Australia Packing List (26 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

👉 Jump to: Travel Essentials for Australia | Clothing to Pack | Seasonal Items | Packing Tips | Get Printable Version

In 2024, I did a Working Holiday in Australia with my partner, and we traveled through Australia for over six months, exploring nearly every corner of this huge country. 

Prior to leaving, I made a packing list for one year of travel, which included everything I wanted to pack for Australia. I brought a lot with me and was surprised that I actually used everything. Personally, I think I crushed my Australia packing list. 

Packing for a trip to Australia can be daunting because the country is massive, with vastly different climates, landscapes, and things to do. But I’ll help you narrow down your packing list to just the essentials and make sure you don’t forget anything.

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Travel Essentials for Australia

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Day Pack

You’ll want a backpack or day pack to carry around. It’s nice to have something large enough to fit a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and other essentials for long sightseeing days. 

I brought a small backpack to Australia to use while hiking. Australia’s nature is incredible, so you’ll definitely need a day pack for outdoor excursions. Osprey is a great brand, and this Osprey Collapsible Stuff Pack is very similar to the backpack I used. 

Purse or Small Bag

I don’t typically like carrying around a backpack in big cities. And since you’ll likely be spending some time in either Sydney or Melbourne, I’d recommend bringing a city-friendly bag in addition to a backpack. 

I brought this BAGGU bag and was super happy with how much I could fit into it. It became my daily bag while we were in major cities. 

Aus/NZ Power Adapter

An adapter is one of the first things I pack when traveling to a foreign country, but it can be something that a lot of people forget! You’ll need it to charge your phone, use a hair dryer, or anytime you need to plug into a wall socket with American-style prongs. 

Tessan is the leading brand of adapters, and this one works for New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. If you’re traveling to multiple countries, I’d highly recommend investing in a universal adapter, like this one that my partner used. 

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Australia’s sun is notoriously harsh. There’s a thinner ozone layer above Australia, which means many people burn much faster than usual. Australia is also famous for its fabulous coral reefs, especially the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll need to buy sunscreen that doesn’t contain any chemicals that could harm marine life. 

I used Sun Bum SPF 50 sunscreen, which is free from harmful chemicals and compliant with reef-safe restrictions. 

Sunglasses with UV Protection

Once again, I can’t emphasize how much you’re going to need sun protection while in Australia. 

I wore my Goodr Sunglasses nearly every day there. They work great for outdoorsy activities like hiking, but they’re subtle and stylish enough that they’re great for city wear, too. They’re built to last, and they’re a great price. 

Sun Hat

Another great way to protect yourself from the sun is to have a good hat. We saw a lot of Aussies wearing something like this Foldable Boonie Hat for outdoor activities, especially hiking out in the bush. 

For a women’s style that’s a bit more stylish, my mom has this wide brim straw visor, and she loves it. It’s foldable and easily packable. 

Underwater Camera

My biggest regret was not bringing an underwater camera while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. I mean, how many times in my life am I going to be swimming above one of the natural wonders of the world? Our tour guide had a photographer who took a few photos of us, but unfortunately, we didn’t have any way to take our own photos or videos. 

I strongly encourage you to bring an underwater camera, especially if you’re visiting any of Australia’s reefs (which you 100% should). You really can’t go wrong with the GoPro Hero 13. It’s the top-of-the-line for underwater cameras and can take crystal-clear photos and videos. 

Beach Towel

Australia’s beaches are world-famous. While roadtripping on the East Coast in a free campervan, we visited over 20 beaches, and each was genuinely more beautiful than the last. I am SO glad I brought a beach towel so I could swim in the ocean whenever I wanted! 

This microfiber beach towel is perfect for travel. I like how large it is, so it can be comfortable for lounging on the beach. And it still packs up small, so it’s a good travel size. 

Reusable Water Bottle

Tap water in most of Australia’s cities is safe to drink. I’d recommend bringing a reusable bottle to fill up — it’s better for your budget and better for the environment. Plus, Australians tend to be pretty eco-conscious, so you’ll score local points by having your reusable bottle. 

