Traveling to Australia with Kids: Packing, Preparation, and Visa Application

Traveling to Australia with Kids: Packing, Preparation, and Visa Application

travel with kids
reiko
Reiko
August 25, 2024
We recently traveled to Melbourne and Sydney, Australia with our 1 and 2-year-old children. Today, I'd like to share our preparation, packing list, and visa application process. As a minimalist, I'll also introduce how I keep our luggage to a minimum.

Contents

  • Visa Application
  • Packing List for a Family of 4 (6 nights, 8 days)
  • Tips for Minimalist Packing
  • Most Useful Items

Visa Application

Japanese passport holders need to apply for an electronic visa (ETA) to visit Australia for tourism. You can apply through the Australian government's "AustralianETA" app. You'll need a smartphone, the app, and your passport.
Packing List for a Family of 4 (6 nights, 8 days)
We took one check-in suitcase, two carry-on backpacks, a stroller, and a baby carrier. We tried to minimize luggage for easier mobility and collection.

Detailed packing list for each family member:

1-year-old son:

6 baby food meals
Toothbrush
3 days' worth of clothes
Coat
40 diapers
30 diaper liners
Toys
Snacks
2 baby bottles
Powdered milk sticks
Insulated water bottle

2-year-old daughter:

Snacks
Notebook and crayons
iPad (for emergencies, barely used)
3 days' worth of clothes
Coat
20 diapers (fewer as she can use the toilet sometimes)
Toothbrush

Me:

1 pair of jeans (worn during travel)
2 Heattech shirts
1 pair of leggings (for pajamas, worn with a large T-shirt)
1 large T-shirt (for pajamas and during flight)
1 cardigan
Coat (worn during travel)
Skincare (travel-size face wash, toner, and moisturizer)
Makeup (only NaturaGlace makeup base)
Toothbrush
Kindle

Husband:

Not detailed, but minimal luggage

Other items:

Plastic bags
Sweet potato chips
Water bottles
Ziplock bags
Disposable cups
3 large packs of instant rice
6 instant miso soup packets

Forgotten item:

Plug adapter

Tips for Minimalist Packing

  • Choose accommodation with washing and drying facilities
  • Use diaper liners
  • Dispose of items like toothbrushes and underwear at the destination

Most Useful Items

Baby food: Useful when local food doesn't suit the kids
Packed rice and instant miso soup: For when you crave Japanese food
Plastic bags: For garbage and dirty diapers
Ziplock bags: For homemade snacks and storing leftover food
Sweet potato chips: Great flight snack (clean, nutritious, light)
Lollipops: Helps with ear pressure during takeoff and landing
These items were particularly helpful for traveling with young children. The sweet potato chips were a standout - clean, nutritious, and appealing to both adults and children
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