Finished your Christmas shopping but worried your gifts won’t arrive in time? You’re not alone—with nearly 103 million parcels flooding the system during November and December, Australia’s courier networks are about to hit their busiest period of the year.
The good news? Planning ahead can save you both stress and money.
FedEx releases Christmas cut-off dates
FedEx has announced its official Christmas delivery deadlines, warning customers to plan ahead or risk gifts not making it under the tree by December 25.
For interstate deliveries using FedEx Economy or Road Express, parcels must be sent by Friday, December 19.
If you’re sending to Western Australia, the Northern Territory, or remote regions, you’ll need to get moving even earlier—Wednesday, December 17 is your deadline.
FedEx Priority Express customers have a bit more breathing room, with Monday, December 22 as the cut-off for deliveries to major capital cities.
Planning to collect from a FedEx facility yourself? Tuesday, December 23 is your final chance.
For those sending gifts across the ditch, economy parcels to New Zealand must be sent by Thursday, December 18, while the last day for priority delivery is Monday, December 22.
International economy parcels need to be sent by Monday, December 15, and for priority services, the final cut-off is Friday, December 19.
FedEx says the key to a stress-free Christmas is simple: send early, avoid the chaos, and make sure your gifts arrive in time to spread the cheer.
International shipping requires early action
Planning to send gifts overseas? Services require much earlier deadlines.
FedEx international economy parcels need to be sent by Monday, December 15, with priority services cut-off on Friday, December 19.
For Australia Post international deliveries, cut-off dates start in late November, with most East and Southeast Asian countries, major European destinations, and New Zealand requiring parcels to be mailed before December 5.
International Christmas shipping essentials
- Economy services: Cut-offs start late November
- Priority services: Mid-December deadlines
- Christmas cards overseas: $3 flat rate worldwide (Australia Post)
- Always check specific country requirements before sending
Money-saving tips for seniors
Before rushing to the most expensive express option, consider these cost-effective alternatives:
Compare packaging options - If you’re using your own packaging, parcels are charged according to their weight, which can be more economical than pre-paid satchels for lighter items.
Use online calculators - Australia Post has an online calculator to estimate postage cost and delivery timeframes, helping you compare options before heading to the post office.
Consider Christmas cards - For distant relatives, overseas Christmas cards cost just $3 to anywhere in the world as long as they meet size and weight requirements. Remember to write ‘Card Only’ on your envelope.
What if you’ve missed the deadlines?
Don’t panic if these dates have already passed. Couriers will deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.
Alternative options for last-minute gift-givers include digital gift cards sent via email, local delivery services in major cities, click-and-collect options from major retailers, and experience vouchers that can be printed at home.
Your Christmas shipping action plan
The key to stress-free Christmas shipping isn’t just knowing the deadlines—it’s planning ahead and choosing the right service for your needs and budget.
Start by making a list of who you’re sending to and where they’re located. Remote areas need earlier sending dates, while capital cities offer more flexibility.
Consider the value and urgency of each gift—that special present for the grandkids might warrant express delivery, while Christmas cards can go standard post.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Australia, meaning all Australia Post locations will be closed with no deliveries on December 25. This is why the December 23 deadline for Express Post is so firm—it allows for Christmas Eve delivery as the final option.
While we’re focused on this year’s deadlines, it’s worth noting that Christmas shipping dates tend to be similar year to year.
The festive season should be about connection and joy, not stress about whether parcels will arrive on time.
With proper planning and realistic expectations, you can navigate the Christmas shipping season successfully.
Read next: Who knew Christmas luxury could come in a $32 Kmart box?
What’s your go-to strategy for Christmas shipping? Have you found ways to beat the rush or discovered services that work particularly well for your family’s needs? Share your experiences in the comments below—your fellow readers would love to hear your tips!
Primary Source
FedEx reveals vital deadlines for Christmas deliveries
To avoid festive meltdowns, here’s how to make sure gifts make it under the tree in time for the big day.
7news.com.au
Christmas cut-off dates—Australia Post
Cited text: 'Last year we delivered almost 103 million parcels to customers during November and December.'
Article excerpt: 'nearly 103 million parcels flooding the system during November and December'
Christmas cut-off dates
Learn what our Christmas cut off-dates are, plus postage prices to send Christmas cards within Australia and overseas.
auspost.com.au
Australia Post confirms Christmas delivery cut-off dates for 2024 | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: 'Last year, Australia Post delivered almost 100 million parcels during November and December.'
Article excerpt: 'nearly 103 million parcels flooding the system during November and December'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Cited text: 'For most locations within Australia, the Christmas mail should be sent by 20 December 2024.'
Article excerpt: 'Australia Post recommends sending most parcels within Australia by December 20, 2024'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Australians are advised to plan ahead and post their Christmas mail, both locally and internationally, before these cut-off dates.
www.sbs.com.au
Australia Post’s 2024 last lodgement dates announced | Australian Retailers Association
Cited text: 'Express Post: If you need to send something closer to Christmas, Monday 23 December is the last day for Express Post parcels.'
