If you missed your Australia Post delivery, your package will be held at a local Post Office for 10 business days. Learn how to collect your parcel, understand the Return to Sender (RTS) timeline, and find out how to arrange for redelivery.
I Missed My Australia Post Delivery. What Now?
Australia Post makes one (1) delivery attempt to your specified shipping address. If no one is available to receive the package, or if it cannot be left safely, the driver will transfer your package to the nearest local post office for secure holding.
How Long Does Australia Post Hold Packages?
Once your package arrives at the local post office, you have a 10-day collection window.
- Holding Period: The parcel remains at the local post office for exactly 10 business days.
- Action Required: You must pick up your order within this timeframe. If you do not collect it, Australia Post will automatically initiate a Return to Sender (RTS) process.
Pro Tip: We highly encourage you to collect your package directly from the post office to avoid lengthy shipping delays associated with returned packages.
My Package is Returned to Sender (RTS). What Now?
If your parcel is not collected within the 10-day window, it enters the RTS process. Here is what you can expect regarding the tracking status and timeline:
- Hub Transfer: The package is moved from the local post office to the main carrier hub.
- Transit Time: This transfer process typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
- No Interception: While the package is in transit back to the hub, it cannot be intercepted, stopped, or redirected.
Arrange for Another Delivery
If your package was sent back, you can request redelivery, but there are strict eligibility requirements based on the carrier's tracking status.
- Eligibility: Redelivery can only be arranged after the package has been fully processed at the carrier hub and the tracking status officially updates to "Returned".
- Expected Delays: Relying on the RTS and redelivery cycle adds a significant delay of 14 to 20 business days to your overall delivery time.
Contact Australia Post
To arrange for the delivery of your order or if you have specific questions about your order’s status, we encourage you to contact Australia Post directly and as quickly as possible. Have your tracking number ready when you reach out.