AusPost tracking

What is Australia Post?

Australia Post, commonly known as AusPost, is Australia's national postal operator and one of the country's oldest institutions. Founded in 1809 with the opening of the first post office in Sydney, the company has established itself as the cornerstone of mail and parcel distribution across the entire Australian territory. Isaac Nichols, a former convict turned respected businessman, was appointed the first postmaster of New South Wales, inaugurating a postal tradition that has persisted for over two centuries.

June 26, 1809 officially marks the birth of the Australian postal system, when Nichols boarded the brick Experiment to collect the first mail shipment from Great Britain. This founding moment laid the groundwork for a network that gradually expanded across all Australian colonies. Postmasters were subsequently appointed in Tasmania in 1812, Western Australia in 1829, Victoria in 1836, South Australia in 1837, and Queensland in 1842, creating a postal network covering the entire continent.

Following the federation of Australian colonies in 1901, the various colonial postal systems were merged within the Postmaster-General's Department, which managed postal, telegraph, and telephone operations. This structure remained in place until 1975, when the Australian government underwent a major reorganization by establishing the Australian Postal Commission as a separate entity. On January 1, 1989, this commission was transformed into a government-owned corporation under the name Australian Postal Corporation, the company we know today as Australia Post.

• Founding date: 1809, with the opening of the first post office in Sydney under the direction of Isaac Nichols
• Legal status: Government Business Enterprise, a state-owned company 100% owned by the Australian government
• Headquarters: 480 Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121, in the Melbourne metropolitan area
• Workforce: More than 34,000 direct employees and over 64,000 total collaborators including the extended delivery and retail network
• Revenue: More than 9 billion Australian dollars in annual revenue
• Network: 4,118 post offices across Australia, of which 2,523 are located outside major metropolitan areas
• Volume processed: More than 2.2 billion items processed each year

Australia Post's market positioning is based on its status as a universal postal operator, guaranteeing the distribution of mail and parcels to all 12.8 million delivery points across Australian territory. This universal service mission involves serving both large coastal metropolises and isolated Outback communities, sometimes located hundreds of kilometers from any urban infrastructure. The company is led by Paul Graham, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, who oversees all national and international operations of the group.

Facing digital transformation and the boom in e-commerce, Australia Post has adapted its business model. While traditional mail volume gradually declines with communication digitization, parcel activity is experiencing exponential growth driven by online shopping. The company has repositioned itself as a major player in e-commerce logistics in Australia, investing heavily in its sorting infrastructure, delivery capacity, and tracking technologies to meet the expectations of modern consumers.

Which countries does Australia Post deliver to?

Australia Post provides remarkably extensive geographic coverage, both across national territory and at the international level. In Australia, the carrier serves all municipalities and localities, from the bustling city centers of Sydney and Melbourne to isolated Outback stations, six days a week. This universal service obligation makes Australia Post the only operator capable of guaranteeing a postal presence in every corner of the continent, including regions where population density is extremely low.

For Australian overseas territories, Australia Post offers dedicated services to all external territories. Christmas Island, Cocos Island, and Norfolk Island, as well as other Australian Pacific territories, benefit from regular postal connections despite their geographic isolation. These services are adapted to the specific logistical constraints of these island destinations, with delivery timeframes adjusted based on available maritime and air transport frequencies.

Internationally, Australia Post serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide through its membership in the Universal Postal Union and its partnerships with national postal operators in each destination country. The carrier has organized its international destinations into five distinct tariff zones to simplify understanding of rates and timeframes:

• Zone 1 - New Zealand: Preferred destination due to geographic proximity and strong historical ties between the two countries, with some of the shortest delivery timeframes for international mail
• Zone 2 - Asia and the Pacific: Covers China, Pacific islands, and all Asian countries, representing a significant portion of Australia Post's international traffic
• Zone 3 - North America: Includes the United States and Canada, with services adapted to North American regulatory requirements
• Zone 4 - Europe and rest of world: Encompasses the United Kingdom, Ireland, major European countries, as well as destinations such as Russia and South Africa
• Zone 5 - Various destinations: Groups countries not included in the previous zones, ensuring near-complete worldwide coverage

For international shipments, Australia Post works closely with airlines, particularly Qantas, to transport mail and parcels by air to international sorting centers. Once they arrive in the destination country, shipments are handed over to the local postal service for final delivery. Thus, a parcel shipped to the United States will be handled by USPS, while a shipment to the United Kingdom will transit through Royal Mail for delivery to the recipient.

