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If your Australian vacation includes a beach day or five, here are the must-haves for your beach holiday packing list.
There’s nothing more iconic to Australia than our beaches. From wild surf breaks to calm, glassy bays, and the “approach with caution” kind (where I live in summer 😂), we’ve got it all. Wherever you’re heading, these are the essentials to add to your beach holiday packing list. Some are obvious, but I’ve also included a few underrated gems and links to my personal favourites. Just so you know, I’m a pale girlie living under the Aussie sun, so sun protection isn’t just important, it’s a daily priority—at the beach and beyond.
Beach holiday packing list must-haves
Let’s talk beach travel essentials.
1. SPF 50+ sunscreen
The #1 non-negotiable on any beach packing list. Reapply every two hours, and look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula. My daily go-to is Le Tan Coconut SPF 50+ Spray. I love this for several reasons:
- It’s a broad-spectrum and four-hour water-resistant product.
- It’s non-greasy and lightweight, making it the perfect daily sunscreen.
- The light coconut fragrance makes me feel like I’m on vacation when I’m not 😂.
- The spray bottle features a convenient closure for easy, mess-free portability.
Bonus travel tip: You might also want to pack an SPF lip balm.
2. Hat
Next up in the sun protection toolkit: a wide-brimmed hat. Luckily, staying sun-safe doesn’t mean sacrificing style, as there are many cute options available. You can find packable designs like this straw hat from Amazon or my personal favourite, this Panama hat from Next. And if you’re in a pinch, pop into a Kmart once you arrive in Australia, and grab one for under $10.
3. Swimsuits
I recommend adding two swimsuits to your beach packing list—one to wear, one to dry. If you’re swimming every day, having a backup makes a big difference. Choose your poison, whether you’re a boardshort-wearing bloke, a one-piece person like me, or shop here for cute bikini tops for women.
Bonus travel tip: Pack a waterproof bag to store your wet bathing suit or wet clothes.
4. Sunglasses
A good pair of UV-protection sunnies is worth their weight in gold in Australia. Polarised lenses also cut glare, which is handy if you’re near water all day. Find affordable and cute polarised sunglasses on Amazon. I’m blind, so mine are courtesy of Specsavers 😂.
5. Long-sleeved swim top
Whether you call it a rashie, rash vest, or rash guard, I highly recommend adding one to your beach vacation packing list. It’s the ultimate pale-person life hack—perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or kayaking without stressing about sunburn. I’m modelling mine while kayaking in Bali! Pretty sure mine’s from Big W, but you’ll find stylish options at Roxy and budget-friendly picks on Amazon.
6. Cover-up
A sarong, a sleeved cotton dress, or a sleeved shirt is the perfect cover-up to protect your skin and provide coverage when you’re not in the water.
7. Waterproof phone case
Pack a waterproof phone pouch for beach selfies and swim shots without the stress. They’re great for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, or just bobbing in the water.
8. Reusable water bottle
I know you’re probably already packing your emotional support water bottle (and I respect that). But trust me, you’ll want an insulated water bottle that keeps your water cold. Otherwise, the Aussie sun will turn it into tea in five minutes flat! But staying hydrated in whatever way possible is the aim of the game. If you’re heading somewhere remote, consider a filter bottle like LifeStraw for extra peace of mind.
9. Thongs (flip flops)
The classic Aussie beach shoe. Easy on, easy off, and won’t trap sand like sneakers. I swear by Havaianas. They might be more expensive, but they last for years. You can also pick up a pair for under $2 at Kmart.
10. Kindle
It’s true that I can’t go on a beach holiday without my Kindle. I strongly recommend protecting your Kindle with an affordable e-reader sleeve, as sand can get into places you don’t want it to! For my paperback people, you can also get cute book sleeves for extra protection.
11. Bug spray
Less glamorous, but essential in some beachy areas. Especially in the evenings, if you’re sticking around for sunset.
12. Quick-dry towel
If there’s one thing to leave off your beach holiday packing list, it’s a bulky beach towel. They take up too much space and take forever to dry. Go for a lightweight, quick-drying option instead. They’re easy to pack and won’t weigh down your beach bag. I personally use a Dock & Bay Beach Towel and a travel towel from RipSkirt. But Turkish towels are also a worthwhile alternative, as they double as a wrap or picnic blanket—versatility for the win.
13. Beach bag
You’ll need somewhere to stash all these beach essentials, right? My beach bag actually doubled as my personal item for the flight, but a packable option works great too. Whatever you choose, make sure it has a zip—trust me, wind and sand don’t mix well with open bags. Here’s my exact beach bag, which also pulls double duty as my everyday laptop tote when I’m not beach-bound.
Optional extras for your beach bag
14. Sand-free picnic mat
Optional, but a game-changer, especially for a family beach getaway. This mat or beach blanket repels sand and dries quickly. They’re worth packing if you’re settling in for the day.
15. Snacks
Keep a few things on hand, like trail mix, fruit, or muesli bars, especially if you’re visiting a more remote beach with no kiosk in sight.
16. After-sun gel or moisturiser
Even if (when) you’re diligent with sunscreen, your skin will thank you later. Aloe vera gel, or a hydrating body moisturiser, is a good idea.
Clothing for your beach holiday packing list
Now we’ve covered things to take to the beach, here’s what to wear on and away from the beach.
17. Lightweight, breathable clothing
Australian summers = cotton and linen, always. Whether you’re packing t-shirts, tanks, shorts, skirts, or dresses is totally up to you. But whatever you choose, make sure it’s made from breathable fabric and is loose-fitting. Trust me, synthetic materials and Aussie heat are not friends. You’ll end up sweating way more than necessary, and no one wants that on their beach holiday.
18. Light jacket
Depending on when and where you’re visiting, it’s worth adding a light jacket or cardigan to your beach vacation packing list. It’ll come in handy for cooler evenings or when you’re watching the sunset on a breezy beach.
Bonus travel tip: One of my number one packing tips is to roll your clothing and place it into a packing cube. You’ll thank me later!
If you’re road tripping…
This packing list is primarily for air travel. But if you’re road-tripping to your beach destination, go crazy! Pack a beach tent or beach umbrella for extra sun protection, add a foldable beach chair for comfort (this one lives in my car), and include beach toys to keep kids occupied.
There you go! With this beach essentials list, you’re now ready for your Aussie beach holiday.
If you want more help planning your Australia trip, head to my Australia archive. I also have several posts covering Magnetic Island, where it’s a beach holiday every day!
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person who checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Sim Local.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.
Thanks to Bydee for partnering with me on this post.
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