Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia? If you're planning to go to Great Barrier Reef, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Great Barrier Reef
- Important essentials for Great Barrier Reef
- Activities for Great Barrier Reef
- Great Barrier Reef in January: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in February: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in March: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in April: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in May: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in June: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in July: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in August: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in September: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in October: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in November: weather and what to pack
- Great Barrier Reef in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Based on the climate and weather in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Great Barrier Reef, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia by month
January
If you are traveling to Great Barrier Reef in January, you will notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
thisSkirts
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this
February
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during February, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
thisTravel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
March
In March, Great Barrier Reef is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Great Barrier Reef, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
thisLoose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck support pillow
An excellent option is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
April
April for Great Barrier Reef is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
thisLoose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
May
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during May, you will probably notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
June
June in this region is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Breathable footwear or sandals
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
July
If you go to Great Barrier Reef in July, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.
August
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during August, you might see that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.
Travel pillow
Our fave is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
September
September in this region is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
October
October for Great Barrier Reef is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
thisCool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.
November
If you vacation in Great Barrier Reef during November, you will probably notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
thisSunglasses
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
A good option is this one
December
December in Great Barrier Reef can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes contaminants:
thisSunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Great Barrier Reef. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel pillow
An excellent option is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.
What to do in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Great Barrier Reef is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is home to a stunning and diverse array of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, whales, dolphins, and sharks. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles and consists of thousands of coral reefs and islands. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the ocean and its inhabitants. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the Great Barrier Reef that you should not miss.
1. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
One of the best ways to experience the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef is to go snorkelling or scuba diving. There are numerous diving and snorkelling sites throughout the reef, each with its unique charm. Some of the most popular include Osprey Reef, Cod Hole, and Agincourt Reef. You can see colourful coral gardens, deep-sea trenches, and schools of fish. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a turtle or a reef shark.
2. Green Island
Green Island is a small coral cay located on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a popular tourist destination for day trips from Cairns. The island is home to a rainforest, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. You can go snorkelling, scuba diving, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or just relax on the beach. There is also a resort on the island if you wish to stay overnight.
3. Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is another popular day-trip destination from Cairns. It is a beautiful tropical island with lush rainforest, calm beaches, and clear waters. There are several hiking trails where you can explore the island’s flora and fauna. You can also go kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. Fitzroy Island is also home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about the conservation efforts to protect the Green Sea Turtle.
4. Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands located off the coast of Queensland. The islands are renowned for their pristine, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some of the top things to do on the Whitsundays include sailing, snorkelling, and visiting the famous Whitehaven Beach. You can also go on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef to get a bird’s eye view of the stunning coral formations.
5. Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a vibrant city filled with attractions for tourists. You can visit the Cairns Esplanade, a scenic waterfront boardwalk with a swimming lagoon, parks, and BBQ areas. You can also explore the vibrant night markets, enjoy local food and drink, and visit the famous Kuranda Village, a rainforest village in the mountains.
In conclusion, the Great Barrier Reef is a truly breathtaking destination, with countless attractions to experience. From snorkelling and scuba diving to island hopping and exploring Cairns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is undoubtedly a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
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