Lamington National Park Road Australia

10 Essentials That Belong on Every Packing List for Backpacking in Australia

Packing for a backpacking trip is always a challenge, no matter where you're traveling to. Here are 10 items that you're going to need while backpacking in Australia.

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Harold Camaya

15. May 2019

Are you planning a trip to Australia anytime soon? If “yes”, then you must think carefully about the things to pack. The major determinant on what you should pack is the Australian weather and climate. In the land down under, summer is in January and winter in July. With that, you will be able to avoid carrying heavy jackets when the weather is hot.

The other thing to bear in mind is whether you will be involved in any outdoor activities. It could be skiing, scuba diving or camping. With extra advance research, you will be in a position to know exactly what you need. If there are items that are too bulky to carry, consider the option of renting once you arrive in Australia.

Summer Packing List for Australia

1. Protective Wear

A man drinking coconut water from a coconut on the beach. Bringing a hat to the beach + a pair of sunglasses is always a good idea. Unsplash/Joey Nicotra. 

In the summer, Australia is usually very hot. If you plan to spend time on the beach or anywhere else under the sun, you need a good hat. If you are not used to being exposed to the hot sun, you need to  take precaution. Otherwise, you might end up with sunburns. Besides, the strong rays of the sun could also cause damage to your eyes. That’s why you must carry a good pair of sunglasses.

2. Beach Wear

Beach gear in Australia. In Australia you'll need proper beach gear. Unsplash/Jeremy Bishop. 

It is unlikely that you will be going out to the beach in your hiking shoes. You need a good pair of flip flops to better enjoy the ambience on the beach. In Australia, flip flops are known as thongs. They come in handy when you have to go to the beach.

Equally important is a set of swimming clothes. The Australian coastline is surrounded by clear turquoise waters, which are irresistible to those who like swimming. If you are headed out for a road trip around the country, you will come across several secluded beaches where you can swim by yourself.

If you would like to behold the wonders of the ocean next to the Great Barrier Reef, you need a set of scuba diving equipment. After all, there is no point in coming to Australia and failing to see one of the best natural phenomena the country is known for.

3. Summer-Appropriate Clothing

A man and a woman dancing on the beach, Australia. Bring something light and comfortable to wear. Unsplash/Niki Sanders. 

No need to repeat the fact that Australia can be extremely hot in the summer. To mitigate the effects of the hot sun, you need clothing that light enough. In such weather, the best outdoor clothes would be nothing but a short and T-shirt. You may also need some crop top dress sets, just in case you need to go out shopping.

There comes a time when you have to hit the clubs or casinos. You couldn't possibly do that wearing  shorts and a T-shirt. You need a formal dress for that. If the evening is a little chilly, don’t forget to carry a light stole.

4. Waterproof/Windproof Jacket

A man seen from behind, wearing a light grey rain coat. It's always good to have a waterproof jacket with you. Unsplash/Luke Porter. 

Whether it is in the summer or winter, the weather in Australia can be very wet. That’s why carrying a waterproof/windproof jacket is an absolute must. Apart from the rain, the jacket is great for keeping you warm when the wind is extremely cold.

Winter Packing List for Australia

To reiterate, Australia has its winter in July. It may not be as cold as what you are used to in Europe or North America but it still requires you to pack the right clothing. Incidentally, there are places in Australia where the temperatures are said to be hot throughout the year. That would mean you pack a mixture of summer and winter clothing. Here are things you will need to pack:

1. Warm Shoes and Clothing

A woman with a scarf.You can use a scarf to keep your neck warm. Unsplash/Courtney Hobbs.

All of these pieces are meant to keep you warm. A beanie is great if you plan to go hiking in Tasmania. As for the sneakers, they replace the thongs. When venturing out, you can use the scarf to keep your neck warm or as a dressing up accessory.

If you intend to go camping, then thermals are absolutely necessary, especially when the nights get extremely cold. Clothes for layering such as thin jerseys and T-shirts work just as well as thermals, only to a lesser extent. Finally, you absolutely need a warm jacket during the evenings when the winter weather can get really cold. To get better sleep, don’t forget warm bed socks.

2. Jeans/Dressier Clothes

Three women wearing jeans in the summer. Jeans always work. Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez.

To better handle Australian winters, you need a pair of jeans to be part of your packing list. So get a pair of black jeans for yourself. For the more formal events, you need smarter clothes. So don’t forget to pack some dress sets. Carrying a black corset is a good idea if you want to look elegant effortlessly.

3. Warm Bed Socks

Camping on a beach. Sometimes you'll need warm socks to sleep in. Unsplash/Lê Tân. 

When you are out in the Australian winter, the nights can be very cold. Apart from a blanket, you need some warm socks to wear when going to bed. It will prevent the likelihood of you catching a cold.

Toiletries

Since you are travelling to a foreign country, you need to take precaution not to cause harm to your health. The following are some of the toiletries you must just carry:

1. Sunscreen/Aloe Vera Oil

In the summer, the sun in Australia can get very hot. That’s why you must carry an SPF sunscreen. Aloe Vera oil comes in handy when you forget sunscreen or you need extra protection against the Aussie sun.

2. Insect Repellent

In Australia, just like other places with warmer temperature, the likelihood of running into insects while you are camping outdoors is very high. That’s why you need an insect repellent to avoid getting a bug bite or infection.

3. Hand Sanitizer

Given the vastness of Australia and the many things to see and do, you are likely to pick up some unwanted viruses along the way. That’s why you need a hand sanitizer. If you cannot find a reliable hand sanitizer, carry some alcohol. It works very well as a sanitizer.

Conclusion

A trip to Australia is definitely one you would like to have some time. Don’t ignore to factor in Australia’s climatic conditions at the time of packing the things you need. While there are some things we might have left out, it doesn’t in any way mean they are unnecessary. For instance, a bottle or two of Paul Masson brandy will keep you warm when you go to Australia in winter.

Author’s Bio: Harold is a passionate writer. She enjoys writing about the latest trends all around the globe. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help build a beautiful world.