There’s a particular kind of panic that kicks in the night before a holiday: the realization that weeks of unread mail will pile up on the doorstep, broadcasting your absence to anyone passing by. Or maybe you’ve just signed a lease on a new place, but your current address is still attached to every subscription, bank, and government department you interact with. Australia Post has built two specific services to handle exactly these moments — and if you’ve ever wondered whether they actually work, and what they cost, you’re not alone.

4 related posts

Provider: Australia Post · Services Offered: Mail Hold and Mail Redirection · Application Method: Online or Form · Business Option Available: Yes · Extension Possible: Yes via MyPost Dashboard

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • The full list of eligible concession card types is not explicitly published online
  • Maximum practical hold duration in practice versus the stated 12-month policy limit
  • Exact processing time for in-person versus online applications
  • Whether regional post offices consistently enforce the online-only restriction for international redirection
3Timeline signal
  • Australia Post MS11 Post Charges Booklet updated as at 17 July 2025 covers mail redirection details (Australia Post MS11 Post Charges PDF)
  • WA Wine Industry contract rates schedule published for 2021–22 provides historical pricing context (Australia Post MS11 Post Charges PDF)
  • Service NSW referral system remains active for NSW residents seeking redirection services (Australia Post MS11 Post Charges PDF)
4What’s next
  • MyPost Dashboard remains the primary tool for managing and extending existing services
  • International redirection applications currently require in-person submission only
  • Alter or Cancel Form (PDF) is the standard mechanism for mid-service changes

A summary table of key service parameters follows the pricing details below.

Key fact Detail
Official Provider Australia Post
Key Services Mail Hold, Mail Redirection
Application Form PDF Download Available
Extension Method MyPost Dashboard or Reference Number
Business Support Dedicated Page

Can Australia Post hold mail?

Australia Post offers a mail hold service that temporarily pauses delivery — letters and parcels sit safely at your local post office until you’re ready to collect them. It’s the practical choice when you’re heading away for a few weeks or simply want to clear a backlog before resuming normal delivery.

What is mail hold service?

Mail hold is a straightforward suspension of delivery: nothing arrives at your address while the service is active, and everything accumulates at the post office for pickup. Once the hold period ends, regular delivery resumes automatically — no action needed on your part. You can place mail on hold for anywhere from 1 week to 12 months, depending on your needs.

Eligibility and duration

Any residential or business address served by Australia Post is eligible. The service suits travellers, renovators temporarily displaced from their home, or anyone expecting sensitive correspondence during a period away. Duration is flexible within the 1-week-to-12-month range.

Bottom line: Mail hold is the simpler, short-term play. You pay per week, pick up at the post office, and delivery resumes when you’re back.

How do I put my mail on hold?

Putting your mail on hold involves choosing between two application paths — an online process through the MyPost platform, or a downloadable PDF form submitted in person. Both routes ask for proof of identity and basic delivery details, so having your ID handy speeds things up considerably.

Online application steps

The online route starts with logging into your MyPost account on the Australia Post website. Once inside, you select “Hold Mail,” enter your delivery address, choose the start and end dates, and confirm. The platform is available around the clock, which means you can submit an application at 11 pm the night before a flight if necessary.

Required details and form

Whether applying online or via the paper form, you’ll need to provide your full name, the address where mail should be held, a valid email address, and proof of identity — typically a driver’s licence or passport. Up to six names can be included on a single application, which is useful for households where multiple people receive mail under different names or aliases. The PDF form is available for download on the Australia Post website and must be submitted in person at a post office.

The upshot

Australia Post recommends starting redirection at least 5 business days before moving — the same logic applies to holds, especially if you’re coordinating around travel dates.

The implication: submitting your application early prevents mail from accumulating at an unattended address during the processing window.

How much does Australia Post mail redirection cost?

Mail redirection pricing is tiered by applicant type and destination. Personal rates sit lowest, with concession cardholders receiving a roughly 40% discount. Business and home office rates climb steeply, reflecting commercial use patterns and higher volumes.

