Packing For a Fall Trip to Australia
Fall is a great time to visit Australia. It’s sunny and warm, so you can still enjoy the outdoors without it being too hot or crowded. Depending on where you’re headed, though, fall also brings rainy days. It’s important to consider where you’re going and what you'll be doing when determining what to pack. Here’s a list of essentials to help get you started. We’ve also included info on the climate and fun things to see and do during the season.
Fall Climate in Australia
The fall season in Australia begins in March and lasts until May. The climate, however, varies throughout the various states and territories. In the Tropical North,the wet season continues through April. Many local tourist attractions are closed during this time. In southern Australia, however, fall brings cool days. In Melbourne, for example, the average fall temperature is between 50–70ºF. Occasionally, it may even rain. On average, most fall days in Australia are sunny and warm. This makes it a great time to visit, as you can still enjoy the beaches without the extreme heat and crowds.
Fall Activities in Australia
Thanks to the mild weather, fall is one of the best times to go surfing in Australia. You can even catch the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, which takes place in Victoria every April. In addition to its beaches, Australia also has plenty of outdoor scenery to enjoy. You can explore a variety of biomes, from rainforests to mountains to deserts. Fall is also a great time to visit Australia’s many vineyards and enjoy some wine tasting. In Canberra, the leaves change color, providing plenty of gorgeous fall photo opportunities. And in Melbourne, there’s a variety of festivals to attend, including the International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
What to Pack for Your Fall Trip to Australia
When it comes to packing, your list will depend on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’re going to stay. In general, though, there are some fundamentals that’ll help your trip go smoothly. We’ve compiled them into a list below, which you can use as a template to create your own.
Sun Protection
Thanks to its abundance of sunny days, Australia is known for its high rays. It’s important to pack protection with you, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen is a must to keep your skin shielded from harmful UV rays. It’s a good idea to take a hat and sunglasses as well to protect your scalp and eyes. If you plan on surfing or doing other water activities, you may want to pack a rash guard also.
Insect Protection
Australian mosquitoes are most active during the summer, but depending on where you’re headed, you may encounter some in autumn as well. To reduce the risk of getting bitten, you may want to take insect repellent with you. It’s also a good idea to pack something to soothe bites just in case.
Swimwear
If you’re heading to the coast, you’ll want to take swimwear and towels with you on your trip. Sun protective swimwear is a great choice for extra protection against harsh rays.
Clothing
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip, but you can expect mostly sunny, warm weather during Australia’s fall. Shorts are a popular choice for locals, as are dresses and skirts. You should also take a pair of pants for cooler days. Think jeans or a pair of khakis. Pack a couple of tops or tanks to go with your bottoms, but be sure to take some thicker layers as well. Lightweight outerwear, like denim and field jackets, offers a great choice.
Shoes
When it comes to shoes, Australians like to keep it casual. Most people walk around in flip flops or sandals. We suggest taking a casual pair for the day and a dressier pair for nights out. Sneakers are also worth packing for longer walks or hikes. You can always rock them on travel days to and from the airport. If you plan on doing a lot of water activities, you may want to take some water shoes as well.
Loungewear
It’s always nice to have one extra set of clothes to relax in on vacation. The set can even double as your plane outfit if you have access to laundry. Go for something lightweight and soft, like cotton or flannel. You’ll love the gentle feel after a long day of walking around in wet swimwear or jeans. Don’t forget to pack a set of pajamas as well to sleep in.
Rain Jacket
If you’re heading to Australia’s Top End, you’ll need to pack rain gear as fall is the region’s wet season. On the plus side, you’ll get to experience some amazing waterfalls! The south of Australia doesn’t experience much rainfall in the fall, but it’s not a bad idea to pack your rain jackets, just in case. Even if it doesn’t rain, you can use it as lightweight outerwear for cooler days.
Edit this list however you see fit to ensure you have everything you need with you on your fall trip to Australia. Take into consideration where you’re going, what you’ll be doing there, and how long you’ll be staying. It’s important to take sun protection and lightweight, breathable clothes. You’ll also want a few pairs of comfy shoes and some swimwear for the beach or pool. And don’t forget a rain jacket, just in case. Now get ready to enjoy an amazing fall trip abroad.