Picking the perfect luggage for Australia isn’t just about choosing something that will survive your flight there. You’ll probably need to account for flights on Australia’s domestic airlines with their strict weight restrictions, taxiing through airports and hotels; perhaps some driving around the country, or enduring cobblestones and potholed footpaths.
The oversized US style carry-on that everyone dreams of isn’t always ideal. Australia’s airlines tend to enforce cabin- bag weight limits more strictly, and many trendy 22-inchers are either too wide, too deep or just plain heavy when packed. Most people would be best served by our favorite checked luggage, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium 25-Inch Spinner. It is exceptionally light for a checked bag, easy to roll and offers plenty of space for a two- or three-week journey without getting too cumbersome.
If you plan to travel with a carry-on only, opt for the Osprey Farpoint 40 or women’s fit alternative, the Osprey Fairview 40. At 55 × 35 × 23 centimeters they conform more readily to Australian domestic airline dimensions than many U.S. manufactured rolling bags.
The Best Luggage for Australia at a Glance
- Best overall checked luggage: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium 25-Inch Spinner
- Best carry-on backpack: Osprey Farpoint 40
- Best hardside checked luggage: Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Medium
- Best premium carry-on: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Spinner
- Best budget checked luggage: American Tourister Moonlight 24-Inch Medium
- Best women’s travel backpack: Osprey Fairview 40
Australian Carry-On Luggage Rules in 2026
When shopping for a carry-on bag to use in Australia, pay attention to both the outside dimensions and the empty weight of the bag. Include the wheels, handles and any exterior pockets in your measurements.
Jetstar’s basic Starter fare allows you to bring two pieces of luggage up to a combined weight of 7 kilograms. Virgin Australia’s basic cabin bag allowance allows one bag up to 56 × 36 × 23 centimetres and weighing no more than 8 kilograms. Qantas’ cabin bag allowance depends on your route and plane, but many international economy passengers will be allowed one item weighing up to 7 kilograms and having overall dimensions of no more than 115 centimetres.
These regulations are why an “airline approved” bag you bought in the US may still be too big to bring on an Australian domestic flight. While a 22″ roller bag will likely fit in terms of dimensions, if it weighs nine or ten pounds empty you won’t have much room under your 7 kilogram limit.
Check the allowance listed on your booking. Type of fare, route, aircraft and frequent flyer status all influence how much you can bring.
What to Look for in Luggage for Australia
Low empty weight
Australia doesn’t tax you with exorbitant luggage fees, but weight is still more important than normal when packing. A light checked bag gives you more allowance for clothes, shoes and souvenirs. It’s also easier to tote between airports, hotels and rental car locations.
Try to find a carry-on that weighs four pounds (two kilograms) or less when empty, if possible. High-end roller bags can weigh twice that before you add anything inside.
Medium checked bag size
Dimensions-wise, a medium suitcase between 24 and 26 inches (62-68 liters) is ideal for most trips to Australia. It gives you plenty of space for two weeks abroad but is easier to lift and less likely to tempt you to overpack than something measuring 28 or 30 inches long.
Large suitcases work for families and longer vacations but become cumbersome when you need to load and unload them on trains, coaches and compact rental cars.
Acceptable carry-on dimensions for most airlines
Jetstar and Virgin Australia tickets require you to be a bit more specific. Choose an unexpanded suitcase or carry-on backpack that measures about 56 × 36 × 23 centimeters (22 × 14 × 9 inches).
Soft-sided backpacks can be ideal for travelers because they’re lighter than most rolling suitcases. Just remember not to stuff them. If the bag bulges outside of its reported depth, it might not make it through an airline’s baggage size-checking station.
Strong spinner wheels or a comfortable backpack harness
Rolling suitcases with four spinner wheels are more convenient inside airports and hotels. Backpacks are easier on your body when you have stairs, gravel or bumpy pavement to navigate.
Splurge on whichever option fits well if you’ll be staying in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Budget travelers who want to visit a combination of cities, hostels, regional buses and outdoorsy destinations might want to choose a backpack.
Water-resistant materials
You’ll never find a 100 percent weather-proof suitcase. But rain-resistant material or a textured hardshell can provide peace of mind against rain, dust and typical handling during transport.
You should always pack liquids, electronics and important documents into their own waterproof zippered pouches. They’ll stay safer than if they were simply stored inside your suitcase.