Article excerpt: 'Australia Post's Express Post service extends until Monday, December 23'
Australia Post’s 2024 last lodgement dates announced | Australian Retailers Association
The festive season is fast approaching, and for businesses and individuals alike, that means it’s time to plan ahead for Christmas deliveries. Last year, Australia Post delivered nearly 100 million […]
www.retail.org.au
Guide to Australia Post Christmas Cut-Off Times for 2024
Cited text: 'Christmas cards can be sent at a special seasonal rate of 65c within Australia during November and December.'
Article excerpt: 'a special seasonal rate of 65c within Australia during November and December'
Guide to Australia Post Christmas Cut-Off Times for 2024
Avoid delays this Christmas! Learn Australia Post cut-off times for Gold Coast residents and plan ahead for stress-free parcel delivery in 2024.
gcmag.com.au
Australia Post confirms Christmas delivery cut-off dates for 2024 | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: 'A little bit lighter and easier to manage than a package, Australia Post says if you’re sending Christmas cards or letters, the cut-off for a 25 Decem...'
Article excerpt: 'cut-off dates of December 16 for same-state delivery and December 13 for interstate cards'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Cited text: 'Depending on the destination, the cut-off dates for international standard shipping start in late November. For most East and Southeast Asian countrie...'
Article excerpt: 'For Australia Post international deliveries, cut-off dates start in late November, with most East and Southeast Asian countries, major European destinations, and New Zealand requiring parcels to be mailed before December 5'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Australians are advised to plan ahead and post their Christmas mail, both locally and internationally, before these cut-off dates.
www.sbs.com.au
Christmas Australia Post delivery deadlines
Cited text: 'If you’re using your own packaging, parcels are charged according to their weight.'
Article excerpt: 'If you're using your own packaging, parcels are charged according to their weight'
Christmas Australia Post delivery deadlines
Cited text: 'Australia Posts has an online calculator to estimate postage cost and delivery timeframes.'
Article excerpt: 'Australia Post has an online calculator to estimate postage cost and delivery timeframes'
Christmas Australia Post delivery deadlines
Cited text: 'Overseas Christmas cards will cost $3 to anywhere in the world as long as they are no larger than 260mm x 360mm, on thicker than 5mm and no heavier th...'
Article excerpt: 'overseas Christmas cards cost just $3 to anywhere in the world'
Christmas Australia Post delivery deadlines
Cited text: 'And be sure to to write ‘Card Only’ on your envelope.'
Article excerpt: 'Remember to write 'Card Only' on your envelope'
Christmas cut-off dates—Australia Post
Cited text: 'We’ll deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as we can, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.'
Article excerpt: 'Couriers will deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas'
Christmas cut-off dates
Learn what our Christmas cut off-dates are, plus postage prices to send Christmas cards within Australia and overseas.
auspost.com.au
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Cited text: ''While we’ll do our best to deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, they may not arrive until after Christmas.''
Article excerpt: 'Couriers will deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Australians are advised to plan ahead and post their Christmas mail, both locally and internationally, before these cut-off dates.
www.sbs.com.au
Australia Post’s 2024 last lodgement dates announced | Australian Retailers Association
Cited text: 'Last year, Australia Post delivered nearly 100 million parcels across the country during November and December.'
Article excerpt: 'Last year, Australia Post alone delivered nearly 100 million parcels across the country during November and December'
Australia Post’s 2024 last lodgement dates announced | Australian Retailers Association
The festive season is fast approaching, and for businesses and individuals alike, that means it’s time to plan ahead for Christmas deliveries. Last year, Australia Post delivered nearly 100 million […]
www.retail.org.au
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Cited text: ''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 up...''
Article excerpt: 'Australia Post brings on thousands of new team members across their network during the Christmas period'
Time to wrap up: Australia Post issues cut-off dates for Christmas mail
Australians are advised to plan ahead and post their Christmas mail, both locally and internationally, before these cut-off dates.
www.sbs.com.au
Christmas Australia Post delivery deadlines
Cited text: 'Australia Post will offer weekend deliveries during the Christmas period.'
Article excerpt: 'Australia Post offers weekend deliveries during the Christmas period'
2024 Australia Last Posting Dates & Holiday Schedule | Easyship
Cited text: 'Christmas Day is a public holiday in Australia; all Australia Post locations will be closed with no deliveries on this day.'
Article excerpt: 'Christmas Day is a public holiday in Australia, meaning all Australia Post locations will be closed with no deliveries on December 25'
2024 Australia Last Posting Dates & Holiday Schedule
Stay ahead of shipping deadlines this festive season! Explore Easyship's blog below for up-to-date holiday shipping deadlines for Christmas 2024 in Australia.
www.easyship.com
Guide to Australia Post Christmas Cut-Off Times for 2024
Cited text: 'Remember, any items sent after these deadlines will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.'
Article excerpt: 'any items sent after the recommended deadlines will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas'
Guide to Australia Post Christmas Cut-Off Times for 2024
Avoid delays this Christmas! Learn Australia Post cut-off times for Gold Coast residents and plan ahead for stress-free parcel delivery in 2024.
gcmag.com.au
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