Australia Packing

Pack lightly: Lay out only what you need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. Save extra space for souvenirs or other items that you might collect along the way. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, consult Great Outdoors, and Camping and Bushwalking . Some frequent travelers keep a bag packed with all the essentials: passport, money belt, hat, socks, etc. Then, when they decide to leave, they know they haven’t forgotten anything.

Luggage: If you plan to travel mostly by foot, a sturdy internal-frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) Unless you are staying in the same place for a large chunk of time, a suitcase or trunk will be unwieldy. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: No matter when you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to bring a warm jacket or sweater, a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for grubby hostel showers, and extra socks are always a good idea. If you plan to go to bars and clubs in any major cities, pack a nice outfit and pair of shoes—many city bars don’t allow sneakers or flip-flops at night (no matter how chic they are), and many clubs have dress codes. If you plan to visit any religious or cultural sites, remember that you will need to wear modest, respectful dress. See Outdoors Essentials for more details on packing for the Australian Outback.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides. Keep in mind that some of the bigger hostels in large cities prohibit sleeping bags.
Converters and Adapters: In Australia, electricity is 230-240V AC, 50Hz, enough to fry any 120V North American appliance. Hardware stores sell adapters (to change the shape of the plug; US$5) and converters (to change the voltage; US$10-30). Don’t make the mistake of using only an adapter without a converter (unless appliance instructions explicitly state otherwise). For more info, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
Toiletries: Deodorant, razors, tampons, toothbrushes, and condoms are often available, but it may be difficult to find your preferred brand; bring extras. Bring enough pairs of contact lenses and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, pain relievers, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocket knife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, insect repellent, sunscreen, and burn ointment.
Film: Film and developing in Australia are available. But if you don’t want to bother with film, consider using a digital camera. Although it requires a steep initial investment, a digital camera means you never have to buy film again. Just be sure to bring along a large enough memory card and extra (or rechargeable) batteries. Another option is to bring a few disposable cameras. Despite disclaimers, airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect it. Always pack film in your carry-on: higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocket knife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) are highly recommended. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the sink, and string for a makeshift clothes line. Other things you’re likely to forget include: a rain poncho or umbrella (check region-specific weather trends), sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, long pants and hiking boots that cover your ankles (if hiking in the bush), and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road; see for info on acquiring one that will work in Australia.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, government-issued ID, proof of ETA or visa purchase, driver’s license (if you plan to drive less than three months) or international driving permit (if you plan to drive in the same state for more than three months), and photocopies of all of the aforementioned documents in case they are lost or stolen.