A State-by-State Guide for Kiwi Travellers
Australia is one of those rare destinations where you can go from golden beaches to red deserts, ancient rainforests to buzzing cities—all in one trip. But with such a wide range of climates and landscapes, knowing what to pack can be a bit of a challenge.
As a traveller from New Zealand, you’ll find much that feels familiar, but there are still some key differences in climate and regional conditions. This guide will help you feel prepared and pack confidently—no matter which part of Australia you’re exploring.
…
Travel Essentials – No Matter Where You’re Going
These items are must-haves for any trip across the ditch:
- Valid passport (no visa required for Kiwis)
- Travel insurance documents
- Debit/credit cards – Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted
- High SPF sunscreen (30+ recommended)
- Insect repellent – particularly for tropical or bushland areas
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Swimwear and a beach towel
- Light daypack or backpack
- Basic first-aid kit and personal medication (bring a GP letter if needed)
- Digital or printed copies of your bookings and ID
…
Understanding the Seasons
Australia’s seasons are the same as New Zealand’s:
- Summer: December to February
- Autumn: March to May
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
However, regional differences can be significant—so always check the forecast for your destination.
…
New South Wales (NSW) – Sydney, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay
Climate: Warm, coastal
What to pack:
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- Swimwear for iconic beaches like Bondi or Byron
- Smart casual attire for city dining
- Comfortable walking shoes for bushwalks and the Blue Mountains
- A light jumper or jacket for evenings or air-conditioned venues
…
Victoria (VIC) – Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley
Climate: Changeable and often cool
What to pack:
- Layers – T-shirts, cardigans, light sweaters
- A quality waterproof jacket (showers can come without warning)
- Closed-toe shoes for city streets or winery visits
- A scarf or extra layer for cooler nights—even in summer
…
Queensland (QLD) – Brisbane, Cairns, Whitsundays, Gold Coast
Climate: Subtropical in the south, tropical in the north
What to pack:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and sandals
- Reef-safe sunscreen for marine activities
- Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers for mozzie protection in rainforests
…
Northern Territory (NT) – Darwin, Kakadu, Uluru
Climate: Tropical up north, arid in the centre
What to pack:
- UV-protective, moisture-wicking clothing
- Lightweight long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection
- A broad-brimmed hat or cap
- High-strength insect repellent
- Durable walking shoes or hiking sandals
- A head torch for sunrise walks or stargazing
…
South Australia (SA) – Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island
Climate: Mediterranean – hot summers, cool winters
What to pack:
- Smart casual outfits for wine country
- A light jacket or jumper for evenings
- Comfortable shoes for walking trails and cellar doors
- Swimwear and towel for coastal outings
…
Western Australia (WA) – Perth, Margaret River, Broome
Climate: Hot in the north, milder in the south
What to pack:
- Light summer clothes (vests, shorts, dresses)
- Swimwear for Indian Ocean beaches or Ningaloo Reef
- Fly net or insect repellent for the outback
- Shoes with grip for coastal or bush walks
- A jacket for breezy nights, particularly in the south
…
Tasmania (TAS) – Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet
Climate: Cool, even in summer
What to pack:
- Warm layers – temperatures can drop quickly
- Waterproof outerwear for national park hikes
- Thermals for alpine areas or winter trips
- Hat, gloves and scarf in colder months
- Camera or binoculars for spotting wildlife
…
Adventure Add-Ons
For certain activities, consider packing:
- Dry bag and quick-dry towel for kayaking or island trips
- Compression socks for flights or long hikes
- Personal snorkelling gear if preferred
- Action camera for reef and outback adventures
…
Style Tips for Kiwi Travellers
- Australia is generally relaxed when it comes to dress codes
- Smart casual is acceptable for most restaurants
- Heavy jackets aren’t necessary unless heading to Tasmania or the Snowy Mountains in winter
- Jandals (called “thongs” in Australia) are ideal for beach and casual wear
…
Ready to Go?
From the outback to the ocean, wine country to world-class cities, Australia offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences. Packing well will help you enjoy them all—comfortably, stylishly and without surprises.