Questions to Ask Before Departing

  • Where will you be visiting?
  • What time of year will you arrive?
  • What will you be doing?
  • Who will you be with, travelling solo, with friends or family?

Answering these questions will help you to pack accordingly.

 

Passport & Documents

These are some of the most important things to remember:

  • Passport & tickets: Don't leave for the airport without your passport, you won't even be able to get on the plane without it! Make sure it also have at least 6 months left before the expiry. Also book flights to Australia in advance to secure the best prices.
  • Photocopies: Take photocopies of documents, your passport and any other important things. You might also want to make a digital backup. If you are joining an Australia tour or have hotel reservations make sure you have all these details in a safe place.
  • Australian dollars: Get your currency converter before departing to get the best rates available
  • Credit and debit cards: You will need these to get money out whilst in Australia. You could also buy a currency card which sometimes works out cheaper.
  • Driver’s license: If you want to drive once in Australia you will need your license from your home country

 

Visa

Check to see if you need a visa for entering Australia and get this well in advance of arrival. If you would like to work in Australia you will need to get a work visa - it is illegal to seek employment when on a normal tourist visa.

If you are planning to study in Australia then you will need to do a formal application and get this all arranged prior to arrival. If English isn't your first language you might want to contact an immigration company who can help you to meet application requirements. 

 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important things to get before you depart. You might think travel insurance is just an expensive add on but you need to be covered just incase you have any accidents, emergencies or issues whilst away. This will also help if you have any cancelled flights or have any goods stolen.

 

Pre Departure Things to Consider

  • Suitcase or Backpack: This decision really depends on what you will be doing. If you are planning to be doing lots of backpacking/travelling then a backpack might be best. But for more leisure or just not to strain your back a suitcase will be fine.
  • Daypack: Perfect for trips out and sightseeing.
  • Packing Cubes: This is something you might not have thought about but to save space in your suitcase or backpack 
  • Headphones: Always good to have a good pair of headphones to relax.
  • Travel Pillow: The flight to Austalia is long from almost all worldwide destinations and a travel pillow can help you get some sleep on the flights.

 

Electronics & Technology

  • Camera: A good travel camera is one of the most basic things one should carry when going for an adventure. If you don’t have one, you can use your smart phone’s camera but ensure it has a good resolution to take nice shots. When going around, you will see wild animals as there are plenty of them in the parks and you will only have yourself to blame if you fail to capture those beautiful moments for failing to carry one.  
  • Laptop / Tablet: Take a lightweight laptop and or a tablet.
  • Smartphone: Great for keeping in touch with friends and family, connecting to the internet and taking photos. You can buy an Australian simcard on arrival if you think you will be using your phone a lot. 
  • Chargers and adapters: Make sure you don't forget to pack your electrics chargers and also a travel adapter so you can charge all your gear.
 

Clothing

Check which time of the year you will be arriving and pack accordingly. Even in winter the weather in Australia is warm so light clothing is essential. We recommend taking underwear, socks, caps/hats, shorts, t-shirts, jeans, dresses/skirts, shirts, a light/rain jacket, hoody, swimsuit, comfortable trainers and flipflops. There are lots of cheap clothing shops in Australia so if you do forget anything you can easily buy new.

Don't forget to pack your accessories too! Jewelry, in particular, can be a thoughtful addition to your travel wardrobe. If you're married, consider carefully packing your mens wedding bands and jewelry. You may also want to consider packing a few statement pieces, like a bold necklace or a pair of earrings, to add some flair to your outfits. Just be sure to pack your accessories carefully to avoid damage or loss during transit.

 

Toiletries & Essentials

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste: Good to have your own rather than buying new.
  • Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash: Although you can also buy these on arrival if you want to maximize space.
  • Mediciation and prescriptions: Important if you take any not to forget to take with you, as well as well as any glasses or pure optical contact lenses if you use them. 
  • Toiletry bag: Female hygene products, condoms
  • First aid kit: Incase of any emergencies.
  • Bug spray: This will come in handy especially when exploring out of the big cities. If you are planning to spend time in the jungle then a mosquito net will come in handy.
  • Travel towel: You will probably spend time on a beach or near a pool, even a lot of hotels and hostels in Australia have pools! Take a small travel towel with you rather than a normal size large one. These are quick drying and light.

 

Sunscreen & Sunglasses

Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world and it is important to take sun-block to protect your skin. You should also protect your eyes too with UV sunglasses.

The sun in Australia is intense and very different from the one in other parts of the world like Europe. Due to its thin Ozone layer and strong sunlight, places like Queensland have the highest skin cancer rates in the world.

You will need to use lots of suncream, cover up and avoid going out in direct sunlight during sunny days, This might sound silly, but you could also take an umbrella. Be sue to take aftersun too.

 

Reusable Bottle 

Instead of buying plastic bottled water, take a reusable flask/bottle which can be refilled with tap water. This will save you money and also help the environment. There is a huge plastic problem around the world and Australia is no different but you can play a little role in helping to reduce plastic use.

 

Have you ever been to Australia? Do you have any recommendations for things to take which we have missed off our list? Let us know in the comments sections below.