A day at the beach is one of the best parts of an Australian summer, and a little planning makes it much more relaxing. Forget the sunscreen or run out of water and the day can go downhill fast. This beach packing list covers everything from sun protection to snacks, plus tips for getting it all from the car to the sand in one trip.
The essentials
Before anything else, pack these:
- Sunscreen (broad spectrum, water resistant, SPF 30 or higher)
- Hats with wide brims
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear and rashies
- Beach towels
- Plenty of water
- Shade
- Phone, keys and wallet in a waterproof pouch
Sun protection
The Australian sun is harsh, even on cloudy days. Follow the classic slip, slop, slap, seek and slide:
- Slip on a shirt or rash vest.
- Slop on sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, and after swimming or towelling.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on sunglasses.
Try to avoid the middle of the day when UV is strongest. Many weather apps show the daily UV forecast.
Shade
Shade makes the difference between a quick dip and a whole day out.
| Shade option | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Beach umbrella | Couples and small groups | Light; needs a good anchor in sand |
| Pop-up beach tent | Families with young kids | Quick to set up; some have floors and windows |
| Beach shelter or cabana | Larger groups | More coverage; can catch the wind |
Always secure shade well. Use sand anchors, sandbags or pegs, and take it down if the wind picks up. Our tents range includes pop-up beach shades.
Towels and comfort
- Beach towels: Larger than bath towels, so there's room to lie down. Turkish cotton towels are light, dry quickly and shake off sand easily. Browse our beach towels.
- Beach mat or rug: Sand-free mats are handy for groups.
- Low beach chairs: More comfortable for older family members.
- Spare clothes: Something dry for the trip home.
- Thongs or sandals: Hot sand can be painful.
Food and drinks
- Water: More than you think. Freeze a few bottles the night before; they'll keep food cold and thaw into cold water. Browse our water bottles.
- Cooler: A soft cooler is easy to carry; a hard cooler keeps things colder for longer. Our esky and cooler buying guide explains the differences.
- Ice packs or frozen drinks.
- Easy snacks: Fruit, sandwiches, wraps, crackers, cut vegetables and muesli bars.
- Rubbish bag: Take everything home with you.
Avoid foods that spoil quickly in heat, and keep the cooler in the shade. Browse our coolers from Esky and Igloo.
Kids and babies
- Rash vests and swim nappies.
- Sunscreen suited to sensitive skin.
- Bucket, spade and sand toys.
- A pop-up tent for naps and shade.
- Spare clothes and extra towels.
- Snacks and drink bottles.
- A small first aid kit with plasters and antiseptic.
- Baby powder, which helps brush sand off skin.
Beach safety
- Swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are patrolling.
- Read the safety signs at the beach entrance.
- Always supervise children in and near the water.
- If you're unsure about conditions, ask a lifeguard.
- Check for bluebottles or stingers, and know where the nearest lifeguard tower is.
Handy extras
- Power bank: Keep your phone charged for photos and emergencies. See our power bank buying guide.
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Portable speaker at a considerate volume.
- Book or magazine.
- Snorkel, bodyboard or ball games.
- Small brush or spare bottle of water for rinsing sandy feet before getting in the car.
- Wet bag for wet swimmers.
Packing tips
- Pack the night before. Use a checklist so nothing's forgotten.
- Use a large beach bag or backpack. Backpacks free your hands for chairs and coolers. Browse our backpacks.
- Use a beach trolley or wagon for big family trips.
- Keep essentials on top: sunscreen, water and keys.
- Freeze drinks to double as ice packs.
- Keep a beach kit ready in the car boot all summer, with towels, sunscreen and a shade.
Beach day with a dog
If dogs are allowed at your beach, check the local rules and off-leash times, and pack water, a bowl, a lead, poo bags and a towel. Give your dog shade and avoid the hottest part of the day, as sand can burn paws.
Leaving the beach
- Pack up all rubbish, including food scraps.
- Shake towels downwind of other people.
- Rinse feet before getting in the car.
- Hang wet towels and swimmers to dry as soon as you get home to prevent smells.
Printable checklist
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
- Swimwear and rash vests
- Beach towels and mat
- Shade and anchors
- Cooler, water and snacks
- Rubbish bag
- First aid basics
- Phone, keys, wallet and waterproof pouch
- Spare clothes and thongs
- Toys and games
Planning more summer adventures
If you're heading out overnight, see our camping checklist. Every brand we stock is listed on our brands page.
Related guides: Esky and Cooler Buying Guide, Camping Checklist Australia, Power Bank Buying Guide, Kayak Buying Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for a beach day with kids?
Sunscreen, hats, rash vests, shade, plenty of water and snacks, sand toys, spare clothes, extra towels and a small first aid kit.
How do I keep food cold at the beach?
Use a well-insulated cooler with ice packs or frozen drinks, keep it in the shade, and open it as little as possible.
How often should I reapply sunscreen at the beach?
Generally every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling. Follow the directions on the label.
How do I stop a beach umbrella blowing away?
Dig it in deeply, use a sand anchor or sandbags, angle it into the wind, and take it down if the wind picks up.
