So, lets assume you are going to be in Australia for around about a year. This is a good amount of time to be able to really explore the country and stay a while in various cities or towns. It also means you’ll be here for all four seasons, work and play, plus up and downtime. So, the big question here is obviously: how the hell do I pack for this?
Do your research
First check out what season you are arriving in. Remember Australia is a bit ‘ass about’ in regards to opposite seasons to most of Europe and America. Then pack accordingly, but lightweight. Take your favourite can’t live without items you know will be used and then you can always pick up an extra T shirt, shorts, tops, and jeans whilst you’re here.
Buy the little stuff when you get here
Toiletries can make a bag heavy and take up much needed space that can be used for more important things. So take little travel packs of what you may need for the flight and your first few days, then head to a ‘Priceline’ store to stock up on all other soaps, shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser and any other bits and bobs you may want to impulsively buy on your way to the check out.
Summer essentials
Swimming attire, bikini, one piece, board shorts or briefs, you’ll need these! Multiple pairs if you plan on spending most days at the beach, your swimwear, (swimmers, togs, bathers, trunks, costume, swim suit, cossie, boardies…..budgie smugglers) will become every day wear.
Sunscreen, recommended 50+, it’s really hot and you WILL get burnt if you don’t slap on some sunscreen. Especially at the beach, but even if you are walking around town, it’ll get cha!
A little shammy (chamois) travel towel. Much easier than a bulky beach towel and super absorbent.
Sunglasses. Aussies never leave the house without them.
A hat, sensible AND funky.
Thongs. Flip flops I mean, as in ‘Havianas’. You know, those plastic, spongy, comfortable slip on things that hold on between your big and second toe and slap the sole of your foot when you walk? Yeah those, we call them thongs. Although the ladies may being requiring ‘thongs’ as well……but that’s getting a little bit personal!
Winter essentials
A good scarf, hat and gloves. It does depend on where you are but in general you’re going to need these. Perhaps not in Queensland but further down it gets quite ‘bitey’ in the middle on winter.
A good pair of jeans. Make sure they don’t hit the ground at the back of your heel because once their wet, that denim will soak up a puddle like a thirsty elephant at a water hole in the desert, and you’ll be sloshing around all day.
Watertight shoes or boots. Leather, and sprayed with weather protector = dry feet. Mmmmmm dry feet.
A nice, practical fold up umbrella that fits in your bag.
Autumn and Spring
These being the interim seasons you can generally get away with combining what you have for summer and winter, depending on your days. Then you’ll also need…….
Sunnies (sunglasses) will usually be on call.
A lightweight jacket.
Light weight street shoes or sneakers/trainers.
A light cotton scarf for when the wind picks up but it’s not quite cold yet.
Pack clever and you won’t need to pay excess AND have everything you need for your arrival. You can always stock up when you are here. Then you just have to decide what to leave when it comes time to leave again! But that’ a whole other story.
