Reminder when the last day to buy online, get gifts in time for Xmas

The last day you can buy online and still get your parcel in time for Christmas has been revealed - and Australia Post says you better be quick.

Australians wanting to order their presents online and get them in time for Christmas Day will need to place their orders today.

The postal company has reminded customers that Monday is their last chance to send gifts by standard Parcel Post.

Those needing a little more time can use the Express Post service, but orders need to be sent no later than December 20 for most of the country.

That cut off date is five days earlier for the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Australia Post is expecting a record number of deliveries this year, in excess of more than 52 million parcels that were sent last December.

The business’ executive general manager deliveries Rod Barnes said some of the busiest delivery days could reach more than three million parcels over 24 hours.

Today is the last day you can buy gifts online and have them delivered by Australia Post in time for Christmas Day. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“We’re coming off the back of the biggest online shopping month ever in November, so we know a lot of people did get their Christmas shopping done early during those big cyber sales,” he said.

“As a result we’ve been delivering over 2.3 million parcels each weekday.

“But for those who haven’t had the chance to finalise their gifts yet, we’re doing everything we can to give them the best chance of arriving, including delivering on weekends and until early evening where needed, up until Christmas Eve.

“If people do miss those sending deadlines … (deliveries) may not arrive until after Christmas.”

More than 380 Post Offices across the country have extended trading hours to give customers the best chance to send their gifts in time.

Prior to sending their parcel, customers should check its origin and destination are within the Express Post network.

More than 52 million parcels that were sent last December and Australia Post is expecting more deliveries this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw