13 Australia Packing Mistake Solutions From $9

While The Land Down Under offers stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife, navigating its unique travel rules and the essentials required can be trickier than you might think. Between its intense UV rays, 205,000 different types of insects, strict biosecurity laws, and varying climates, Australia is, without a doubt, a difficult destination to pack for.

As an Australian native, I’ve both made my own packing mistakes and witnessed several tourists and visitors fall victim to its various snafus — whether it’s as simple as bringing the wrong type of bug spray or as complicated as unknowingly bringing in prohibited items. To make matters more complicated, while Australia is one country, rules can even vary between states. Just last week, my neighbor from Sydney (NSW) went on a fishing trip to the Gold Coast (QLD) and was banned from bringing back the fish she’d caught.

So, to avoid being caught up in any issues without the right gear or essentials, I’ve compiled a list of the most common packing mistakes travelers visiting Australia make and the things you should pack instead. These tips, straight from a local, will ensure you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable trip — without any stress or blunders. 

Mistake: Packing the wrong sunscreen

Pack this instead: Summer Fridays Shade Drops SPF 30 

Reef-safe sunscreen is a must, especially for Australia’s tropical hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef, where non-reef-safe SPFs can harm coral and hundreds of marine life species. Along with being reef-safe, your sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection as it shields your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, and with Australia’s UV index frequently peaking at 14 to 15 (the highest), especially during the summer, it’s important to keep protected.

Summer Fridays Shade Drops cover it all and is a lightweight mineral option that’s also perfect for sensitive skin. For Aussie beauty picks, try Naked Sundays Mineral Glow Sunscreen SPF 50+ or Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Body SPF 50+. 

Mistake: Packing too many shoes

Pack this instead: APL Techloom Wave Sneakers 

Australia is often known as the barefoot country. This is especially true in the summer when locals are basically wearing flip-flops (or thongs as we call them), or nothing. And while you should still pack shoes, don’t go overboard. There is a lot of walking to be done in Australia (i.e. coastal walks like Bondi to Bronte), so a good pair of comfortable sneakers is vital.

My APL sneakers are my go-to for everything from working out to exploring the city. Stick to neutral colors for easy outfit mixing and pair them with other versatile options like flip-flops, sandals, or boots depending on the season. 

Mistake: Packing heavy jackets for summer evenings

Pack this instead: Muchpow Lightweight Down Coat

Growing up, I’d watch American movies where kids ended summer nights roasting marshmallows by the fire. I was baffled because, in Australia, summer evenings are often just as hot as the day, making even the idea of a firepit unthinkable. While I now know that summer temperatures in the U.S. cool significantly at night, the same can’t be said for Australia.

While Australia does get cold in the winter (yes, we have winter and some parts even snow), summer travelers should ditch the heavy jackets and rather opt for something lightweight and versatile like the packable Muchpow Lightweight Down Jacket. I also have my eye on the Automet Faux Leather Jacket for its breathable and easy-to-layer design.

Mistake: Not packing a reusable water bottle

Pack this instead: TakeToday Collapsible Leakproof Water Bottle

Traveling can leave your body more dehydrated than usual, so staying on top of hydration is key, especially during Australia’s warmer months. Luckily, tap water in urban areas is high-quality and safe to drink, saving you from buying bottled water at each stop. But instead of lugging around a bulky bottle, save space with this collapsible one from TakeToday. The leakproof bottle holds 20 ounces, features a handy carry strap, and its silicone exterior folds down to half its size when empty, making it compact, eco-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go travelers. 

Mistake: Forgetting to adapt

Pack this instead: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Australia doesn’t just use different plugs; it operates at 240V (compared to 120V in the U.S.), meaning your electronics won’t work without the right adapter. I keep this compact adapter permanently in my suitcase so no matter where I’m going, I’m set. It recently came in handy during a quick stay at the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii where I packed my Australian plugged hair tools and camera equipment. I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if I had forgotten my travel adapter.

What's more, this particular one from Amazon also features four USB ports and one Type-C port along with being able to adapt to over 150 countries, ensuring your devices are fully charged no matter where in the world you are. 

