Footwear is often the bulkiest and heaviest category in travel luggage, yet sandals offer unique advantages for Australian holidays. The right sandals can serve multiple purposes, from beach days to casual dinners, reducing the number of shoes you need to pack. This guide helps you choose versatile travel sandals and pack them efficiently for your next adventure.
Choosing Versatile Travel Sandals
The key to minimalist packing is choosing sandals that work across multiple situations. Before selecting travel footwear, consider your itinerary:
- What activities are planned? Beach, hiking, city sightseeing?
- What's the dress code? Casual resorts, nice restaurants, religious sites?
- What surfaces will you encounter? Sand, cobblestones, trails?
- Will you need water-ready footwear?
The One-Sandal Approach
For many Australian trips, a single pair of versatile sandals can handle everything. Look for:
- Neutral colours: Black, brown, or tan work with various outfits
- Clean design: Minimal logos and sporty details for dressier situations
- Good support: Comfortable for extended walking
- Durable construction: Handles different surfaces without falling apart
- Quick-drying: Recovers from water exposure
Leather Birkenstocks in neutral tones serve surprisingly well as travel sandals. They're comfortable for walking, acceptable at many restaurants, and transition from beach to town. The main limitation is water sensitivity.
The Two-Sandal Strategy
For more varied trips, two sandals cover most scenarios:
- Dressy casual sandal: Leather or quality synthetic for dinners, shopping, and general use
- Water-ready sandal: Rubber or sport sandal for beach, pool, and active adventures
Sandal Recommendations by Trip Type
Beach Resort Holiday
- Must-have: Classic thongs or slides for pool and beach
- Nice-to-have: Nicer sandals for evening dining
- Skip: Hiking sandals unless activities planned
City and Cultural Exploration
- Must-have: Supportive walking sandals (many cities have cobblestones)
- Nice-to-have: Dressier option for evening events
- Skip: Ultra-casual beach thongs
Adventure and Active Trips
- Must-have: Sport or hiking sandals with good grip
- Nice-to-have: Lightweight recovery slides for camp/accommodation
- Skip: Delicate leather sandals
- Weekend trip: 1 versatile pair is enough
- Week-long holiday: 2 pairs covering different needs
- Extended travel: 2-3 pairs maximum; replace if needed during trip
Packing Sandals Efficiently
Flat Sandals (Thongs, Slides)
These are the easiest to pack:
- Place soles together and slide along the inside edge of your suitcase
- Tuck into gaps between rolled clothing
- Use as a base layer at the bottom of your bag
- Consider a thin plastic bag to prevent dirt transfer
Bulkier Sandals (Sport Sandals, Birkenstocks)
These require more creative packing:
- Wear your bulkiest sandals during travel to save luggage space
- Stuff socks or small items inside the footbed area
- Place against the suitcase spine (hinge area) where there's usually dead space
- Use a shoe bag to keep other items clean
Carry-On Considerations
For carry-on only travel:
- Wear your largest footwear on the plane
- Choose sandals that pack completely flat
- Consider ultralight travel sandals designed for packability
- Use compression bags if needed
Airport and Flight Tips
Sandals have both advantages and drawbacks for air travel:
Advantages
- Easy to remove at security screening
- Comfortable for swollen feet during long flights
- Breathable in often-stuffy aircraft
Considerations
- Aircraft floors aren't the cleanest â bathroom visits in sandals require caution
- Feet may get cold on air-conditioned flights
- May not be ideal for walking long airport distances
Consider wearing comfortable closed shoes through the airport and switching to sandals once seated. Pack sandals in your personal item for easy access. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Destination-Specific Advice
Tropical Queensland
The heat and humidity make sandals the preferred footwear. Pack water-resistant options for tropical downpours and reef walkers if visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Thongs are acceptable almost everywhere except upscale restaurants.
Sydney and Melbourne
These cities blend casual and cosmopolitan. Pack sandals that work for walking on varied urban surfaces and won't look out of place at nice venues. Leather or quality synthetic sandals are more versatile than ultra-casual thongs.
Outback and Red Centre
Consider covered-toe sandals for protection against dust and rough terrain. Flies can be bothersome, and enclosed styles offer some protection. Sport sandals work well for Uluru walks and similar activities.
Tasmania and Southern States
Even in summer, temperatures can be cooler than expected. Pack sandals but bring enclosed shoes as backup. Weather can change quickly in southern regions.
Caring for Sandals While Travelling
- Rinse after beach/pool: Salt and chlorine degrade materials; rinse with fresh water when possible
- Dry thoroughly: Before packing, ensure sandals are completely dry to prevent mould and odour
- Protect in transit: Use hotel shower caps or plastic bags to separate sandals from clothing
- Address issues promptly: A loose strap or developing blister will only worsen during travel; fix or replace early
When to Buy Locally
Sometimes it makes sense to purchase sandals at your destination:
- Forgot something: Australian shops stock quality sandals year-round
- Unexpected needs: Activity plans change; local purchase may be more practical than overpacking
- Souvenirs: Havaianas from Queensland or unique local designs make great keepsakes
- Replacement: If your sandals fail during the trip, replace rather than suffer
Smart sandal selection and packing keeps your luggage manageable while ensuring comfortable feet throughout your Australian adventures. Whether you're beach-hopping along the coast, exploring outback icons, or enjoying city sights, the right sandals make every step easier.