Australia Post reintroduces weekend parcel delivery ahead of festive season

Australia Post will reintroduce weekend deliveries in the lead-up to the festive season, as online shopping surges.

The service will be available across all major metropolitan capitals and select regional cities and towns, helping ensure parcels arrive in time for Christmas.

Executive General Manager Gary Starr said weekend delivery was important to ensure all customers receive their parcels before Christmas Day.

READ MORE: Australia Post deadlines for sending Christmas gifts announced

Australia Post will also continue to expand the locations of its 24/7 parcel lockers.

"With the holiday season just around the corner, we know how important it is for our customers to receive their parcels on time. By bringing back weekend deliveries, we're not just meeting customer demand, but hopefully making holiday shopping easier for everyone," Starr said.

"We've been preparing all year for another busy peak season, recruiting thousands of new team members to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible."

Weekend deliveries will remain in place up until Christmas, depending on volumes.

To ensure items arrive on time, parcels should be sent by Friday 20 December for most destinations within Australia, or if sending via Express Post by Monday 23 December.

People sending to or from Western Australia and the Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.