What to Pack for Australia in December: Summer Travel Essentials

Australia in December kicks off the height of summer. From Sydney’s sunny beaches to Melbourne’s cultural scene and the wild outback, the climate is hot, dry, and festive. You’ll need smart sun protection, breathable clothing, and a few holiday-season extras.

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Whether you’re road-tripping the Great Ocean Road or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, staying cool and sun-smart is key. December also brings peak tourism season — so dress light, pack smart, and don’t forget your swimmers!

📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Australia in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Sydney/Melbourne: 18–30°C / 65–86°F — sunny, warm, sometimes humid
• Brisbane/Cairns: 24–33°C / 75–91°F — hot and humid, chance of storms
• Outback: 30–40°C / 86–104°F — very hot and dry
• Tasmania: 10–25°C / 50–77°F — cooler, breezy

What to Pack for Australia in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Lightweight suitcase – 🧳 Easy to roll on domestic flights.
• Daypack – 🎒 For beach, hikes, and day tours.
• Packing cubes – 📦 Separate clothes for city/beach/adventure.
• Dry bag – 🌊 Ideal for beach and reef activities.
• Shoe bags – 👟 Keep red dirt or sand away from clothes.
• Toiletry bag – 🪥 Leakproof and heatproof.
• Document organizer – 📁 Keep ID, travel passes, health cards.
• Mesh laundry bag – 🧺 For sweaty or sandy items.
• Luggage lock – 🔒 Hostels and public areas.
• Neck pillow – ✈️ Domestic travel comfort.
• Sleep mask – 😴 Hostels or bright mornings.

👗 Clothes

• Tank tops (4–5) – ☀️ Breathable for hot days.
• Lightweight tees (3–4) – 👕 Easy and airy.
• Linen shirt (1–2) – 👔 Great for sun protection.
• Shorts (2–3) – 🩳 Perfect for daytime outings.
• Maxi dress or sundress (2) – 👗 Great for evenings and cafes.
• Swimsuits (2–3) – 🏊 Beaches, reefs, pools.
• Rash guard – 🐠 Reef-friendly and SPF coverage.
• Loose pants or joggers (1–2) – 🧘 For travel or night wear.
• Light cardigan or denim jacket – 🧥 Chilly nights or AC indoors.
• Light rain jacket – 🌧️ Summer storms do pop up.
• Underwear (7+) – 👙 Quick-drying recommended.
• Socks (5+) – 🧦 Lightweight and breathable.
• Pajamas – 💤 Light cotton or tank/shorts combo.

💆 Skincare

• Gel cleanser – 🧼 Light and fresh for hot days.
• Hydrating toner – 💧 Cool down post-sun.
• Aloe gel or after-sun lotion – 🌿 Calm sun exposure.
• High SPF sunscreen (reef-safe) – ☀️ Must-have daily!
• Face sunscreen – 🧴 Non-greasy formula.
• Lip balm with SPF – 💋 Protect from drying sun/wind.
• Moisturizer – 🧴 For night hydration.
• Makeup remover – 🧽 Light oil or balm.
• Facial mist – 💦 Midday refresh.
• Sheet mask – 🛀 Cool down after travel or beach.

💄 Makeup

• Tinted moisturizer with SPF – 🧴 Keep it simple.
• Waterproof mascara – 💦 Beach and heat ready.
• Concealer – 🔍 For travel tiredness or sunspots.
• Blush – 🌸 Cream formulas hold better in heat.
• Highlighter – ✨ For golden hour photos.
• Lip stain – 💄 Long-wear and natural look.
• Setting spray – 💨 Lock makeup in humidity.
• Compact powder – 🌬️ Combat midday shine.

