Last call for Christmas! Delivery cut-off dates for Australia Post and big brands
10 Dec 2025
If you’re doing your Christmas shopping online right now and silently praying those gifts make it under the tree in time, you’re not alone. Shopping online for Christmas presents is convenient, but you need to know when to hit ‘order’ to guarantee arrival before the big day.
To help you simplify the busy festive season, we’ve compiled the latest possible order dates from some of Australia’s major retailers that still promise pre-Christmas delivery.
If you’re sending gifts to loved ones, near or far, we also have the essential Australia Post shopping cut-off deadlines you need to know. Consider this your cheat sheet for stress-free Christmas deliveries.
When do I need to place my order to receive it in time for Christmas?
Below are the order cut-off dates from some of the most popular retailers in Australia–and they’re closing in fast. Remember that shipping timeframes depend on your location, your order and shipping options, so choose carefully when you’re at the checkout.
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| Retailer | Standard Delivery (Metro) | Standard Delivery (Regional) | Express/ Premium Delivery (Metro) |
Big and Bulky Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunnings | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | N/A | N/A |
| Chemist Warehouse | Midnight, 16 Dec (excluding NT and WA) | N/A | 2pm, 22 Dec | N/A |
| David Jones |
|
|
|
N/A |
| Harris Scarfe |
|
N/A | N/A | 11 Dec |
| Harvey Norman | 22 Dec | N/A | N/A | 22 Dec |
| Mecca |
|
|
|
N/A |
| Myer | Midnight, 15 Dec | Midnight, 15 Dec | Midnight, 16 Dec | N/A |
| Spotlight | 17 Dec | 17 Dec | N/A | 11 Dec |
Source: Respective retailers.
What are the Australia Post Christmas cut-off dates this year?
If you’re sending presents interstate this year, you still have a little time to get the job done. Here are the estimated cut-off dates supplied by Australia Post to ensure your parcel arrives at its destination before Christmas day. You can visit the Australia Post website to find cut-off dates for other locations around the country.
Standard post shipping cut-offs with Australia Post within Australia
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| Sending from | To NSW | To ACT | To VIC | To QLD | To SA | To WA | To TAS | To NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| ACT | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| VIC | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec |
| QLD | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 12 Dec |
| SA | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 22 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 17 Dec |
| WA | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 18 Dec | 17 Dec | 18 Dec | 22 Dec | 16 Dec | 12 Dec |
| TAS | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 18 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec | 22 Dec | 12 Dec |
| NT | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec | 17 Dec | 17 Dec | 17 Dec | 12 Dec | 22 Dec |
Source: Australia Post. These dates are for items sent to and from metro areas. For locations outside of metro areas, allow more time.
Express post shipping cut-offs with Australia Post within Australia
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| Sending to/from metro only | Cut-off date |
|---|---|
| NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, SA and within same state* | 23 Dec |
| NT, TAS and WA | 22 Dec |
Source: Australia Post. These dates are for items sent to and from metro areas. For locations outside of metro areas, allow more time.
When is the Christmas cut-off to send gifts overseas?
If you’re looking to deliver gifts to friends and family around the world, unlike Santa, you’ll need more than just one night. Here are the estimated shipping cut-offs for sending parcels to select overseas destinations. For more international cut-off dates, visit the Australia Post website.
International shipping cut-offs with Australia Post
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| Sending to | Courier parcels & letters | Express parcels & letters | Standard parcels | Economy Air parcels & International Post Registered letters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 15 Dec | 15 Dec | 11 Dec | 4 Dec |
| USA | Suspended | 15 Dec | 11 Dec | 4 Dec |
| Canada | 15 Dec | 11 Dec | 8 Dec | 1 Dec |
| UK | 15 Dec | 15 Dec | 11 Dec | 4 Dec |
| Major European destinations | 15 Dec | 15 Dec | 11 Dec | 4 Dec |
| China | 15 Dec | 9 Dec | 2 Dec | 25 Nov |
| East/Southeast Asia | 15 Dec | 12 Dec | 5 Dec | 28 November |
| Rest of world | N/A | 5 Dec | 28 Nov | 21 Nov |
Source: Australia Post. Overseas deliveries may be affected by factors outside of Australia Post’s control. These dates are estimates for sending between metropolitan areas only. For locations outside of metropolitan areas, allow more time.
Beware Christmas delivery scams
According to Scamwatch, Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year for scammers to strike. Most parcel and delivery scams are sent via text or email to trick you into clicking a malicious link or handing over personal information.
Protect yourself and your presents this festive season by knowing what to look for:
- Australia Post and other senders will never ask you for passwords, credit card, or banking details via phone, text, or email.
- If you receive a text or email claiming your parcel is delayed and needs an updated address or payment, do not click the link.
- The safest way to track your delivery is always through the official AusPost app or through tracking provided by the retailer you purchased from.
This article was reviewed by our Consumer Editor Meagan Lawrence before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
