UK | 29 Nov 2024 | 6 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 | 16 Dec 2024 |
| Europe (major) | 2 Dec 2024 | 9 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 |
| Asia/Southeast Asia | 29 Nov 2024 | 6 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 |
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.
Sending to Remote Islands
Delivery to some remote Australian islands 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 | 11–15 Nov 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 |
| Lord Howe Island | 4–10 Dec 2024 | 18 Dec 2024 |
| Christmas/Cocos Islands | Not available | 11–16 Dec 2024 |
Sending Christmas Cards
Christmas cards can be sent at a special seasonal rate of 65c within Australia during November and December. Below are the suggested deadlines:
| Destination | Cut-Off Date |
|---|---|
| Same State | 16 Dec 2024 |
| Interstate | 13 Dec 2024 |
For international cards, deadlines align with the Standard Post cut-off dates for parcels to the respective destination
Christmas is a busy time for everyone, including Australia Post! To avoid delays, send your parcels and cards as early as possible and by the cut-off dates listed above. Remember, any items sent after these deadlines will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.
