Heading Down Under can truly be one of the most fabled and unforgettable travel experiences. If you’re lucky to have some time off from studying, and the budget to travel, Australia is an adventure waiting to happen for backpackers and anyone craving an action-packed trip.
Australia boasts a range of incredible natural wonders, buzzing cities, amazing beaches, exciting wildlife and adventurous trails. Best of all, it’s one of the best places for backpacking from hostel to hostel, seeing the sights and meeting new people along the way.
If you’re in the middle of planning your dream trip to Australia or just thinking about whether it might be right for you, it’s important to understand that this is a stunning country to explore. However, it is a great idea to research your trip first, plan your perfect itinerary and pack carefully before you take off. Of course, this is true for any adventurous holiday, but the last thing you want to do is find yourself in the Outback with the sun going down, and find you’re missing a key piece of equipment.
And don’t forget that Australia is such a varied place, you need to pack for just about everything. Yes, temperatures can get really hot, but that doesn’t mean you can live your life in flip-flops and beach shorts no matter where you are. The winter gets chilly just like anywhere else; in Canberra, the temperature regularly drops below freezing.
In this article, we take a look at the five essentials that every student traveller should pack before they set off on their incredible Aussie adventure.
Front-loading backpack
Now, obviously, you’re going to need some form of luggage for your adventure. But this is a really crucial decision and it can make your life a lot easier if you think about it the right way. Luggage with wheels might seem like a good idea for when you’re flying, or walking about in a city – but the rest of the time it is completely impractical. You’re going to need a backpack.
So far, so easy, but too many travellers heading for Australia simply opt for a standard, large backpack, cramming in all of their stuff and hoping for the best. The problem with backpacks is when they are getting full, they are tough to pack.
A front-loading backpack can be a great solution to this problem. They open up in the same way that a suitcase does, which makes them much easier to pack and unpack, while retaining the convenience and the shape of a traditional backpack.
A great camera
It is important to capture the amazing memories from your trip Down Under. That’s why many travellers choose to invest in a high quality camera for their adventure. Yes, cameras on phones have come a long way, but they still pale in comparison to a dedicated camera.
You also need to make a choice when it comes to the case that you take with you. Soft cases can be lighter and save space, but hard cases tend to be more robust and offer a better level of protection.
“If ruggedness and peace of mind are the most important factors for you, then get yourself a hard case,” explains camera specialists MPB. “But just be aware that you may need to compromise on versatility and adaptability. If you feel confident that you will always have your case with you, then the soft case might be a better choice. While they’re not as robust as hard cases, soft cases are usually more comfortable and convenient to carry.”
5 Essentials To Take On Your Aussie Adventure | Life in Australia
Walking shoes
If you want to see the best that Australia has to offer, then the chances are that you’re going to be doing a fair bit of walking. Whether you’re sightseeing in Sydney’s urban jungle, trekking in Barry Way (AKA the Australian Alps), or getting to know more about the Outback, you’ll never regret having a really good pair of walking shoes.
You might think a pair of trainers will suffice, and for the most part you might be right, but if you’ve got any plans at all to do anything on rugged terrain, you’ll be very thankful that you made the investment.
Sunscreen
Australia is undoubtedly home to some of the most incredible locations in the world and you will have an incredible time. But it’s vital that you think practically about your time Down Under. The great weather is certainly one of the major draws for many people, however, this comes with a reality; the sun in Australia is fierce.
Failing to have a high factor sunscreen is just a bad idea in Australia. Temperatures can get very high, especially in the summer, and the midday sun can be unrelenting. You really can’t afford to be without sunscreen, and you will get used to liberally applying it everyday.
It is also a good idea to choose an eco-friendly option. The Great Barrier Reef is suffering from the problem of coral bleaching, and it’s thought that chemicals in sunscreen are an exacerbating factor. Do your research and select a product that won’t damage the natural world.
Reusable water bottle
Just as you’ll benefit from sunscreen, the Australian heat requires that you stay well hydrated at all times. It’s never a good idea to just assume you’ll be able to find somewhere to buy a drink (not to mention the expense). However, it can be far more effective to carry a reusable water bottle with you.
Australia has a lot of water fountains where the water is drinkable, and you can fill up your bottle for the day. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can become dehydrated in the heat, and this is something you need to keep an eye on. Always having a reusable water bottle available to hand is a great way to remedy this problem.
5 Essentials To Take On Your Aussie Adventure | Life in Australia
Without doubt, you’ll have the time of your life in Australia – seeing incredible sights, meeting fun new people, and making memories that will last a lifetime. But to do this, you need to have packed the right things to make your travel experience as smooth and simple as possible. Of course this is not an exhaustive list of the things that you need to take with you to Australia, but it can act as a strong foundation for your holiday planning.
