Overview
Australia's summer staples aren't just about what you pack — they're about what actually makes the day easier. Think: SPF you'll reapply without complaint, shade that stays put in the wind, drinkware that keeps things properly cold, and gear that earns its spot in the boot week after week.
This edit rounds up the Aussie summer essentials we'd buy for 2025–26 — from beach-day hardware to sun-smart beauty and the little upgrades that make long lunches and long weekends run smoother.
Planning what to pour sand-side? Explore our edit of the best new drinks from Australian producers.
SPF 50+ Lip to Cheek, Outside Beauty & Skincare
This is the "SPF is non-negotiable" product you'll actually want to wear: a mineral SPF 50-plus balm that works as both lip colour and a sheer cheek tint. It's powered by zinc oxide for 100 percent mineral protection, plus cocoa butter and vitamin E for a soft, hydrated finish — and crucially, it doesn't taste like sunscreen.
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Dusk Beach Recliner, Sunwedge
Built for beach people by beach people, Sunwedge's padded recliner is designed to keep you comfy without the awkward elbows-in-the-sand setup. It seats two, includes a handy storage pocket, and folds down into a shoulder-strap bag for easy hauling from car to shoreline.
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Rambler Cocktail Shaker, YETI
Take the bar wherever you've landed with a leak-resistant shaker that's made to travel. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cocktails cold from first pour to last, while the easy-press lid and 1oz twist cap make it a genuinely practical upgrade (and yes — it's dishwasher safe).
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MINIROLL Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Ultimate Ears
Small speaker, big energy: the MINIROLL is compact but delivers punchy bass and crisp sound, with up to 12 hours of playtime. It's also IP67 waterproof and dustproof (pool, beach, shower — all good), and has a strap so you can clip it to your bag and go.
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Women's Voya Infinity Sandals, Teva
These are the "walk-all-day" sandals that still look good with a dress — thanks to Teva's stretchy infinity lace upper and leather trims. Underfoot, the Mush™ topsole cushions and moulds to your foot, with a lightweight EVA outsole that won't weigh you down.
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The Banks Sunglasses (Dark Chocolate), Luv Lou
An oversized aviator frame that reads classic, not costume — with slim temples and Luv Lou's signature gold hardware on each side. Finished in a dark chocolate frame with brown tint CR39 lenses, they're the kind of pair you'll wear daily from beach walks to long lunches.
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Men's UNEEK Sneaker, KEEN
KEEN's cult UNEEK design uses a two-cord construction that adapts to your foot for a flexible, secure fit — breathable like a sandal, but wearable like a sneaker. Add a supportive metatomical footbed, natural odour control and a grippy rubber outsole, and you've got an easy summer shoe that can handle movement.
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St Tropez Sarong, Monday Swimwear
A chic, versatile wrap that turns swimmers into an outfit in about ten seconds. Made from Monday's supple crinkle linen with a semi-sheer finish and raw edge, it's designed to be styled multiple ways — just don't hang it (the brand recommends reshaping and drying flat).
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CoolCabana 5, CoolCabanas
For anyone who's watched a beach umbrella take off down the sand: this is your fix. The CoolCabana 5 offers UPF 50+ protection with 5.8 square metres of shade (Large), sets up in around two minutes, and uses sand pockets (16 kilograms total) for stability without blocking your ocean view.
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UV Hair Protectant Mist, Naked Sundays
SPF for your hair is the move — especially if you're in and out of salt water all summer. Naked Sundays' lightweight leave-in conditioning mist is designed to act like an "invisible screen", with Kakadu plum and argan oil for added shine and strengthening, plus a formula that's vegan, transparent and non-greasy.
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Manly Swim Shorts, ORTC
A mid-length, quick-drying pair made from 100% recycled polyester, with an elastic waistband and drawstring for an easy fit. They're lightweight, lined with internal fine mesh briefs, and finished with pockets (including a rear button-up) for practical beach-to-bar wear.
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FreeSip Water Bottle, Owala
This is the bottle that solved the "straw or wide-mouth?" debate — it does both, with a patented FreeSip spout that lets you sip upright or swig when you tilt it back. It's triple-layer insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and the carry loop doubles as a lock so it stays leak-proof in your bag.
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All Day Julienne Mini Cooler, Stanley
Equal parts lunch bag and mini cooler, this "doctor's bag" style design pops open wide for easy packing, then zips shut to keep everything cold for up to 12 hours. Made from 100% recycled polyester with a shoulder strap option and front zip pocket, it's built for picnic dates, beach snacks and road trips.
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Beau Australian Cotton Beach Towel, Country Road
Plush, thick and designed for proper lounging, this towel is made from 100% Australian cotton with a high velour pile on one side and absorbent terry on the reverse. It's generously sized (95 by 175 centimetres), which means it works just as well poolside as it does on the sand.
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Ryan Shirt, ELCE at Stylerunner
A crisp cotton shirt with a relaxed fit that's made for throwing over swimmers, denim or shorts — and still looking pulled-together. The vertical stripe print, exaggerated cuffs and sharp collar give it that "effortless but intentional" summer tailoring energy.
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Luxe Lie-On Lounger, SUNNYLiFE
The float for people who hate flimsy floats: oversized, comfortable, and designed to work on water or on the lawn. It features a removable outdoor-ready fabric cover over a durable inflatable core, with easy inflation/deflation — basically, the closest thing to a daybed you can take into the pool.
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