As the festive season approaches, the anticipation of sharing joy with loved ones through gifts and heartfelt messages grows.

However, the holiday cheer may come with logistical challenges, knowing that parcels and cards should reach their destinations in time for Christmas.

To help Aussies navigate the busy postal period, Australia Post released crucial cut-off dates for both domestic and international shipping.


Australia Post emphasised that the earlier items are sent out, the better.

With the postal service handling an almost overwhelming volume of nearly 100 million parcels last November and December, it's no surprise that they're encouraging customers to plan.

To avoid disappointment and the stress of last-minute posting, here are some dates to keep in mind.


Australia Post recommended domestic parcel posts to be sent out by 20 December.

This deadline could give Australia Post enough time to deliver packages across the country before Christmas.

However, Aussies may still opt for express post parcels, which have a slightly later cut-off date of 23 December.

Australia Post advised residents in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia to stick to the 20 December deadline to ensure timely delivery.


For those planning to send out letters and cards, interstate mail should be posted by 13 December.

Meanwhile, letters sent within the same state will have a deadline of 16 December.

For letters sent from Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Australia Post advised a few extra days for postage due to distance.

Australia Post released earlier deadlines for international mail, keeping in mind the additional time needed for cross-border delivery.

Parcels and letters heading East and Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom (UK), and New Zealand via economy air should be sent out between 28 and 29 November.

For international standard shipping to New Zealand, China, major European cities, and the United States (US), parcels should be sent out as early as 5 December or as late as 11 December.


For those willing to pay for express international service, parcels heading to East and Southeast Asia, China, major European destinations, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand should be shipped out by 13 December.

Express international mail to the US should be sent out by 16 December.

Meanwhile, express international mail to other destinations should be sent out as early as 2 December.

For those who want to use international courier services, the cut-off dates are similar to express shipping.

Parcels heading to East and Southeast Asia, China, and major European destinations should be sent by 13 December.

Meanwhile, packages heading to the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand have to be sent out by 16 December.


As of this writing, Australia Post has yet to provide information on services to other destinations not mentioned above.

Australia Post emphasised that while they will do their best to deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, there's no guarantee they will arrive before Christmas.

It's best to send your holiday parcels and cards before the cut-off dates so they reach your loved ones on time.

To spread the holiday cheer wherever you are from, take note of these dates and plan accordingly.

Whether you're sending a package to your grandkids across the country or a card to an old friend overseas, timely delivery is key to spreading the festive spirit.

You may read more about AusPost's cut-off dates here.
Have you had any experiences with holiday shipping that you'd like to share? Do you have tips on how to package gifts securely or how to make your holiday cards stand out? Share your festive stories and advice with us in the comments below!