When to send your Vinted, eBay and Depop sales so they arrive before Christmas 2026, and how to handle the busiest weeks of the year.
Updated 19 Oct 2026
Quick answer: within the same state, send Parcel Post by Tuesday 22 December and Express Post by Wednesday 23 December. Between most states, Parcel Post needs to go by Monday 21 December. To or from WA, the NT or Tasmania, it’s earlier: as early as 14 December.
Australia Post, Christmas 2026: last days to send (metro areas)
Service and route
Last day to send
Parcel Post, within the same state
Tue 22 Dec
Parcel Post, between NSW, ACT, Vic, Qld and SA
Mon 21 Dec
Parcel Post, Tasmania to or from NSW, ACT, Vic or SA
Mon 21 Dec
Parcel Post, Tasmania to or from Queensland
Fri 18 Dec
Parcel Post, to or from WA (from NSW, ACT, Vic, SA)
Fri 18 Dec
Parcel Post, between WA and Queensland
Thu 17 Dec
Parcel Post, between WA and Tasmania
Wed 16 Dec
Parcel Post, to or from the NT
Mon 14 Dec to Thu 17 Dec, depending on the state
Express Post, NSW, ACT, Vic, Qld, SA, Tas and within the same state
Wed 23 Dec
Express Post, NT and from WA
Tue 22 Dec
Letters and cards, same state
Mon 21 Dec
Letters and cards, interstate
Fri 18 Dec
From Australia Post’s Christmas sending dates, checked 19 Oct 2026. These are for metro areas; Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle count as metro. Counter items must be lodged by 2.30pm. Allow extra time for regional and rural addresses. Always check Australia Post’s page before you post.
Who picks the carrier
Vinted: the buyer pays for postage at checkout and the parcel goes with Australia Post. Send it as soon as you can after a sale, because buyers will be counting the days.
eBay, Depop and Etsy: you choose the service and set the postage. In December it’s worth offering Express Post as an option. See the postage guide for prices.
Selling in December: tips
Post early in the day. Over-the-counter parcels need to be lodged by 2.30pm to make the cut-off.
Use tracking. Parcels are more likely to be delayed in December, and tracking is your proof if a buyer says a gift never arrived.
Be honest about timing. If a sale comes in too late for Christmas delivery, tell the buyer before you post rather than after.
Going away? Use your platform’s holiday or away setting so you don’t get orders you can’t send.
Keep proof of postage until the buyer confirms everything has arrived safely.
Questions people ask
When is the last day to post for Christmas 2026 in Australia?
For metro areas, Parcel Post within the same state by Tuesday 22 December, and Express Post by Wednesday 23 December. Between most states, Parcel Post by Monday 21 December. Routes to and from WA and the NT close earlier, from 14 December.
What’s the last day for Express Post before Christmas?
Wednesday 23 December 2026 for metro areas in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, SA and Tasmania, and within the same state. For the NT and from WA it’s Tuesday 22 December.
Who chooses the postage on Vinted?
The buyer pays for postage at checkout, and you send the parcel with Australia Post. On eBay, Depop and Etsy you choose the service and set the price.
Should I use tracked postage at Christmas?
Yes, for anything you’d be upset to lose. Tracking shows where a parcel is during the busiest weeks and is your proof of delivery.