When packing for Australia you need to try and be as simple as possible. With your goal in mind, be tough on yourself. Try and minimise as much as possible.
Start by writing down a list of what you think you need, then cut it in half. Ask yourself, can you buy it if you are really, really desperate for it?
If you going to explore and push yourself out of your comfort zone then think minimal. Try and be as realistic as possible.
Also, know that you will always forget something or spend ages thinking WHY did I not bring a solar powered charger for my phone… That’s inevitable.
So come to terms with it and only pack your essentials and one amazing outfit! That outfit that works for going out, dinner parties and job interviews.
Get your bag right
Don’t take a suitcase. Suitcases take up to much space by themselves. You simply don’t need the extra weight or bulkiness of a suitcase.
- A massive backpack is not a good idea! Don’t go for the 65-litre backpack. It is way too big!
- Think simple and pack smart. A smaller backpack will help you do this. A big bag means you will overpack. Limit yourself from the beginning by getting a small bag. I promise you will hate yourself less.
- There is a Kmart in Australia – so you can get cheap outfits easily.
- If you have the money I recommend getting a Tortuga backpack. It is a good investment, made out of sailboat sails so it is waterproof and has very simple ways to keep your stuff organised. Click the bag below to check it out.
- Nomadic Matt – one of my favourite travel bloggers. Has put together an amazing page about picking the right backpack. Click the tool below to check it out.
Tortuga Backpack
Click bag above to check out Tortuga Backpacks.
Picking the right backpack
Click the tool above to check out Matts page on picking the right backpack.
List of essential things to pack
First, add all this to your backpack and then see how much space you have:
- Your passport
- Adventure book and life or death bucket list
- Wallet & TransferWise card
- An unlocked phone, activated three sim card, battery pack and two charging cables.
- All printed confirmations:
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Bank balance information
- Any Medication you may need
- Card reader for your UK bank, in case your phone breaks and you get a new one. This is the only way into your app
- Universal travel adaptor
- A good pair of trainers
- Waterproof coat
- Belt – you will lose weight… so this is critical
- Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones
- Hat & sunglasses
- Toothbrush & small sun cream (buy a big sun cream from Aldis when you get there)
- Simple small first aid kit – plasters, paracetamol & antiseptic wipes
Other important things to think about:
- Head Torch
- Tablet packed with movies
- SD cards for movies, backing up photos and music
- Person towel – good for changing in hostels
- Rash Vests
- A small pack of baby wipes
Tip: Put a small pot of money away for things you know you will need to buy when you get there.
List of things to buy when you get there:
- Bug spray/cream
- Aldi Sun cream and zinc
- Stain soap stick– laundromats are very bad
- Aloe vera
- AUD$10 first aid kit from Kmart
- Shaver
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