What to Pack for Your Lap Around Australia?

While it’s tempting to prepare for every possible scenario, you’ll soon realise that simplicity is key. In fact, we ended up offloading a heap of clothes to communities along the Gibb River Road because we just didn’t need them.

Let’s face it, when you’re camping by the beach, you’ll live in your swimwear and a few comfy basics. Pack light, with essentials like sturdy footwear, layers for cooler evenings, and a good hat. Focus on versatile gear that’s easy to wash, dry and wear, and leave the “just in case” items at home. Remember, the less you pack, the more room you’ll have in the caravan! And don’t forget—you need to watch your caravan weights too!

When packing for the kitchen, think lightweight and functional. Invest in lightweight plates, bowls, and cups—there are plenty of great options in melamine or silicone that won’t weigh down your caravan. Keep your cookware minimal but versatile. A good frying pan, saucepan, and a couple of basic utensils should be more than enough.

For the bathroom, we swear by microfiber towels over traditional bath towels. They dry quickly, weigh less, and take up much less space—perfect for small living quarters. We have one each for the bathroom and another for outdoor adventures, like beach trips. The key is to pack items that are light, compact, and easy to maintain, so you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than managing clutter!

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, you don’t need to bring the whole toy box. Invest in some small cube boxes from Kmart—one box per child if you have the space and weight allowance. Pick the toys they’re most likely to use, especially on a rainy day. Our 4-year-old spent 95% of his time outdoors exploring or playing with his kite or frisbee, but his favorite indoor activities included building with Lego, playing with his train track, and doodling in his drawing books. Keep it simple, and they’ll stay happy and entertained!