How to Send Mail from Australia in 2025: A Complete Guide to Postcards, Parcels & Express

Sending mail from Australia—whether it’s a postcard to a friend, a care package to family overseas, or an urgent express document—is far easier than many people expect once you understand how the system works. Australia has one of the most structured and regulated postal networks in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia Post remains the backbone of everyday mail, handling billions of letters and parcels each year, while global courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT support fast international and business deliveries. Knowing which service to use, and when, can save you both money and frustration.

Why Understanding Australia’s Mailing System Matters

Every year, millions of tourists, migrants, international students, and local residents rely on Australia’s mailing system. In 2024 alone, Australia Post processed well over 2.5 billion parcels and letters, driven largely by e-commerce and international shipping. The system is designed to be transparent and predictable, but choosing the wrong service can lead to unnecessary delays or higher costs. Standard mail is ideal for postcards and letters, parcel services suit heavier or boxed items, and express couriers are best for time-sensitive deliveries. Understanding these differences helps ensure your mail arrives safely, on time, and within budget.

Sending Postcards from Australia

Postcards remain one of the simplest and most affordable ways to send a message from Australia. You can find postcards almost everywhere—tourist attractions, souvenir shops, bookstores, airport kiosks, and all Australia Post outlets. Prices typically range from AUD $1 to $3 per postcard, depending on design and location. Many travellers also choose to order postcards online, especially themed or personalised designs.

Sending a postcard is straightforward. After writing your message and clearly printing the recipient’s address, place the stamp in the top-right corner. Domestic and international postage rates differ, so it’s important to check before sending. Once stamped, you can drop the postcard into any red Australia Post letterbox or hand it over at a post office counter. Most postcards fall under standard letter size and weight, making them one of the cheapest mailing options available.

Delivery times are generally reliable. Domestic postcards usually arrive within 2–6 business days, depending on distance and whether the destination is metropolitan or regional. International postcards typically take 1–3 weeks, with destinations in Asia often receiving mail faster than Europe or North America. To improve delivery success, it’s best to write addresses in block letters, avoid writing too close to the edges, and consider coated or laminated postcards if sending from humid or rainy regions.

Sending Parcels from Australia

When it comes to parcels, Australia Post offers a range of flexible options. Prepaid satchels are popular for their predictable pricing and ease of use, while prepaid boxes suit fragile or bulky items. You can also use your own packaging, provided it meets size and durability requirements. For international parcels, reinforced boxes are strongly recommended, as items may pass through multiple handling points.

Parcel costs depend on size, weight, destination, and service speed. Australia Post’s online calculator allows senders to estimate prices accurately before lodging. Many people choose Registered Post for added security, Economy services for lower costs, or Standard and Express options for faster delivery. As a general guide, domestic parcels can range from AUD $10 to $40, while international parcels vary widely based on destination and weight.

Lodging a parcel is more flexible than ever. In addition to traditional post office counters, parcels can be lodged at 24/7 Parcel Lockers, through selected parcel pick-up services, or via participating retail partners. Before sending, it’s crucial to check prohibited and restricted items. Common restrictions include flammable goods, liquids and aerosols, fresh food, seeds, certain batteries, and sharp objects. International parcels are also subject to destination-specific customs rules, which can vary significantly by country.

Sending Express Deliveries

For urgent or high-value items, express delivery services offer speed, tracking, and peace of mind. Australia Post Express Post is widely used for domestic deliveries, while DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT dominate international express shipping. These services are particularly popular for business documents, electronics, and time-critical shipments.

In major cities, Australia Post Express Post often delivers next business day, while international express services usually take 2–7 business days, depending on destination and customs clearance. All express services include end-to-end tracking, with optional insurance and signature-on-delivery features. These added protections are especially valuable when sending important documents or expensive items.

Addressing Mail Correctly

Correct addressing plays a major role in delivery speed. For domestic mail, addresses should include the recipient’s name, street address, suburb, state abbreviation, and postcode, with “AUSTRALIA” at the bottom if required. Return addresses should always be placed in the top-left corner. For international mail, the destination country should be written in capital letters and in English, even if the rest of the address follows local formatting. This reduces the risk of misrouting during international sorting.

Delivery Times: What to Expect

Domestic delivery times vary by service level. Standard mail typically takes 2–6 business days, while express services aim for next-business-day delivery between major cities. Regional and remote areas may require additional time. International delivery times depend heavily on destination and customs processes.

Asia-Pacific deliveries often take 5–12 business days, Europe 8–20 business days, and North America 7–15 business days. Weather disruptions, customs inspections, and peak seasons such as Christmas can extend these estimates.

Cost-Saving Tips

There are several ways to reduce mailing costs. Prepaid satchels help avoid unexpected pricing, while keeping packaging compact reduces volumetric weight charges. Comparing quotes from multiple couriers for international express deliveries can reveal significant price differences. Online postage discounts are often available, and combining multiple items into one parcel can lower overall costs. Sending early also helps avoid peak-season surcharges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people ask whether food can be sent overseas. Only certain commercially packaged foods are allowed, while fresh or homemade items are usually prohibited. Parcels can be tracked using the tracking number provided by Australia Post or the courier. If a parcel is lost, inquiries can be lodged, and insured or express services typically offer compensation. Some services also allow scheduled home pick-ups. For international shipping, economy mail is usually the cheapest option, though it is slower.

Conclusion

With a wide range of reliable options available, sending postcards, parcels, or express deliveries from Australia is far simpler than it appears. Once you understand the differences between standard, parcel, and express services, you can choose the option that best matches your needs. Whether you’re mailing within Australia or sending items overseas, the right preparation ensures your mail arrives safely, efficiently, and with minimal stress. For the most accurate pricing and restrictions, it’s always wise to check the latest updates from Australia Post or your chosen courier before sending.

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Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.

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