Our family trip to Australia begins soon, so packing looms. I'm trying to pack light, bringing the basics we'll need but not bringing stuff to cover every emergency that might come up. I figure we can buy any small items we end up needing unexpectedly. Having said that, is there anything from the US that I really should be sure to include, stuff that maybe isn't available in Australia? I'm thinking a small jar of peanut butter for the kids, over the counter drugs like naprosyn or Benadryl, etc. etc. Any packing tips welcome! We're going to Sydney, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, and the GBR. Our kids are aged 15, 12, and 9.

P.S. Rain seems unlikely everywhere we are going except Sydney. Do you think we can get away with skipping the raincoats? I was thinking of just bringing those lightweight throwaway ponchos that are sold for a dollar or so. We'll be in Sydney in early August. Is there a meaningful risk of several days of serious downpour?

Hi Miranda,
you can get anything you may need in Sydney and even in Alice Springs.

It is possible that it can get a bit wet in Sydney during August but those light weight pronchos should do fine.
I was In Sydney the first week of august 2 years ago and yes, there was quite a bit of rain then. However, this year it can be different - who knows?

Enjoy,
Mike

I think I'd be happier with a waterproof jacket. You'll probably need a jacket in Sydney then, especially at night, and likewise in the Centre - the days will be OK, but the nights will be cold. If it does rain in Sydney - those waterproof ponchos will barely keep you dry and not at all warm.

If you or your kids need medication, bring it with you. If it's just over the counter stuff, you can probably get it here - but the brand names may not be the same (although Naprosyn is).

You will need a mid-weight rain-proof coat for Sydney. It may be fine - but August is still winter and can get chilly and wet. Unless your kids have a particular preference for a brand of peanut butter, it won't be needed. As Margo suggested - bring any medication you need - a pack of painkillers takes no room and saves having to shop when here. It is however all available if required!

We could not get Benadryl (the real one or a generic equal)in Australia, but they had other antihistamines. Drugs are very affordable there, plus the exchange rate makes them downright dirt cheap. We looked like addicts coming nback home!

Bendryl active ingredient is diphenhydramine.

This is only available in Oz as Unisom Sleepgels. Mind you, these are not bad for sleeping on planes.

Jeez - I'm a mine of useless information.

well it wouldn't be useless information to someone suffering from allergies in OZ!!! Wish I'd known this when I was on my drug runs in Sydney!