The Popular Type Of Clothing You Should Avoid Packing On A Trip To Australia

With its postcard-worthy landscapes, top-ranked beaches, and bustling cities, visiting Australia often feels like traveling to a whole new world. With all the sights to see and things to do, planning a trip to this incredible continent can feel equal parts epic and overwhelming — especially if you're not sure where you're even going. While planning the perfect Australian itinerary might take some time to research and figure out, there's one part of vacation prep that you can pretty much count on getting done in a flash — successfully packing for the entire trip.

The secret? There's just one key thing you'll really want to focus on: the fact that most local Australians embrace a distinctly casual way of life. So whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Sydney or relaxing at a beachside cafe in Perth, you'll notice that formal attire is rarely part of the daily dress code. Although you might feel tempted to pack your favorite cocktail dress or that sharp blazer "just in case," the reality is that most versions of "formal attire" will often stay tucked away in their suitcase — taking up valuable space that could have been used for more practical items.

The truth is that most Australians generally save their formal attire for very specific occasions, like weddings or black-tie events. Most upscale venues and fine dining restaurants — including the opera, where you'd probably expect to see guests dressed to the nines — are typically satisfied with a "smart casual" dress code. This means that you don't need to worry about packing heels, evening gowns, or anything particularly glitzy. As for what you do want to bring, the formula is simple: You can't go wrong with nice jeans paired with a collared shirt, or a simple dress or skirt with flat sandals.

In terms of day-to-day outfits, you'll have a much easier time blending in with the crowd — and ensuring that you look your best while traveling — if you stick to wearing comfortable, versatile pieces that you can mix and match without any fuss. This includes things like well-fitted jeans, breathable t-shirts, light sundresses, comfortable walking shoes, and a versatile jacket for cooler evenings or air conditioning. Material-wise, most natural fibers (like cotton and linen) work particularly well for the hot Australian climate. Meanwhile, a good pair of sunglasses and a packable sun hat are both essential for those intensely sunny days.

Tank tops and shorts aside, perhaps the ultimate reflection of Australia's casual culture can be spotted on locals' feet — or lack thereof, really. Along with thongs — this is what Australians call "flip-flops," not that other kind of thong — try not to be too surprised (or grossed out) by Australians' tendency to walk around barefoot in a variety of casual settings. It's not uncommon to spot locals (and even some easily influenced tourists) walking around shopping centers, cafes, and even supermarkets without any shoes on, particularly in coastal towns.

Although germaphobes might shudder at the thought of stepping foot on a scorching sidewalk or busy supermarket completely barefoot, Australians don't give it much thought. This willingness to kick off their shoes and embrace their ten-toed freedom is just another testament to the distinctly laid-back lifestyle of Australia, where comfort always wins over convention. Plus, as it turns out, walking around barefoot is also pretty beneficial for overall health — improving everything from posture to circulation — so maybe the Aussies are onto something. You might as well embrace it while you can.