Online shoppers who nabbed a Black Friday bargain have helped drive a record in parcel deliveries.

Some 5.2 million households placed an online order during the extended two-week sale period – up almost half a million on last year.

Australia Post processed a record 53.5 million parcels in November, up 1.4 per cent. Fashion was the most popular category, followed by athleisure, footwear, sporting and outdoor goods.

Queenslanders led the way, with parcel deliveries in the Sunshine State leaping by 7.6 per cent, followed by Western Australia and the ACT at 7.5 per cent.

Australia Post executive Gary Starr promised upcoming Christmas deliveries would arrive on time, as long as senders meet the cut-off dates.

Parcels must be sent by Monday, December 18, via standard mail, or December 21 by Express Post, to arrive by Christmas Day within Australia.

However, people in WA and the Northern Territory should allow a few more days.

“We understand that while many have already made their purchases ahead of time, there are those who love a last-minute dash,” Starr said.

“We want to reassure customers that we are more prepared than ever to ensure that every parcel sent by our last sending dates will be delivered by Christmas.”

– AAP