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Luggage List: Packing for Australia

Dated: June 22, 2020

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View of city centre across blue water
Melbourne’s skyline from St Kilda

Packing for Australia can seem a little daunting at first, especially if you’re planning on travelling all over the country.

There are so many states, time zones and climates that it’s easy to become overwhelmed at how much you should bring.

As always, I recommend not bringing too much, even if (especially if) you’re going to be Down Under for a long time.

Make sure you’ve got a backpack that is easy to carry around, as exploring Australia takes a lot of domestic travel!

Now you can avoid the overwhelm, as I’ve done the work of putting together this Australia packing list, so you don’t have to!

Here’s what to pack for Australia.

Luggage List

Rock formations and view over tree covered valley
Sydney’s Blue Mountains

Clothing

  • Light layers: Australia is known for being a hot country, so make sure you’ve got a few pairs of shorts/skirts and T-shirts/vests. I like to have a dress that is good for both beach days and bar nights. It’s also a good idea to have a couple of items that are light and loose but cover your arms and legs, as the sun is very intense.
  • Warmer layers: Despite the country’s reputation, the southern areas can become pretty cold in the winter. Melbourne, for example, infamously has four seasons in one day quite often. Don’t pack lots of warm layers but make sure you’ve got a couple of options.
  • Dress clothes: Aussies love going out to bars, especially in the cities. Depending on where you’re going, there may be a smart dress code, so make sure you have at least one nice outfit.
  • Active wear: Planning on doing any hikes or outback treks? Make sure you’ve got some comfortable clothes.
  • Shoes: I recommend bringing some comfortable walking shoes, flip flops (or thongs,as the locals call them) and a pair of dress shoes. Consider bringing flats rather than heels to save space.
  • Swimwear: You probably don’t need me to tell you that Australia’s beaches are incredible! Bring at least a couple of swimwear options as you may find yourself at the beach for days on end.
  • Raincoat: Yep, it rains in Australia! You’ll need a raincoat for the tropical showers in the far north, and the more familiar cold rain in the south.

Accessories

  • Sunglasses/sun hat: Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? As I said earlier, the sun is extremely intense, so make sure your head and eyes are protected from those UV rays.
  • Quick-dry towel: Micro-fibre towels are great for any climate; they dry quickly and pack down small.
  • Sarong: This is actually one of my favourite items to pack, as it is so versatile! Use it as a beach towel, blanket, pillow, scarf or wrap-around skirt.
  • Water bottle: The tap water in Australia is safe to drink, so save money and the planet by bringing a water bottle and filling it up on the go.
  • Phone/camera: Australia is beautiful. Need I say more?
  • Charger/adaptor: Universal adaptors are great, or you could buy a specific adaptor for Australia. Make sure it’s 230V, 50Hz with Type 1 prongs.
  • Power bank: Keep your electrical items charged on long days out with a portable power bank.
  • Day bag: Of course, you’re not going to want to bring all your luggage with you every day, so pack a day bag for when you plan to spend a whole day exploring.
  • Padlock: These come in very handy in hostels for locking your belongings away.
  • First aid kit: This is important when packing for Australia. Pick up a basic medical kit and make sure to include antiseptic cream and painkillers.

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen: Keep your skin safe with a good sunscreen, and if you’re planning on swimming, make sure it is a reef-safe brand to protect Australia’s incredible marine life.
  • Deodorant: Trust me, you’ll spend a lot of time feeling hot and sticky!
  • Shampoo/body wash: I usually try to get these in solid form to save space.
  • Insect repellent: I’m sure you’ve heard of Australia’s reputation for bugs, but this is just for the usual kind -mosquitoes. As always, there is a risk that they could be carrying a nasty disease. Plus, the itch is super annoying!
People swimming in clear blue water
Cairns Blue Lagoon

There are, of course, many other things that you might want to include when you’re packing for Australia, but I stand by what I said about less being more.

If you know that you will only be visiting one state or city, then you can adjust this Australia packing guide for the specific climate you will be visiting.

Australia is an incredible country with pretty much every landscape you could think of: beaches, rainforest, mountains, desert… I’m sure you’re looking forward to exploring them!

I spent two years in the country but there is still so much more that I want to see!

Is there anything else you’d add when packing for Australia? Do you have any questions about what I’ve included here? Let me know in the comments! πŸ™‚

Want more like this? Check out these articles:

  • 8 Marvelous things to do in Melbourne
  • 13 Free and cheap things to do in Sydney
  • Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

All images in this post are the property of lastminutewanders.com

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View of beach from cliff with text overlay - Luggage List Australia Packing Guide
View of rock formations, mountain and valley with text overlay- Luggage List Packing for Australia
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Posted Under: Australia, Destinations, Luggage Lists, Travel Planning

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber says

    24/06/2020 at 3:09 am

    Super comprehensive list πŸ™‚ thanks

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      24/06/2020 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks Amber! I’m glad you liked it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Nina Out and About says

    22/06/2020 at 10:03 pm

    I could have used this list when I went to Australia a number of years ago. I think I just threw a bunch of bikinis in a bag and forgot about everything else!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      23/06/2020 at 10:33 am

      Haha well at least they don’t seem to mind people just walking around in their togs in Australia! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  3. Yasmine Hamdi says

    22/06/2020 at 7:09 pm

    I live in Australia and you pretty much nailed it! Also, if you’re headed somewhere further inland or in the outback I’d recommend a fly net πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      23/06/2020 at 10:32 am

      Oh yes, great point! Thanks for your input πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Carly - Celluloid Scenes says

    22/06/2020 at 4:28 pm

    These are some great tips! Particularly liked the marine friendly sunscreen – that’s not usually something I would actually think about but definitely will from now on!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      22/06/2020 at 4:57 pm

      I was the same until recently! But regular sunscreen can really harm marine life so it’s definitely best to buy reef-safe πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Jamie says

    22/06/2020 at 3:34 pm

    Sunscreen is so important, no matter the destination! Love the call out for that particular essential.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      22/06/2020 at 4:26 pm

      I completely agree! And especially for somewhere as intensely hot as Australia!

      Reply
  6. Sarah Camp says

    22/06/2020 at 2:18 pm

    This is a great list! I’ve visited Perth back in 2013 (going in to their Spring) and could’ve used some athletic clothing for all of our walks! I don’t travel anywhere without a power bank now either – lessons learned! Thanks for reminding people to pack a first-aid kit. It’s the first thing that goes into our suitcase. I’d love to get back and explore more of the country!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      22/06/2020 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks Sarah! I never made it to Perth but I hope to one day. Yes, I always pack a first aid kit now – you never know when you might need it!

      Reply

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Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are being projected onto you but that doesn't mean YOU should stop!
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Please, please, please always get travel insurance Please, please, please always get travel insurance!
You can be as "careful" as you like but there are always so many things that are out of your control!
Chances are you'll never have to make a claim 🀞🏻 but if something DOES go wrong you'll be SO glad you're covered.
In 10 years of travel I had to make one claim but if I hadn't been covered it would have ended my travels before they even got started!
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Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overw Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overwhelming! Follow me for expert tips and advice to get you travelling sooner 😎🌍
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Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
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Don't forget to:
β™₯️ Double tap
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Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more 🌍
Don't forget to:
β™₯️ Double tap
πŸ’¬ Leave a comment
πŸ“€ Share with a friend
πŸ“₯ Save it for later
πŸ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
β™₯️ Double tap
πŸ’¬ Leave a comment
πŸ“€ Share with a friend
πŸ“₯ Save it for later
πŸ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
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