Get parcels faster: Inside Australia Post’s ‘next generation’ post offices 

If you’ve noticed your local post office getting busier—or perhaps you’ve found yourself juggling more online shopping deliveries than ever before—you’re not alone. 

Australia Post is responding to our changing habits with a bold new move: the launch of ‘next-generation’ post offices designed to make parcel collection, sending, and returns easier than ever.

Let’s face it: the days of popping into the post office to buy a stamp or send a birthday card are fading fast. With nearly 10 million Australian households shopping online in 2024 (a 2.3 per cent jump from last year), the humble parcel has become the show’s star. 

Millennials (born between 1980 and 1995) and Gen Z (born between 1996 and 2010) might be leading the charge. 

However, many over-50s have also embraced the convenience of online shopping, especially when it means avoiding crowded shopping centres.

Australia Post’s research shows that collecting parcels is now the number one reason people visit their branches. So, it’s no surprise they’re reimagining the post office to keep up with our new, parcel-packed lifestyles.

The first of these ‘next generation’ post offices has just opened in Fitzroy (Melbourne) and Waterloo (Sydney), with more on the way in Chadstone, St Leonards, and the Gold Coast. But what makes them different?

• 24/7 access: No more racing to the post office before closing time. These new branches feature self-service desks and a wall of parcel lockers, accessible around the clock with a one-time code from the Australia Post app.
• Easy returns and sending: Need to send something back or post a parcel? There’s a vending machine stocked with packaging, stamps, and other essentials, available 24/7.
• On-site help: While the focus is on self-service, six to eight Australia Post staff will still be on hand during extended trading hours to help with questions or trickier transactions.
• Streamlined process: Whether collecting, sending, or returning, the process is designed to be as seamless as possible—no more queuing behind someone paying a bill or buying a passport photo.

For many people, the post office is more than just a place to pick up parcels—it’s a community hub. But as our shopping habits change, so must the services we rely on. 

These new branches are all about convenience, flexibility, and making life a little easier, especially if you manage deliveries for yourself, your family, or even a small business.

Imagine being able to collect a parcel after dinner or send a return before your morning walk—there would be no need to rearrange your day around limited opening hours. 

And for those who might be less comfortable with technology, the presence of helpful staff means you won’t be left to figure it all out alone.

Australia Post focuses on metro locations for these new parcel-only branches. While that might be disappointing for those in regional or rural areas, the company will monitor how these trial locations perform before considering a wider rollout. 

In the meantime, traditional post offices and parcel lockers remain available in many communities.

The rise of online shopping isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about choice, accessibility, and sometimes necessity (especially during lockdowns or for those with mobility challenges). 

Australia Post’s move shows how quickly our habits are evolving and how businesses adapt to keep up.

Are you excited about these new ‘next generation’ post offices? Do you think they’ll make your life easier, or are you concerned about the changes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Also read: Step up your mail game with Australia Post’s newest boxes