It should be noted that certain restrictions may apply depending on the destination country. In August 2025, Australia Post temporarily suspended shipments to the United States following changes to U.S. customs rules regarding the de minimis threshold. As these situations evolve regularly, it is recommended to check service updates on the Australia Post official website before shipping a parcel to a specific international destination.

What are Australia Post's delivery services and timeframes?

Australia Post offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to the different needs of individuals and businesses. These services are distinguished primarily by their delivery timeframes, tracking options, and respective guarantees. The offering is structured around two main categories for domestic shipments: the standard Parcel Post service and the premium Express Post service, supplemented by specialized solutions for large volumes.

Parcel Post is the economical option for parcel shipments within Australia. Delivery timeframes vary depending on the distance between origin and destination. For shipments within the same state, you can generally expect 2 to 5 business days. Interstate deliveries require 3 to 14 business days depending on the regions involved. Shipments to Western Australia from the east coast can take up to 8 to 14 days due to the considerable distance to be covered. This service includes basic tracking allowing you to monitor the progress of your parcel.

Express Post is Australia Post's premium service for urgent shipments requiring rapid delivery. This service guarantees 1 to 3 business days across Australia, with next business day delivery available within the Express Post network covering approximately 80% of Australian addresses. Next-day delivery is guaranteed between state capitals (with the exception of Darwin, and only within the CBD for Perth) as well as to certain major regional centers.

• Standard Parcel Post: 2 to 14 business days depending on distance, ideal for non-urgent shipments at economical rates
• National Express Post: 1 to 3 business days, with guaranteed next-day delivery within the express network between major cities
• Local Express Post: Same-day delivery possible in certain metropolitan areas via the StarTrack Courier service
• Registered Post: Recommended service with enhanced tracking, signature upon delivery, and insurance for valuable shipments
• International Standard: Indicative timeframe of 6 to 10 business days to major international destinations
• International Express: Accelerated service via the EMS network for urgent international shipments with detailed tracking

To benefit from the next business day delivery guarantee with Express Post, items must be deposited in yellow mailboxes before 4 p.m. on a business day. Parcels submitted after this deadline will be processed the next business day, adding an extra day to the timeframe. Similarly, shipments made on Friday after the deadline or during the weekend will not begin processing until Monday, unless it is a public holiday.

Australia Post now delivers on Saturdays for certain services, offering increased flexibility to recipients. However, no deliveries are made on national and regional public holidays, which can extend delivery times during holiday periods. For remote or difficult-to-access areas, timeframes may be significantly longer, even with Express Post. An express parcel sent to an isolated community in the Kimberley region can take 3 to 7 business days despite using the premium service.

What are Australia Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Australia Post's pricing is based on several combined factors: the weight of the shipment, its dimensions, the destination, and the service level chosen. The company revises its rates annually, with adjustments generally taking effect on July 1. Australia Post regularly applies modest increases to its Parcel Post and Express Post rates, aiming to maintain price competitiveness while covering inflation in operational costs.

Regarding mail, the basic rate for a standard letter, called the Basic Postage Rate, is approximately 1.70 Australian dollars and is subject to regular reviews. Concession card holders benefit from reduced postage stamps at a preferential rate, as do seasonal greeting cards which remain available for less than one dollar each.

For domestic parcels, rates vary considerably depending on weight and dimensions. As an indication, a small parcel weighing less than 500 grams costs approximately 10 to 15 Australian dollars in standard service, while a 5-kilogram parcel can reach 15 to 25 dollars depending on the destination. Express Post applies a surcharge of approximately 40 to 60% compared to standard rates to guarantee accelerated delivery.

