Ultimate Beach Holiday Packing List! (+Free Printable)

I am a seasoned pro when it comes to a beach holiday packing list. I am constantly jetting up from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast for a vacay and have my packing list down pat. Whether you’re going to the beach for a weekend with your girlfriends or traveling internationally to a summer paradise decoration, this list has you covered. If you’re also in need of some beach trip travel recommendations, check out my Queensland Destinations recommendations for some absolutely stunning beach trip ideas. At the end of this post I have also shared a free printable version of my ultimate beach holiday packing list!

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What do I need to pack for holiday at beach?

The Essentials 

• Sunscreen

Absolute Must! Especially if you’re visiting Australia, our UV is very unforgiving. My personal favourite is La Roche Posay Wet Skin 50+. It is the best waterproof sunscreen I have tried. 

• Water bottle 

Gotta stay hydrated. Sunburn and dehydration is a dangerous mix!

• Towel

My go-to beach towels are Turkish Towels Super lightweight, fast drying and looks stylish on the beach. 

• Phone
• Small wallet

Only take your essentials in case your bag gets stolen. It can happen even if you just look for a second! If possible, just bring a small amount of cash for your morning coffee or fish and chips lunch. 

• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer 

Must have when diving into the snacks of fish and chips after a beach swim!

• Chargers 

Phone, laptop, speaker chargers are a must and often forgotten.

Vacay Clothing

• Beach bag

How do you carry everything to the beach? In a stylish beach bag of course! The beach bag I’ve been loving recently is a Prene Tote Bag

• Beach cover up

Aim for a light long sleeve shirt or dress that you can chuck on when your skin needs a break from the sun but you’re not quite ready to call it a day. 

• 1-3 pairs of Swimmers

You’ve got to switch up your bikini fits! From one pieces to triangle bikinis to high waisted bottoms! They don’t take up much room and a spare pair is always handy when your swimmers from the day before are still damp. 

• Hat

A bucket hat or wide brim straw hat is preferred but a baseball hat is also a good option. I personally love the look of white bucket hat on the beach and it is also great for covering your face when you tan. 

• Sunglasses

A beach and fashion essential! Can’t go wrong with a simple pair of round RayBans or oversized Quay Australia Sunglasses 

• Denim Shorts/Skirt

• Playsuit/dress

To chuck on around the hotel, pool or beach.

• Denim Jacket

As soon as the sun goes down, the ocean breeze can be a little chilly!

Hoody or sweatshirt/pants

• Socks and Underwear

Duh! Often forgotten though!

• Dinner Outfit

I love a cute maxi skirt and tank top with a denim jacket or can’t go wrong with your favouritee pair of jeans and a crop top.

• Casual T-Shirts and Shorts
• Workout gear and runners

Going for early morning beach walks or runs is a great to burn off the fish and chips and wine you had for dinner! Even through in a yoga mat and Youtube a short workout to get your sweat on. 

• Thongs

If you’re not from Australia, I’ll translate. By thongs, I mean flip flops. Haviana’s are the go to staple in Australia

• Nice Shoes for Dinner

A cute pair of heels, classic whitie sneakers or a strappy sandal. 

• Sandals or Slides

For walking around the shops, going for lunch and walking around your hotel. 

• Pj’s 
• Handbag

Start Planning Your Dream Beach Vacay!

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Toiletries

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Medications – Daily medications, panadol, nurofen, antihistamines, period pain medication etc

Don’t forget to pack your Birth Control pill or daily medications. More importantly, remember to take it every day! As soon as you get there, put it on your bedside table to remind you!

• Hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Bandaids
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo
• Face Wash and skin care
• Moisturiser
• Body wash
• Razor
• Fake tan

All you fair skinned girls out there I got you! Tan before you get to the beach so you feel super confident in your bikini! My favourite tan for a natural beach glow that is incredibly easy to apply is Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Water. If you hate putting on tan, staining your bed sheets and feeling sticky while it develops this product is a game changer!

• Makeup 
• Perfume

Food & Drinks

• Spreads, Sauces, Condiments

Before you head off have a few meals planned out if you’re wanting to limit eating out. I love to bring a jar of vegemite and peanut butter to have with some fresh bread for brekkie. I also recommend packing sauces for a BBQ and any meals you plan to make. Saves you buying a whole new jar when you get there and having to chuck it out or take it home if you already have some at home!

• Coffee

Bring a small container of you fave instant coffee and and some sugar

• Car trip/beach snacks – Chips, Crackers, Lollies etc

What’s a road trip without a stocked snack bag!

• Esky and Ice Packs

For your cold beers on the beach at sunset of course absolutely necessary on your beach holiday packing list! Also great for if you have leftover food that you want to take home. A cooler bag is my go to as it is more portable and easier to pack. 

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Extras

• Beach tent or canopy

Cool cabana’s are HUGE here in Australia! If you’re ever at Noosa or Mooloolaba during summer you will see the beaches covered in Cool cabana’s. Why? Because they are super portable, easy to set up and pack up and great way to escape some of the UV rays. 

• Speakers

I recommend some UE Boom speakers if you are going to more of a private beach with less people around. You don’t want to annoy the other beach goers who are trying to relax and unwind with a good book. It’s also great to have when enjoying wine and cheese on the balcony. 

• Mosquito Repellant

This is more of an essential than an extra for me as mosquito’s LOVE me. 

• Aloe Vera

Hopefully you won’t even need this as you will be covered in 50+ sunscreen and chilling the shade under a cool cabana. 

• Book

A great way to relax on the beach is with a good book. My favourite beach series is The Detective Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza. If you love criminal mysteries with lots of twists and turns this will be right up your alley. 

• Plastic Bags

For your rubbish or wet swimmers. 

• Headphones

For some beach jams whilst relaxing on the beach!

• Laptop

If you’re a content creator or full time worker who likes to work and travel, this is a must! These days we really can work from anywhere. 

Download your ultimate beach packing list now!