With a month until Christmas, Australia Post is getting ready for its busiest festive period ever and is keeping post office doors open longer at more than 500 locations across the country, with the majority commencing extended hours from Saturday 28 November.

Australia Post’s David McNamara said extended trading hours give customers more choice and convenience ahead of Christmas and the pre-Christmas sales events.

“This is traditionally our busiest time of year, but we have seen sustained growth over the last seven months compared to our 2019 pre-Christmas peak period,” Mr McNamara said.

“With more households shopping online than ever before, we expect this Christmas season to be record-breaking.

“Many of our post offices have extended their opening times to provide our customers greater flexibility with their sending and receiving in the lead up to the big day.”

Mr McNamara said customers were encouraged to send their presents as early as they can, so their letters and parcels have the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.

“For delivery within Australia, presents are recommended to be sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and Saturday 19 December for Express Post.

“Items sent after these dates will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but it will be difficult to get them to their destinations by Christmas.”

Extended trading hours vary according to each outlet and will continue until Wednesday 23 December.

To check a specific post office’s trading times, visit auspost.com.au/locate and for more information on sending with Australia Post this Christmas visit auspost.com.au/christmas.