Pricing details

For personal redirection within Australia, the costs break down as follows: $38.50 for 1 month, $77 for 3 months, $115.50 for 6 months, and $192.50 for 12 months. International personal redirection carries higher rates: $77 for 1 month, $154 for 3 months, $231 for 6 months, and $385 for 12 months. Concession rates within Australia are $23.10 (1 month), $46.20 (3 months), $69.30 (6 months), and $115.50 (12 months), while international concession redirection costs $46.20 (1 month), $92.40 (3 months), $138.60 (6 months), and $231 (12 months).

Free options if any

There is no free tier for standard mail redirection or hold services. However, Australia Post does offer free mail hold for residents in natural disaster-affected areas — a policy that applies when a defined disaster event has disrupted normal delivery to an area.

Why this matters

Concession cardholders save roughly $15 per month on a 1-month personal redirection compared to standard personal rates. If you’re eligible, the discount is substantial over a 12-month period.

Can I temporarily redirect mail?

Yes — temporary mail redirection is one of the core use cases Australia Post built these services for. Whether you’re between homes, staying with family for a few months, or spending an extended period elsewhere, redirection forwards your mail to wherever you need it to go.

Temporary forwarding options

You can redirect mail to any Australian address for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, then extend via the MyPost Dashboard if needed. International temporary redirection is also available, though it requires applying in person rather than online. The service covers eligible letters and parcels, and you can opt in to notify selected insurers and energy providers of your new address as part of the process — a useful feature when you’re juggling multiple address updates during a move.

Application process

The application process mirrors the mail hold steps: create or log into a MyPost account, select “Mail Redirection,” input your current address, destination address, and desired duration, then submit with identity verification. To extend an existing redirection, you’ll need the 9-digit customer reference number issued when the service was first approved. Cancellation or mid-service alterations require submitting the Alter or Cancel Form (PDF) at a post office, along with the original receipt and valid ID. Refunds may be available upon cancellation — request this through the form at the post office.

Bottom line: Redirection is the flexible long-game option for moving or extended absences. You choose the duration, extend as needed, and mail lands where you are — not where you were.

Can I redirect mail internationally with Australia Post?

International mail redirection is available through Australia Post, but the application process differs from domestic redirection in a specific way: you must apply in person at a post office, and the service is restricted to eligible mail only.

International redirection rules

The key restriction is that international redirection is not available through the online portal. Applications must be submitted in person, which means visiting a post office with your identity documents and the relevant details about your overseas destination. This requirement likely reflects the additional verification involved in international mail handling and customs considerations.

Overseas handling

Rates for international personal redirection are double the domestic personal rate: $77 for 1 month versus $38.50, with the ratio continuing across all duration tiers. Business international redirection follows the same pattern at $308 for 1 month. Service alterations or cancellations for international redirection also require the PDF form submitted in person at a post office, consistent with the domestic process.

What to watch

If you’re moving overseas and need mail forwarded, applying in person before departure is essential — the online system simply won’t accept international destinations, and delays in setting up the service could mean weeks of missed correspondence.

The catch: missing this step means you lose mail during what may already be a chaotic relocation period.

Four pricing tiers apply depending on applicant type and destination, with personal domestic rates representing the entry point and business international rates sitting at the premium end.

A comprehensive pricing breakdown across all applicant types and service durations is available in the table below.

Service type Duration Personal domestic (AU) Concession (AU) Business (AU) International personal
Mail Redirection 1 month $38.50 $23.10 $154 $77
Mail Redirection 3 months $77 $46.20 $385 $154
Mail Redirection 6 months $115.50 $69.30 $770 $231
Mail Redirection 12 months $192.50 $115.50 $1,540 $385
Mail Hold First week $29.20 $17.50 $150/month —
Mail Hold Additional weeks $6.80/week $4.00/week included —

Home office rates also apply for home businesses, SMSF, or trust-based arrangements — these cost $77 for 1 month (domestic) and $154 for 1 month (international), with higher tiers scaling accordingly.

