The Best Shipping and Mailing Services in Australia

Approximately 63.9 % of Australians (about 17.08 million people) shopped online monthly in 2024, a 45 % increase since 2020, showing how ingrained online shopping has become.

With more Australians ordering online and receiving parcels, it’s crucial for Australian SMBs to provide the best shipping for eCommerce. Delivery is one of the last customer touchpoints, and expectations remain high: consumers have been conditioned to prefer fast, flexible, and affordable options when receiving their parcels.

In this post, we aim to demystify domestic shipping in Australia by sharing a list of courier companies you can consider, in addition to how they compare with Australia Post's domestic shipping rates.

What Are the Best Shipping and Mailing Services in Australia for eCommerce Businesses?

Australian eCommerce sellers commonly use Australia Post, Fastway, and Omni Parcel, as 63.9% of Australians shopped online monthly in 2024, driving demand for fast, affordable delivery.

Domestic Shipping Options in Australia

Here are some domestic couriers you can work within Australia:

• Australia Post
• Fastway
• Omni Parcel
• ParcelPoint
• Toll

Each courier offers different strengths depending on delivery speed, coverage, and pricing. For many SMBs, working with multiple couriers allows greater flexibility — but it also adds operational complexity when managed manually.

How Long Does Domestic Shipping Take in Australia?

Some couriers offer same-day local delivery, while shipments within the same city or state typically arrive within 1–2 business days. For cross-country deliveries, transit times generally average around 5 business days, with the fastest services delivering in 1–3 days and longer routes taking up to 10–11 days.

Below is a general guide to typical road-transport delivery times across Australia:

• Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane: 1–2 business days
• Sydney to Perth: 4–6 business days
• Melbourne to Adelaide: 1–2 business days‍
• Brisbane to Perth: 4–6 business days

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What's the Cheapest Way to Ship a Package Domestically in Australia?

Fastway with Easyship discount is the cheapest way to ship. However, Australia Post is also a great option since its large retail network including last mile delivery makes it a popular shipping solution for many Australian SMBs.

eCommerce shipping costs depend on the following factors:

• Weight of your parcel
• Dimensions of your parcel’s packaging
• The distance your parcel will travel

Australia Post remains a popular shipping solution for many Australian SMBs, as they maintain a large retail network that includes rural and remote areas. How does Australia Post’s domestic shipping compare to other couriers?

To find out, you can use Easyship’s Get A Quote feature to compare domestic shipping prices in Australia, all in one place.

Consider the following examples rates:

Rates for a 1 kg parcel, 22 cm x 16 cm x 7.7 cm, within the Sydney metro

*Retail Rates
**Easyship Rates

Australia Post provides a lot of flexibility if you’re shipping within city limits, as there are 3 different solutions to choose from. However, courier services such as Sendle and Fastway provide more cost-effective options, with rates under $8.

Example rates for a 1 kg parcel, 22 cm x 16 cm x 7.7 cm, from Melbourne to Adelaide

*Retail Rates
**Easyship Rates

If you’re shipping across states, Australia Post’s shipping quotes are starting to look less competitive. While the Express Post option provides quick delivery with a 1-day time frame, Fastway’s domestic post is much more affordable.

Example rates for a 1 kg parcel, 22 cm x 16 cm x 7.7 cm, from Brisbane to Perth

*Retail Rates
**Easyship Rates

Shipping cross-country with Australia Post shows that pricing is affordable, relative to the shorter distance rates that we saw in the last two examples. Still, it’s possible to find other domestic shipping companies that can provide cheaper rates - though you may have to deal with longer delivery time frames.

Find the Best Shipping for eCommerce with Easyship

Since Easyship has joined the Australian eCommerce community in 2018, it’s been exciting to see our Aussie merchants grow their business by being smart with their shipping!

With Easyship, one account allows you to compare over 550+ different courier solutions with pre-negotiated rates, helping you find the best domestic and international shipping solutions in Australia at scale.

You also have the opportunity to link your own courier accounts from Australia Post, UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express.

Sign up for an Easyship account today to make shipping within Australia and across borders much simpler and more transparent!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Shipping in Australia

What is the cheapest way to ship parcels within Australia?

The cheapest way to ship domestically in Australia depends on parcel size, weight, destination, and delivery speed. For metro and interstate deliveries, couriers like Sendle, Fastway (Aramex), and Omni Parcel often provide lower rates than Australia Post retail pricing. Comparing multiple couriers per shipment is usually the most effective way to minimize costs.

Is Australia Post cheaper than private couriers?

Australia Post can be cost-effective for lightweight parcels, rural deliveries, and nationwide coverage. However, for metro-to-metro or interstate shipping, private couriers frequently offer more competitive pricing, especially when using discounted business rates rather than retail rates.

How long does domestic shipping usually take in Australia?

Delivery times vary by distance and service level. Local and same-city deliveries can take 1–2 business days, while interstate shipping averages around 3–5 business days. Cross-country shipments, such as from the east coast to Western Australia, can take anywhere from 5 to 11 business days depending on the courier and service selected.

Which courier is best for small eCommerce businesses in Australia?

There is no single “best” courier for all SMBs. Australia Post is often preferred for reliability and rural reach, while Sendle and Fastway are popular for cost savings on metro and interstate deliveries. Many eCommerce businesses benefit from using multiple couriers to balance cost, speed, and coverage.

Should Australian eCommerce stores offer free shipping?

Free shipping can improve conversion rates, but it doesn’t always mean free for the merchant. Many Australian SMBs build shipping costs into product pricing or offer free shipping above a minimum order value to protect margins while meeting customer expectations.

Is same-day delivery worth offering in Australia?

Same-day delivery can be valuable for local customers in metro areas, particularly for high-margin or time-sensitive products. However, it is not necessary for all businesses. Most Australian shoppers are satisfied with 2–5 day delivery if pricing is transparent and expectations are clearly set at checkout.

How can I reduce shipping costs without slowing delivery times?

Reducing shipping costs often involves optimizing packaging, avoiding oversized boxes, and selecting the most cost-effective courier for each shipment. Using shipping rate comparison tools helps identify services that offer the best balance between speed and cost for specific routes.

Do I need to use multiple courier accounts to get better rates?

Using multiple courier accounts can provide flexibility, but it also increases operational complexity. Many SMBs prefer using a single shipping platform that provides access to multiple couriers and discounted rates, reducing the need to manage separate contracts and dashboards.

What’s the biggest shipping mistake Australian SMBs make?

One of the most common mistakes is relying on a single courier for all shipments without comparing alternatives. This often leads to higher costs and limited delivery options for customers, especially for interstate or metro deliveries.