On my trip, I took my Nalgene water bottle. I chose this one because it’s lightweight and it won’t leak when put on its side (unlike some water bottles with straws). 

Binoculars

One of my favorite parts of Australia was all the unique wildlife. Kangaroos, koalas, cockatoos, wombats, echidnas… the list goes on! When seeing an animal in the wild, it’s super important to respect their space and keep your distance. Binoculars can help you get a closer look at wildlife without getting too close. 

Having this pair of Hontry Binoculars helped me see my very first koala in the wild. I also used them for some epic whale watching in Sydney! 

Dangerous Wildlife Pocket Guide

Australia is home to some incredibly dangerous wildlife, including the world’s most poisonous snakes, spiders, and jellyfish.

While in Australia’s cities, your risk is quite minimal. But if you’re venturing out into the bush or into the ocean, it can be helpful to be extra prepared with a pocket guide to Australia’s Dangerous Animals. It’s also a genuinely interesting way to learn more about the country’s unique wildlife! 

First Aid Kit

For any hiking trips we did, I always made sure to pack my first aid kit just as an extra safety precaution. My partner also got seasick on some of the Great Barrier Reef tours we did, so we kept her seasickness medication in the first aid kit, too. 

This mini first aid kit includes band-aids, sterilizing wipes, gauze pads, and more. 

Portable Charger

Spending long days sightseeing, hiking, or lounging on the beach meant that I was often away from a phone charger. 

Luckily, my partner had this portable charger. It meant that I never had to worry about my phone losing battery while we were out and about. I loved it so much that I bought my own recently and have been super happy with it! 

Bug Spray

Mosquitos (or “mozzies,” as Aussies like to call them) can get bad in Australia — especially when it’s hot. I can’t tell you how many times we had to swat them off while just trying to enjoy a nice sunset. 

I’d recommend bringing this Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Spray. It works for ticks, too. And as we learned, there are some pretty nasty ticks in the Australian bush! 

Checklist of Other Australia Essentials to Pack

• Phone
• Passport 
• Wallet with AUD cash (even though most everywhere takes card) 
• Australian Visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) 
• Electronic chargers 
• Book or Kindle  
• Toiletries 
• Earplugs 
• Headphones 
• Travel pillow 

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Australia

Australia’s clothing style is pretty similar to the US. In Sydney, the style seems similar to LA — think athleisure, leggings, linens, and beachy clothes. In Melbourne, the style is closer to New York, with trendy or experimental street-wear commanding the scene. 

If you’re heading into Australia’s countryside (or the bush, as they call it), you’ll want to bring rugged, bug-proof hiking clothes. Australia’s Outback — the vast and sparsely populated interior, where red dirt and scorching temperatures dominate the landscape — requires some special gear. 

Hiking Pants

Australia has incredible national parks within a few hours of major cities, like the Grampians and the Blue Mountains. They are super easy to visit, and hiking there was one of my favorite Australian activities. 

I’d recommend packing hiking pants so you can properly explore Australia’s bush without getting bitten or stung by any ants, mosquitoes, ticks, or other creatures. I like how these Toomett hiking pants look like casual joggers, so they can be used for hiking or just walking around town. They also come in men’s sizes and styles.

Bug Protection Hat

The first thing you’ll notice about the Outback is the flies. The flies there are absolutely unbearable. They follow you around and swarm like crazy, making hiking miserable — unless you have a bug hat. 

Should you still visit the Outback? Absolutely. The red dirt, the wildlife, the Aboriginal culture, the incredible sunsets — it’s what makes Australia truly unique. Just get one of these sun hats with a mesh net, so you’ll be totally protected from the flies. Plus, when you don’t need the mesh net, it folds away and turns into a normal sun hat. 

Trail Runners

If visiting Sydney, you’ll want to bring an excellent walking shoe (like a trail runner). The city has superb walking trails, like the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk — a 7.5-mile walk along the cliffs above the ocean. All the scenic coastal walks were probably my favorite part of Sydney. 

