Ah, the Land Down Under. It’s a glorious place that’s sure to bring to mind endless stereotypes about certain animals and accents, but it’s so much more than that (I know since I was born and raised in Sydney).
With sweeping beaches, highlands, vineyards, rainforests, and deserts – Aussieland is a diverse continent that can feel other-worldly. Knowing what to wear in Australia can be difficult, so we’ve curated a list of what to pack, what NOT to bring, and some helpful FAQs!
The Australian Type I power outlet is one of the lesser-used in the world, so if you want to keep your electronics charged, you’ll need to bring a power adapter. I recommend bringing a universal power adapter that also has USB ports and built-in fuse protection. This one works in almost 100 countries and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Jet lag is a fierce foe when you’re on the opposite side of the world, so I highly recommend this natural jet lag remedy to counteract the effects of international travel. The average flight time from the U.S. to Australia is 18 hours and the time change is 8-15 hours ahead. Use this natural remedy to acclimate yourself at the beginning of your trip and you’ll arrive feeling much more ready to dive right into action!
Believe it or not, in my experience, you need a good VPN for all travel. If you ever use WiFi in a foreign place, whether at a cafe, airport, rental property, or hotel – you could be putting your private info in danger of being hacked.
I discovered this the hard way when my credit card number was stolen after using the WiFi at an Airbnb in Paris. If you use a quality VPN such as NordVPN, you can protect yourself on any device with 1-click. It even allows you to surf the web freely on sites that may be censored or blocked in that country.
The Australian sun can take its toll if you’re outside all day and aren’t careful. In addition to wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and a hat – a cooling towel can be a huge help when you’re trying to stay cool and safe from the harsh UV rays. All you do is get it wet, wring it out, and you instantly have an ice-cold towel that’s 20-30 degrees colder than the air temperature for up to an hour. We never travel to warm destinations without them.
This item is at the top of the list for a reason, it costs virtually nothing and could save you thousands. This universal-fit case protects your phone from dirt and dust, water, scratches, and some impacts while still allowing full use of your device underwater, including the camera! We’ve recorded some stunning family snorkeling memories, and it’s perfect for an underwater selfie at the Great Barrier Reef!
Being from Australia, I can tell you that there are plenty of reasons to protect yourself in case of an emergency. Australia’s government travel administration says, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” While it is not required, foreigners could pay extremely high bills out-of-pocket since your domestic provider typically doesn’t cover you for international travel. And for a low price, insurance will protect you against an array of common occurrences such as canceled flights, lost bags, stolen items, and unforeseen medical bills.
Our favorite provider is Faye because they create custom quotes for each trip and each traveler. They have useful add-ons, including “cancel for any reason,” (so long as it’s added within 15 days of booking your trip), vacation rental coverage, and even extreme sports. My favorite perk is the immediate wire transfer on their app so you don’t have to jump through hoops or wait months for a reimbursement!
Even though an underwater phone case may create a false sense of security, don’t forget that your phone won’t float! Adding these flotation straps ensures that if your phone falls in, it won’t sink to the bottom of a sharp coral reef or become irretrievable. Strap these babies on your phone, keys, or anything else you wouldn’t want to watch fall to the ocean floor like the blue diamond in Titanic.
A trip to Australia is a long one from just about anywhere in the world. Your luggage will come in contact with a lot of strangers before it makes it back to you, and I’ve sadly had something stolen out of my checked luggage. Secure your bags with these TSA-approved luggage locks – they are 10x harder to crack than a traditional 3-digit lock and will secure your essentials (like electronics, travel docs, and forms of identification).
Water sports are huge in Australia. You may snorkel, take a hike among tidal pools, or simply spend a day (or many) at the beach. But regardless, you don’t want to do those things in your regular shoes that will become heavy, soggy, and lead to blisters. You’ll want something sturdy and reliable, quick-drying, and breathable. These mesh slip-on shoes are extremely handy and versatile, saving you from having to ruin your best walking or hiking shoes.
A trip to Australia almost guarantees that you’ll be having fun in the water. Don’t carry fluffy, bulky towels through the extensive wilderness and long treks of Australia – a compact travel towel is more practical because they are smaller and more absorbent. This one is made of premium microfiber material that dries 10x faster than cotton, reducing moisture build-up in your bag.
This small, user-friendly portable charger is powerful and extremely useful. Charge it while you’re resting in your accommodations, and bring it with you to recharge your other devices while on-the-go! It’s the size of a tube of lipstick and just as sleek; compatible with any device that uses standard USB cables. Don’t risk being lost in the middle of the outback or far from a power grid without one of these!
Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are known for their pickpockets. The way to ensure you’re not the next victim is to use a neck wallet like the one pictured. This pouch securely stores your passport, credit cards, cash, and plane tickets, etc., so that you can conceal them under your clothing.
After having some pretty scary experiences myself, I never do long-distance trips without my neck wallet and this is especially important for Australia since the travel time and jet-lag can be so bad. When you’re a tired tourist getting off the plane into a new city, you have a target on the back of your head. But with a neck wallet, it’s practically impossible for thieves to steal from.
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This camera is tough and waterproof down to a depth of 30 meters (almost 100 feet). Practically all major cities in Australia are on the coast, which puts water activities such as snorkeling, surfing, or scuba-ing at the top of the menu. If you want a much less expensive option than the GoPro or don’t want to risk your precious DSLR, this is the camera to check out. It’s an incredible value for the price, even allowing you to edit and share directly from the device.
These luxury organizers have made life so much easier while traveling. They allow you to pack items in an organized, accessible, and compact way without adding excess bulk. Finding my items is a breeze because I can label each cube (tops, pants, essentials, etc.) and don’t have to rummage through a discombobulated suitcase. Simply put – once you try packing cubes, you’ll never go back.
I usually find traveling with a backpack to be the most convenient, as it keeps my hands free for other things and can double as my carry-on when flying. Recently, we had our backpack get absolutely soaked on a boat tour – ruining all cash, phones, and day-to-day items. Learn from our mistakes and opt for waterproof material. This fantastic pack is lightweight but has a lot of storage capacity. When you’re not using it, it folds up compactly into its own zippered pouch.
Flight attendants commonly wear stockings or compression socks because they reduce the risk of swelling, pain, or blood clots during long flights. While extreme health concerns are very rare, the risk goes up on longer flights. The larger concern is preventing pain and lowering the chance of feeling puffy like a marshmallow man! Use these compression flight socks to keep the blood circulating through your legs and you’ll feel so much better when you land!
Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for amazing tours. If you wait until the last minute, many excursions will be fully booked (especially during peak season), so planning in advance will ensure you discounted and skip-the-line tickets.
Snorkel the great barrier reef, take a wildlife tour in Melbourne, explore the scenic beauty of Fitzroy Island, and climb the story bridge of Brisbane. From water activities to wine country, Australia has many eclectic experiences to offer new and repeat visitors.
I recommend setting aside some time for day trips to the Blue Mountains, the Yarrah Wine Valley, and Kangaroo Island, as well as some of the lesser-known attractions like hiking Kings Canyon or stargazing at The Pinnacles Desert.
Australia is a wonderland for parents and kids! From beach days, to swimming with dolphins, to snorkeling through the largest coral reef network in the world, the entire family will have an incredible time. The only hang-up is finding rental gear in a child’s size that actually fits! Most diving shops cater to adult sizes with limited options for kids; prepare by bringing your own gear from home.
This child’s snorkel mask is our favorite because it has an anti-leak design and tots can swim more safely without the nose or mouthpiece in their way. Don’t forget the unisex life vest that will give your little ones full confidence in the water!
The combination of jet lag, new food, and a new environment seems to be a recipe for digestive upset. Almost every traveler has experienced traveler’s diarrhea at some point – if you haven’t, it’s not a fun way to spend your trip. Activated charcoal helps tremendously with this problem as it serves as a quick fix for food poisoning, should that be something you encounter during your travels.
Drinking water regularly is even more important in Australia than it is in the States. Heat, dry desert air, and the beating sun combine to make it hard to stay adequately hydrated, so carrying your own supply of water is a wise idea. This bottle has a built-in filter so you don’t have to worry if the tap water is already filtered or safe to drink on its own; It removes chlorine, sediment, and harmful bacteria… and it’s better for the environment than single-use plastics.
Believe it or not, rain in Aussieland can be torrential, especially in the winter (our American summer), when most tourists arrive. A good travel umbrella, like this one, is compact so that it takes up very little room in your luggage while still holding up against the elements. A quality-made umbrella will keep you dry trip after trip. This one comes with a lightweight carrying case that easily fits in your purse or backpack.
Any tan is actually considered sun damage. Since I’m fair-skinned, I tend to come back from vacation with a nasty burn. Australia’s sun is harsher than in many places of the world (since the southern hemisphere is orbited towards the sun more directly), so you will need a rash guard to protect yourself from the powerful UV radiation. This one is my wife’s favorite, and this rash guard for men is mine. Play it safe, and don’t neglect to bring the biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen; in many areas, it’s the law.