Materials you can easily wipe clean
Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. Shoes, clothes and outdoor equipment used around farms, animals or other rural areas should be cleaned before arriving in Australia. Declare them at customs if necessary. Fishing gear, camping gear and sports equipment should also be clean and free of any moisture before you pack.
Look for luggage with an easily wipeable shell or removable interior lining if you’ll be visiting any hiking, camping or outback areas like the Red Centre.
1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium 25-Inch Spinner
Best overall checked luggage
Australia’s baggage allowances make suitcase weight particularly important. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium provides plenty of packing room without taking up too much of your checked-baggage allowance.
Weighing just under 6.8 pounds, the suitcase measures 27 × 18.5 × 11.5 inches externally. Its 91-liter capacity provides ample room for longer vacations, while the expandable zipper adds up to two inches of extra packing space when needed.
The softside construction also provides more flexibility than a hardside suitcase when loading it into a rental car or storing it in a hotel room. Its four spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver, while the DuraGuard-treated exterior helps repel moisture and stains.
The main compromise is protection. A softside suitcase will not protect fragile belongings as effectively as a rigid polycarbonate shell. Pack breakable items in the middle of the suitcase and surround them with clothing to reduce the risk of damage.
Pros
- Plenty of packing space for a medium checked suitcase
- Lightweight at just under 6.8 pounds
- Expandable design provides up to 91 liters of capacity
- Water- and stain-resistant DuraGuard exterior
- Smooth four-wheel spinner system
- Useful exterior pockets
Cons
- Does not include a built-in luggage lock
- Offers less protection for fragile items than hardside luggage
- The expandable capacity may encourage overpacking
Best for: Most travelers taking a two- or three-week vacation to Australia.
2. Osprey Farpoint 40
Best carry-on backpack
Many travelers want the flexibility to move around Australia without being restricted by a bulky suitcase. For multi-stop trips and carry-on-only travel, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is our top backpack recommendation.
It measures 55 × 35 × 23 centimeters, or approximately 21.6 × 13.8 × 9 inches, and weighs around 3.27 pounds. Its dimensions fit within the published cabin-size limits used by Jetstar and Virgin Australia, although your fully packed bag must still comply with the weight allowance attached to your fare.
Instead of opening from the top like a traditional hiking pack, the Farpoint opens from the front like a suitcase. This makes it easier to organize clothes, packing cubes and toiletries.
Internal compression straps help stabilize the load, while the adjustable harness and padded hip belt distribute weight more comfortably than a basic travel backpack.
The harness can also be zipped away when placing the bag in an overhead compartment or checking it at the gate.
Its biggest limitation is capacity. You will need to pack selectively for trips lasting more than one or two weeks, especially when carrying bulky winter clothing or multiple pairs of shoes.
Pros
- Carry-on-friendly dimensions of 55 × 35 × 23 centimeters
- Lightweight at approximately 3.27 pounds
- Comfortable adjustable harness and hip belt
- Harness and shoulder straps can be covered during transit
- Opens like a suitcase for easier packing
- Built-in padded laptop compartment
- Internal compression straps
Cons
- Can exceed the permitted depth when overpacked
- Does not have wheels
- Limited room for bulky shoes or winter clothing
- Limited exterior water-bottle storage
Best for: Backpackers, carry-on-only travelers and multi-destination trips around Australia.
3. Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Medium
Best hardside checked luggage
The Samsonite Omni PC has been available for several years, but the 24-inch checked-medium version is better suited to an Australia trip than the carry-on model previously featured in this guide.
Its rigid polycarbonate shell provides better protection against impacts and compression during baggage handling. The micro-diamond texture also helps disguise some of the small scratches that develop through regular use.
Four multidirectional spinner wheels make the suitcase easy to maneuver through airports, train stations and hotel lobbies.
Inside, the Omni PC includes compression straps and a zippered divider. Like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, it also has an expandable compartment when you need additional packing space. A TSA-compatible combination lock is built into the suitcase.
The Omni PC is not as lightweight or flexible as the Travelpro Maxlite 5. Its rigid exterior also requires more space when storing it in hotel closets or loading it into a rental car.
However, it is the stronger option when protecting fragile belongings is your main priority.