The practical process for arranging mail redirection or hold involves five distinct steps, each requiring specific information or actions.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Assess your situation: Determine whether you need a hold (mail stays at the post office for pickup) or redirection (mail forwarded to a new address). A hold suits short absences; redirection is better for moves or extended stays elsewhere.
  2. Check eligibility: Confirm that Australia Post services cover your current address and destination. International redirection requires in-person application — it is not available online.
  3. Gather identification: Have a valid driver’s licence or passport ready. Up to six names can be included on a single application, covering household members who receive mail under different names.
  4. Submit your application: Apply online through your MyPost account at auspost.com.au, or download and complete the PDF form for in-person submission at a post office. Online applications are processed continuously (24/7).
  5. Manage your service: Once approved, you’ll receive a 9-digit customer reference number. Use this to extend services via the MyPost Dashboard, or to request alterations or cancellations using the Alter or Cancel Form at a post office.

Upsides

  • Flexible duration options from 1 week to 12 months
  • Concession discounts available for eligible cardholders (roughly 40% off personal rates)
  • Online application available 24/7 via MyPost
  • Up to 6 names per application, covering most household configurations
  • Extensions managed through MyPost Dashboard
  • Free hold available for natural disaster-affected areas

Downsides

  • Business rates are 4× personal rates — significant cost for commercial use
  • International redirection not available online; requires in-person visit
  • Application requires proof of identity (driver’s licence or passport)
  • 5 business day lead time recommended before travel or move
  • Home office rates require in-person application only
  • Maximum practical hold duration may vary by post office capacity
The trade-off

Mail hold is cheaper per week for short absences but leaves you physically collecting from the post office. Redirection costs more but delivers mail to where you actually are — the right choice depends on whether your time or your money is the scarcer resource.

“If you’re going away or moving within Australia or overseas, we can manage your letters and parcels with our mail redirection and mail hold services.”

— Australia Post, Official Provider

“Start your redirection at least 5 business days before moving.”

— Best Rated Transport Guide, Moving Service Advisor

Related reading: St John Ambulance services · Cruise from Brisbane

Additional sources

service.nsw.gov.au, auspost.com.au, auspost.com.au, muval.com.au, auspost.com.au, moveinconnect.com.au, auspost.com.au

Customers typically start by securing account access through the Australia Post login, enabling seamless setup of mail hold and redirection services.

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Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I schedule a mail hold?

Australia Post recommends starting redirection at least 5 business days before moving — and the same guideline applies to holds. Submitting your application well ahead of your departure date ensures the service begins before any mail accumulates at your address.

How do I temporarily stop mail while on vacation?

You have two practical options: a mail hold (mail stays at the post office for you to collect) or mail redirection (mail forwarded to wherever you’re staying). A hold is generally simpler for a defined vacation period; redirection suits longer absences or when you’re staying at a fixed alternate address.

Can I have my mail temporarily forwarded to a different address?

Yes — temporary mail redirection is designed exactly for this use case. You can redirect to any Australian address for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, and extensions are possible through the MyPost Dashboard using your customer reference number.

How do I track Australia Post mail hold redirection?

The MyPost Dashboard provides the primary interface for managing active services, checking status, and processing extensions. Once your service is active, log in to view and modify your hold or redirection settings.

What is the Australia Post mail hold redirection phone number?

Australia Post customer support can be reached by dialling 13 POST (13 76 78). For specific mail hold and redirection enquiries, the MyPost support portal and Australia Post app also provide self-service options for managing active services.

Is there an Australia Post app for mail hold redirection?

Yes — the Australia Post app (available on iOS and Android) provides access to MyPost account features, including the ability to manage and extend mail redirection and hold services. The app also supports tracking parcel deliveries alongside mail management.

How do I extend my mail redirection service?

To extend, you’ll need your 9-digit customer reference number — issued when your original redirection was approved. Log into the MyPost Dashboard, locate your active redirection, and select the extension option. Online extension is available for domestic redirection services.

What details are needed for mail hold application?

You’ll need your full name, the address where mail should be held, a valid email address, and proof of identity (driver’s licence or passport). The application can cover up to six names — useful for households where several people receive mail under different names. Duration selection (start and end dates) is also required.

For Australian residents juggling a move, an extended trip, or simply a period away from home, the choice between mail hold and mail redirection is a practical one with real cost consequences. A hold suits short, defined absences where you’re still nearby to collect — it costs less upfront and keeps everything in one place. Redirection is the move-friendly option, forwarding mail wherever you need it to land, with the flexibility to extend as circumstances change. Getting the application in at least 5 business days before you need it to start is the one habit that separates a smooth experience from a missed-bills crisis.