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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Western Australia, Australia

Dry Season Attire May-Oct

Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. T-shirts, shorts, and light dresses are fitting. The sun is intense, so long-sleeved shirts and trousers made from light materials offer notable Sun protection, especially for extended outdoor time. These also contribute to insect protection at dawn and dusk. Nights and early mornings can appear surprisingly cool, notably from June to August. Pack a Light jacket, fleece, or jumper. This layering contributes to comfort when dining outdoors or on early morning tours.

Items

  • Lightweight T-shirts & Shorts
  • Long-sleeved Sun Protection Shirts
  • Light Jacket or Jumper for Evenings

Wet Season Attire Nov-Apr

Choose very lightweight, quick-drying clothing due to the high heat and humidity. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sandals are common. Looser fits facilitate air circulation. A Lightweight rain jacket or Poncho comes in handy for sudden, heavy downpours. Look for compact options that pack easily. The Marmot PreCip Eco is a suitable choice. Even in the wet season, the sun maintains strength between storms. Continue with sun-protective clothing. A Columbia PFG Bahama II offers excellent sun protection and quick-drying properties.

Items

  • Quick-drying Swimwear & Rash Guard
  • Compact Rain Jacket or Poncho
  • Wide-brimmed Hat for Sun

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Comfortable sandals, thongs (flip-flops), or Supportive walking shoes are suitable for daily wear.

Ideal for town & short walks

Hiking & Exploring

Closed-toe Walking shoes or light hiking boots are needed for rugged terrain. The Merrell Moab 3 Ventilator provides comfort and traction.

For Gantheaume Point & bush tracks

Wet Season Footwear

Waterproof sandals or quick-drying shoes are helpful due to potential rain and puddles.

Avoid heavy, non-drying options

Essential Documents

Important Papers

Your travel documents are your most important items. Keep them secure and accessible.

  • Original passport and visa documentation (digital/photocopy backup).
  • Travel insurance policy information with emergency contacts.
  • International driving permit (if national license is not in English).
  • Printed and digital copies of all reservations (accommodation, flights, tours).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation.
  • Emergency contact information (family/friends, embassy/consulate).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Store digital copies on a cloud service or email them to yourself for remote access.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and capture your memories with the right electronic gear. Australia uses Type I outlets (three flat pins, two angled), and operates on 230V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with Australian compatibility is a condition for charging your devices. A Orei M8 Plus is a practical choice. Check your devices for dual voltage compatibility (110-240V) to avoid damage. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Australian networks. Upon arrival, consider purchasing a local SIM card from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. Telstra generally offers the best regional coverage, handy for day trips outside Broome.

Essentials

Camera & Apps

Broome offers dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets. A camera with good low-light performance comes in handy for capturing sunsets and stargazing. A Wide-angle lens assists with landscapes, and a zoom lens can be good for wildlife viewing. Consider a Waterproof camera like the GoPro HERO12 Black for water activities or wet season visits. A Tripod facilitates long-exposure sunset shots. Use cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or carry an External hard drive to back up photos and important documents. This prevents loss if your phone or camera experiences damage or theft.

Tools for Travel

  • Camera with good low-light performance.
  • Google Maps or Maps.Me (download offline maps).
  • Google Translate for language assistance.

Digital Safety & Navigation

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing and accessing geo-restricted content.

Local Weather App

WillyWeather: Detailed local weather, tide times (useful for Gantheaume Point), and moon phases.

Retailer for Electronics

For camera and electronics needs: B&H Photo. For mobile data: Airalo.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Essentials

A well-stocked personal health kit is a good idea, especially in a remote location like Broome.

Kit Contents

  • Basic pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen).
  • Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment.
  • Insect bite cream (Hydrocortisone or antihistamine).

Medication & Hydration

Carry prescription medications in their original packaging. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. This helps if questioned by customs or for refills. Over-the-counter medications for allergy, motion sickness, or indigestion are also useful. Water purification is only for extensive remote bushwalking.

Health Necessities

Specialized Health Considerations

Insect Protection

  • Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
  • Long sleeves and trousers during peak insect activity.
  • Small Travel First Aid Kit for basics.

Water Purification Rarely Needed

  • Only if extensive remote bushwalking or camping.
  • Tap water in Broome is safe.
  • Portable water filter like Sawyer Products SP128.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Water Activities

If you plan to snorkel at nearby spots or in resort pools, bringing your own Snorkel mask and fins makes a comfortable fit and hygiene. A Cressi Adult Snorkel Set is a good option.

  • Snorkel mask and fins.
  • Rash guard for sun protection.
  • Waterproof phone case or bag.
  • Quick-drying towel.

Hiking & Bushwalking

A Small daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. Lightweight Binoculars like the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD are great for birdwatching in places like Roebuck Bay.

  • Small daypack.
  • Binoculars for wildlife.
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes.
  • Long pants for protection.

Camping & Photography

If you plan to camp, a lightweight tent suitable for warm nights (even dry season nights can be cool), a Sleeping bag, and a Headlamp or small lantern are necessary.

  • Lightweight tent.
  • Sleeping bag & headlamp.
  • Extra camera batteries & memory cards.
  • Protective camera covers.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items to Rent Readily Available

  • Snorkel gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards.
  • Bicycles (various shops near Cable Beach and Chinatown).
  • These ensure comfortable fit and hygiene.

Items to Bring Specialized/Personal

  • Specialized Camping gear or high-quality hiking equipment.
  • Specific camera lenses or robust photo equipment.
  • For Horizontal Falls, a small, Waterproof bag for phone/wallet.
  • Your own gear might offer better quality or familiarity.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your comfort, security, and convenience while traveling.

Travel Essentials

Reusable & Climate-Specific

Embracing reusable items supports environmental care while traveling. Broome's climate requires specific protective gear.

Sustainable & Essential

Specialty Items: Bring vs. Buy Local

Specific Meds

If you rely on particular brands of medication or sensitive skin products, bringing them makes sense.

Insect Repellent

Niche insect repellents may have limited stock or higher prices.

Niche Camera Gear

Specialized lenses or photography equipment can be harder to find locally.

Outdoor Equipment

Any niche outdoor equipment might be more expensive or limited in choice due to remoteness.

Destination-Specific Items

For Cable Beach & Sun

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Wide-brimmed hat.
  • Quality sunglasses.

For Outback Ventures

  • Strong insect repellent.
  • Sturdy walking shoes.
  • Camera with spare batteries.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack a spare pair of Comfortable walking shoes. This brings a backup in case one pair gets wet or damaged, and supports rotating footwear for improved comfort.

Stay vigilant about sun protection. The UV index in Broome maintains a consistent high level. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming.