When packing for an Australian trip, one should prepare for the weather, especially if you plan on extensive outdoor activities such as bush-walking or rock climbing. Depending on your travel plan, you will need to take along suitable kind of footwear. However, be sure to leave enough space in your luggage for any souvenirs you might wish to bring back with you.

Documentation and Money

You will need a valid passport as well as a visa to enter Australia. You can obtain these online from Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (eta.immi.gov.au). It’s advisable to carry copies of your passport along with the original and also an official copy of your birth certificate. Also if you are planning to rent a car in Australia, don’t forget your driver’s license.

These can help if you lose your passport or it gets stolen. If you take along traveler’s checks or cards – much preferable to large wads of cash – it’s best to make a list of the serial numbers and keep it apart from the originals.

Clothing and Accessories

You are very much likely to be exposed to extreme sunlight and heat wherever you be in Australia. Therefore it’s recommended that travelers pack sunglasses, broad-brimmed head-gear, and long-sleeved clothing. Also pack a water-proof jacket, with a detachable lining if possible. Sturdy, comfortable, lace-up shoes are a must for hiking. Pack along a swimsuit if you plan to spend time on Australia’s beaches.

If you intend to indulge in the Australian nightlife, be sure to pack appropriate evening wear and dress shoes. Many city clubs and bars impose dress codes and turn away would-be patrons in sneakers or flip-flops. Also, keep in mind that quite a few religious sites in Australia require modest attire.

Personal and Medical Items

Pack a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for protection from the Australian sun. Ticks are aplenty in the wilderness, and if bitten, a pair of tweezers is essential for you to remove the pest from your skin. Insect repellent is a must especially if you plan to spend time in Australia’s Red Center.

Toiletries are easily available in Australia, but bring along your own if you are partial to any particular brand. Keep in mind that Australian pharmacists will not fill foreign prescriptions, so it’s advisable for you to take as much prescription medication as required for the duration of your trip.

If wearing prescription glasses, bring along a spare pair. And in the case of contact lenses, bring several extra pairs and plenty of solution. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention encourages international travelers to pack a first-aid kit with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medication.

Other Essentials

The power supply in Australia is 240 volts AC, 50 hertz, as opposed to 120 volts in the United States. So if you need to use North American electronic devices or appliances in Australia, you will require a plug adapter (to change the shape of the pins from round to flat) along with a voltage converter. If you plan on traveling on foot a great deal, it’s suggested to stow your belongings in a backpack with an internal frame.