What to Pack for a Long Weekend Getaway in Australia in 2026

With 2026 well underway, it’s time to start planning your long weekend travels. Whether you’re planning a multi-stop road trip over the April long weekend, escaping to the mountains during the long weekend in June, or simply searching for inspiration for your next weekend adventure, the trick to enjoying a seamless journey comes down to packing.

We’ve rounded up our top tips for packing for your long weekend getaway - whether you’re travelling by road, air, or simply enjoying a staycation close to home.

It sounds obvious, but what many travellers don’t consider is how they pack their clothes. Knits, swimwear, shirts - they can all get bundled together in your suitcase.

Fortunately, there’s a solution for that. By categorising your outfits into packing cubes, you not only compress your clothes to save precious space, but you also keep your luggage organised. No more digging through your bag to find a stray sock - just grab the cube you need and go.

Loose bottles rolling around your bag? No thanks. Decant your makeup and skincare essentials into travel-friendly containers, then store them securely in a dedicated toiletry bag.

Travel beauty cases come in assorted sizes and materials to suit all travellers. Choose a hardshell travel organiser for fragile bottles or perfume, or enjoy the versatility of a small travel pouch.

Whether it’s a drive along the Great Ocean Road or a flight across the country, comfort is non-negotiable.

A travel pillow alleviates neck pain from long hours of sitting. Choose one with a washable cover, like our Nere Memory Foam Pillow.

There are few things worse than being parched. Ditch the single-use plastic and pack a reusable drink bottle to ensure you’re always hydrated.

The Nere n.Motion drink bottle is sleek, insulated, and designed to keep your drinks icy cold during hikes or warm during winter road trips.

Invest in your long weekend holiday gear by choosing sturdy luggage to accompany you on your adventures.

A carry-on luggage with wheels can make it easy to navigate airports, while a duffle bag provides the flexibility to fit perfectly into the boot of your car. Backpacks also make excellent travel bags, and double as an everyday bag when you’re not on the go.

Ready to make the most of the upcoming long weekends? From stylish suitcases to must-have travel accessories, Strand has everything you need to help you plan a practical getaway.

Shop online or in-store at Strand.

Start by writing down a rough itinerary and pack only what you know you will wear. Sticking to a single colour palette also helps, as you’ll be able to mix and match every item.

That depends entirely on what you have planned! A long weekend camping trip is very different to a luxury getaway on the coast. However, the fundamentals are the same: wear your heaviest items on the plane, pack layers to accommodate changes in weather, and try to stick to clothing items that you can mix and match.

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes - one comfortable pair for walking and one versatile pair for dinner. Use packing cubes to compress your clothing and choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.