I wish I had brought trail runners with me to Australia. These shoes are like a combination of hiking shoes and running shoes. Instead, I took up more room in my pack by bringing both hiking boots and running shoes. These ALTRA Women’s Trail Running Shoes (which come in men’s sizes too) would be the perfect shoe to tackle both Australia’s hiking trails and coastal walking trails.

Flip Flops

Want to master the art of looking like an Australian surfer? Wear flip flops. Nearly everyone in Australia wears flips flops all the time, in both big cities and small beach towns. 

If you want to blend in with the locals, I’ve found that leather flip flops, like these Men’s Rainbow Sandals, are most common. I brought the women’s version with me to Australia, and I wore them constantly. 

Wetsuit

Australia’s waves are a surfer’s dream. If you’re a surfer visiting Australia, you’ll definitely want to bring your wetsuit. Some places higher up the East Coast are warm enough to go in just a swimsuit, but I found that the majority of good surf spots required at least a lightweight wetsuit. 

O’Neill makes some of the best wetsuits in the game, like this highly popular Men’s Full-Length Wetsuit. O’Neill also has a women’s version. 

Rash Guard

Spending a lot of time at Australia’s beaches? Get a rash guard for swimming. This will be your best protection against a nasty sunburn. 

Get something like this men’s swim shirts rash guard, which comes highly reviewed at a great price. Or, check out this women’s version. 

Outdoor Boots

Australia is a country that will reward you for getting out of the major cities. In fact, many of my favorite places in Australia were small towns, quiet national parks, and rural areas where the country’s natural beauty could come alive. And to get there, you’ll need a good pair of boots. 

Blundstone is an Australian brand, and the boots are perfect for exploring Australia’s long dirt roads and eucalyptus forests. I wore my Blundstones nearly every day in Australia, and always got the nod of approval from other Aussies. 

Long-Sleeve Linen Top

I brought several long-sleeve linen tops with me to Australia, and I wore them so much. A lightweight, linen top was perfect for layering when it was too hot for a jacket but too cold for just a t-shirt. It was also perfect for spending a lot of time outside in the sun, because it kept me cool and protected me from getting burned. 

I’d recommend finding a shirt like this one from Toumett. It works great for both men and women. 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Australia

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Australia? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Australia: 

• 4-6 t-shirts
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 1-2 lightweight linen tops (for layering)
• 1 sweater 
• 1 light jacket 
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of linen pants 
• 1 skirt 
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 beach coverup
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of comfortable walking or running shoes
• 1 pair of outdoorsy boots 
• 1 pair of heels or nice sandals (for beach clubs)
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks 
• 1 sweater 
• 1 light jacket 
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 bug protection hat (most necessary in the Outback) 

Seasonal Items to Pack for Australia

Australia’s winter is June – August. Depending on where in the country you are, you could experience very different climates! 

Southern Australia can be quite chilly in winter. Melbourne is cold, with average temperatures around 50 degrees. Tasmania regularly gets snow in the winter. You’ll want to pack warm layers and a good jacket. 

However, the further north you go, the more temperate it gets. Sydney’s winter is quite mild, with average temperatures around 65 degrees. It’s frequently sunny and warm during the day, but evenings can get chilly, so you should still bring a warm jacket or sweater. 

Northern Queensland is more tropical and experiences a wet season and dry season. The wet season is November through April. Prepare for daily rain, humid weather, and possible cyclones. November to May is also “stinger season” in Queensland — more on that in a minute! 

Here are recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Australia:

Raincoat

If you’re visiting tropical Northern Queensland during the rainy season (November – April), you need to bring a rain jacket. (Hint: if you’re going to the Great Barrier Reef, you’re going to tropical Northern Queensland). It’s very tropical and rains frequently during the summer. 

I’d recommend a raincoat from a trusted outdoor brand, like this Outdoor Ventures raincoat that comes in both women’s and men’s sizes. It also packs down into a small bag so you can easily put it in your day pack when not wearing it. 

Travel Umbrella

Just like having a raincoat, a travel umbrella is necessary during Queensland’s rainy season. This best-selling Repel Umbrella has excellent reviews and is a good size to travel with. 

