Australia Post has confirmed delivery cut-off dates to allow gifts to arrive in time for Christmas this year, with all Parcel Post delivered items are recommended to be sent by Saturday 12 December and Express Post items by 19 December.

International postage deadlines have also been provided on the website and standard delivery dates will be early November for some countries.

“We’re working hard to deliver your letters and parcels, but delivery for Christmas will take longer this year as we manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before,” Australia Post said.

Australia Post recommends sending gifts as early as possible this year to avoid the risk of parcels not arriving in time.

“Sending as early as possible, and by the dates advised following, means your letters and parcels will have the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas,” they said.

Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic has seen postage delays across the country due to lockdowns and restrictions, but it’s also caused more people to shop online, creating massive strains on postage services.

Gary Starr, Australia Post’s Executive General Manager of Business explained that Australia Post has hired thousands of new workers to help out during the Christmas period.

“We are hiring 4000 more people to help us through what we know will be our busiest Christmas ever we’ve ever seen in terms of online shopping,” he told Herald Sun.

He also said letters to Santa need to be posted by 26 November so that they can make their way to the North Pole and back in time for Christmas.

Photo: Letterbox near grass field by Yanik Mika available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.