…Way too much.
That’s the bottom line of it and I know I was told multiple times before I came out ‘you will just wear the same outfit over and over again’ but I didn’t believe it. I don’t say this often but I was wrong. I overpacked and regretted this almost immediately.
Firstly I definitely did not need two hoodies and two jackets. Australia is blaady hot and I could have known this by checking the forecast before I left. It hasn’t dropped below 20 since I arrived and as I’m travelling north it’s only going to get warmer. I have only worn one hoodie to travel in and the oversized one which seems to have expanded even more in the heat is still in my bag where I packed it, taking up valuable room I don’t have.
Dresses- I packed a few ‘dressy’ dresses (overestimating how much I would actually go out) but in reality, after spending the days exploring, you’re in bed by 10 and these dresses won’t see the light of day/night.
Bikinis- here I am glad I overpacked because I these are practically being worn daily. I would recommend saving room for at least 5-8 pairs (plus you can always mix and match)!
Shoes- I think I did okay with this one. Two pairs of trainers – one for exercise and hiking and the other as casual, going out trainers. A pair of going out sandals (which have been used once so far), a pair of Birkenstock’s (a travelling must) and then some thongs. If I had to leave one pair at home I’d choose the sandals as everyone here lives in thongs, whether that’s on the beach or in the club.
Toiletries – it’s true, you can buy shampoo and other essentials in Australia. In fact, it’s actually cheaper so you can save the added weight for until you arrive.
Makeup – you will honestly only wear it once a month or on special occasions. And even then, you will probably sweat it all off within half an hour so it’s pointless anyway. I would have left most of my makeup at home in hindsight – all I’ve used is a bit of bronzer and an eyebrow pencil!
So, with that said, my packing essentials would include:
⁃ A couple of pairs of shorts (denim and loose ones)
⁃ Pants and socks (can easily be washed in the sink)
⁃ T shirts/ vest tops/ cami tops
⁃ Trainers and flip flops
⁃ Loose (chuck on) playsuits and dresses
⁃ PJs (one pair and an oversized T for rotation)
⁃ Jeans (one pair just in case it gets chilly at night)
⁃ Bikinis, bikinis, bikinis
⁃ 2 towels (one for the beach and one for the shower)
⁃ A hairdryer (not essential but hostels do not usually provide these)
⁃ Sunglasses (a few cheap pairs because they will get broken at some point – I’ve sat on 2 pairs of mine already)
⁃ A sun hat/ cap (as I’ve said many times, the sun is strongggg)
⁃ An eye mask and ear plugs (if you value your sleep)
If you are thinking of travelling I would also suggest getting some packing cubes, they are like mini, magic tardises where you can separate your clothes. Also, the roll not fold method has changed my life (even though my clothes may now all need an iron).
One last thing… bear in mind that the shopping and fashion in Australia is too good to resist and you will end up adding to your wardrobe. I came with a large and a small backpack and will be leaving with the addition of a suitcase and 2 tote bags full! Ooops.
Annabel x
The Blonde Backpacker 