Puffer Jacket

If you’re visiting Australia in the winter (June – August), you’ll want to pack a puffer jacket. Tasmania and Melbourne can get quite cold. You will probably also need it in Sydney for the morning and evening. 

I wore a jacket very similar to this Outdoor Ventures packable lightweight puffer jacket. You’ll want to find something that can pack up very small so that it doesn’t take up room in your suitcase, but that is still warm enough to do its job. 

Stinger Suit

Queensland’s tropical waters are home to several of the world’s most poisonous jellyfish, including the box jellyfish. Jellyfish season is from November – May. 

Most tour companies will provide stinger suits for snorkeling or scuba expeditions. Many beaches in Queensland will also create designated swimming areas inside safety enclosure nets. However, if you’re swimming outside the nets on your own, you need to be prepared and BYOSS (bring your own stinger suit). 

The EcoStinger Full Body Stinger Swimsuit is one of the better options I’ve found. It covers your whole body and is lightweight enough that you won’t overheat in the warm water. Pair it with some flippers or fins so that your feet stay protected. 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Australia

So what seasonal items should you pack for Australia? Here is a quick checklist: 

❄️ Winter:

• Puffer jacket 
• Wool socks 
• Thermal wear
• Hand warmers 
• Gloves 
• Ski helmet (if skiing in Tasmania or the Snowy Mountains) 
• Goggles (if skiing) 

☔ Rainy season (Queensland): 

• Rain jacket 
• Umbrella 
• Stinger suit 

Australia Packing Tips

Athleisure in cities is totally fine

I know most Americans visiting Europe are shocked that yoga pants or leggings aren’t considered fashionable. Australia, however, is totally fine with it. 

We saw many people in Sydney wearing leggings, bike shorts, running shoes, sweatshirts, and other athletic apparel while hanging out in the city. Australians tend to be pretty active, so athleisure is definitely normal here. 

Make sure to get a Visa or an ETA for Australia

When my friend from the U.S. came to visit us in Australia, she didn’t realize she needed an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, before she could board the plane. She had to apply right there in the airport — and almost missed her flight! 

Luckily, the ETA is fairly easy to obtain and only costs 20 AUD. But make sure you do it at least 3 days in advance of your trip for a stress-free experience. 

Pack hiking and outdoor gear

Australia isn’t just beaches and surfing! The country has some stunning national parks, and the whole island of Tasmania is a hiker’s paradise. I’d highly recommend getting off the beaten path and checking out some of the mountains. Bring suitable shoes like hiking boots or trail runners, hiking pants, athletic shirts, and a good backpack. 

Only bring clothes for 7 days, then do laundry

Laundry in Australia is widely available at most hostels, hotels, or B&Bs. To make the most room in my suitcase, I only pack enough clothes for one week, no matter how long my trip is. Then I can do laundry and rewear things. 

Don’t skimp on sun protection

Australia’s sun is hotter than usual because of a thin ozone layer in the atmosphere. This leads to stronger UV rays — and as a result, quicker sunburns. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a good hat, lightweight long-sleeve layers, and a rash guard. 

Research the climate for where you’re going

Australia is huge, and temperatures and climate can vary drastically. If you’re going to Australia in July, it could be 40 degrees and snowy down south, and 70 degrees and humid up north. Have an itinerary, and research the climate of the regions in Australia you’re planning on visiting. 

Don’t underestimate the cold in winter

Let’s get one thing straight: Australia isn’t that cold. Sydney and Melbourne have climates very similar to my home state of California (Sydney’s weather is like LA, Melbourne’s like SF). But in my head, Australia was all sunshine, all the time. So I was very surprised when I pulled out my jacket nearly every evening in Sydney! 

If visiting Australia in June, July, or August, bring a good jacket. You’ll use it more than you think. 

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

***

That’s it for your Australia packing list! Enjoy your trip, take lots of pictures, and seriously — don’t forget the sunscreen. Heading to New Zealand while you’re down under? Check out my New Zealand packing list next!