If you're sending a gift, important documents, or a any sized parcel in, or out of Australia, Australia Post (or auspost) is the most obvious delivery choice. With a range of delivery options, clear pricing, and a wide network of partners across the country, sending parcels—big or small—is usually pretty straightforward.
In saying that, understanding the best way to send your parcel can save time, money, and ensure your item reaches its destination safely.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most popular Australia Post services, what they cost, and how to get your parcel where it needs to go quickly and within your budget.
While there are likely going to be times where you need to deliver a parcel urgently, there will also be occasions when time is less of a consideration. One of the key advantages to sending a parcel via Australia Post is the flexibility to choose your speed of delivery.
For domestic deliveries the most common options include:
Parcel post is a great option if you’re looking to keep delivery costs down and have some flexibility around delivery time. It is the standard parcel delivery service offered through Australia Post with same state parcels delivered within 2-4 days and interstate parcels delivered in around 3-6 days. The service offers delivery Australia-wide and comes with tracking as standard.
Your local post office will have a selection of prepaid Parcel Post satchels and flat rate packaging available for parcels under 5kg. For these items your delivery cost will be based on the size of the packaging or satchel you select rather than the weight of your item.
Pricing for prepaid satchels: (under 5kg)
| Satchel size | Satchel type | Fixed price |
| Small | 335 x 225mm | $11.30 |
| Medium | 390 x 270mm | $15.30 |
| Large | 415 x 315mm | $19.35 |
| Extra Large | 510 x 440mm | $23.35 |
The table below outlines the postage costs for parcels under 5kg but not the price of any packaging you select. Packaging options include boxes, mailing tubes, bags and come at an additional cost.
| Flat rate size | Postage only |
| Small | $10.95 |
| Medium | $14.95 |
| Large | $18.95 |
| Extra Large | $22.85 |
You may also choose to use your own packaging for Australia Post’s Parcel Post service. With this option, the cost will be determined by the weight of your parcel rather than the fixed pricing noted above.
| Weight | Postage cost |
| Up to 500g | $10.95 |
| 500g - 1kg | $14.95 |
| 1kg-3kg | $18.95 |
| 3kg-5kg | $22.85 |
If you need to send a parcel over 5kg via Parcel Post, your delivery cost will be determined by weight. Australia Post allows you to send a parcel up to 22kg, 105cm length, and 0.25 cubic meters within Australia.
You can use Auspost’s postage calculator for an accurate cost by entering your parcel details (from, destination, height, width, length and weight).
Express Post is Australia Post’s fastest domestic parcel delivery service - items usually arrive at their destination within 3 days or less.
Same state deliveries are often completed within 1-2 business days
Interstate deliveries are usually completed within 1-3 business days.
If you are sending your item Express Post from a capital city you may also be eligible for next day delivery if items are sent before 4pm and the destination is within one of the eligible post codes.
See a full list of eligible postcodes for next day delivery from every major city here.
As with Parcel Post, Express Post comes with parcel tracking as standard, allowing you to keep an eye on your delivery as it makes its way to its destination and be notified of any delays.
Australia Post delivers to more than 220 international destinations and offers a selection of delivery speeds and shipping solutions.
There are 4 main options when it comes to international delivery:
International courier is available from selected Auspost offices and to select destinations. It’s best for urgent parcels as delivery time is just 2-3 business days. Parcels can weigh up to 20kg and tracking is included in the delivery cost. It’s worth noting that this is the most expensive option when it comes to international delivery through Australia Post and so is best reserved for time sensitive deliveries.
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $95.90 |
| 250g - 500g | $99.15 |
| 500g - 1kg | $105.75 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $112.30 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $118.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $99.45 |
| 250g - 500g | $105.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $117.20 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $129.05 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $140.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $101.75 |
| 250g - 500g | $108.25 |
| 500g - 1kg | $121.15 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $134.15 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $147.15 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $106.80 |
| 250g - 500g | $113.55 |
| 500g - 1kg | $127.10 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $140.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $154.10 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $112.50 |
| 250g - 500g | $121.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $139 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $156.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $174.25 |
International Express offers delivery between most major metro areas within 3 - 6 business days. This makes it another option for more urgent parcels up to 20kg in weight. As an express service, this is still a more expensive option than standard and economy international delivery services.
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $30.90 |
| 250g - 500g | $34.15 |
| 500g - 1kg | $40.75 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $47.30 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $53.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $34.45 |
| 250g - 500g | $40.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $52.20 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $64.05 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $75.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $36.75 |
| 250g - 500g | $43.25 |
| 500g - 1kg | $56.15 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $69.15 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $82.15 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $41.80 |
| 250g - 500g | $48.55 |
| 500g - 1kg | $62.10 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $75.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $89.10 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $47.50 |
| 250g - 500g | $56.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $74 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $91.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $109.25 |
International standard delivery offers a general delivery period of up to 10 business days. This can be longer if delays are encountered along the way. For this reason, this service is best for non-urgent items weighing up to 20kg.