Beach days are healing for the soul. But I think we could all do without grimy sand covering everything in sight! This sand-proof beach blanket allows you to shake off any grit so you can say goodbye to sand in your food, bags, and nooks n’ crannies. The fast-drying material is breathable and lightweight, yet it holds up to 7-8 people. Plus, it has 4 anchoring hooks so it won’t blow around in the strong trade winds.
You’re going to bring a lot of standard toiletries, skincare, and styling items, and I doubt you’ll want to pack and unpack all of those things every single time you use them. Keep your sanity and maintain your routine with this hanging toiletry bag. A hook hangs on the door and will give you easy, shelf-like access to your products.
Beach living is casual, laid-back, and easy-breezy. In coastal towns like Byron Bay, Syndey, and Noosa Heads, a tunic like this will be a staple for day-to-day use. It will give you a bit more modesty if you want to hop over to a cafe for lunch, walk around your hotel, or shop through the supermarket. You can dress up a bit more in the evening, but use this daywear to keep it simple and move around town with ease.
A hat is a key piece of travel gear while exploring Australia. It provides extra protection from the sun and the heat, and happens to look pretty stylish as well. This hat is perfect for men or women and is incredibly well-reviewed and accessibly priced. Not to mention, most hats come out of your suitcase looking like a disheveled hot mess, but this one is perfectly packable and crushable.
Australian weather can be quite fickle. In the summer it’s balmy and hot, then by winter it’s dry and freezing. Convertible hiking pants can transform from shorts to pants so you’re adaptable to your environment. We field-tested this brand (I have the men’s convertible hiking pants) and they’re seriously top-notch. Breathable, stretchy, and you’re able to zip off the bottom part when exploring muddy or wet landscapes. Bonus points for the silver fiber lining that dissipates heat to regulate your body temperature.
A survey covered by The Guardian found that “Australia is the drunkest country in the world.” While this is an exaggerated headline, you’ll find that alcohol is strongly connected to the Australian culture and often used in social situations or celebrations. Between the margaritas, death flips, and varietals from 60+ wine regions (making Aussieland the 7th largest wine-producing nation) – some hangover prevention may be in order. These natural supplements detox your body from alcohol to prevent headaches, dehydration, and morning regret. Simply take 1-2 before or after drinking and skip the hangiexty.
The land down under has unique finds that you’ll absolutely want to take home with you. This “just in case” bag is ideal for those shopping trips since it can count as your personal item bag on the return flight home, easily stowed under your airplane seat.
I recommend checking out local goods such as handmade Aboriginal art, Australian Wool, Yarra Valley wine, clothes, opals, emu oil, real ugg boots, Vegemite, and my favorite chocolate treat, Tim Tams.
While Aussies are typically casual, we like to dress up every now and then! Inevitably, you’ll have a cocktail hour or indulge in a nice dinner on the town where a swimsuit cover-up simply won’t cut it. My wife always packs along 1-2 nice dresses for evenings out. This is one of her favorites because it doesn’t wrinkle easily and suits many body types since it covers the stomach but hugs the hips. At a majorly affordable price tag, you may want one in every color!
There are four seasons across most of the country, and also a wet and dry season in the tropical north. With their laid-back, friendly, and happy approach to life, Australian locals welcome tourists flocking in to enjoy and relax!
Be sure to carefully consider the activities you’ll be doing when packing clothing for your trip. Going to the Opera House, exploring the desert areas, lounging on the beach, and taking in the city sights all demand their own unique attire.
Pack with your planned (and potential unplanned) activities in mind. Trips to the Opera House and a river Cruise in Sydney visiting wine bars require different outfits than spending time suspended in a treehouse above Daintree Rainforest. Because of the wide range of entertainment options offered here, I recommend packing a diverse and practical set of outfits. Think “capsule-wardrobe,” with items that can all be mixed and matched, apart from the occasional formal outfit or hiking gear.
For anything outdoors and active, a pair of sturdy breathable sneakers or walking sandals will be crucial. Long pants or skirts are advised to ward off mosquito bites and keep off the evening chill. Australian ladies like to dress up when the occasion calls for it, so a show-stopping day to night dress and comfy but attractive heels would also be ideal. Australian weather can be wonderful much of the time, but it does still rain sometimes (particularly in Summer in the Northern Territory) so a light rain jacket may save the day. Finally, swimwear, quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves!
