What I Packed: Australia in January

One of my favorite trips ever was our January cruise around Australia and Indonesia. We spent a few days in Sydney beforehand, and as someone from the Northern Hemisphere, it took me a minute to wrap my head around the fact that January meant full summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

During our trip, we visited six cities in Australia, starting in Sydney and making our way up the east coast all the way to Darwin. Each city had its own unique vibe — from the laid-back surf culture of Bondi Beach to the tropical heat of Darwin. Traveling through so many regions in one trip highlighted just how diverse Australia’s climate, scenery, and city personalities can be, and it made packing smartly even more important. Except for our time in Darwin, the weather was warm but surprisingly comfortable and never the unbearable heat I was expecting.

Tamarama Beach, New Year’s Eve sunset

Bondi Beach: Athleisure, Easy Layers & Walking Shoes

Bondi Beach has such a casual, laid-back surf town energy that I often felt overdressed if I wasn’t in athleisure. I wore tennis shoes for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (a must-do!), but otherwise sandals were the norm. If you’re staying in this area, a pair of good walking sandals or sneakers is non-negotiable.

Packing hack: I used a one-piece swimsuit as a bodysuit and paired it with a tennis skirt on the walk to Bondi Beach. A cute one-piece with a sweetheart neckline or ruched detailing absolutely works as a top and helps cut down on the number of clothes in your suitcase.

The rocked off area to the left is the kids pool at Bondi Beach and it was SIGNIFICANTLY warmer than the ocean.

And just a heads up — the ocean at Bondi is bone-chillingly cold. They don’t call it Bondi Icebergs for nothing! The girls loved it, but we couldn’t stay in the water for long.

Sydney: Dressier, City-Casual Vibes

Us girls, freezing, in front of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney had a completely different vibe. I felt much more comfortable dressing like my normal self — stylish but practical. During the day I wore a button-down with Gucci shorts and Zara loafers, and it felt perfectly appropriate. The girls and I wore dresses out to dinner and while wandering the city, and we never felt overdressed.

Mornings and evenings, though? Chilly. I loved walking around in denim shorts with a lightweight sweater, but even then I ended up buying the girls sweatshirts. If you’re visiting Sydney in January, I highly recommend packing a light sweater or cardigan for those early or late hours. Your future self will thank you.

The Great Barrier Reef: Packing for a Tropical Paradise

If your Australia trip includes the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll want to pack with both comfort and adventure in mind. The reef region is hot, humid, and tropical, so lightweight, quick-dry clothing is essential. Bring swimsuits, rash guards, and water shoes if you plan to snorkel or dive. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen — protecting both your skin and the delicate marine environment is crucial. A hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case will make boat trips and beach days much easier. And if you plan to spend the whole day on the water, a light cover-up or tunic can help shield you from the sun while keeping you cool.

Tiny Millie walking the beach at Green Island

💡 Travel tip: Early morning snorkeling trips are often calmer and less crowded — plus, the reef’s colors are stunning in the soft morning light.

Darwin: Hot, Humid, and Totally Different

Darwin is a completely different world from Bondi Beach and Sydney. Located in Australia’s tropical north, January is peak wet season, meaning hot, humid days and frequent tropical showers. Temperatures hover around 30–35°C (86–95°F), and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.

Unlike the laid-back coastal vibe of Bondi or the city-chic feel of Sydney, Darwin is all about outdoor adventures and tropical landscapes. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential — think tank tops, shorts, and quick-dry fabrics — and sun protection is non-negotiable. A hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen will be your best friends here. Darwin’s weather and energy are a contrast to southern Australia, it’s not the place for layered sweaters or leisurely midday walks in the sun!

💡 Travel tip: Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so pack a light, packable rain jacket or poncho. Comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet streets and muddy paths are a must if you plan to explore nature reserves or local markets.

What to Expect

Gorgeous colors at Bondi Beach in January, frigid waters.

Australia in January means long sunny days, warm temperatures, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Weather varies by region, so it helps to know what to expect:

• Southern cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth): warm, dry days with average highs around 26–32°C (79–90°F)

• Tropical north (Cairns, Darwin): hot, humid, and prone to tropical afternoon showers

• Inland and desert areas: scorching daytime heat with noticeably cooler evenings

Overall, pack for sun, heat, and comfort, but be sure to include a few light layers for breezy coastal nights or early-morning outings — especially in Sydney and along the coast.

Pack Smart and Stay Comfortable

Landed in Sydney 23 years after watching Our Lips Are Sealed

When deciding what to wear in Australia in January, stick to lightweight, breathable, and versatile pieces:

• Cotton or linen shirts for sightseeing and casual dinners

• Tank tops + quick-dry tees for active days

• Shorts and sundresses for effortless summer outfits

• Light long-sleeve layer for sun protection

• Two swimsuits for beaches, pools, or reef days

• Wide-brim hat + UV sunglasses

• Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers

• Flip-flops (“thongs”) for beach days

• Lightweight sweater or cardigan for cool mornings and evenings

• SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - sunscreen is noticeably more expensive in tourist areas, bring your preferred brand from home.

• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion - Australia has some of the strongest UV rays in the world, go ahead and plan in case you get burnt.

Australia in January is a dream with sunny days, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cities but only if you pack for the climate changes along the way. Whether you're strolling through Bondi Beach, exploring Sydney’s waterfront, experiencing Darwin’s tropical heat, or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, the right mix of breathable clothing, sun protection, and smart extras will keep you comfortable and ready for anything.