Temporary weekend deliveries have been rolled out by Australia Post in preparation for the increased number of online sales in the lead-up to Christmas.
The temporary weekend deliveries started November 18, 2023, in all metro capitals and some regional cities and towns. According to the post, weekend deliveries will remain in place up until Christmas, depending on volumes.
To give items the best chance of arriving on time, Australia Post reports that parcels should be sent by December 18, for most destinations within Australia, or if sent via Express Post, by December 21. People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.
Gary Starr, executive general manager of parcel, post and e-commerce services at Australia Post, said, “We’ve been preparing for another big sales and festive season, including recruiting thousands of additional team members and giving customers more convenient delivery options, such as the opportunity to collect missed deliveries from free 24/7 Australia Post Parcel Lockers instead of the post office.
“We delivered 52 million parcels last December and we’re expecting another huge peak season ahead, driven by the increasing popularity of cyber sales events. As the sales events ramp up and online shopping surges in the lead-up to Christmas, our temporary Saturday and Sunday service is just another way we are supporting our customers at the busiest time of the year.”