What’s in Our Beach Bag?

In Australia, the beach is part of our DNA. Salty swims, sun-warmed towels, ice-cream trucks, seagulls impatiently waiting for a dropped hot chip – it’s a rhythm we grew up with. Days move easily between the ocean and the sand, with the waves humming away in the background as the ultimate white noise.

But the real key to fun in the sun? It’s all in what you pack. Whether you’re hanging ten or just hanging out, the right beach bag additions can make all the difference.

This is the kind of beach day where you pack once and hope for the best. Sun-smart gear is non-negotiable – bucket hats and rashies for the kids, plus sunscreen that’s easy to reapply between swims. Cancer Council SPF50+ Ultra Sensitive Kids* is our pick for gentle sun protection for the little ones. Insulated water bottles live at the top of the bag, as well as baby wipes for wiping hands and little faces.  And because being a parent means having to be ready for anything, keeping a first aid kit^ on hand, a spare set of clothes and swim nappies is important… just in case.

Surprisingly, a lightweight leave-in treatment or hair mask has recently earned a spot in the beach bag too – and it’s less about styling, more about keeping hair feeling soft and manageable after a few swims. Smoothed through before heading down to the water, and again between dips, it helps salt-tousled strands behave for the rest of the day.

There’s definitely room for fragrance in a beach bag too. Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa mists take their name from the Brazilian word cheirosa, meaning to smell really, really good – and they live up to it. It’s one of those scents that becomes synonymous with summer, and will have you feeling nostalgic long after the season’s over. Next, keep makeup low effort. Gliding a multi-use stick across cheeks, lips, and lids makes touch-ups easy and efficient. Pair with an SPF 50+ face sunscreen* – tinted, if you like a hint of coverage, and obviously, make sure you regularly top up your body sunscreen* too.

This is the beach bag for straight after training, when the workout’s done and the ocean is calling. You’re not bringing much – just what you need to cool off, rinse off, and get on with the day. Fresh basics do most of the work: a clean pair of underwear (that can double as bathers) and a compact towel usually cover it. Sunscreen is part of the routine here. Invisible Zinc SPF 50+ Sport Mineral Sunscreen* fits seamlessly into post-gym swims, especially if you’re in and out of the water.

School might be back for another year, but there’s nothing like after-school and weekend trips to the beach to keep that holiday feeling alive. Here’s what to throw in your bag so you’re ready for it. I think we can all agree, dry lips are the worst, and add the summer sun into the equation? It’s a recipe for disaster.

 A SPF lip balm* is a smart move to protect your pout, plus don’t forget a spray sunscreen* to make top-ups quick between dips. Dry shampoo comes in handy once saltwater and sea air start doing their thing, and bonus points if it smells like a tropical holiday too. If you’re into layering scents, the MCoBeauty Fragrance Mists smell bougie, but don’t come with the expensive price tag.

We also recommend bringing some yummy lollies (and extra to share), especially if you’ve come straight from school. The Funday range is an obsession here at Chemist Warehouse HQ! And if your period happens to show up, there’s no reason to throw in the (beach) towel. Love Luna’s Teen Period Swim Bikini Brief means you don’t have to sit out a swim just because it showed up. Bye-bye FOMO.

Whether you’re heading to your local beach after school, away for the weekend with your family, or squeezing in a quick dip between plans, pop into Chemist Warehouse on the way so you can focus on the important things. Like – for example – relaxing and soaking up the rest of the summer sun. Here’s to many more beach days on the horizon.

Disclaimers: 

^{*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.}

^{^Always read the label and follow the directions for use.}