We’ve all been there: you’re eagerly awaiting a parcel, tracking it obsessively online, and you see that glorious update—your package is just around the corner, practically within arm’s reach.

You start planning your day around its arrival, maybe even peeking out the window every time you hear a van.

But for one Aussie, Jay Morgan, that anticipation turned into utter bewilderment when their delivery took a detour that defies all logic.


Jay’s story is one that will have many of us nodding in sympathy (or shaking our heads in disbelief).

After ordering a package from Melbourne, Jay watched as it made its way to a distribution centre in southeast Queensland, just five minutes from home.

So far, so good, right? But then, in a move that can only be described as 'inexplicable', the parcel was rerouted… all the way to South Australia.


Yes, you read that correctly. Instead of making the short hop to Jay’s front door, the package embarked on a cross-country adventure.

Jay took to social media to vent their frustration, saying: ‘I am about to crash out over Australia Post. I had a parcel that was supposed to arrive either yesterday or today. It got to the final stop on Wednesday—the last depot before it gets delivered. Why is it now in South Australia? I am in southeast Queensland. This parcel was sent from Melbourne. It got through southeast Queensland, like five kilometres down the road from where I live. In what world does this make any sense? Australia Post, what are we doing?’


And honestly, who among us hasn’t asked the same question at some point? Jay even pointed out that they could have easily driven to the depot and picked up the parcel themselves, saving everyone a lot of time and confusion.

The online community was quick to rally around Jay, with dozens of commenters sharing their own tales of postal woe.

Some tried to find the humour in the situation: ‘This is the most efficient way. Obviously,’ one joked.

Another quipped, ‘It’s called Australia Post, it needs to see more of Australia first.’ And of course, there was the classic: ‘The parcel decided it wanted an extended holiday.’

But for many, Jay’s experience was all too familiar. One commenter shared, ‘Australia Post once shipped my wheelchair to Canada.

It was being sent from Sydney to Newcastle.’ Another said, ‘It was coming from the Gold Coast to Logan and it went to Adelaide.’

And yet another: ‘Started in Queensland, bounced between NSW and Queensland for three weeks.’

So, what’s going on here? Why do parcels sometimes take the scenic route across the country—or even the globe—before reaching their intended destination?

Australia is a big country, and our postal system is a complex web of depots, sorting centres, and delivery routes.

Sometimes, a simple scanning error or a mislabelled barcode can send a package on a wild goose chase.

Other times, logistical hiccups, like staff shortages, weather events, or overloaded depots, can cause parcels to be rerouted unexpectedly.

Australia Post, for its part, encourages customers to contact it if something goes wrong.

A spokesperson said, ‘We are keen to look into this matter further and encourage the customer to get in touch with us directly via our website or by calling 13 POST (13 7678).’

While it’s frustrating to have your parcel go on an unexpected holiday, sometimes all you can do is laugh.

After all, who hasn’t received a Christmas card in March, or a birthday present that arrived just in time for next year’s celebration?

And let’s not forget the stories that make us grateful for the times when things do go right. For every parcel that ends up in the wrong state, there are thousands that arrive on time, safe and sound.


Have you ever had a parcel take a detour worthy of a travel brochure? What’s the strangest place your delivery has ended up? Or maybe you’ve got a tip for dealing with postal mishaps? Share your stories, advice, and laughs in the comments below.

Read more: Did your parcel end up here too? The bizarre delivery spot leaving Aussies confused