My packing list for Australia... Opinions?

Hi, I'm going to Australia in 2 months, and this is my list of what to take so far. Is there anything I need to add/take away? I probably have too much stuff...

Rucksack (65L with 15L Daypack)
Waterproof Liner
Packing Cubes
Sleeping Bag Liner
Travel Documents
Padlock
Torch
Cutlery Set
Pack of Cards
iPod
Travel Clothes Line
Pillowcase?
Towel
Waterproof Coat
Sunhat?
Sandals
Cheap Flipflops
Comfy Shoes
Smart Shoes
Plug Adapters
Camera
Phone
Chargers (phone, camera, iPod)
Laptop?
Straighteners
Hair Brush
Make Up
Pen & Paper
Travel Journal
Book
iPod
Bottle Opener
Tin Opener
Sun Cream

PJs
Warm Hoody
Cardigan
TShirts x5
Jeans x1
Shorts x2
Dresses x3
Underwear x however many will fit!
Socks x5
Tights x2
Leggings x2
Boardshorts
Bikini x2

Toiletries:
-Toiletry Bag.
-Toothbrush & Paste
-Shower Gel
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
-Face Soap.
-Moisturiser
-Razor
-Make Up Remover
-Cotton Wool
-Floss
-Flannel/Sponge
-Deoderant

First Aid Kit:
-Plasters
-Insect Repellant
-Paracetamol
-Bandage
-Antiseptic Wipes & Cream
-Bite & Sting Cream
-Tape

How long are you going for and when? You def. have too much stuff, but it would be easier to help narrow it down if we knew how long you were going for!

Don't bring more than 2 pairs of shoes. I wouldn't include both tights and leggings, pick one or the other. Leave the cutlery set, the bottle and tin openers, straightener, and most make-up. Bring the minimum and that's it! The hat I'd leave and if you feel you need one you can always buy it after you're there.

For clothes the trick is to layer - i also prefer a zip sweater instead of a hoody and a cardigan. I wouldn't bring 3 dresses and 2 shorts and 1 pair of pants.. Maybe just the pants/shorts and one dress (for the odd time you're dressed up).

As far as the tech, I see you're bringing both a cell phone AND an ipod. Does your phone support music? Maybe leave the ipod at home.. or leave your cell at home (depends on how long you're going for, and what you'll be doing). The laptop is entirely your choice, and my suggestion for that would depend alot on how long you're going for and how big your laptop is.

Once you've got a pretty good idea set, pack up your bag and walk around with it.. see how it feels. And with 65L it should be about half full, and no more. Hope that helps.

You may not need these (depending on what you're doing): Tin Opener (there are some in hostels, if you are staying there), Cutlery Set (unless your camping), Pillowcase (maybe for your dirty clothes), Straighteners (buy one at Woolworths .. it will fit the outlet and no fires).

You may want to add: laundry detergent (is you can find small travel packages), aloe for sunburns.

You can also buy, clothes, and shoes, if you don't want to bring as much. I do that from time to time.

[quote=flutterby7]How long are you going for and when? You def. have too much stuff

I don't think so. 2 months!

I'm going for a year, sorry should have mentioned that!!

Thanks for the advice, thought I probably had too much stuff, I've never been backpacking before.. I'll definitely get rid of some clothes from the list!
That's a good point about phone and ipod... my phone does support music so the ipod can stay at home
I don't use much make up anyway so it will definitely be minimal. But I don't know if I can cope without my straighteners... my hair goes VERY frizzy! I'll see how heavy my rucksack is though.

If I forget something I doubt there's anything I'll need that I can't buy in Australia anyway!

Considering that you're going for a year, a laptop may be useful, but if you decide to go this route I would make sure it is a small netbook. You can leave it at home as well and use internet cafes for information as well, but this is all personal. Some swear by bringing it, others don't. Last time I travelled, I went tech free (aside from a camera). No cell, no computer, no ipod. I was only going for three months and found internet cafes to be a better bet, used phone cards and/or skype when I wanted to get ahold of somebody (much, much cheaper!) and instead of music on train rides I talked to people and read my LP guide - which is something I don't see on your list and recommend - doesn't have to be LP, but travel guides are handy. It was liberating. I'd also definitely consider bringing sunscreen - although I'm sure you can buy it there if you forget.

Are you going anywhere besides OZ?

Ah yeah I do have a travel guide, just forgot to put it on my list. Also forgot to put sun cream on there, which I'll definitely be taking!
Still unsure about taking a laptop, though I have time still to decide. I just think it'd be good to keep photos on etc, and I could write long emails/travel blog entries offline then copy and paste once connected to save money on internet! Don't know how you managed tech free! I think I'd at least need a phone, just for security really. Personal preference though like you said

I might try and get to New Zealand for a month while I'm on that side of the world, and I'm thinking of spending a couple of days in Singapore on my way back. But Australia is where I'll be spending most of my time.

Quoting Helennnn

I'm going for a year, sorry should have mentioned that!!

Thanks for the advice, thought I probably had too much stuff, I've never been backpacking before.. I'll definitely get rid of some clothes from the list!
That's a good point about phone and ipod... my phone does support music so the ipod can stay at home
I don't use much make up anyway so it will definitely be minimal. But I don't know if I can cope without my straighteners... my hair goes VERY frizzy! I'll see how heavy my rucksack is though.

If I forget something I doubt there's anything I'll need that I can't buy in Australia anyway!

buy an austrailan straightner

Definately try to put it all in your backpack and walk around with it for a while - you'll soon find some things aren't quite so essential when you feel how heavy it is!! Although sometimes if I don't think i'll save hardly any room or weight by taking something out, I leave it in.

No point taking all those toiletries. Just buy them out there. I find free sachets from magazines useful to just bung in my backpack to last the first day or two.

Know what you mean about straighteners! My hair is very short but looks awful if I don't at least blowdry it! I'm gonna take the smallest travel straighteners and hairdryer I can find!