I first came to Australia in 2006. It was the month of July when I arrived and even though I knew it was “winter” in Australia, I thought it was going to be nice and warm with the sun shining every day and I wouldn't need any warm clothes.
While this is partly true, I mean the sun shines perfectly all day, it does get pretty damn breezy at night. Even though Brisbane is located in the Sunshine State Queensland, imagine further south, there are areas where it snows and there are ski fields with 0 degrees too!
Weather in Australia
Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast typically experience a temperate climate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius.
However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to drop to 10 degrees or even lower at night, especially during the cooler months of June, July and August. This means that packing layers is essential to stay comfortable throughout the day and night.
On the other hand, the northern parts of Australia, such as Darwin and Cairns, have a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures year-round. Daytime temperatures in these regions often soar above 30 degrees Celsius, making lightweight and breathable clothing a must-have for staying cool and comfortable.
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, while Melbourne experiences more variable weather (the weather can change drastically even within 1 day) with cooler winters.
Tasmania, being further south, has cooler temperatures year-round. Pack accordingly for each destination to enjoy your trip comfortably.
The Ultimate Australia Packing List
My guide focuses on essential items for a summer trip to Australia! I'll highlight key items you should pack for popular Australian destinations during the summer months, ensuring you're well-prepared to make the most of your sunny adventures Down Under.
Here's my ultimate Australia packing list:
Flip Flops – Or well, thongs. Because that's what they call them on this side of the planet. Cute, no? In summer, I only live in thongs because temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius day and night and I frequent the beach like everybody else to cool off, tan and chill. I love my Havaianas which originated from Brazil but are widely available in all shapes and sizes in Australia now too.
Microfibre Travel Towel – Lightweight, quick drying and compact. Turkish Towels are the perfect little thing to throw into your suitcase instead of a bulky bath towel. They come in all sorts of colors and sizes and I carry a microfibre towel on all my travels. They are lightweight, quick dry and simply awesome without taking up any space!
Swimsuit/Bikini – Once again, in Australia, they have another word for your swimsuit. They call them togs or bathers here. Bring one or better yet: bring many! Because there are plenty of beaches and places you will want to go swimming. They say, if you were to visit a new Australian beach every day, it would take you 27 years to see them all! So literally, too many options to choose from.
Sunscreen & Sunnies – With UV levels higher than anywhere else in the world, you wouldn't want to leave your sunscreen at home. I particularly love the Hawaiian Tropic Island Sunscreen as it just smells so nice like coconuts! Bring at least SPF 30+, or better yet 50+ which is waterproof. You will need it, I promise. Getting sunburned was never easier than in Australia. 20 minutes out in the rays without sunscreen and it will be lobster alarm! Oh, and of course sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Warm & Windproof Jacket – Definitely bring a jacket! Especially in winter which is from around June to August, which isn't very long compared to European winters, but it does get cold. The southern parts of Australia also get to have snow in some mountainous areas. Tasmania's climate is also pretty close to the one in Germany. I always have a light jumper and a fleece jacket with me, which keeps me warm on cold nights, flights, heavily air-conditioned bus rides and shopping malls.
Power Bank – I used to always run out of battery on my phone, tablet, and camera all the time. It's been very annoying! In the worst moments too, while looking for directions exiting Central Station and my phone would power off because I had used it for the entire journey to my destination. With the big distances between places in Australia, you will easily run out of power in no time before you even see the next power socket. I never leave the house without my portable power bank, there are so many different ones out there now!
Phone, Camera, Drone – Australia is spoilt with beautiful places, sights and landscapes. I have never seen such a pretty blue of the ocean! The clear skies, red soil in the outback and everything in between are so worth a shot. Or really: many shots! I often get asked how I shoot my photos. I shoot all of my photos and Instagram Reels on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The quality is outstanding even without a flash or tripod (even though I recommend you get one!).
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