790 on George
When you are putting things in your backpack before you travel to Australia, ask yourself these three questions:
- Can I live without it?
- Do I really care if it gets stolen or damaged?
- Is it something I can buy when I get there?
Your backpack will be home to all of your belongings for the next couple of weeks or months, so choose carefully – 10–12 kg is ideal. The bigger the backpack, the more tempting it is to keep adding things in there.
Seasoned travellers work on the “wear one, wash one” theory. While this might seem a little extreme for your first backpacking trip, try to think about whether you really need to bring 10 pairs of shorts and 15 t-shirts.
Remember that whatever you bring with you could be stolen or damaged, so avoid packing your favourite t-shirt you’ve had for years or that dress you saved up for weeks to buy.
Here’s the checklist for those you need:
Essentials
- Passport
- Debit/credit card (Have you notified your bank you are going abroad?)
- Travel insurance documents
- Photocopies of passport (if you lose your passport-this can be helpful)
- Driving license (if you’re planning on hiring a campervan or car while you’re out in Australia you will definitely need this).
- Mobile phone (preferably unlocked so you can use it with an Aussie SIM card)
- Student card – get access to some great discounts on tourist attractions
Clothing
Pro travellers work on the “wear one, wash one” theory. Laundry is regularly lost, damaged or taken at hostels and launderettes, so don’t pack your favourite items of clothing.
- Short sleeve t-shirts/Long sleeve t-shirt (cover up from the sun)
- Swimwear – a couple of bikini’s or swimming trunks
- Socks and underwear
- Shorts / pair of trousers / leggings
- Hoodie
- Flip Flop (Thongs)
- A thin water/wind resistant jacket (for cooler nights or the air-con during bus or plane journeys)
Personal Items
- 2 x Microfiber travel towels (1 for showering and 1 for the beach)
- Prescription medicine you need from home
- Small travel mirror
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Sunglasses
- Spare glasses or contacts if you wear them
- Brush or comb
- Don’t bother to bring any heavy bottles of shampoos or shower gels, you can easily and cheaply pick these up from all Chemists warehouse in Australia.
Things you may need to pick up when you arrive:
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamine cream or tablets
- Sun cream is very affordable in Australia
- Baby wipes and hand sanitizer
With all that being said, you should be all ready for your Aussie adventure to begin!
Thanks for reading and remember…
‘There’s the whole world at your feet’ – Marry Poppins