Sun Protection / Repellants., Gold Coast

Miscellaneous: I would have thought that coming from a South-East Asian country, I would be rather immune from the sun's rays but no. Despite the overcast skies during the first two days of my stay at Surfer's Paradise and being out in the open only in the morning of a glorious third day, I came home to Malaysia sun-burnt. Yes, Asians can be equally affected by Australia's sun. Don't be fooled by the overcast sky. A sun protectant is necessary for all if you don't want to finish your holiday all itchy and skin peeling from the sun-burnt.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Carry your swim wear every time, specially if you are going to Sea World Theme park.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Even in winter, the sun is very bright and piercing. As the Australians advice, use the Slip, Slop, Slap method, which means slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. Reapply the sunscreen lotion every 2 hours, specially if one is going into water of and on.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat and sunglasses!! Most Aussies have grown up with this message, and this message should be taken even more serious on the Gold Coast, because of our outdoor lifestyle.

Depending on where you are staying and what time of the year you come to the Gold Coast, it will affect what you should bring.

Most of the time all you will wear is, singlets (sleeveless tops) or t-shirts, shorts, skirts and swimwear.

If you are staying in the Hinterland or are coming in winter, you should definitely bring along some warmer clothes with you, like a tracksuit or a jacket and a pair of jeans.

You will be required to wear long pants or jeans and closed in shoes in most nightclubs, regardless of the temperature outside.

Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan on going hiking through our national parks. Thongs or sandles are great for the warmer months, or for walking on or near the beach, if you don't already have pair you can buy these from anywhere here.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: 15+ Sunscreen is a must if you going out into the sun. Also, pack some insect repellant as we have alot of mosquito's and midges in some areas, especially in Summer!

Miscellaneous: Make sure that you bring a hat or cap and sunglasses with UV protection, for when you are out in the sun. Also, bring a rain coat or umbrella, Summer tends to have some thunderstorms.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It's best to come in summer and travel light. People here don't dress up much. Surfers is a good place to buy tshirts.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Definately don't forget the mozzie stuff. Also we have these flying dots (that's the only way you can describe them) called midgies. You wonder how such a small thing could bite so fiercely. Baby oil does the trick - they just slide off, can't bite..

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: I It's hard to find many places in Aussi that are free anymore. We used to be able to camp on most quiet beaches without any bother. Unfortunately some yobbos wrecked it for us all and the ranger comes around and moves you on. But there are a lot of caravan/camping parks that cater for tourists on a budget and most are still cheep..

Miscellaneous: Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with collar and sleeves and sunscreen on exposed skin. Try to avoid staying outdoors during the middle of the day.

Luggage and bags: The luggage you bring will depend on the type of trave you want to do. Anything goes, but if you plan to go hiking, bring at least a small day pack, as you will need lots of water, insect repellant and a first aid kit.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Summer on the coast is very hot and humid, though the sea breeze can bring some relief. Bring swimwear, sleeveless tops or t'shirts, shorts, skirts and long pants for when it's cooler. Sweat shirts or jackets a necessary in winter, and some summer nights. Closed in shoes are compulsory in some restaurants and clubs, though eating places are fairly laid back. Sandals and thongs are a must on hot summer days. If you're hiking, cool sandals, boots or sneakers are reccommended, as it is sometimes wet and slippery. Make sure you bring a rain coat or umbrella, as there is days of rain throughout the year, though summer tends to bring more thunderstorms.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Lots of sunblock, insect repellant and a first aid kit. I'd also reccommend moisturiser or aloe vera cream, as the sun often fries unsuspecting tourists. Sunburn can take a number of hours to appear, so you often don't know you're really burnt until you gor red and get a few degrees hotter that night. I know the Queensland climate and it still gets me, so be prepared. The other obvious toiletries apply, and things such as condoms and tampons are readily availale.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure you bring a lot of sun protection, especially in summer. Sun glasses essential. They are good for discrete guy/chic check out too.

Photo Equipment: Polariser.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If going to the hinterlands, bring insect repellants. Get the Australian ones, they are good.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: With sunshine all year round, you don't need to pack much clothings with you. But never, never, NEVER EVER forget your sunBLOCK lotion. The ozone layer in Australia is very thin... and you'd definitely need to be adequately prepared and guard yourself against any forms of skin cancer. Better be safe than sorry.

'A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles...' - Tim Cahill