Australia travel guide: what to pack, what to eat & entry rules

What to pack for Australia

Australia’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere’s: summer runs from December to February. The north is tropical with a wet season, the centre is desert, and the south, including Sydney and Melbourne, is temperate with mild winters. Melbourne is known for changeable weather.

That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.

Pack with Australia in mind

• Strong sun protection — the UV index is high in summer
• Layers for southern cities, where days can change quickly
• Insect repellent for the tropics and the outback
• A Type I plug adapter if you are visiting from abroad

Start from a full checklist

Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:

• Beach vacation packing list · 51 items
• Road trip packing list · 46 items
• Hiking packing list for national parks · 52 items

What to eat in Australia

These are dishes most visitors to Australia will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.

• Meat pie

  Hand-sized pie of minced meat and gravy.

  Gluten

• Barramundi

  Mild white fish, often grilled.

  Fish

• Pavlova

  Meringue topped with cream and fresh fruit.

  Vegetarian-friendlyEggDairy

• Lamingtons

  Sponge cake squares in chocolate and coconut.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg

• Vegemite on toast

  Salty yeast-extract spread on buttered toast.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGluten

• Smashed avocado

  Avocado on toast, a café breakfast staple.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGluten

• Sausage sizzle

  Barbecued sausage in bread with onions and sauce.

  Contains porkGluten

Avoiding pork? In this list, Sausage sizzle usually contains pork.

Meal times, tipping and water

Local chains you will see

Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:

• Guzman y Gomez — Mexican-style fast food.
• Oporto — Portuguese-style chicken.
• Red Rooster — Roast chicken.
• Grill'd — Burger restaurants.
• Boost Juice — Juices and smoothies.

General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.

Entry rules for US and UK passport holders

A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Australia. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.

Quick answers

Is tap water safe to drink in Australia?

Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.

Do you tip in Australia?

Not expected. Around 10% for great service is appreciated but optional.

Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Australia?

Halal food: moderate. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Pavlova, Lamingtons, Vegemite on toast and Smashed avocado. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.