Australia Post warning ahead of Christmas rush

Aussies are being warned to prepare early as cut-off dates for Christmas deliveries are announced.

Aussies are being urged to get themselves organised after Australia Post announced important last sending dates to help deliveries arrive in time for Christmas.

For sending to and from most destinations within Australia via Parcel Post, parcels should be sent by Monday, December 18.

The deadline for Express Post is Thursday, December 21.

People sending to or from Western Australia and the Northern Territory should allow a few extra days, Australia Post said.

Aussies are being urged to prepare themselves for the Christmas rush. Picture: Australia Post

“We know these last-sending dates are very important for customers to help ensure cards and gifts make it in time to loved ones near and far,” Australia Post parcel, post and eCommerce services executive general manager Gary Starr said.

“Of course, if items are sent after the recommended dates, they will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but they may not arrive until after Christmas.”

Last December, Australia Post delivered a staggering 52 million parcels, and a similar rush is expected this year.

International deliveries will need to be arranged earlier, with some needing to be sent as soon as November 16 for particularly far-flung destinations.

A whopping 52 million parcels were delivered in December last year. Picture: Australia Post

For international sending via Economy Air, last sending dates for cards and gifts fall between November 16-29, depending on the destination.

Customers sending via International Standard will have a few extra days to find the perfect gift, with the deadline being November 23-December 7.

Last-minute shoppers can give themselves another week if sending via International Express, with the deadline for that service November 30-December 13.

That will be a costly option though, with International Express prices starting at a whopping $28.05 for letters and documents and $30.35 for parcels.

Further details can be found on the Australia Post website.