​Mistake: Forgetting UV-protective sun gear

Pack this instead: A cotton bucket hat

Australia has some of the strongest UV levels in the world and its sun exposure can cause burns in under 15 minutes. A wide-brimmed or bucket hat like this breathable cotton one from Amazon is a must. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and offers coverage for your face and neck during outdoor activities. Pair it with UV400-protective sunglasses, like this $16 two-pack from Amazon for added protection that leaves you both stylish and sun-safe while exploring the great outdoors. 

Mistake: Packing a standard hair dryer

Pack this instead: Conair Travel Hair Dryer

Many standard blow dryers aren’t dual voltages, making them incompatible with Australia’s 240V outlets. Avoid a bad hair day and potential meltdown (quite literally) by packing the Conair Travel Hair Dryer. Designed with dual voltage and travel in mind, the lightweight design folds in half and only weighs 1.2 pounds. It comes with a concentrator attachment for added precision styling and reviewers say it’s surprisingly quiet for its size, making it jet-lag-friendly for early use. Just don’t forget your travel adapter to plug it in. 

Mistake: Bringing the wrong suitcase 

Pack this instead: July Checked Plus Light

I’ll never forget my first solo trip abroad. I had a cheap roller bag with a broken wheel (most likely because it was packed to the brim) and I was crying and in so much pain trying to roll it to a bus stop 15 minutes away. Never again! Ever since then, I’ve been a big believer in investing in good quality luggage like almost-sold-out July’s Checked Plus Light. Not only does it offer 105 liters of storage space and have a lightweight build but it comes with a lifetime warranty. When traveling around the main cities of Australia, public transport is great and you’ll likely be using it throughout your trip. So travel light, invest in good luggage, and your back and shoulders will thank you. 

Mistake: Packing unlabeled over-the-counter medicine and supplements 

Pack this instead: Romanwell Essential Travel Medicine Kit 

Typically, I’d encourage travelers to decant medications into a smaller canister, however, this is not the case in Australia due to the strict biosecurity laws that require medications and supplements to be in their original packaging with visible dosages and expiration details. The Romanwell Travel Kit is a convenient option for this as it comes with a variety of pills for minor issues, saving you from an emergency run to the pharmacy. Prefer your go-to meds? Pack smaller, labeled bottles, and always remember, when in doubt, declare everything at Customs to avoid penalties. 

Mistake: Packing the wrong bug spray  

Pack this instead: Off! Individual Insect Repellent Wipes

Australia is home to approximately 205,000 different inspect specifies, 80 to 90 percent of those endemic, meaning many overseas-bought repellents won’t work. For the best protection, choose repellents with at least 25 percent DEET or Picaridin (a less greasy alternative) for long-lasting protection (unfortunately most natural products, unless made specifically for Australia, won’t work). Off! Wipes are a great pick, with 12 individual towelettes making them easy to pack, TSA-compliant, and effective for up to eight hours. They're also perfect for hikes, beach trips, and outdoor adventures. 

Mistake: Forgetting a portable charger

Pack this instead: Charmast Portable Charger 

Few things are worse and more unsafe than a dead phone when navigating unfamiliar territory. In Australia, with its outdoor-centric lifestyle, charging spots can be limited so having a portable one on hand when out and about is a must. I recently used this Charmast one on my trip to South America and loved its tiny yet powerful design. As someone who typically only brings a small cross-body bag, I don’t have room for too many items. Luckily for this one, it’s lightweight and compact and the perfect companion while on the go. 

Mistake: Forgetting a daypack 

Pack this instead: Zomake Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 

Forgetting a daypack is a rooky error that can make touring Australia a struggle. This Zomake one is the perfect companion as it packs down effortlessly into a little bag when not in use, and when full, is spacious enough for essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. Its compact size and water-resistant exterior make it perfect for day trips, whether hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, spending the day at Bondi Beach, or visiting iconic sites like Uluru. 

Mistake: Packing expensive jewelry

Pack this instead: Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Ring

Wearing and traveling with expensive jewelry is never advisable due to the risks of loss or theft, but in Australia, there’s the added hassle of Customs rules. Items over $900, including jewelry, must be declared upon arrival at customs. My advice is to just skip the stress altogether and pack affordable alternatives like the Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Ring. For only $16, this stylish alternative can achieve the same look without the financial burden, letting you enjoy a worry-free trip. 

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