If you are considering heading to the Outback or camping out, even in the peak of summer temperatures can drop at night time. Pack layers along with beachwear if you plan to visit the amazing coastline. Covering legs with pants may be advisable, especially if you are camping outside, to ward off unwanted attention from mosquitoes. A high-intensity spray will also work.
For the evening, dress to impress with a shirt and smart pants along with nice shoes. The dress codes in bars and clubs in Australia can be strict, especially in the cities, so ensure you look presentable if you plan to visit these establishments. Leave flip flops and casual attire for the beach areas – modesty when you leave these areas is advised. Pack a light rain jacket as well. It is very important to remember a high UPF factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield your skin from the strong sun and to prevent burns!
Australian weather can be thoroughly enjoyable, and likely will be for most if not all of your trip! There are some things to plan for just in case, though, and they can vary by season and location on the continent.
Australia during springtime for the most part is warm. The temperature will feel especially pleasant to those visiting from colder climates! Depending on where you are in Australia the temperature will vary somewhat but expect it to be warm and not overly hot during the day.
Mornings and evenings can still be rather chilly and crisp. Summer clothes will be just fine, but it is always handy to have a sweater or extra layer for the evening as night time sees a drop in temperature. Swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, and sun gear are all necessary. Temperatures average between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 26°C).
These are Australia’s hottest months. Sunscreen and other sun protection is of the utmost importance. Remember to cover body parts after sun exposure to avoid sun damage, and that hats and sunglasses are absolutely essential. Swimsuits are a must for these months, as well as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and a rain jacket (Summer can be Australia’s rainy season).
A swimsuit cover-up is very nice to have for when you leave the pool or the beach – it will help protect you from the powerful sun. It’s best to carry around a shawl or light layer in the evening, though it may not be needed. Temperatures average between 80°F and 90°F (26°C to 32°C), and even higher in the Northern Territory.
Fall in Australia will be warm and sunny for the most part, with a sense of Winter creeping in and a slight drop in temperature, particularly at night. It is important to pack cozy layers, warm-enough pajamas, and summer clothes for the daytime.
You may wake up to sunshine and warm temperatures many days, but prepare for all weather here. Swimming is definitely doable in the North, and sun protection is still a must. Temperatures average between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
Australia has a naturally warm climate, but winter will see more unpredictable weather. You may wake up to sunshine and warm temperatures, but they could quickly turn into a cold and windy day. This occurs even more on the coastline and can happen in the north as well. It is a good idea to bring a light coat that can protect you from all weather elements.
Plenty of layers of different thicknesses are the way to go so that you can layer heavy or light depending on the temperature at the time. Australia’s coldest months may still be rather warm for some of us, and swimming, sunbathing, and even beach days are achievable in the North. Sunscreen is still vital. Temperatures average between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
Beaches
Be mindful to read all safety notices around the beaches and only choose a beach that is safe to be on. When swimming, stinger suits are advised in Australia and can be rented directly from most beaches (to protect you from small jellyfish ‘stingers’). Sometimes swimming is not safe, so please seek out a lifeguard. Crocodiles and Sharks may be present. Wear a wetsuit if you plan to surf or do water sports, as the water can be cold and the sun is extreme. Normal beach attire is also suitable.
Sailing or Boat Tours
A very popular way to see locations such as the 74 Whitsundays islands is by boat tour. The boat will usually provide everything you need in terms of snorkels, stinger suits, and wetsuits. It is best to take a sturdy sandal (not flip-flops) so that you won’t trip or slip on wet surfaces. Pack as if you were off to the beach on a summer’s day, but remember plenty of warm dry clothes and a sweater for the chilly evenings out at sea.
Churches, Monasteries, and places of worship
Australia’s major religion is Christianity, however, it is a multi-cultural and multi-religion country with lots of different people living and worshipping there. When visiting any places of worship, modest dress is advised. Outside some churches or important buildings, you may see a sign stipulating for guests to cover their knees and shoulders. If you are visiting during the summer months and want to explore these incredible buildings, carry a shawl and some loose-fitting trousers or a long skirt in your day backpack. This way you can quickly cover yourself to go inside, without having to miss out.
Australia has ATMs almost everywhere and nearly all shops and restaurants accept cards. Many Australians do not even bother carrying cash. Having a little cash on you may come in handy when visiting markets or if you want to make small purchases, but there is no need to carry lots of cash at once.
If you can avoid it, it’s best not to bring wooden items into Australia, as you’ll have to declare them for the same reasons that foods and camping equipment are banned – Australia is very keen on protecting their native species from foreign and invasive species.
