What to bring?

Clothing
Before a backpacker can even leave home, he or she must decide what to bring to Australia. This question is a complicated one: it depends on where you plan on spending the majority of your time, and what time of the year you’ll be arriving. After all, winter in June in Melbourne (don’t forget, the seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere!) can get down to below freezing. Backpackers coming from Europe and the United States often fail to realize just how close to Antarctica southern Australia is!

The same goes for the north. Cairns in January is almost unbearably hot, so if you’re planning on spending a significant time in the “tropical zone”, make sure to bring an ample supply of shorts and t-shirts. For guys, board shorts and t-shirts are accepted pretty much anywhere. The dress code is similarly casual for the ladies.

Camping Equipment
Here’s another major decision you’ll have to make before setting off: while the majority of backpackers in Australia don’t bother with camping equipment, it might just be right for your situation. While there is an abundance of hostels throughout the continent, you can often save money by pitching your own tent.

Bringing this equipment will also open up some great hiking opportunities (especially if you plan on heading to New Zealand after your time in Australia). For example, Tasmania Island off the southern coast of the continent is perfect for spending a week or more under the stars. You’ll want a tent to protect yourself from the mosquitoes; they’re vicious, especially during the summer months. Carrying a stove also means you’ll never have to eat in restaurants.

A sleeping bag also can’t hurt. Even if you plan on sleeping exclusively in hostels, some allow you to unroll your own bag, letting you take the safety and security of your bed at home on the road. It’s also great on busses and trains, especially for those journeys that involve early morning waits in the cold.

Other Miscellaneous Items to Think About
It never hurts to travel with a backpacking first aid kit. Though Australia is most famous for its poisonous snakes and jellyfish, there are the usual scrapes and bruises to think about as well. This first aid kit doesn’t have to be anything extensive, but consider taking along the basics: band aids, ointment, gauze, etc. Don’t forget to bring extra prescription medicine. Though Australian pharmacies generally will stock the same drugs as that of your home country, your insurance may not cover their purchase.

Keep in mind, pretty much anything you’d be able to purchase back home will be available in Australia. Pay attention to the most important backpacking rule, which applies not only in Australia but pretty much everywhere else you might have the opportunity to go: take half the stuff and twice the dollars. You’re going to get pretty tired of carrying that third pair of jeans you never wear after six months of backpacking through Australia, but you can always take extra money back home after your trip is over.