• Maximum weight Parcel Post domestic: Up to 22 kilograms for domestic shipments within Australia
• Maximum weight Express Post: Up to 22 kilograms with a maximum length of 105 centimeters and a maximum volume of 0.25 cubic meters
• Maximum weight international: 20 kilograms for most international destinations in standard postal service
• Maximum dimensions: Length must not exceed 105 centimeters, and the combination of length plus girth must not exceed the limits defined by the chosen service
• Oversized parcels: Shipments exceeding standard limits can be handled through StarTrack services or appropriate freight solutions

For international shipments, rates are structured according to the five geographic zones defined by Australia Post. As an example, a 1-kilogram parcel shipped to the United States or Canada (Zone 3) costs approximately 42.20 Australian dollars in International Standard service with its own packaging, and approximately 59.20 dollars in International Express service. Rates to Europe (Zone 4) are generally slightly higher, while shipments to New Zealand (Zone 1) benefit from the most advantageous rates.

Businesses shipping large volumes can access preferential rates through contractual programs such as eParcel. These commercial contracts offer significant reductions in exchange for a minimum volume commitment, as well as software integrations facilitating label printing and shipment tracking. The Return Paid Parcels program for online purchase returns offers annual fees of approximately 135 Australian dollars.

What are Australia Post's delivery options?

Australia Post has developed a range of flexible delivery options to adapt to the varied lifestyles of its customers. Whether you are often away from home, prefer to collect your parcels at your convenience, or want secure delivery, the carrier offers solutions suited to each situation. These options are accessible via the MyPost app or Australia Post website, allowing recipients to customize their delivery experience.

Home delivery remains the default option for most shipments. Delivery workers, called posties in Australia, conduct daily rounds in urban and suburban areas, using Australia Post's iconic red motorcycles or, increasingly, light electric vehicles and e-bikes. For parcels requiring a signature, the delivery worker ensures the recipient's presence. In case of absence, several alternatives are available to the customer.

The Safe Drop option allows the delivery worker to leave the parcel in a safe place predefined by the recipient, such as behind the house, near the garage, or in a designated shelter. This authorization can be given permanently via the MyPost account or on a one-time basis for a specific delivery. The recipient receives a photo confirming the drop-off location, providing full traceability even in their absence.

• Standard home delivery: Distribution to the address indicated by the sender, Monday to Saturday in most areas
• Safe Drop (secure drop-off): Permission to leave the parcel in a safe agreed location in the recipient's absence, with photo confirmation
• Parcel Locker (automated parcel locker): Network of over 1,100 lockers accessible 24/7 across Australia, near post offices, supermarkets, and train stations
• Parcel Collect (post office collection): Ability to have your parcel delivered to the post office of your choice for collection during business hours
• Parcel redirection: Option to change the delivery address or redirect a parcel in transit to a Parcel Locker or post office
• Mail Hold: Service to temporarily suspend mail and parcels during a prolonged absence, with grouped delivery upon return

Parcel Lockers represent a major innovation in Australia Post's delivery offering. These automated lockers, installed in strategic locations across the country, allow you to collect your parcels at any time of day or night. To use this free service, simply register via the AusPost app and select a Parcel Locker as your delivery address. When the parcel arrives, the recipient receives a notification with an access code to open the corresponding locker. Parcels can be kept in the locker for 48 hours, after which they are transferred to the nearest post office.

Parcel Lockers accept parcels weighing up to 16 kilograms and with dimensions not exceeding 35 x 44 x 61 centimeters. For larger parcels or in case of locker unavailability, delivery is automatically redirected to the nearest post office. Many Australian online retailers now offer the option to select a Parcel Locker directly during the purchase process, further simplifying the customer experience.

In case of missed home delivery, Australia Post leaves a notice indicating where and when to collect the parcel. If the post office is not suitable or if the customer prefers an alternative, the parcel can be placed in a free Parcel Locker located within one kilometer of the recipient's address. Storage periods are 10 business days at the post office and 30 days for mailboxes. After this period, unclaimed parcels are returned to the sender.

What should I do if my Australia Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite Australia Post's efforts to ensure reliable delivery of all shipments, it can happen that a parcel is lost, damaged, or significantly delayed. In these situations, the carrier has established claims and compensation procedures allowing senders and recipients to obtain redress. Understanding these procedures and associated timeframes is essential to effectively assert your rights.

