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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Victoria, Australia

Seasonal Clothing Recommendations

Summer (Dec-Feb): Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses. Swimwear is essential. Evenings can be cooler, so a Light jacket or cardigan is useful. Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, jeans. A medium-weight jacket or coat. Winter (Jun-Aug): Warm clothing. Thermal layers. Wool sweaters, warm trousers, waterproof and windproof Winter jacket. Hat, Gloves, and a Scarf for cold.

Layering Guidance

  • Pack layers easy to add or remove throughout the day.
  • A light, Packable waterproof jacket is useful year-round.
  • No specific cultural dress codes or modesty requirements for tourists in general settings.

Activity-Specific Attire

Hiking/Bushwalking: Comfortable, breathable active wear. Layers work well for varying temperatures. Swimming/Beach: Swimwear, rash vest for sun protection, and a beach cover-up. Winery/Fine Dining: Smart casual. For high-end fine dining, business casual or slightly more formal attire (e.g., collared shirts for men, dresses or smart trousers for women) may fit. Check the venue's website if unsure. Hot Springs: Swimwear is required for all bathing areas. A towel and robe are useful.

Footwear Recommendations

Footwear Overview

Walking Shoes

Ideal for exploring towns, foreshore paths, and casual attractions. Comfort is .

Wear these daily

Hiking Boots

Recommended for national park trails, uneven terrain, and longer walks. Ankle support and grip are important.

For trails and bushwalking

Beach Footwear

Sandals, flip-flops, or water shoes. Practical for beach access, walking on sand, and near water.

For coastal comfort

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Carry these documents to ensure smooth travel and address unexpected situations.

  • Valid Passport and Australian Visa grant notification (printed/digital).
  • Travel Insurance Policy (including policy number and emergency contacts).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if your non-English license applies.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation (if applicable).
  • Printed/Digital Copies of all reservations (accommodation, car, tours, flights).
  • Emergency Contact Information (000, family, embassy/consulate).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
  • A Service like AirHelp can assist with flight disruption compensation.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Australia uses 230V at 50Hz (Type I plugs: three flat pins). Most modern electronics are dual voltage. Bring a Universal travel adapter with Australian compatibility. Most modern smartphones work with Australian mobile networks (GSM) if unlocked. Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports, telco stores, and supermarkets. Telstra has the best coverage in regional areas.

Staying Connected

Photography & Charging

A Smartphone camera suits casual photos. A Compact digital camera or DSLR/Mirrorless suits higher quality. An Action camera (GoPro) for water activities. A Flexible tripod or small Travel tripod is useful for scenic shots. A Portable power bank is highly recommended for charging on the go. Consider B&H Photo for gear.

Recommended Apps & Backups

  • Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber, Didi.
  • Backup photos/documents to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive.

Data & Device Security

Backup Your Data

Regularly save photos and documents to cloud services or an external hard drive. This protects your memories if devices are lost or damaged.

Device Security

Keep devices password-protected. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions without a VPN.

Physical Security

Do not leave electronics unattended. Use anti-theft bags like Pacsafe or Nordace for bags and travel accessories.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit responds to common travel ailments and minor injuries. Include Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (paracetamol/Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen), anti-diarrhoea medication, allergy medication, small scissors, and tweezers. Adventure Medical Kits are a good source.

Mornington Peninsula Specific Items

  • Antihistamine cream for insect bites.
  • Hydrocortisone cream for rashes or minor skin irritations.
  • Sting relief products for marine stings.

Medications & Sun Protection

Carry all prescription medications in original labeled containers. A doctor's letter explaining medication and condition helps at customs. Pack enough for your trip plus extra days. Keep them in carry-on. Over-the-counter options: pain relievers, antacids, cold/flu remedies, motion sickness tablets. High-SPF (50+) broad-spectrum sunscreen and Lip balm with SPF are important year-round. Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.

Water & Hygiene

  • Tap water on the Peninsula is safe to drink; purification is generally not necessary.
  • For remote bushwalking, portable filter or Purification tablets are an option.
  • Most common personal care products are available; bring specialty items if you have specific preferences or allergies.

Travel Wellness

Common Remedies

  • Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) for headaches or muscle aches.
  • Antacids for indigestion or heartburn.
  • Allergy medication (antihistamines) for unexpected reactions.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to car sickness on winding roads.
  • Consider motion sickness remedies for the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry ride.
  • Consult your doctor before travel for specific medical concerns.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For exploring trails in national parks and along the coastline.

  • Comfortable daypack for water, snacks, layers.
  • Small first-aid kit.
  • Broken-in Hiking shoes are paramount.
  • Trekking poles (optional, for longer or steeper trails).

Water Activities

For enjoying the bay beaches, ocean surf, and marine life tours.

Photography

For capturing the scenic landscapes, wildlife, and experiences.

  • Extra camera batteries and memory cards.
  • Lens cloth for cleaning.
  • Flexible tripod for stable shots.
  • Underwater housing if you plan water photography.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Rent Locally

  • Surfboards, wetsuits, bicycles are readily available from local operators.
  • Often more convenient and cost-effective than bringing your own, especially for short trips.
  • Some snorkel gear may also be available for rent near popular diving spots.
  • Reduces luggage and potential airline fees for oversized items.

Bring From Home

  • Personal items like preferred hiking shoes (ensure they are broken in).
  • Swimwear, sunglasses, hats, and a good quality daypack for comfort and fit.
  • Specialty medications that might not be available or require specific Australian prescriptions.
  • Specific brands of toiletries if you have strong preferences or sensitivities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

For international flights to Melbourne, a comfortable Travel neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs greatly improve comfort. A Small padlock secures luggage. An RFID blocking wallet protects credit cards and passport. A Money belt offers extra security for passport and cash.

Reusable Items

Region-Specific & Practical

A Picnic blanket or beach mat suits outdoor spaces. An Esky (cooler) or Cooler bag keeps drinks and snacks cool, particularly for beach days or transporting wine. Specialized prescription medications or specific brands of toiletries are best brought from home. High-quality hiking or outdoor gear, if you plan extensive trekking, should be brought if you prefer your own familiar equipment; new purchases locally can be expensive.

General Travel Additions

  • A small, Lightweight daypack for daily excursions.
  • A travel journal for notes and memories.
  • Consider a backup credit card and some emergency cash.
  • Important phone numbers written down, separate from your phone.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

For your daily caffeine fix, reduce waste.

Water Filter Bottle

If you plan to use natural water sources, like LifeStraw.

Foldable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs, avoid plastic.

Travel Utensil Set

For takeaway meals or picnics.

Mornington Peninsula Specific Items

For Coastal Activities

  • Beach umbrella or shade tent for long beach days.
  • Fishing gear if you plan to fish (with a license).
  • Beach games or sports equipment for family fun.

For Food & Wine Experiences

  • A wine bag or protective sleeve for transporting purchased bottles.
  • A small insulated bag for farm-gate purchases like cheese or produce.
  • Picnic supplies for enjoying scenic outdoor spots.

Packing Smart Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items and compress clothing. Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on travel days to lighten luggage weight.

Place liquids in a separate, clear, resealable bag for easy access at airport security. Label your luggage with your name and contact information, inside and out. Keep important documents and medications in your carry-on bag.