💇 Hair Care

• Wide-tooth comb – 💇 Beach waves safe!
• Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Refresh after hikes/swims.
• Leave-in conditioner – 💧 UV + saltwater protection.
• Travel shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 Lightweight and sulfate-free.
• Hair ties/headbands – 🌀 Sweat and sun defense.
• Hair serum – 🌿 Smooth down frizz from humidity.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Flip-flops – 🩴 A must for beach and showers.
• Walking sandals – 👡 Great for urban exploring.
• Sneakers – 👟 Best for hikes and walking tours.
• Dressy flats – 👠 For restaurants or city nights.
• Sunhat or cap – 🧢 Sunstroke prevention.
• UV-blocking sunglasses – 🕶️ Strong Aussie sun!
• Beach tote – 👜 Carry all your seaside gear.
• Scarf or wrap – 🧣 AC layering or flight warmth.
• Reusable shopping bag – 🛍️ Handy for groceries or beach gear.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport – 🛂 Valid 6+ months.
• Visa or ETA – 📝 Check before arrival.
• Insurance – 🏥 Medical and adventure sports coverage.
• Driver’s license – 🚗 For campervan or car rentals.
• Flight/tour bookings – 🎟️ Offline and online copies.
• Medicare/health cards – 🏨 If eligible (e.g., NZ citizens).
• Credit/debit cards – 💳 Widely accepted.
• Emergency contact – 📞 Local and home.
• Offline map – 🗺️ Useful in remote areas.

🚑 First Aid

• Hydrocortisone cream – 🧴 For bug bites or irritation.
• Antiseptic wipes – 🧻 Great for beach scrapes.
• Band-aids – 🩹 Blisters or minor cuts.
• Pain relief – 🤕 For travel headaches.
• Electrolyte tablets – 💧 Rehydrate fast.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Toothbrush & toothpaste – 🪥 Basics.
• Deodorant – 🌺 Antiperspirant ideal.
• Razor – 🪒 Smooth skin for summer wear.
• Mini soap – 🧼 Hostels or camping sites.
• Sanitizer – 🧴 Beach picnics or hikes.
• Wet wipes – 🧻 Messy snacks or hands.
• Feminine care – 🩸 Pack extras.
• Bug repellent – 🦟 Especially in the tropics.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone + charger – 📱 Local SIM recommended.
• Travel adapter – 🔌 Australian plug type I.
• Power bank – 🔋 All-day adventure ready.
• Camera – 📸 Optional but worth it for reef/outback shots.
• GoPro – 🤿 For surfing, snorkeling, diving.
• Waterproof pouch – 📲 Protect phone at the beach.

🎧 Entertainment

• Books or Kindle – 📚 Beach reads.
• Spotify playlists – 🎧 Long drives = good tunes.
• Podcasts – 🎙️ For downtime or flying.
• Games/cards – 🃏 Rainy evenings or hostels.
• Journal – 📓 Capture your Aussie adventures.

🎁 Extras

• Reusable water bottle – 🚰 Stay hydrated in the heat.
• Cool towel – 🧊 Great for outdoor hikes.
• Snacks – 🍫 Energy bars or Aussie favourites.
• Beach mat – 🏖️ Optional but nice for relaxing.
• Mini sewing kit – 🧵 For wardrobe repairs.
• Ziplock bags – 🛍️ Sand-proof your gear.

🌍 Travel Tips

• Book early – 📅 December = summer peak!
• Swim between flags – 🏄 Always at patrolled beaches.
• Reef-safe sunscreen – 🐠 Coral protection matters.
• Hydrate often – 💧 Heat can sneak up on you.
• Slip, slop, slap – 👒 Classic Aussie sun rule: hat, sunscreen, shirt!

🛂 Visa Tips

• Apply for ETA online – 🧾 Quick and digital for many nationalities.
• Print a copy – 🖨️ Just in case of tech issues.
• Know your visa conditions – 📅 E.g., working holiday vs. tourist.

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – 🛂 No entry without it!
• Visa or ETA – 📩 Entry requirement.
• Sunscreen – ☀️ Don’t underestimate the UV.
• Hat & sunglasses – 🧢🕶️ Absolute must.
• Reusable bottle – 🚰 Stay cool and hydrated.
• Day bag – 👜 For every kind of trip.

👍 Good-to-Have

• Travel fan – 🌬️ For extra hot nights.
• Cooler bag – 🧊 If doing day trips or BBQs.
• Floaty or reef shoes – 🦶 For rocky beaches.
• Extra swimsuit – 🏊 Always handy.
• Eco utensils – 🍴 For eco-conscious travelers.