What I packed for a winter holiday in the Queensland tropics

Before we set off on our trip, I shared what I packed for a winter holiday in the Queensland tropics (watch the first video below). In this post, I’m sharing another video as well as a suitcase de-brief if you like. I’m sharing what my MVPs (most valuable players) were, what I should have packed less of and what I’m so glad I packed.

Whenever I’m packing to go anywhere, for any length of time, the process is always the same. 

1. I make time to plan out what I’m considering taking.
2. I track the weather app for my destination in the weeks and days up until leaving.
3. I make note of what washing/laundry facilities I’ll have at my destination.
4. I only pack shoes that are comfortable and that go with everything I’ve packed – you do so much more walking when on holidays I think, well we do.
5. I plan for any activities that might be planned, eg hikes, dinners/lunches out.

If this is all you do too, you’ll be on track to packing like a pro, well a pro who is prone to mistakes and still overpacks. HAH. That’s me.

In the video below, I talk through what I packed: the things that really worked for their spot in my suitcase on our recent trip, the things I could have cut back on, and the things I was really happy I packed. Scroll on for photos of some of my outfits.

(NOTE: I go live most Tuesday lunchtimes on Instagram about a variety of topics – tune in or catch up afterwards on the feed.)

What I packed: the outfits

Plane outfit: it was cool leaving early morning from Brisbane, so layers were key so I didn’t sweat on arrival. Attaching my hat via a Klipsta proved genius.

Styling You The Label tee, pants and jacket | Spell scarf and mask | FRANKiE4 Footwear MiM sneakers | Verstirsi Bella tote/backpack | Will and Bear hat

It was easy to de-layer on arrival in Cairns. The Arlington Milne cross-body bag was definitely on of my suitcase MVPs as I could swap the strap and easily create a going out to dinner look.

When transit-ing from Cairns via boat to Fitzroy Island, I called on the power of my favourite shirt dress to take me from ferry to the beach as we knew our room wouldn’t be ready and it was a perfect swimming day. It’s also made from our quick-dry technical fabric, so perfect post-swim too.

Here I am layered up … 

… and on the beach

Styling You The Label Danielle shirt dress | Marvell Lane bikini | Spell scarf (not current) | Trove sunglasses | FRANKiE4 Footwear SANDY slides

Throw and go dresses are always my warm-weather friends and these all worked a treat either worn casually or dressed up for dinner or lunch out.

Ada and Lou dress (gfited, I’m in XS/14)

Spell tunic (sold out)

Boteh maxi dress (gifted, I’m in size 3 but could wear 2) | FRANKiE4 Footwear ABi heels

Anannasa dress (gifted, I’m in M)

Spell smock dress (I’m in XL; bought in Port Douglas at a boutique called Jai)

Separates are also key for making what I pack work to give me options for different planned activities. I have to say that finding a pair of denim shorts that you love wearing makes it so easy to then work them back with tees, shirts and blouses for a lot of varied looks. 

A collared shirt was key for a couple of fishing trips we did but I’m also a fan of lightweight, long-sleeve shirts for some sun protection when the heat is on and for a little warmth in a cool sea breeze.

Zjoosh linen shirt | Bohemian Traders denim shorts (read my Model and Me post for size details) | Camilla and Marc cap

Boteh blouse (gifted, I’m in size 3) | Bohemian Traders white denim shorts (not current)

Spell top | Styling You The Label pants

As for the extras … I’m glad I packed two swimsuits and active wear. Plain coloured tees gave me layering pieces as well active options. 

Saint Somebody swimsuit (similar here)

Active Truth bike shorts and crop | Styling You The Label tee

And I mostly kept my jewellery to a minimum … I really could have packed less!

Kate and Kole tiny letter necklace

Planning what to pack will always be a challenge for someone like me who likes their options but it’s also part of the fun. Remember you can get all my packing tips for HERE.