What’s Happening
Australians have spent a record $20.7 billion online in the July–September quarter, according to Australia Post’s latest Quarterly eCommerce Report. The 15% year-on-year growth marks a strong start to the financial year, with 8.1 million households shopping online, up 2.7% from last year. Mackay stood out nationally, ranking among the top five postcodes for online shopping activity.
Why It Matters
With half of all shoppers planning to splurge during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Mackay retailers and Australia Post are bracing for an even busier season. The report shows shoppers are buying more frequently and expecting faster delivery times, especially younger customers who want their parcels within three days.
Australia Post General Manager Enterprise and Government, Chelsea O’Reilly, said preparations are well underway for the biggest delivery season on record.
“We’re preparing for what’s shaping up to be our biggest Peak delivery season on record,” Ms O’Reilly said. “Australia Post has significantly bolstered operations, hiring thousands of additional team members, investing in our delivery network and infrastructure, and expanding our fleet of electric delivery vehicles.”
Local Impact
Mackay’s strong showing highlights the city’s growing appetite for online convenience and variety. With more locals choosing eCommerce platforms for everyday shopping, the region’s delivery hubs are expected to see record parcel volumes through November and December. Shoppers are also embracing new services like parcel lockers and app-based tracking to manage their orders with ease.
By the Numbers
• Australians spent $20.7 billion online in Q1 FY26, marking a 15% increase from last year.
• Around 8.1 million households shopped online during the quarter, a 2.7% rise year-on-year.
• The average basket size stayed at $95, showing stable spending despite more frequent purchases.
• Mackay ranked among Australia’s top five postcodes for online shopping activity.
• More than 1,000 parcel locker banks are now available nationwide, offering faster and more flexible deliveries.
Zoom In
Online marketplaces led the way with $4.6 billion in sales, followed by food and liquor ($4.2 billion) and fashion ($2.7 billion). Categories like books, consumer electronics, and hobbies posted the strongest gains, showing Australians’ renewed interest in lifestyle and at-home entertainment products.
Zoom Out
Online shopping continues to fuel Australia’s retail economy, with Queensland among the top three states for eCommerce activity. As national spending momentum grows, regional centres like Mackay are becoming key contributors to the digital retail boom.
What to Look for Next
Australia Post has announced its last sending dates ahead of Christmas:
• Parcel Post – Friday 19 December (most destinations)
• Express Post – Tuesday 23 December
• Letters and cards – Tuesday 16 December (interstate)
Shoppers in regional Queensland are encouraged to send early to avoid delays.