The first step is to check the parcel's tracking status on the Australia Post website or app. If no update has appeared for several days, it is recommended to wait an additional 24 hours before taking action, as certain scan delays can occur during periods of high activity. If the parcel is shown as delivered but you have not received it, check with your neighbors, in common areas of your building, or in places where a secure drop-off may have been made.

For online purchases, the recommended procedure is to contact the seller first. As the sender, they are best positioned to report the loss to Australia Post and arrange a replacement or refund. The seller will then file a lost item report with the carrier and can request compensation to cover the merchandise value and postage costs.

• Basic compensation: Most Australia Post services include automatic coverage up to 100 Australian dollars in case of loss or damage, plus reimbursement of postage costs
• Extra Cover: Supplementary insurance option available at time of sending, offering coverage up to 5,000 Australian dollars for an additional fee
• Claim timeframe: All compensation claims must be filed within 30 days of delivery or the scheduled delivery date
• Proof of value: Proof of item value (purchase invoice, receipt, estimate) may be required to obtain compensation
• Processing timeframe: Claims are generally processed within 10 to 14 business days, potentially up to 60 days for international shipments

For a damaged parcel, the procedure requires presenting the item and its packaging at a post office so a damage report can be established. Only the person to whom the item is addressed can complete this step. It is important to keep the original packaging as it constitutes essential proof for damage assessment and responsibility determination.

If you believe Australia Post has not adequately responded to your claim, you can appeal to the Postal Industry Ombudsman, the mediation authority for the Australian postal sector. This independent body can intervene to resolve disputes concerning compensation for lost or damaged items, significant delivery delays, and recurring service problems. Using the Ombudsman is free for consumers.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, consumers also have warranty rights allowing them to claim compensation if a service is not performed with the required care and competence. These legal protections supplement Australia Post's compensation procedures and can be invoked in case of significant harm not covered by the carrier's standard procedures.

Does Australia Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Australia Post plays a central role in routing international parcels to and from Australia. As a member of the Universal Postal Union, the carrier collaborates with postal services in more than 220 countries to ensure continuity of transport to the final destination. This international cooperation allows Australians to send parcels anywhere in the world while benefiting from integrated tracking and harmonized service standards.

For international shipments, Australia Post offers two main service levels. International Standard provides economical routing with an indicative timeframe of 6 to 10 business days to major destinations, including basic tracking to the destination country. International Express, using the EMS network, guarantees shorter timeframes and end-to-end detailed tracking, with regular updates even after transfer to the destination country carrier.

Managing customs procedures is an essential step for any international shipment. When shipping, the sender must complete a customs declaration specifying the parcel's contents, value, and reason for export. This information is essential for customs clearance in the destination country. Australia Post facilitates this process by integrating customs invoice creation into its online booking platforms.

• Mandatory customs declaration: Every international shipment must be accompanied by an accurate description of contents and declared value
• HS codes: Using precise 6-digit HS codes accelerates customs processing and reduces delay risks
• Customs duties: Customs duties, VAT, and handling fees of the destination country are generally charged to the recipient
• Country restrictions: Each country applies its own rules regarding authorized, prohibited, or conditionally allowed items
• Prohibited items: Certain items are universally prohibited from international shipment, including hazardous materials, aerosols, and flammable products

New requirements for HS codes and tariff compliance strengthen the importance of accurate customs declarations. Changes to the U.S. de minimis rules and revisions to the European Union's nomenclature have complicated certain shipments to these destinations. Australia Post recommends consulting specific regulations for the destination country before any shipment.

The customs clearance process can result in additional delays, particularly for parcels containing goods subject to inspection or for which documents are incomplete. Once the parcel is released by the destination country's customs, it resumes its normal routing to the recipient's address. If customs duties or taxes are due, the recipient is generally informed and must pay them before being able to collect the parcel.

For valuable items sent internationally, Australia Post offers supplementary insurance options and services with mandatory signature upon delivery. These additional guarantees provide enhanced protection for precious or irreplaceable shipments, although conditions and compensation limits may vary by destination country according to applicable bilateral agreements.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking an Australia Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment through the logistics network. This information is updated with each barcode scan, providing near-real-time visibility of routing. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: