What to wear in Australia

Top style tips for Australia

  • It really is casual all the way in Australia.
  • Outside of the main cities, our advice would be to not bother with dressy clothes.
  • However if you plan to visit city restaurants then you may feel more comfortable in smart casual wear.
  • They say you can even wear jeans to the opera or casinos without getting a second glance – although our experience is that people do make an effort in these venues, and men tend to wear smart suits although no bow ties.
  • Clothes in natural fibers will work better in the heat and it's worth popping in a lightweight sweater or pashmina for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning.
  • Our advice for must-haves include sunglasses and wear plenty of high factor sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection).
  • A sunhat is also very useful in the intense sunshine and our packable one is just perfect for traveling.
  • If you are planning to visit very hot areas then we would recommend that you pack a shirt with long sleeves and a higher neckline, to prevent burning.
  • Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with camisoles or a t-shirt in warmer weather or a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the cooler months.
  • Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.

Shoes to pack for Australia

  • Take comfortable footwear for all the walking (try Hotter shoes, comfy and stylish).
  • Add in some lovely flip flops or sandals for going out. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing tips for women

  • A few pieces of costume jewelry will dress up any outfit if you need it.
  • And a pashmina or sarong is a versatile piece – use it as a beach towel, cover-up from the sun, keep out a chilly breeze or add a bit of ‘glam' at any time.

Clothing tips for men

  • The word is casual, and calf-length shorts/board shorts (for hot weather) or jeans (in cooler months) plus casual shoes work brilliantly here.
  • If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

Pack for Australian weather

  • June, July and August is the Aussie winter so pop a long-sleeved shirt, sweater and light jacket in for the evenings as it is cooler at around 54°F.
  • The summer months of December, January and February are hottest.
  • We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Dressing for regions of Australia

  • If you're planning to visit Melbourne then pop a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella in your bag – it tends to rain quite often.
  • On the Sunshine coast when the weather's hot (which it mostly is), it's beach wear all the way. And why not buy it there? There's a vast array of styles to choose from, so you're sure to find something that suits you and is a bit different too.
  • If you're going trekking in the wilderness of Tasmania on the World Heritage Overland Track, make sure you have comfortable, well-broken-in sturdy footwear, and pack light. Take a good head torch, and also take antihistamine cream in case you get a painful bite from the aggressive jumping jack ants. If you travel outside of the main trekking season (November, December, January, February, March and April) conditions will be particularly tough.
  • Long distance train travel is a relaxing way to see some remote areas and cover the vast distances of this great country. There are various classes of budget/comfort, but it's always handy to have a Swiss army knife and small roll of gaffer tape to fix rattling windows and the like, plus a cloth in case you need to clean the window. Also don't forget high SPF sun screen (some stops are very remote, very exposed and very hot), good insect/mosquito repellent and warm layers for the train – the air-con can be very strong.
  • What to Wear in Brisbane
  • What to Wear in Melbourne

Travel essentials for Australia

  • Travel light and buy your toiletries there.
  • A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase if you plan to travel around – it's easier to fit into the small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
  • A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
  • If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage. For more remote areas a solar powered charger can come in handy too, as a back-up for your battery.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for Australian voltage (230V).
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Especially if you're after a pair of Ugg boots… or you could look for kangaroo leather products and there's plenty of popular confectionery to tempt you.
  • But when arriving in Australia make very sure you are not carrying food of any description in your suitcases or carry-on luggage. The search dogs have a very acute sense of smell and they will find it and you may be fined, which is not a great way to start your trip.