How Do Parcel Lockers Work in Australia?

Missed deliveries are frustrating, especially if you’re not home during business hours. For e-commerce retailers and busy professionals, parcel lockers offer a reliable alternative to missed home deliveries.

Available nationwide and accessible 24/7, these self-service lockers keep deliveries safe and convenient, without the need to wait at home or queue at the post office.

This guide explains how parcel lockers work, their benefits, and why they’re changing the way Australians receive deliveries.

How Parcel Lockers Work in Australia

In Australia, parcel lockers are free, self-service storage units where parcels can be delivered and collected around the clock. Instead of waiting at home or visiting the post office, recipients get a notification with a unique PIN or QR code and can pick up their delivery any time within the holding period. This makes parcel lockers a secure and convenient option for busy Australians and online shoppers.

Quick facts about parcel lockers:

• Free to use for AusPost/MyPost registered users
• Available in small, medium, and large locker sizes
• Restrictions apply (no dangerous goods, oversized or age-restricted items)
• Located across metro and regional Australia

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What Are Parcel Lockers?

Parcel lockers are secure self-service boxes that allow individuals and businesses to receive parcels without relying on home delivery. In Australia, Australia Post (AusPost) is the primary provider. However, private providers are also emerging, particularly in modern apartment buildings, where lockers are installed for residents’ exclusive use.

AusPost introduced lockers to reduce failed deliveries and give customers greater flexibility in collecting parcels. Instead of missing a delivery, recipients can simply collect their parcels at a time that suits them within the holding period. This makes deliveries more reliable and reduces frustration for both senders and recipients.

How Do Parcel Lockers Work Step by Step?

Register with MyPost

To use Australia Post’s parcel lockers, first create a free MyPost account. This account lets you receive notifications and manage deliveries in one place.

Select a locker at checkout

When shopping online, choose a convenient parcel locker location instead of your home or office address.

Receive your collection code

Once your parcel arrives, you’ll get an SMS or email with a unique PIN or QR code.

Enter your code at the locker

At the locker, enter your PIN or scan the QR code to open the compartment.

Collect within 3-5 days

Pick up your parcel any time, day or night, within the holding period (usually three to five days) before it’s returned to the sender.

Where Can You Find Parcel Lockers in Australia?

AusPost operates a nationwide network of over 800 24/7 parcel lockers, which means Australians can collect parcels at any time. As part of the network, parcel lockers give customers access in both metropolitan and regional areas.

In metro regions, lockers are placed in high-traffic locations to maximise convenience for people with busy schedules. While in regional towns, they provide essential access where delivery choices are limited. 

This distribution ensures that Australians can collect parcels securely and at times that suit them, regardless of location. Typical parcel locker locations include:

• Shopping centres for convenient pickup while running errands
• Train stations for commuters travelling to and from work
• Petrol stations offering access outside standard business hours
• Post offices as part of the existing AusPost network

What Can’t Be Delivered to Parcel Lockers? 

Not all items can be sent to parcel lockers. Restrictions are in place to maintain safety, comply with postal regulations, and ensure lockers are used appropriately. These rules prevent damage, spoilage, or misuse.

Restricted items include:

• Oversized parcels that exceed locker dimensions
• Dangerous goods such as chemicals, aerosols, or flammable items
• Perishable goods, including fresh produce or items requiring refrigeration
• Age-restricted products such as alcohol, knives, or tobacco

Always check AusPost guidelines before sending parcels to lockers to ensure compliance.

How Much Do Parcel Lockers Cost?

Using a parcel locker in Australia is free for registered AusPost or MyPost users. While using parcel lockers is free, standard postage or courier charges still apply, depending on the item’s size, weight, and chosen service. 

Parcels must be collected within the holding period, usually three to five days, before AusPost returns them to the sender. If parcels are not picked up on time, additional charges may apply as items may need to be redirected or stored elsewhere.

Parcel Lockers for Apartments in Australia

Beyond where lockers are located, size also matters. AusPost offers different parcel locker dimensions to suit everything from satchels to bulky cartons.

Many modern apartment buildings in Australia now have private locker systems for residents. Unlike public AusPost parcel lockers, which are shared and available nationwide, private apartment lockers are exclusive to residents within the building.

Public lockers are widespread, offering access to anyone with a MyPost account, while private apartment lockers provide direct, secure delivery within the residence.

Apartment lockers allow residents to collect parcels outside business hours, improving convenience for those with busy or irregular schedules. They also improve e-commerce deliveries by reducing failed attempts and missed parcels.

Both public and private lockers are practical solutions, but private apartment lockers are especially useful in high-density areas where home delivery is more difficult.

Parcel Locker Sizes Explained

Parcel lockers come in small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate a variety of parcel types. The AusPost parcel locker size options make it easy for senders and recipients to select lockers suitable for their items.

Examples of locker sizes:

• Small: Satchels or small boxes for personal items or accessories
• Medium: Shoe boxes, electronics, or medium-sized parcels
• Large: Cartons, big and bulky items, or packages that require more space

These size options make parcel lockers a flexible solution for both personal and business deliveries.

Benefits of Using Parcel Lockers

Parcel lockers offer many advantages for Australians, both for individual shoppers and businesses.

• 24/7 pickup flexibility, allowing parcels to be collected at any time
• Secure access with PIN or QR code protection
• Convenient for people not home during standard work hours
• Reduces failed deliveries, avoiding repeated trips or missed packages
• Eco-friendly by reducing unnecessary courier trips and fuel consumption

For both individuals and businesses, parcel lockers provide a flexible, reliable way to manage deliveries. These benefits make parcel lockers a smart choice for individuals and businesses.

Finding the Right Delivery Solution

Parcel lockers provide individuals and businesses with a flexible, reliable way to manage deliveries. They help reduce missed deliveries and give recipients more control.

For businesses with larger or more complex shipping needs, parcel lockers aren’t enough. Couriers & Freight provides scalable courier, freight, and logistics services across Australia, covering everything from small parcels to full truckloads. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store or managing national freight, we deliver personalised solutions to keep your business moving.

Need More Than a Parcel Locker?

Ship faster with Couriers & Freight’s Domestic Parcel Express.

Get a Quote Now