Suggested Equipment

Typical Stay

Main List (Italics: obtain in OZ or NZ)

See this Alternate list if you plan an extended stay in NZ to hike.

School, etc.

Clothes - General Points

Students dress casually in Australia: shorts and tops, jeans, t-shirts (no holes)

A few warmer clothes: jeans, sweaters, turtlenecks, and sweatshirts for the field trips to Lamington and Carnarvon. ("Peelable" clothes are ideal; it gets warm by the middle of the day.)

Evening out clothes: Men: dress shoes (no sneakers), pants other than jeans and collared shirts. Women: closed-toed shoes (no boots) 1 or 2 nice outfits.

Walking shoes

Field Wear Note

I've had questions about the ideal wear for field work in warm to hot climates. My recommendation is pants or shorts made of supplex nylon (trade name Qwik Dry). This stuff is cool, comfortable, very light weight, dries instantly, sheds dirt, washes well, takes up little suitcase space, and is virtually indestructible. I prefer the long pants as it reduces bites and scratches on the legs, and the "boot" tan line, but that's personal preference. Here are some web sources for the women's version of the long pants. These retailers also have shorts. Sierra Trading Post has a men's cut. Ladies, don't buy the men's cut. The women's will give you greater mobility and be more comfortable. NCA

http://www.SierraTradingPost.com/product.asp?base_no=22880

http://store.yahoo.com/trfitness/gramqwikdryp.html

http://www.backcountrystore.com/store/GRA0055.html?CP=CJData

Beach and Reef

swimsuits (2)
beach towel
dive booties or old sneakers/aqua shoes for reef walks
Sunglasses
Sun block (SPF 15 or higher)
Hat (Baseball cap ok, but big brim is best)
Long sleeved t-shirt for sun protection while snorkeling
Face cloth (not usually supplied in Australian accommodations)
Snorkel gear (optional, only mask if prescription)
1 pair cheap cotton gardening gloves (for work in reef flats)

Hiking Gear

1 fleece jacket
1 Gore-tex® outer shell (rain parka)
1 rainpants
1 pair hiking boots (Broken in!!) (Light to medium weight ok)
1 wool hat
1 mittens
Sleeping bag (optional, but very handy for motorcamps and hostels)
1 Thermarest® sleeping pad (optional)

1 nylon bag with toiletries

Miscellaneous

1 camera  (optional)

Other

Binoculars if you own them
Personal medication (extra prescription, just in case), toiletries, cosmetics
Book(s), Walk/Discman and a few tapes/cds for the long plane/bus trips

Luggage

Backpack (day pack) and larger backpack (or Duffel)

(Anything in Italics can be purchased in OZ or NZ)