Im travelling to Australia for 12 months on March 22nd. I really have no idea what kind of clothes I will need and how much to take. Does anyone have any tips and suggestions please?
Packing for Australia
Dont take much. Just the basics. I regretted takin most of the stuff that I took to Aus with me. I ended up buying new stuff out there and throwing the stuff I took away with me. I'll definately be packing very light next time I go away. I would recommend taking a couple of pairs of trousers/jeans, a few tshirts, and a going out top, light fleece, socks and undies, towel, and some trainers. Flip flops are really cheap in Aus, so buy them when you are there. I took a first aid kit and travel shampoo and cosmetics. Its much cheaper to buy stuff whilst you're out there.
Hi Paula,
I agree with Rach. My advice would be take a good pair of jeans, I needed some and it was really hard to find some good ones there, they didn't have anywhere near the selection back home. Other than that everything else can be bought out there. I took some lightweight trousers, 1 skirt, a few vest tops and t-shirts and socks/underwear. Oh, and walking shoes, the flip flop (or thong) selection there is far better than in the UK. The one thing that was really great to take I found was a travel towel. They're really light, dry quick and hardly take up any room. Oh, and a rain jacket just in case, I got one of those that folds down into a tiny little bag. And also the first aid kit, travel sickness pills and plasters were the only things I used, but I used them a lot!
Have an awesome time. Just remember most things are cheaper there and pretty much anything can be bought if you forget it.
Sarah
Thanks very much for your advice girls, very helpful indeed I can't even pack for two weeks so the thought of packing for this trip was driving me insane! Anyway at least now I have a rough guide and as you say can buy stuff out there! Fanx again x
[ Edit: Edited on Jan 3, 2008, at 11:52 AM by PaulaNana ]
Yes, Rach and Pink are spot on.
Pack light, take only the absolute essentials. The more experienced a traveler becomes, the better they get at this, and the more they realise it is very good advice.
Take:
- one pair of comfortable jeans
- one pair of comfortable shoes
- one complete change of clothes (plus what you wear on the plane),
- one "Travel Towel" (very light weight and absorbs heaps of water and can be wrung out easily),
- one very small bag of personal stuff (soap, shampo etc),
- then buy everything else as you need it, and
- Enjoy!
I'm trying to pack light for my trip down there in april.
so far this is what I got.
I'm wearing on the plane:
pair of jeans
hoodie
boots
1 t-shirt maybe a long sleeve shirt too
underwear & socks
duffel bag:
t-shirt
light pants that can roll up into shorts
one collared shirt (that looks good wrinkled)
more underwear & socks
waterproof jacket
walking shoes
portable laundry stuff
small back pack:
t shirt
socks and underwear
small first aid kit
camera and equipment
contacts & glasses
Just make sure you have clothes suited to all types of weather conditions (except extreme cold, just 1 weatherproof jacket is fine), especially for the southern half of Australia!
For example last month (our summer) it was 18 degrees C in Melbourne pouring rain, then a week later it was 41 degrees C.
when you do get there be sure and buy some zip lock bags, they were the handiest thing when i was travelling. i used them for:
cosmetic/wash bag (who needs a fancy one that will get damaged anyway)
first aid bag
dirty laundry bag
random loose sh*t storage.
they have Target (in sydney anyway) so you will be able to pick up some good cheap clothes there. and if you go to new zealand check out the Wharehouse (where everyone gets a bargain 
) its a backpackers heavan.
oh and get ear plugs if your a light sleeper and plan on staying in dorms.
All good advice. You should consider a hat of some description to protect your head from the sun. This can be a baseball cap, beanie or a rimmed hat - it depends what suits you! bring one or buy one in oz. Don't forget your sunnies too! have a great trip
All fantastic advice! glad i read this thread!!
I never go on holiday without my designated swimming T-shirt . If my shouders are starting to feel burnt, on goes the T, and I can keep swimming! 
ps. i'm arriving in perth 3rd March......if anyone's around that time give us a shout! 