Santa will soon be gearing up his sleigh and coming to town, but not before he has replied to tens of thousands of Santa Mail letters from children across Australia.

And for the first time, children can track the progress of their letters online via the Australia Post interactive Santa Mail tracker.

Australia Post’s head of media, Michelle Skehan, said Santa received mroe than 130,000 letters and wish lists from young Australians last year.

“Christmas is a very special time of year at Australia Post, and it’s also our busiest as we send thousands of letters to the North Pole,” Ms Skehan said.

“We always encourage children to write and send their letters early to ensure they receive a reply from Santa before Christmas Day.

“Writing a letter to Santa is an easy way to encourage children to practice their letter writing skills and how to address, stamp and post a letter. It’s a fun approach to letter writing at home or the classroom, but if you get stuck, Australia Post has some helpful letter writing tips and templates on our website.”

To ensure Santa and his little helpers receive your letter, send your letters and wish lists to:

Santa, North Pole, 9999

with a 65c Christmas stamp on the front of the envelope.

Don’t forget to write your name and return address on the back of the envelope so Santa knows where to send his reply. Letters received nice and early with names and return addresses clearly marked on the back will receive a postcard reply from Santa.

Santa Mail letters can be placed in either a dedicated Santa Mail box found at most Post Offices or any red street post box. Children can pick up free Christmas postcards and write to Santa on the spot at selected Post Offices.

To access the Santa Mail tracker, and a range of fun Christmas and educational resources for the holidays such as tips on letter writing, letter writing templates, and how to address an envelope, visit Australia Post’s Santa Mail website at auspost.com.au/santa-mail