You really don’t want too many unnecessary heavy objects weighing you down. Books can take up a lot of room in your bag and add to the weight. Consider a Kindle instead, or bring a couple of small paperback books.
While crime is relatively low in Australia, tourists are still a common target for petty thieves. It’s definitely worth leaving your expensive jewelry at home if you don’t want to stand out more than you already do.
Australia has a fragile ecosystem that was untouched by the rest of the world until the last few hundred years. The government does its best to prevent foreign diseases from coming in on food products and attempting to bring them in can result in heavy fines, so please respect their regulations and leave these items at home.
Just like foreign foods, any dirty shoes or camping equipment are not allowed through customs, as they may be carrying foreign seeds, plants, or insects. Make sure anything you bring into Australia is cleaned thoroughly or you could find yourself getting stopped by officers in the airport.
Expensive Jewelry
Do not wear expensive, eye-catching jewelry. Highly-populated areas, as with everywhere else in the world, do attract pickpockets and thieves, and if you wear valuable pieces they will attract unwanted attention. This is a good rule for any traveler, as it’s a great way to avoid potential trouble.
Stinger suits
Do not worry about buying a stinger suit or even a wet suit; they are easy to rent at the beaches and will take up a lot of space in your suitcase.
Impractical or ill-fitting clothing
Make sure you are comfortable in light, breathable fabrics. Sunstroke is a risk, so stay hydrated and wear clothing to keep your body cool and prevent overheating.
Flip-flops for everyday wear
Flip flops are great for the beach or the pool, but not so practical for long wear or walking. If you are walking for a long time, invest in comfy and presentable sandals or hiking sandals/shoes.
Although Australia is well-known for its dangerous and sometimes deadly animals, it is unlikely you will get into any trouble if you follow local advice. Make sure to find out if a beach or lake is safe for swimming before going in. Many places where sharks or crocodiles pose any danger have netted swimming areas that are safe. Snakes are something to be on the lookout for, but the old adage “they’re more afraid of you than you are of them” is absolutely true. Check out more safety advice for visiting Australia here.
The bigger Australian cities have extensive transport systems including trains, trams, and buses. Smaller cities usually have less consistent buses but public transport is usually available in some form. Uber is popular in Australia and is usually cheaper than taxis.
For interstate travel, it is often easiest to fly. There are a few low-cost carriers that make longer journeys affordable. Greyhound buses have an extensive network and offer passes for multiple destination trips, and even offer hop-on-hop-off style passes. Many people choose to rent cars or camper vans to give themselves more freedom. Most towns have camping areas with access to restrooms and even outdoor public barbecues.
Australia is an expensive country by most western standards. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are comparable with London or New York for traveling. This does not mean you cannot travel on a budget, but you should be prepared for a larger daily budget than many countries. The supermarkets are competitive and there are dining options for people on smaller budgets. It’s advisable to get familiar with the prices in Australia before you travel and be sure that you have the available funds, as many people are surprised by some of the prices of everyday items.
Tipping is never required in Australia and is never expected, as even the minimum wage is substantial enough for fair living. Waiters in higher-end restaurants will appreciate a 10% gratuity but the majority of locals don’t tip. This includes hotel staff, hairdressers, and taxi drivers.
Passport holders from the US and Canada must obtain an Electronic Visa Authority (ETA). You can apply online from the link below. This ETA allows you to stay for up to 90 days and costs a $20 processing fee. European Union citizens may obtain an eVisitor online which is basically the same as an ETA. Working holiday visas are available for US, Canadian, and UK citizens as well as many others. These allow young people (typically 18-35) to live and work in Australia for 12 months. For more visa information click here.
Australian tap water is safe to drink in most places. In certain rural towns, the water will not be drinkable so it is worth asking if you are unsure. Most towns and cities provide free water fountains in pedestrian areas, parks, and beaches, and you can also bring a water bottle with a built-in filter to avoid any question about water safety.
The Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Australia and many of the popular tourist spots are sacred to the Aborigines. The most famous of these is Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). There are usually signposts with guidance on how to be respectful to the local culture, and be sure never to remove anything from their sacred land as a memento. Due to certain beliefs that they have, many Aborigines will not allow their photo to be taken – it’s considered a serious offense if it’s done without express permission.
There are the classics like visiting the Great Barrier Reef and visiting Uluru, but there are also quite a few things off the beaten path to do all over Australia. There are a few islands to visit, several incredible coastal natural parks and beaches, and even rainforest areas to explore! Research the area you’re visiting and decide how far outside that spot you’re willing to day-trip so that you can determine which activities will be right for your plans.
