Post office boxes

With a post office box or private bag, you can keep your mail safe and collect it whenever you want.

Benefits

• Security - your mail is protected under lock and key
• Accessibility - If you live in a rural or remote area that isn't served by a retail outlet, a private bag ensures you receive your mail
• Privacy - You don't need to reveal your street address, which guards you against identity theft or unwanted visitors
• Convenience - Collect your mail whenever you want, at participating Australia Post retail outlets which have 24-hour access to post office boxes*
• Consistency - Even if you change your street address, your postal address stays the same
• Mail2Day® alert service - We can send you an email or SMS when you have mail to collect

How to apply

It's easy to apply for your P.O. box or private bag. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Find an Australia Post retail outlet near you that offers post office boxes and private bags
2. Call us on 13 POST (13 7678) to reserve a vacant post office box or private bag for up to 5 working days (optional)
3. Download an application form or pick one up from any retail outlet
4. Lodge your completed form in person at any retail outlet, along with proof of identity that shows your name, residential address and signature (this can be your driver's licence or 2 other documents such as a utility bill and bank statement)
5. Pay your fee when lodging your application - by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or Australia Post charge account (if you've reserved a box or bag, you'll need to pay within 5 days)

The fees listed below relate to annual charges for leasing a post office box (P.O. box) or private bag. We calculate charges from the first day of the month in which the service starts to the last day of the month in which the service ends.

Fee calculations

The service year is from 1 April to 31 March.

If you lease a box or bag between 1 May and 31 January, you'll need to pay pro rata fees in advance for the remainder of the service year. The pro rata charge for each month is one twelfth of the annual fee.

If your lease starts in February or March, you'll need to pay for a full year in addition to pro rata fees.

Key charge

Transfers and cancellations

Buy a mail bag

Available to private bag holders only.

Need help choosing a size or like to find out when you can access your post office box or private bag? Please see the information we've provided below.

24/7 PO Box Parcel Lockers  

If you have an oversized item awaiting collection that does not require a signature on delivery, and if there is an available Parcel Locker, we will place the item in the locker and leave a key in your P.O. box to let you know which locker to access.  

Once you pick up your parcel, simply return the key in the slot marked "Key Return" located on the far righthand side of the lockers.  

Terms & Conditions apply.

Locations

24/7 PO Box Parcel Lockers are currently available at the following locations: