Packing Guide

Your Guide to Packing for Your Working Holiday

Australia is massive with loads of different climates and landscapes, from tropical rainforests and deserts to coastal areas and mountains. This means you could come across nearly every type of weather and activity while you’re traveling down under. Therefore, it is essential to have a well-thought-out packing list to ensure you’re prepared for all conditions. Here’s a detailed list to help you pack everything you need for your trip to Australia:

Clothing

Summer Clothes:

• T-shirts, light shirts
• Shorts, skirts, and light trousers
• 2-3 swimsuits + sunglasses
• Sun hat or cap
• Flip-flops or “thongs” as we call them in Australia

Light Clothing for Cooler Nights:

• Thin jackets or sweaters for the evenings, especially in coastal regions and the mountains
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against insects (especially in tropical areas)

Warm Clothing for Cooler Weather:

• For regions like Tasmania, Victoria, or the southern mountain ranges, it can still be quite cool even in summer. A warm sweater or jacket will do the job.
• Fleece jackets or down jackets (especially for winter)

Rain Gear:

• A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket

Hiking Shoes/ Sturdy Shoes:

• For nature excursions or hikes, especially in national parks or the Outback regions
• Light, comfortable shoes for sightseeing or casual strolls

Underwear and Socks:

• It’s advisable to have some quick-dry materials, especially if traveling in tropical regions.

Other Items

• Sunscreen with high SPF (at least SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Insect Repellent
• Water bottle
• A small backpack or bag for day trips and exploration.
• Adapter, Australia uses Type I outlets (three flat pins), so you’ll need the right adapter for your electronics.
• Band-aids, painkillers, disinfectant, and any personal medications.
• Camera or Smartphone

Important Items and Technology

• Passport and Visa
• Flight Tickets and Booking Confirmations
• Credit Cards and Cash
• Laptop or tablet (optional): If you plan to work or stream during your trip.
• A portable power bank for charging your devices on the go.
• Headphones or Earphones

Travel Tips

• Laundry Facilities: Most hostels in Australia have laundries or nearby laundromats, so you can wash your clothes regularly. This means you don’t need to overpack.
• Travel Timing: Depending on when you visit Australia, the weather can vary greatly. The summer months (December to February) can be extremely hot, while winter months (June to August) can be cooler, especially in southern regions.
• Adapt to Local Conditions: If you’re heading to remote areas, make sure you check the local weather conditions and prepare accordingly for any eventuality.

Traveling with a Large Suitcase vs. a Backpack

When it comes to choosing between a large suitcase and a backpack for your trip, it depends on your travel style, the type of trip, and personal preferences. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make the best choice.

Large Suitcase

Advantages:

1. More Space and Organization
2. Protection for Fragile Items:
   • Hard-shell or structured suitcases offer better protection for fragile items (e.g., electronics).
3. No Weight on Your Back:

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Mobility:
   • Difficult to move around in uneven areas (e.g., cobblestones or mountainous terrain) or narrow streets.
2. Space Issues in Public Transport:
   • Large suitcases can be impractical to store on buses, trains, or in small hostels.
3. Harder to Carry:
   • Even though suitcases have wheels, they can still be difficult to carry in certain situations (e.g., stairs).
4. Less Flexibility:
   • Less practical for long hikes or trips in remote areas.
5. More Weight:
   • Empty suitcases often weigh more than a backpack, which can add extra weight to your luggage.

Backpack

Advantages:

1. Flexibility and Mobility:
   • Easier to carry and offers more flexibility, especially for trips involving movement (e.g., hiking, public transport, or mountainous regions).
2. Better for Unpaved Roads and Terrain
3. Hands-Free:
   • You have your hands free, making it easier to navigate with a map, take photos, or do other activities.
4. Better for Long-Term Travel:
   • Helps you stay organized during longer trips and encourages you to pack only the essentials.

Disadvantages:

1. Less Space and Organization
2. Weight on Your Back:
   • A backpack distributes weight onto your shoulders, which can become uncomfortable over long distances or with excessive packing.
3. Less Protection for Fragile Items
4. Difficult to Access Items:
   • Backpacks often lack compartments, making it harder to find specific items without unpacking everything.

Packing for a big journey can be daunting and it’s impossible to bring everything you could ever need while you’re in Australia! Everything we’ve listed here can be also purchased once you arrive in Australia and your WTC Team can help point you in the right direction for anything you might need.

As long as you have the essentials and your sense of adventure you’re ready to go!