Australia, Spring
A curated packing list for your trip between Sydney harbour mornings, Melbourne laneways, and Great Barrier Reef snorkel days. Built for intense UV, an entire continent's climate range, and the easy rhythm of a long Australian summer.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
ETA, AUD $20, 12-month validity
US, UK, EU, Canadian, Japanese, and most other VWP-equivalent passports apply via the Australian ETA app. Approved within minutes typically. Multiple-entry for 12 months, 90 days per stay. Apply at least a week before flight to handle any review.
UV is the most dangerous in the world
Australia has the highest skin cancer rate on earth. UV index regularly hits 11-13 (extreme). Apply SPF 50+ every two hours, wear UPF clothing, sunglasses, wide-brim hat. The "Slip, Slop, Slap" rule (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat) is national doctrine for a reason.
Tap-to-pay everywhere
Australia is largely cashless. Tap-to-pay (cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay) works on every transit, café, market stall. Cash is rarely needed; carry AUD $50-100 for tipping and the rare cash-only spot. ATMs at any bank.
Tipping is light
Service workers earn a real minimum wage (AUD $24/hour); tipping is genuinely optional. 10% at a nice dinner is generous, not expected. Round up taxis. AUD $5-10 for great housekeeping or porters. No tipping at cafés, fast food, or bars.
Wildlife and marine life: respect, not fear
Sharks, jellyfish, snakes, and spiders all exist; encounters are rare. Box jellyfish ("stingers") on northern beaches Nov-May: swim in stinger nets only. Reef snorkeling: stinger suits provided by tour operators. Use bug spray in the bush; check shoes for spiders if camping.
Type I plug at 230V
Australia uses Type I (three flat pins in a triangle), same as New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji. US, UK, EU travelers all need an adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 230V; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
UPF sun shirts up top. Light layers for Sydney/Melbourne, beachwear for the reef.
Shoes
Walking everywhere in cities; closed-toe required on most reef tours and bush walks.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Sunscreen and aftercare are the heavy hitters. Australian pharmacies are excellent.
Health & Medications
Healthcare quality is excellent but private rates apply for visitors. Insurance is standard.
Documents & Money
ETA + passport at the gate. Tap-to-pay handles 95% of daily life.
Tech & Electronics
Type I at 230V. Universal adapter handles Type I + others.
Luggage & Organization
Domestic flights have decent allowances. Pack for one continent, not three.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to Australia (15-22 hours from US/Europe). Internal flights are efficient.
Weather & Climate Gear
Sun is the daily challenge. Melbourne adds wind and rain at any temperature.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Reef snorkeling, Outback respect, beach culture each ask for something specific.
Safety & Precautions
Australia is very safe. UV and the sun are the actual safety risks.