What to pack for a day hike in Australia: a complete checklist

Packing well is the difference between a great day out and a miserable or dangerous one. Australia's conditions vary hugely. A summer day hike in the Northern Territory needs very different gear from a spring walk in the Tasmanian highlands. The basics stay the same, though, and this guide sets them out, then explains how to adjust for heat, cold, rain and remote areas.

The ten essentials

Bushwalking clubs and park agencies around the world use a version of the "ten essentials" list. Here's an Australian take.

Water. At least 2 litres for a half-day walk in mild weather. In heat, plan on about 1 litre per hour of walking. Don't rely on creeks: many dry up, and untreated water can make you sick.
Food. Pack more than you think you need. Good choices are energy-dense and easy to eat: nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, wraps, cheese, chocolate. Pack an extra snack for emergencies.
Navigation. Bring a map of the area, ideally a topographic map or the park's track notes, plus a phone with offline maps downloaded. On remote walks, carry a compass and know how to use it.
Sun protection. A broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF50+ sunscreen. Australia's UV is extreme even on cloudy days.
Rain jacket. A waterproof, breathable shell. It also blocks wind, which is the real cause of cold.
Warm layer. A fleece or light puffer jacket, even in summer, if you're walking in mountains or near the southern coast.
First aid kit. Include compression bandages (at least two, wide and elasticated) for snake bites, blister care, pain relief, any personal medication, tweezers and antiseptic.
Light. A head torch with fresh or charged batteries, in case your walk takes longer than planned.
Communication. A charged phone and a small power bank. On remote walks, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB), which many national parks and police stations hire out or lend for free.
Emergency shelter. A lightweight emergency blanket or bivvy bag. It weighs almost nothing and can save your life if you're stuck overnight.

Clothing

Footwear. On well-formed tracks, sturdy runners or trail shoes are fine. On rocky, muddy or steep terrain, boots with good grip and ankle support help. Wear them in before a long walk.

Socks. Choose wool or synthetic hiking socks. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and causes blisters.

Layers. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof outer shell. Add and remove layers as you warm up and cool down.

Pants or shorts. Shorts are comfortable in warm weather. Long pants protect against scratches, sun, ticks and leeches on overgrown or rainforest tracks.

Gaiters. These are useful in snake country and on muddy or scrubby tracks.

The pack itself

A 15–30 litre day pack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt suits most walks. Line it with a pack liner or a garbage bag so a downpour doesn't soak your spare clothes. Keep things you'll want often (sunscreen, snacks, map) in the lid or hip pockets.

Adjusting for conditions

Hot weather

Start at dawn and finish by late morning.
Carry extra water and an electrolyte mix.
Wear light-coloured, loose, long-sleeved clothing.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache) and stop, rest in shade and drink.
Check the fire danger rating, and don't walk on Extreme or Catastrophic days.
In central Australia, some walks close automatically when forecasts reach 36°C or higher. Kings Canyon Rim Walk and Valley of the Winds are examples.

Cold, alpine and wet conditions

In alpine areas of Tasmania, Victoria and NSW, weather can change from sunny to snow within hours, in any season.
Add a beanie, gloves, thermal top and waterproof overpants.
Pack spare dry socks in a waterproof bag.
Turn back if visibility drops on exposed ridges.

Rainforest and tropical walks

Bring insect repellent and leech protection (long socks, repellent on shoes).
Pack a quick-dry towel if swimming is allowed. Never swim where crocodile warnings are posted.
In the tropical north, the wet season (roughly November to April) closes many tracks.

Coastal walks

Check tide times if the route crosses beaches, rock platforms or river mouths.
Bring extra sun and wind protection.
Stay well back from cliff edges and wave-washed rocks.

Optional extras

Trekking poles, which are great on steep descents and save your knees
A small sit mat
Binoculars for birds and whales
A camera, or a phone with a waterproof case
A lightweight rubbish bag, because everything you carry in, you carry out
A trowel and toilet paper for remote walks without toilets. Bury waste 15 cm deep and at least 100 m from water.

Before you leave home

Check the park's official alerts and closures page.
Check the BOM forecast and fire danger rating.
Leave your trip plan with a responsible person: route, start time, expected finish time and when to raise the alarm.
Fill your water bottles and charge your phone and power bank.
Download offline maps and track notes.

A quick printable checklist

☐ Water (2 L+) ☐ Food and spare snack ☐ Map / offline maps ☐ Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen ☐ Rain jacket ☐ Warm layer ☐ First aid kit with compression bandages ☐ Head torch ☐ Charged phone and power bank ☐ PLB (remote walks) ☐ Emergency blanket ☐ Insect repellent ☐ Toilet kit ☐ Rubbish bag ☐ Trip plan left with someone

Packing well isn't about carrying everything. It's about carrying the right things for the place and the day. As you gain experience you'll refine your kit and find what works for you.

Information is general. Always check the official park agency page for the walk you plan to do.