As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eager to get our gifts and cards in the mail to loved ones. But with Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, it's essential to know the Australia Post Christmas hours for 2018. Here are 5 essential dates to keep in mind to ensure your mail and parcels arrive on time.
Australia Post is committed to delivering mail and parcels to every corner of the country, but with the increased volume of mail during the holiday season, it's crucial to plan ahead. Whether you're sending gifts to family and friends or just need to get some last-minute shopping done, knowing the Australia Post Christmas hours will help you avoid any stress or disappointment.
1. Last Posting Dates for Christmas Delivery
To ensure your mail and parcels arrive by Christmas Day, make sure to check the last posting dates for each state and territory. For 2018, the last posting dates are:
- December 10 for Western Australia and Northern Territory
- December 12 for Queensland and South Australia
- December 14 for New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania
Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the Australia Post website for the latest information.
2. Christmas Trading Hours for Post Offices
While Australia Post will be operating on reduced hours during the holiday season, many post offices will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. However, it's essential to check your local post office's trading hours, as they may vary.
Some post offices may be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, while others may have extended hours in the lead-up to Christmas. You can use the Australia Post website to find your local post office and check their trading hours.
Post Office Christmas Trading Hours:
- Christmas Eve: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some post offices may close earlier)
- Christmas Day: Closed
- Boxing Day: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (some post offices may be closed)
- New Year's Eve: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some post offices may close earlier)
- New Year's Day: Closed
3. Parcel Delivery During the Holiday Season
With the increased volume of mail during the holiday season, parcel delivery times may be longer than usual. Australia Post recommends allowing an extra 2-3 business days for parcel delivery, especially for interstate deliveries.
To ensure your parcels arrive on time, consider using Australia Post's tracking service, which allows you to monitor the progress of your parcels online.
Parcel Delivery Times:
- Express Post: 1-2 business days (guaranteed)
- Parcel Post: 2-6 business days (estimated)
- Regular Post: 3-10 business days (estimated)
4. Australia Post's Extended Delivery Network
To help meet the increased demand for parcel delivery during the holiday season, Australia Post has extended its delivery network to include Sundays and public holidays. This means that parcels may be delivered on Sundays and public holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
However, this service is only available in select areas, so it's essential to check the Australia Post website to see if your area is included.
5. Tips for Sending Mail and Parcels During the Holiday Season
To ensure your mail and parcels arrive on time, follow these tips:
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time for mail and parcel delivery, especially for interstate deliveries.
- Use tracking: Track your parcels online to monitor their progress and receive updates.
- Check post office hours: Verify your local post office's trading hours to avoid disappointment.
- Use express post: Consider using express post for urgent deliveries, especially for interstate deliveries.
By following these tips and knowing the Australia Post Christmas hours, you can ensure your mail and parcels arrive on time and make the most of the holiday season.
Gallery of Australia Post Christmas Hours
What are the last posting dates for Christmas delivery?
+The last posting dates for Christmas delivery vary by state and territory. For 2018, the last posting dates are December 10 for Western Australia and Northern Territory, December 12 for Queensland and South Australia, and December 14 for New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Are post offices open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day?
+No, post offices are closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. However, some post offices may be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but with reduced hours.
How long does parcel delivery take during the holiday season?
+Parcel delivery times may be longer than usual during the holiday season. Australia Post recommends allowing an extra 2-3 business days for parcel delivery, especially for interstate deliveries.