Addressing guidelines

Typically, the address should be written in three lines:

• The top line should contain the recipient's name
• The second to last line should contain the number and name of the street, PO Box or locked bag number (if applicable)
• The last line should contain the place name or post office of delivery, state or territory abbreviation and postcode. This line should be printed in capitals without punctuation or underlining, with the postcode put last
• For international mail, the country name should be in capitals on the bottom line

Helpful hints for addressing envelopes 

• Use the correct postcode (you can use our find a postcode tool to do this)
• Print clearly using dark ink; preferably black on white. Avoid using red, yellow or orange ink
• Don't indent or stagger address lines
• Don't underline any words
• Include a return address so we can return the letter if it can't be delivered. Put your address in the top left corner, or on the back flap of the envelope

For machine-addressed envelopes, we recommend using clear readable type such as Courier 12 point or 10 pitch.

Use pre-printed envelopes with the 4 postcode squares if you're addressing by hand, and print the destination postcode clearly in those squares.

Including Traditional Place names

To acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land your item is being delivered on, you can include those place names in the address field. 

To find Traditional Place names, check AIATSIS, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils, or Cultural Centres in your local area.

When sending items you can include a Traditional Place name in either the address you’re sending from, or in the recipient’s address.

In the ‘from’ address when sending

To ensure that the item will be delivered correctly we recommend that the Traditional Place name is included below your name or company name, but above the street address.


In the ‘to’ address when sending

When addressing a parcel or letter, place the Traditional Place name after the recipient’s name, but before the street address, suburb or town.

When receiving items

As a recipient you’re welcome to include a Traditional Place name when providing your delivery address, either online or in person. 
To acknowledge Traditional Custodians, include the Traditional Place name below your name, but above your street address.

At Australia Post, we have a long and proud history of promoting and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and implementing measures that contribute to a lasting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.