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Send your Christmas letters and parcels by these dates so they arrive in time

Dec 06, 2018

Australia Post has outlined the dates parcels must be sent in order to make it to the recipient in time for Christmas. Source: Getty

Christmas is fast approaching and although many may still be sorting through their present list, Australia Post has warned time is running out to send them off to loved ones around the country and overseas.

In a mere three weeks, families and friends across the country will be gathering together to celebrate the joyous day with delicious feasts and piles of presents under the Christmas tree. But for those with loved ones across Australia or even the world, there isn’t long left to package up those pressies or write those Christmas cards and send them on their way. And the last thing you want is for someone to be left without a gift.

Australia Post has outlined just how much time there is to send those cherished gifts with dates for international shipping cut-offs quickly approaching.

Although cut-offs have already passed for economy seamail and air mail for international deliveries, there is just over a week left to send parcels via standard and express shipping. As long as parcels are packed up and ready to go by December 12, they will make it in time with standard shipping. However, if you are willing to pay a little extra and go for the express option you have until December 17.

If you still haven’t bought all your presents for those in Australia, you still have until December 21 to send them via express — but bear in mind it could be a little more costly so close to Christmas.

For those that are well-prepared and have beaten the crowds in the shops then there is no harm in sending presents off early – as long as loved ones can resist opening them before the big day.

It will only take around two business days for parcels to reach their final destination within metropolitan areas or capital cities in the same state, while it could take up to four days between a metropolitan area of a capital city and a rural location. If it’s in the same state but between two rural areas then that time would most likely increase to five business days.

This does change a little for interstate deliveries. Between Sydney and Brisbane or Melbourne and Adelaide, the parcel would be expected to arrive in two to three days. Whereas if it’s a delivery between Sydney and Adelaide or Melbourne and Tasmania then the estimated time is three to four days.

For cards and letters between any areas of Australia it is generally two to six days for regular post, one to four with priority post and two to six days with registered post.