The beach tourism market size in Australia has grown from $240.03 billion in 2024 to $256.85 billion in 2025. This highlights how popular beach trips are in Australia, whether during the scorching summer or the cool fall!
But if you want the beach vacation to be perfect, you need to know what to put in a beach bag and what the summer bag essentials are.
So, here’s a beach bag packing list containing several useful items for you and your family!
1. Waterproof Camera and Phone Cases
This must be one of the most essential items you must carry on your beach trip. A waterproof pouch ensures that you can comfortably click as many pictures as you want or use your phone without worrying about sand or water getting into the ports.
Moreover, a clear case often comes with different compartments where you can store small essential items like a pendrive, scrunchie, or loose change.
Alternatively, you can carry a large waterproof bag in which you can stuff essentials like towels, sunscreen, or even your laptop if you plan on working for a bit.
2. Different Types of Towels
The next item on your beach bag essentials list is a good, sand free towels. These towels are a great alternative to regular towels, which can easily become soggy or stained with sand. They prevent any sand particles from sticking to them.
Next, you must get zip-up towels for the entire family! Designed with unique prints and vibrant colours, these towels are just like a hoodie. They keep everyone warm, dry, and cosy even when you hit the beach in colder seasons!
3. Beach Shoes
You must have heard of beach goggles, but not many people are aware of the importance of a good pair of beach shoes. This is the next thing on what goes in a beach bag!
Protecting your feet in the hot sand is very important, and you should also make sure that kids don’t get bitten or injured while playing on the shore.
Choose a flexible pair of shoes as a part of your beach bag must-haves. The shoes should come with waterproof soles and contain ample drainage points for the water to trickle down without getting the feet dirty.
Get a comfortable pair of beach shoes for kids that cover their feet and soles.
4. First-Aid Box
Next on the list of what to pack in a beach bag is a versatile first-aid kit. You never know when one of the little ones might get a small cut or when another family member might suddenly feel nauseous.
Craft a beach-only first-aid kit with band-aids, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, iodine solution, anti-allergy medicines, and sunburn relief cream.
You can also put all these items in differently labelled boxes for each member of the family.
5. Beach Pillows
A multipurpose beach pillow can solve so many problems all at once! A good towel trapper beach pillow can be folded into a small bag to carry your lipstick or sunglasses but can also be opened up to give your neck and head the ultimate comfort when you’re lounging on the seaside.
Many such beach pillows also come with special hidden pockets where you can keep a bit of cash or other private items.
Clip the pillow to your sun lounger to keep track of it. The pillow is not just portable and useful but also looks stylish and gives you all-day comfort.
6. Beach Umbrella
Another item on the beach bag essentials list is a beach-specific umbrella. These umbrellas are different from regular ones because the beach umbrella contains a specific anchor that can be firmly anchored to the sand without any risks of it flying away, even if strong winds start blowing.
If you look online or search in the beachside shops, you’ll find some quirky-looking beach umbrellas that are both lightweight and portable. Many high-end umbrellas also come with advanced features like charging ports and UV protection properties.
7. Beach Wrap Dress
A comfortable beach wrap dress is now the latest fashion statement when you’re planning to hit the water!
These wrap dresses ensure that you stay cosy even in the strong sun and that there’s minimal UV exposure to your skin.
Even if you simply sit on a lounge chair or walk around, there are risks of suffering from sunburn. This is why a beach wrap dress combines the functionality of a protective wrap with the stylish look of a beach dress.
The lightweight wrap dress is a perfect fit for the in-between moments like grabbing a quick snack or going to the ice cream stand with your family!
8. Food Bag
If you’re planning to throw in food and drinks in the main beach bag, that can lead to problems later on.
The food can get damaged due to the sand or water getting inside. Your drinks might spill out. This is why you should keep the food bag separate from the beach bag.
Pack yummy snacks like a fruit plate, fried chips, trail mix, granola bars, or hummus and pita. For drinks and refreshments, make creative mocktails for the children, such as virgin pina colada, and carry beer bottles for the adults.
9. Swimming Nappies
If you’re going to the beach with toddlers, then a packet of swimming nappies is a must. These diapers aren’t a substitute for actual ones, but they can hold in and prevent leakage for a short amount of time.
Most swimming nappies are made of natural cotton and bamboo that are soft on the baby’s skin and contain a waterproof lining inside. They’re also adjustable and come with a comfortable elastic waistband.
Keep checking the condition of the nappies now and then. If there’s a leakage, throw the dirty nappy in a diaper genie and switch over to a fresh pair.
10. Sunscreen Lotion
Of course, carrying ample amounts of sunscreen is a no-brainer – a non-negotiable on the what to put in a beach bag list!
But make sure there’s enough sunscreen for the whole family. Opt for mineral sunscreen, as it is better for your skin and the environment.
Many sunscreens today come with special properties to help protect coral reefs. When you’re looking for the perfect sunscreen, check whether it contains zinc or titanium dioxide in the ingredient list, as these are safer alternatives to chemical-based, harsh sunscreens.
For better UV protection, you can buy a body sunscreen and a face and neck sunscreen separately.
11. Water Bottles
Water bottles are a must-have for the beach. Keeping everyone hydrated is essential, especially since you’re bound to feel dehydrated while having fun. Carry double-insulated ones to maintain the drink temperature the entire day.
This eliminates the need to depend on plastic bottles that harm the environment. So, go green and bring plenty of water with you!
Conclusion
Besides these, don’t forget to get beach toys and snorkelling or swimming gear for the entire family to enjoy!
And if you’re wondering where you can find those unique towels, visit our store Sunreal Days and get gorgeous, pocket-friendly finds!