Read on to find out what you need to pack for a Summer holiday in Australia.
Australia is easily one of the best places to have a Summer holiday. With amazing weather, beautiful beaches, great people, and even better food, it is ideal for an unforgettable getaway.
Here are a few of the most important things you should pack for your Aussie Summer escape.
Casual Comfort
Australia can get very hot during the Summer, and because of this, one of the first things you should pack is a selection of comfortable casual clothes. Whether it be sundresses, T-shirts, shorts, etc, opt for light, breathable clothing that can also protect you from the sun.
For footwear, walking shoes, fisherman sandals for women, and everything in between are perfect. Also, pack something something that you can wear to the beach, to protect your feet against the hot sand.
Beachwear
No Australian Summer holiday is complete without a trip to one of their world-famous beaches. Packing for this is simple; board shorts or a swimming costume/bikini is all you are going to need to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
A hat and sunscreen are also great to pack, but you can buy them when you arrive. If you are pale or tend to burn easily, it is recommended to rent a beach umbrella, as the Australian sun can be damaging, especially if you aren’t accustomed to it.
Formal Wear
Australia does have many world-class restaurants with dress codes. Because of this, if you plan on wining and dining at one of them, packing a more formal outfit is a must to ensure you don’t get turned away at the door.
Outback Gear
If you are heading to the Outback, you need to be a bit more thoughtful when it comes to what you pack to ensure you protect yourself while in this potentially dangerous part of the country.
Long Pants
Long pants are essential to protect your legs from getting stung or bitten by plants or creatures at ground level. If you are hiking in the Outback, they will also protect them against cuts and scrapes from plants, rocks, etc.
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Hiking shoes or boots will ensure your feet stay comfortable on long journeys, but they also protect them in the event of a snake or spider bite. Boots that go over your ankle will also help prevent injury if you stumble or trip.
Hat
Simply put, the sun in the Outback can be incredibly strong and harsh, and you need to protect your head and face. A mesh or breathable hat can also keep you cool in the hot temperatures, while still offering the protection you need.
Walking Stick/Pole
A walking pole in the Outback serves two main purposes. Firstly, it will help you keep your balance when walking on uneven terrain, and secondly, it can be used for protection in the event you stumble across a snake, a feisty kangaroo, etc.
Warm Clothes
This may sound strange, but Australian Summer evenings can get a bit cold, especially in the Outback. Because of this, be sure to pack a couple of warmer clothing items, or some items you can layer to ensure a biting chill or cold wind doesn’t ruin your evening.
Packing Tips
Now that you know a few of the most important things you need to pack, here are a few packing tips to ensure fuss-free and easy travel.
Make a List
First off, make a list of what you plan on doing and then match clothing to it. If you have no plans on attending any formal events or going to a formal restaurant, leave your formal wear at home.
Don’t just throw things into your bag, either; more often than not, this will lead to you potentially over-packing and wasting space, or forgetting something essential.
Australia is Not a Different Planet
Don’t fall into the trap of packing absolutely everything you need in your day-to-day life or thinking you won’t be able to find certain things. Technically, you could travel to Australia with nothing and simply buy everything you may need.
While this is clearly not the best idea, it is a quick point to show that you don’t have to pack absolutely everything when you can get the things you forget or can’t pack when you get to your destination.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes is a brilliant way to organize all of your belongings. You are able to pack them in a way that gives you access to the things you need immediately without having to unpack your entire bag.
This is brilliant if you are traveling around the country a lot, as you can just have your essentials for a night in one cube, and that is the only cube you need to unpack or travel with.
Pack Smart, Not More
Finally, put thought into what you are packing, don’t just pack more. For instance, if you are staying at a hotel, you don’t need a T-shirt for every day; you can just use the hotel laundry service once or twice. Don’t over-pack and waste space that can be used for gifts, new items, etc.
