What to Bring to Australia (Updated After My Trip!)

On By saar.decosterIn Aus, Australia East Coast

Hey guys! ✨

I’m writing this now that I’m back from my Australian adventure, and I’ve updated my packing list based on what I actually used, bought, or decided I didn’t need at all. Traveling there really taught me what works and what’s just extra weight in your backpack.

🧺 Clothes & Basics

Underwear & sleepwear

  • 12 underpants
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 3 bikinis
  • 2 short pyjamas (for hostels — not really to sleep in just underwear)

Tops

  • 2–3 (oversized) t-shirts (essential if you plan to work)
  • 5 crop tops / going-out tops

Bottoms

  • 1 or 2 long trousers
  • 1 pair of jeans (CAN, but honestly: barely wore them)
  • 2 shorts (linen is best)
  • 1 skirt (not denim)
  • Long skirt (CAN, but also barely worn)

Dresses (⭐ core items for me)

  • 2 beach dresses
  • 4 “normal” / going-out dresses honestly: I did everything in dresses — moving hostels, going out, chilling… it’s so warm

Warm layers & outerwear

  • 1 sweater to wear + 1 to pack preferably with a zip, not too thick — rarely needed
  • Light jacket
  • Raincoat never really needed a big one

Shoes

  • One pair of sneakers
  • Flipflops for in hostel (showers)
  • Birkenstocks (don’t worry, fake ones are fine) OR Sandals I literally did everything in these, even going out — take good ones

Beauty & personal items

Hostel essentials

🎒 Travel Essentials

  • Osprey Aether 65 backpack or any sturdy large backpack — perfect for Australia & later Asia -> I used this one myself, but you could definitely go smaller. With this backpack, I never had to stress about everything fitting.
  • Small daypack / daily backpack
  • Money belt / waist pouch super handy for passport, cash, tickets, phone
  • Packing cubes (keep your bag organised) -> take one with a laundry bag!
  • Laptop or Ipad handy for jobs, Netflix, etc (don’t bring a huge one)
  • Headphones or AirPods
  • Water bottle (thermos), free water eveywhere in AUS! 🙂
  • A hat because Australia is very hot!
  • Mini straightener (cordless) (optional — some people used it every day)

❌ What I brought but did NOT use

  • Jeans (almost never)
  • Long skirt
  • Denim shorts
  • 2 long t-shirts I never wear these at home either… no idea why I packed them
  • 1 simple black dress “for multiple occasions” thought it would be easy
    reality: I didn’t enjoy wearing it
    I wanted cute colours
    know yourself — bring things you would normally wear
  • Thick Nike sweater barely worn, much preferred my zip-up sweater

❌ What others brought and (almost) didn’t use

  • Pillowcase hostels are honestly clean
  • Sleeping bag if you ever need one: buy one for ±$20 at K-Mart
    not worth carrying it around the whole trip

✅ What I did NOT bring but definitely needed

  • Two-piece cover-up / beach romper set freebie from a hostel, but honestly PERFECT
    opens at the top, easy over your bikini, super comfy for moving between hostel ↔ sea
    I wore this almost every day.
  • Power bank (!!! do not forget this)
  • Extra charging cable (hostels don’t always have enough charging outlets).
  • Universal travel adapter -> not just for Australia; essential if you’re traveling on to Asia (or elsewhere) afterwards.
  • Tote bag or foldable shopping bag (for beach or daily life)
  • Sunglasses you don’t mind losing (I lost mine quite a few times).
Me and my favourite two-piece

💡 Final tips

  • Bring things you would normally wear!!
  • Minimal but practical is key
  • You can always buy small things there if needed
  • Avoid packing too many white clothes — sunscreen stains easily
  • Don’t bring things that are very expensive or that you’d be upset to lose — it gets hectic, and you’ll forget or lose things anyway.

!Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you’re wondering how to start your WHV or which cities to explore, check out my other articles — or just DM me for tips. No stress, I’ve got you. ✨

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