What to Pack for Travelling the East Coast of Australia
Planning an East Coast Australia adventure? Whether you’re backpacking from Sydney to Cairns, joining a group tour or travelling solo, knowing what to pack can be tricky.
You’ll go from city days and hostel nights to beaches, sailing trips, K’gari adventures and the Great Barrier Reef – so the key is to pack light and bring things you’ll actually use.
To make it even easier, we’ve put all our favourite backpacking and travel essentials into the ULTIMATE Amazon Storefront, so you can shop everything you need for the East Coast in one place.
1. Backpack or Suitcase?
Either works! A backpack can be easier when moving between hostels, buses and destinations, while some travellers prefer the organisation of a suitcase.
Whichever you choose, don’t overpack. You’ll be moving around regularly and you can easily do laundry along the way.
We also recommend packing cubes to keep everything organised and leaving some spare room for anything you buy during your trip.
2. Clothes
The weather can change a lot as you travel from Sydney towards tropical North Queensland, so layers are your best friend.
Pack:
• 5–7 T-shirts/tops
• 2–3 pairs of shorts
• Lightweight trousers
• Activewear
• Underwear & socks
• 1–2 casual evening outfits
• Hoodie/jumper
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Pyjamas
And remember – you can do laundry! You don’t need six weeks’ worth of clothes for a six-week trip.
3. Swimwear & Beach Essentials
You’re travelling the East Coast of Australia, so expect to spend a LOT of time around water.
We recommend:
• At least two swimsuits/bikinis/swim shorts
• Quick-dry towel
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Waterproof phone pouch
Having two sets of swimwear means you won’t have to put yesterday’s wet swimmers back on – thank us later.
4. Shoes
Keep it simple. Three pairs should be plenty:
Trainers for walking, hikes and activities.
Thongs/flip-flops for beaches, hostels and everyday wear.
Casual shoes for dinners, bars and nights out.
Shoes take up a LOT of luggage space, so don’t bring your entire collection.
5. Hostel Essentials
If you’re staying in hostels while backpacking Australia, a few small items will make your life significantly easier:
- Padlock for lockers
- Eye mask
- Ear plugs
- Portable charger
- Long charging cable
- Laundry bag
- Tote bag
- Quick-dry towel
- Small day backpack
You can find loads of our favourite hostel essentials in the ULTIMATE Storefront.
6. Toiletries
You don’t need huge bottles of everything – you can easily restock once you’re in Australia.
• Bring your everyday essentials including:
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Skincare
• Insect repellent
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Personal medication
• Basic first-aid essentials
A hanging toiletry bag is also really handy for hostel bathrooms.
7. Tech & Travel Essentials
Don’t forget:
• Phone & charger
• Australian plug adaptor
• Portable power bank
• Headphones
• Camera/GoPro
• Reusable water bottle
• Small day bag
If you’re flying, remember to keep your power bank in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked bag.
8. Important Documents
Before you leave, make sure you have:
• Passport
• Visa details
• Travel insurance
• Bank cards
• Driving licence
• Booking confirmations
• Emergency contact details
It’s also a good idea to keep digital copies of your important documents somewhere secure.
What NOT to Pack
The biggest mistake? Packing way too much.
You don’t need 10 pairs of shoes, your entire wardrobe, massive bottles of toiletries or endless “just in case” outfits.
Remember: you’re going to Australia, not the middle of nowhere. If you forget something, you can buy it there!
Ready for the East Coast?
From Sydney and Byron Bay to K’gari, the Whitsundays, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, travelling Australia’s East Coast is an adventure you’ll never forget.
Pack light, bring the essentials and leave some room for everything you’ll inevitably pick up along the way.
And if you want to make packing even easier, we’ve already done the shopping list for you.
Then all that’s left to do is get yourself to Australia!
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