A beach day with the family should be filled with sandcastles, splashing, and happy memories—not frantic searches for forgotten sunscreen or hungry meltdowns because you left the snacks behind. The difference between a stressful outing and a magical day often comes down to preparation. This comprehensive packing guide ensures you have everything you need for a perfect family beach adventure.
Over years of beach trips with our own families, we've refined this list to include everything essential without overloading you with unnecessary items. Print it out, save it to your phone, or memorise the categories—whatever helps you get out the door smoothly and enjoy your day at the beach.
Sun Protection Essentials
Australia's UV levels mean sun protection isn't optional—it's the foundation of a safe beach day. Pack these items first and double-check you have them before leaving home.
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula. Bring enough for reapplication every two hours and after swimming
- Sun hats: Wide-brimmed hats for every family member. Legionnaire-style hats work well for children
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses for everyone, including children. Secure straps help prevent loss
- Rash vests/UV shirts: Long-sleeved swim shirts provide excellent protection for extended water play
- Beach umbrella or tent: Portable shade is essential, especially with young children
- Lip balm with SPF: Lips burn easily and are often forgotten
Apply sunscreen at home before leaving, not at the beach. Sunscreen needs 20 minutes to absorb properly, and applying it on excited, squirming kids in a sandy environment is much harder than doing it calmly at home.
Beach Towels and Comfort Items
Comfortable, practical towels make a significant difference to your beach experience. Consider each family member's needs when selecting towels.
- Beach towels: One per family member, plus one or two extras. Large, oversized towels work great for family use
- Sand-free towel: Particularly valuable for the drive home when sand becomes annoying
- Beach blanket or mat: A designated clean area for eating and resting
- Beach chairs: Optional but wonderful for adults; low-sitting beach chairs work best on sand
- Cushion or rolled towel: For head support during relaxation time
For recommendations on the best family beach towels, visit our product comparison tool.
Hydration and Snacks
Sun, salt, and activity mean everyone gets hungry and thirsty faster than usual. Pack more water than you think you'll need—dehydration can sneak up quickly.
Drinks
- Water: At least one litre per person, more for hot days. Freeze bottles overnight for ice-cold water that lasts
- Reusable water bottles: Easier than juggling multiple single-use bottles
- Juice boxes: A treat for kids that travels well
- Insulated cooler: Keeps drinks cold and snacks fresh
- Ice packs: Essential for the cooler's effectiveness
Snacks
- Fresh fruit: Watermelon, grapes, and berries are refreshing and hydrating
- Sandwiches: Made before leaving and kept in the cooler
- Crackers and dips: Easy finger food that travels well
- Vegetable sticks: Carrot, celery, cucumber—refreshing and healthy
- Cheese and cold meats: Keep in the cooler until eating
- Muesli bars or protein bars: Quick energy for hungry kids
- Avoid chocolate and anything that melts in heat
- Pre-cut fruit at home to avoid bringing knives
- Pack snacks in reusable containers to reduce waste
- Bring a rubbish bag—leave no trace
Beach Toys and Entertainment
The right toys keep children engaged for hours and create lasting memories. Balance between bringing enough to entertain and not so much that you're overloaded.
- Buckets and spades: The essential sandcastle-building kit
- Sand moulds: Fun shapes for castle decorations
- Beach ball: Lightweight and great for group play
- Boogie boards: Perfect for catching small waves (with supervision)
- Frisbee: Fun for older children and adults
- Snorkelling gear: Masks and snorkels for exploring rock pools
- Fishing nets: For examining marine life in shallow pools (release after observing)
- Inflatable toys: Pool noodles and floaties (always supervise children in water)
- Books or magazines: For quiet relaxation time
Baby and Toddler Extras
Younger children require additional supplies. If you have babies or toddlers, add these items to your list:
- Swim nappies: Bring extras—accidents happen
- Change mat: A clean surface for nappy changes
- Shade tent: Essential for babies who shouldn't be in direct sun
- Baby sunscreen: Specific formulations for sensitive infant skin
- Portable change of clothes: Babies and toddlers always need spare outfits
- Comfort items: Favorite toys or blankets for rest time
- Milk or formula: Kept cold in the cooler
- Baby wipes: Useful for all ages, not just babies
Safety and First Aid
A small first aid kit handles minor issues and prevents them from ruining your day. Keep it in a waterproof bag.
- Band-aids: Assorted sizes for cuts and blisters
- Antiseptic wipes: Clean wounds before bandaging
- Aloe vera gel: Soothes minor sunburn and stings
- Vinegar: Small bottle for bluebottle stings (do not use on tropical jellyfish stings)
- Antihistamines: For allergic reactions to stings or bites
- Pain relievers: Appropriate for each family member's age
- Phone: Fully charged for emergencies
- Emergency contact card: Especially important for children
Never take your eyes off children in or near the water. Drowning can happen in seconds and often silently. Designate a "water watcher" at all times and swim only at patrolled beaches between the flags.
Practical Essentials
These items make beach logistics much smoother for the whole family.
- Beach bag: Large, waterproof, with multiple compartments
- Dry bag: For phones, wallets, and electronics
- Change of clothes: For everyone, packed separately for the trip home
- Plastic bags: For wet swimwear and dirty clothes
- Cash: Many beach kiosks don't accept cards
- Car keys: Consider a waterproof key container if swimming
- Wet wipes: Invaluable for sandy hands and faces
- Hand sanitiser: For before eating
- Rubbish bags: Leave the beach cleaner than you found it
- Talcum powder: Removes sand from skin surprisingly well
Packing Strategy
How you pack matters as much as what you pack. Here are some organisational tips from experienced beach-going families:
- Pack the night before: Reduce morning stress and ensure nothing is forgotten
- Use separate bags: One for beach gear, one for food, one for change of clothes
- Keep car essentials separate: Store clean clothes and towels in the car, not on the beach
- Create a checklist: Print this article or make your own family-specific list
- Assign responsibilities: Older children can be responsible for their own hat, sunglasses, and towel
With proper preparation, beach days become the relaxed, joyful experiences they should be. The effort you put into packing pays off in stress-free hours of family fun under the Australian sun.