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $15.90 |
| 250g - 500g | $19.15 |
| 500g - 1kg | $25.75 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $32.30 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $38.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $19.45 |
| 250g - 500g | $25.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $37.20 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $49.05 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $60.90 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $21.75 |
| 250g - 500g | $28.25 |
| 500g - 1kg | $41.15 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $54.15 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $67.15 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $26.80 |
| 250g - 500g | $33.55 |
| 500g - 1kg | $47.10 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $60.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $74.10 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 250g | $32.50 |
| 250g - 500g | $41.35 |
| 500g - 1kg | $59 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $76.60 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $94.25 |
International economy is Australia Post’s budget international shipping option. It offers delivery in 15+ business days when sent via Economy Air or up to 3 months when sent via Economy Sea Mail. While this is the cheapest way to send your parcel, it is also the slowest so bear that in mind when choosing your option.
NOTE: Tracking is not available with these services meaning you may not hear anything about the delivery of your parcel until the person at the other end tells you they’ve received it.
For this reason, it is not recommended for sending important documents or time sensitive deliveries.
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 50g | $10.25 |
| Up to 250g | $13.30 |
| 250g - 500g | $16.65 |
| 500g - 1kg | $23.25 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $29.80 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $36.40 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 50g | $11.75 |
| Up to 250g | $16.85 |
| 250g - 500g | $22.85 |
| 500g - 1kg | $34.70 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $46.55 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $58.40 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 50g | $14.25 |
| Up to 250g | $19.15 |
| 250g - 500g | $25.75 |
| 500g - 1kg | $38.65 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $51.65 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $64.65 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 50g | $15.05 |
| Up to 250g | $24.20 |
| 250g - 500g | $31.05 |
| 500g - 1kg | $44.60 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $58.10 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $71.60 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| Up to 50g | $16.55 |
| Up to 250g | $29.90 |
| 250g - 500g | $38.85 |
| 500g - 1kg | $56.50 |
| 1kg-1.5kg | $74.10 |
| 1.5kg - 2kg | $91.75 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| 2.5kg - 3kg | $58.45 |
| Over 3kg up to 5kg | $79.15 |
| Over 5kg up to 10kg | $130.90 |
| Over 10kg up to 15kg | $182.65 |
| Over 15kg up to 20kg | $234.40 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| 2.5kg - 3kg | $64.70 |
| Over 3kg up to 5kg | $87.60 |
| Over 5kg up to 10kg | $144.80 |
| Over 10kg up to 15kg | $202 |
| Over 15kg up to 20kg | $259.20 |
| Size | Postage cost |
| 2.5kg - 3kg | $81.90 |
| Over 3kg up to 5kg | $107.10 |
| Over 5kg up to 10kg | $170.10 |
| Over 10kg up to 15kg | $233.10 |
| Over 15kg up to 20kg | $296.10 |
Once you’ve worked out the type of service you would like to use, the time it will take for your parcel to reach its destination and how much it will cost, there are some other things you should consider for international deliveries.
Customs declarations: All international parcels require a customs declaration form to indicate the contents and value of the parcel. You’ll need to fill out the form at your local post office or online.
Restricted items: Certain items, such as perishable goods, hazardous materials, or prohibited items, cannot be shipped internationally. Be sure to check Australia Post’s list of prohibited and restricted items before sending.
Choosing the right service for your parcel is an important step, however, there are some things you can do to ensure your parcel is as safe as possible along the way.
Don’t skimp on the packaging: If you choose not to use Australia post’s packaging, opt for strong, secure boxes or satchels when packing your item.
Avoid using packaging that’s too large: I know we said not to skimp on packaging but oversized boxes are unnecessary and could increase shipping costs. Choose packaging that suits the size of your item.
Seal properly: Use strong tape to seal your parcel.
Check check and check again: Make sure you clearly write the recipient’s address and triple-check it for errors before sending. The last thing you want is to pay for your delivery only to have it returned to sender.
Australia Post offers a reliable and flexible solution for parcel delivery. However, with size limits of around 20kg, you may find yourself scratching your head over the best option to ship your goods and belongings. That’s where Upmove comes in.
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Remember, the key to a hassle-free delivery lies in selecting a service that meets your unique sizing, timing and budget requirements - and that’s what Upmove can do for you when it comes to all of your larger items.
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Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
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Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
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