There’s no getting around it: Australia has some of the strictest border clearance rules in the world. This is to protect Australia’s agriculture and unique environment and wildlife from pests and diseases.
If you’re packing for a holiday or moving to Australia, you need to make sure you’re familiar with all the rules about travelling to and arriving in the country. To help you understand what things to pack for Australia, here’s our advice about what you can and can’t bring into the country and what you should declare when you arrive at the airport.
Food – DECLARE IT
Foods like chocolate and roasted coffee can be brought into Australia, but most foodstuffs need to be declared. Inflight meals and snacks must be left onboard.
For more information on what foods can and can’t be brought into the country, check here. If you are unsure, declare it, or don’t bring it at all.
Medication – DECLARE IT
Make sure you carry a copy of your prescription (written in English) from your local doctor and only bring a maximum of three months’ supply.
Alcohol – DECLARE IT
If you’re aged 18 years or older, you can bring a maximum of 2.25 litres of alcohol duty-free into Australia. If you bring more than this amount, you’ll be required to pay duty on all the alcohol you bring.
Cash – BRING IT
You can bring an unlimited amount of money into and out of Australia. But, you will have to declare cash in Australian and foreign currency if the combined value is AUD$10,000 or more.
Clothing – BRING IT
If you’re keen to bring your favourite clothes from home, the good news is you easily can (just be wary of your airline’s baggage limits!). Declare fur or feathers and clothing or shoes that have been worn on a farm or been in contact with a river. Make sure clothing and shoes are clean before packing them.
Keep in mind that you can’t bring fake designer goods to Australia. You’ll risk having them taken away from you, and may incur a fine.
Study supplies – BRING IT
Supplies such as notebooks, pens, textbooks and other stationery items are all fine to bring. In saying that, to save on luggage space, you might be better off purchasing these items once you land – Australia has plenty of fantastic stationery stores that stock everything you’ll need.
Cosmetics – BRING IT
Things like makeup and hair products are fine to bring into the country. In Australia, if it’s in your lightweight carry-on luggage, make sure any liquids, aerosols and gels are under 100ml or 100g each, and pack them in a clear, sealable case. This will help make your transit through security nice and smooth.
Electronics – BRING IT
You can bring equipment such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, but ensure that anything with lithium batteries is kept in your carry-on luggage.
Just note that pirated DVDs cannot be brought to Australia. They might be taken from you, and you risk being fined.
Pillows and linen – BRING IT
You can bring household items like pillows, bedsheets and towels, but if they are filled with feathers (down), they need to be declared. Clean kitchen equipment is allowed. These kinds of items tend to take up a lot of luggage room, so you might want to consider buying them in Australia.
General packing tips
When you’re packing for Australia, as a general rule, it’s best to put anything heavy (except if it has lithium batteries) in your checked baggage. Keep only the essentials in your lightweight carry-on luggage. All airlines have strict limits on checked and carry-on luggage, and you’ll have to pay if you go over the limit! Carry-on luggage limits tend to be around 10–12 kilograms per person (note this might be one or two items) and checked baggage limits tend to be around 20–30 kilograms per person, depending on the airline.
Further information
For more information on what you can bring to Australia, and what you need to declare, check Australia’s biosecurity information and this guide to common duty-free items. For tips on what you should bring on your move to Australia, check out our list here.
Don’t forget to check Australia’s biosecurity requirements when packing your personal items. Some food, plant material and animal products are not permitted and should not be brought to Australia. Airport clearance is quicker if you don’t bring food, plant material or animal products. Most of these items can be easily purchased in Australia. If you pack these items you must declare them for inspection when you arrive in Australia. If you don’t declare all items, you can be penalised. You may be issued with an infringement notice of up to $5,500 or face prosecution. Your visa may also be cancelled and, if so, you will be refused entry into Australia.
