Backpacking Australia Packing List

There's a lot of pressure when you're packing your bags for long term travel. You don't want to leave anything essential at home and you don't want to have to buy things while you're away. The items on this list may seen like common sense, but sometimes we just don't realise until it's too late that you need these things to avoid any hiccups whilst you travel. Here are my packing essentials that I need to make sure I can rest easy.

1. Packing cubes

This was the first trip that I have used packing cubes, and I will never go back! Not only do they keep you bag compact and tidy, but they also hold up their purpose outside of your luggage. Whenever we're going to be staying someone for more than a few days, all I have to do is unpack my packing cubes and then store them away. No need to unpack all your clothes individually. Just make sure you pack them in terms of categories—it's much easier to find your favourite t-shirt when you can just look in your packing cube full of tops!

2. Document holder

Whether it's a plastic wallet or a specially designed holder, you absolutely need one of these—especially if you are going for the long haul. My Mum got mine for me when she went on holiday, and as much as I have tried to find one that is even remotely similar to mine on Amazon for you, I just can't find one with all the features of mine—which has pockets to fit up to two passports, a small zipped pocket, a pen holder, card slots, an ID slot, and separated document compartments so you can quickly know exactly where your boarding pass or booking conformation is.

3. Waterproof toiletry bag

This might seem like common sense but there's been so many times that I went for the prettier patterned toiletry bags and I have ended up regretting it. I always find the plastic ones work the best, as nothing can leak through and they are easy to wipe clean. They will help you to avoid any accidents and make sure all your belonging stay safe from shampoo. Plus, they will hold up longer and you will have to replace them less—great for when you're constantly on the go and your backpack is getting a battering.

4. Day Pack

I am in love with my carry-on day pack. Honestly, I think it may just have been the best purchase I made before we came to Australia. I have the HotStyle Daypack Backpack. It's basically a Kanken knock off.

I needed something that would fit my laptop in and keep it safe at the same time and this does the job so well. It has a pocket inside, that fits up to a 15" MacBook Pro, that has a cushioned panel, ensuring your laptop stays safe in transit. They're a number of compartments inside, including one zipped pocket. On the outside, it has two open side pockets (great for keeping your water bottle in), a large zipped front pocket that just seems to fit everything you could ever want inside of it, and then, one of the best features about this bag, on the back it has a hidden zipped compartment that you can use to stash your cash or passport.

5. Backpack

I got my backpack for an absolute bargain price for £24.50! I got it from a Tresspass outlet, and it has all the same features as the one I used to have for festivals. It doesn't have any metal poles on the inside, but it does come with a rain cover—great for the price.

I was happy with the price, as I knew it wouldn't be taking much of a battering, so the risk of it breaking was minimal. But if you know it's going to be on and off your back everyday, or it's going to be rough and tumbled more often than not, I'd probably go for one a little bit more expensive and from a slightly more high-end brand.

6. Microfiber towel

When we bought our microfibre towels, we were unsure whether we'd actually use them or not and obviously, when the opportunity arises to, we would much rather use a regular towel. But these have come in super handy when we have gone to beaches and swimming holes. Plus, because they dry super quick, they are great for when we're in the van and don't have time for them to hang out to dry all day.

Hopefully these have been helpful for any first time travellers. Are there any of your essentials that I've left off the list? Let me know in the comments!