As the world opens back up after what felt like forever in lockdown, many travelers are heading to the places that have always been on their bucket lists. If that’s the land down under for you, you might be facing the task of packing for Australia.
And what a fantastic adventure awaits you!
With so much to see and enjoy, from The Sydney Opera House to The Great Barrier Marine Park, you can fill your days with natural beauty and urban nightlife.
With this destination being quite a distance from, well, pretty much anywhere, you want to make sure you have all your bases covered when it comes to packing for Australia. So, make sure you include everything on this list when getting ready for your trip of a lifetime.
Your Guide to Packing for Australia
Airplane Essentials List
First up on our guide to packing for Australia is what needs to be on your carry-on. Aside from a perfect playlist, you want to make sure you’ve got all you need for what is likely going to be an incredibly long flight.
So, pack healthy snacks; plant-based is best to keep you satiated on your flight. If you load up on over-processed garbage on the plane, you won’t feel or look your best.
Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle too. In addition to sustenance for your travels, you want some form of neck support pillow as it’s a long flight you’ll likely sleep on. Cozy clothing like women’s jumpers and Uggs are perfect for the plane.
Don’t forget to bring your AirPods and a charger too!
Comfy Clothes For the Climate
The time of year you’re visiting will determine the clothes you’re going to be packing for Australia, obviously. But compared to the Northern Hemisphere, even winter temperatures in there aren’t too bad. So, layering is always going to be your best bet.
You want casual dresses, jeans, or chinos to pair with short-sleeved tops and light sweaters or jackets. With so much to do and see, simple women’s sneakers and a pair of sandals will suffice when it comes to footwear.
You’re highly unlikely to encounter snow while touring Blue Mountains National park, so leave your snow boots at home. You do, however, want to make sure you bring some fun evening clothes, as the Melbourne culture scene is like none other in the world!
In addition to essential layering pieces when packing for Australia, must-have accessories would be items like headbands to keep your hair out of your eye on the hikes you’ll surely take, a pair of sunglasses as well as a backup pair – they’re easy to break or lose, and it is very sunny down under!
A scarf to compliment the layered look you’ll likely be sporting is a great idea. With some regions of Australia being particularly rainy, an umbrella and rain jacket are never a bad idea if you’ve got room in your luggage.
Obviously, you’re going to need a bathing suit as well since Australia is known for its world-class beaches. Lastly, make sure you bring a few pieces of fun jewelry for all the selfies you’ll be snapping for your socials.
Don’t Forget Your Toiletries
Of course, you pack toiletries no matter where you’re traveling, but there may be items you need when packing for Australia that you wouldn’t pack if you were going to Barcelona. Make sure you’re bringing sunscreen, but make it reef-safe sunscreen for your trip down under.
The crisis in our ocean’s reefs is real, so be mindful of that while swimming in the sea while there. You should also include a small amount of aloe vera gel if you get a sunburn while hanging out at Bondi Beach.
Like any trip, you want a small first aid kit in your carry-on, but with all the outdoor activities in Australia, you may actually end up needing it. And lastly, speaking of spending so much time outdoors, it’s a good idea to bring an insect repellent spray with you for this trip!
Electronic Etiquette
As mentioned earlier, your AirPods are a must when packing for Australia, but there are other gadgets you’re going to need on your trip.
The last thing you want to do is run out of battery power on your phone right when you want to snap a selfie at The Royal Botanic Gardens. So make sure you bring a portable charger with you. For all the electronic equipment you’re going to travel with, you’ll need a universal adapter to use at your hotel or Airbnb, so don’t forget that either!
With Australia likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most people, it could be worth investing in a nice camera to take better pictures than your phone would.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Australia is a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat that you’ve loved as a child, like koalas and kangaroos. Culturally there is so much going on in Australia, and you’ll feel like you’re in another world.
There is something for everyone, whether you’re a fashionista, a foodie, or a nature lover. You’ll find it all in Oz. Use this list when packing for Australia so you are well prepared for what will likely be the most unforgettable vacation of your life. Happy Trails!
