Getting a postal address in Australia — The Post Restante service

For many of your first steps in Australia—applying for a TFN, opening a bank account, getting a phone, etc.—you will need a postal address. If you find a place to rent quickly, this won’t be a problem. You can also use your hostel’s address, a friend’s, your couchsurfing or Airbnb address, etc.

However, there’s another option that offers more privacy than receiving mail at a temporary address—you can use Post Restante. This is a free counter delivery service offered by Australia Post.

How does it work?

Visitors and tourists without a permanent Australian address can have letters and packages delivered to any Australia Post office for over-the-counter collection. Mail will only be held at a Post Office for 30 days before being returned to sender. You must bring valid photo ID (e.g. your passport) that matches the name on your mail to collect Post Restante items.

Mail is sent to the local Australia Post office, then sorted by first and last name. You’ll need to show your passport to pick up your mail. Ask the employee to check for mail under both your last and first name, especially if they aren’t typical English names. For instance, a letter sent to a Taiwanese working holiday maker named Ming Li could be stored under “Ming” or “Li.”

To find the nearest post office, go to Find a location or service.

You must address any mail as follows:

“Customer name”
Post Restante
C/O [post office, state and postcode]

For instance:

Ming Li
C/O Post Restante Brisbane GPO
BRISBANE QLD 4000

Mail must be delivered by Australia Post to be held as Post Restante (third-party couriers do not qualify).