Australia’s Gold Coast is blessed with year-round sunshine and warm weather. As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of the U.S. summers on the Gold Coast (our winter) tend to be hot while the winters (our summer) are mild.
This trip includes a domestic flight to Cairns with 1 checked bag ( 20 kg) and one carry-on item (7 kg) allowed per person. Please note that baggage allowances and policies may vary by airline. If you have any questions or need specific details for your group, please contact your Travel Coordinator.
Suggested Packing List:
Must-Haves:
Passport. Must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Australia.
Visa (eTA)
Printed final itinerary
CISI - medical insurance card
One Refillable water bottle
Clothing:
Short-sleeved shirts
Raincoat (light weight, water resistant)
A warm sweatshirt / fleece (it can get cool at night, especially during Australian winter)
Gym / sportswear (for nature walks / service)
Undergarments & socks
Bathing suits (we recommend at least two so one is always dry)
Shorts
Hiking or yoga pants
Hat/ handkerchief / bandana
One pair of flip-flops / closed-toed shoes that can get wet
One pair of comfortable tennis shoes (these are for hiking/day-to-day activities)
Bath / Personal:
Personal medication
Prescription sea sickness pills or patch, if applicable
Dramamine (if driving on windy/rough roads makes you nauseous) also for the Great Barrier Reef excursion, in case you usually feel seasick.
Glasses/contacts / contact solution
Sunglasses
Personal toiletries (please bring your shampoo/ conditioner and other essentials as the first accommodation is apartment-style and offers soap only)
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Bug spray
Shampoo
Other:
Light day bag or pack (a small backpack would be ideal)
Sunglasses, particularly if you’re sensitive to sunlight
Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).
Beach towel
Power Adaptor - You will need a power adapter in Australia. Plugs have two flat metal pins shaped like a "V" and some may contain a third flat pin in the center. The voltage is 230V.
Discover Corps Provides:
Linens / blankets
Pillow
Hand soap
Towels
*Laundry service. We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry during the trip. However, here are the options:
Gold Coast - Surfers Horizons: All self-contained units have a washing machine and either a drying rack or washer-drier.
Cairns: The hotel normally offers a laundry service through the hotel with cost per item. If not available, there is a laundromat (called The Laundry Express) at only 3 min walking distance from the hotel. *Please note that both accommodations are subject to availability and can change.