From sending last-minute gifts to picking up urgent parcels, timing is everything. But with over 4,000 Australia Post outlets across the country—each with unique operating hours—navigating their schedules can feel like solving a puzzle. Whether you’re a busy parent, a small business owner, or a traveler needing postal services, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Australia Post timings in Australia.
Standard Post Office Hours
Most corporate-owned post offices follow these general hours:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed (exceptions below) |
Note:
- Rural & Licensed Outlets: Hours vary widely. For example, a post office in a small Queensland town might close at 4:30 PM on weekdays and skip Saturdays.
- Major Metro Hubs: Flagship locations like Sydney’s GPO or Melbourne’s Bourke Street may operate until 6:00 PM on weekdays and open Sundays (10 AM – 2 PM) during peak seasons .
Pro Tip: Use the Australia Post Locator for real-time hours at your nearest branch.
Priority Services & Cutoff Times
Need something urgently? Timing is critical for these services:
1. Express Post
- Same-Day Metro Delivery: Drop off by 12:00 PM (weekdays) for delivery to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane addresses by 6:00 PM.
- Next-Day National: Post by 5:00 PM (local time) for delivery to most capital cities the next business day .
2. Passport Appointments
Book online for specific slots (typically 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on weekdays). Avoid Mondays and Fridays—they’re the busiest .
3. Parcel Pickup
Missed a delivery? Collect items from your local post office during their standard hours. Some metro Parcel Lockers offer 24/7 access.
Holiday & Peak Season Schedules
Australia Post adjusts hours during holidays and busy periods:
| Holiday | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | Most close by 12:00 PM. |
| Christmas Day | All closed. |
| Boxing Day | Select metro branches open (10 AM – 2 PM). |
| New Year’s Day | Closed. |
| Easter | Closed Good Friday & Easter Sunday. |
Peak Seasons (November–January):
- Extended weekday hours (until 6:00 PM) at major hubs.
- Sunday openings (10 AM – 2 PM) for last-minute holiday shoppers.
Delivery Timings: When Will Your Parcel Arrive?
Delivery windows depend on the service:
| Service | Delivery Days | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Post | 2–6 business days | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Express Post | 1–3 business days | By 6:00 PM (metro areas) |
| Parcel Lockers | 24/7 once delivered | Anytime |
Rural Deliveries: Add 1–2 days for remote areas. Check the Delivery Time Calculator for precise estimates.
Australia Post’s timings are as diverse as the communities they serve. By aligning your errands with their schedules—and leveraging 24/7 tools like Parcel Lockers—you can save time, reduce stress, and stay ahead of deadlines.