Pros
- Durable polycarbonate shell
- Textured exterior helps disguise minor scratches
- Expandable packing compartment
- Built-in combination lock
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- Covered by Samsonite’s limited warranty
Cons
- Heavier than our recommended softside suitcase
- Rigid shell requires more storage space
- Exterior may develop scuffs during checked travel
- Expansion can make it easier to exceed the baggage weight limit
Best for: Travelers who prefer the protection and structure of hardside checked luggage.
4. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Spinner
Best premium carry-on
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is one of the best-constructed carry-ons available. However, travelers visiting Australia should be aware that it is considerably heavier than most cabin bags.
Its external measurements are 22 × 14 × 9 inches when compressed. That converts to approximately 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 centimeters, placing it just within the common cabin-size limits published by Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
Do not expand the suitcase when bringing it onboard. Its depth increases to approximately 11.5 inches when fully expanded, making it too large for stricter cabin-baggage limits.
The Baseline uses Briggs & Riley’s CX compression-expansion system. This allows the suitcase to expand while you pack it and then compress back toward its original dimensions.
The exterior-mounted handle also helps create a relatively flat interior packing surface.
Construction quality is excellent, and Briggs & Riley backs its luggage with a lifetime repair guarantee. The disadvantage is its approximately 9.7-pound empty weight.
That is around 4.4 kilograms before you add any clothing or personal belongings. Under a 7-kilogram cabin allowance, you would have only about 2.6 kilograms remaining for your contents.
We recommend this suitcase primarily for travelers flying in cabins with higher carry-on allowances or those who do not mind checking it when necessary.
Pros
- Premium materials and construction
- CX compression-expansion system
- Flat interior packing surface
- Smooth and durable spinner wheels
- Lifetime repair guarantee
- Compressed dimensions fit common Australian carry-on limits
Cons
- Very expensive
- Weighs approximately 9.7 pounds empty
- Expanded depth is too large for strict cabin limits
- Impractical for many 7-kilogram carry-on allowances
Best for: Frequent business and premium-cabin travelers who prioritize construction quality over low weight.
Check price on Amazon
5. American Tourister Moonlight 24-Inch Medium
Best budget checked luggage
The American Tourister Moonlight is a practical option when you need an affordable suitcase for an occasional international trip rather than a premium lifetime purchase.
The 24-inch version provides enough room for a typical two-week Australia itinerary without becoming as difficult to manage as a 28-inch suitcase.
Depending on the specific model and color, it generally weighs between 9.3 and 9.5 pounds and measures approximately 27 × 17.5 × 11.8 inches externally.
Its four spinner wheels, expandable compartment and internal divider provide the essential features most leisure travelers need. Bright colors and distinctive patterns also make the suitcase easier to identify on a busy baggage carousel.
The trade-off is its ABS plastic shell. ABS is not as resilient as premium polycarbonate and may develop scratches or flex under heavy pressure.
The telescoping handle and wheel assembly also feel less substantial than those found on more expensive luggage.
American Tourister has released the Moonlight in several generations, colors and patterns, so specifications may vary slightly between Amazon listings.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Practical 24-inch checked size
- Expandable packing space
- Bright colors make the suitcase easier to identify
- Four spinner wheels
- Ten-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons
- Heavier than the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium
- ABS shell is less durable than premium polycarbonate
- Telescoping handle and wheels feel more basic
- Bright finishes may show scratches
Best for: Students, first-time international travelers and occasional travelers on a limited budget.
6. Osprey Fairview 40
Best women’s travel backpack
The Osprey Fairview 40 provides a similar travel-friendly design to the Farpoint 40 but uses a women’s-specific harness and torso fit.
It measures 55 × 35 × 23 centimeters and weighs approximately 3.23 pounds. Its low empty weight leaves more of your cabin allowance available for clothes, toiletries and electronics.
Travelers with shorter torsos or narrower shoulders may find its shoulder straps, hip belt and back panel more comfortable than the equivalent components on the Farpoint 40. However, backpack fit remains highly personal.
The suitcase-style front opening makes clothes and packing cubes easier to organize. It also includes internal compression straps, a stowaway harness and a padded laptop compartment.
These features make it suitable for city hotels, hostel stays and regional bus journeys around Australia.
As with the Farpoint 40, avoid filling every available space. Overpacking the Fairview may cause it to bulge beyond the standard 23-centimeter cabin-bag depth.
Pros
- Adjustable women’s-specific harness
- Lightweight at approximately 3.23 pounds
- Dimensions fit common Australian airline carry-on limits
- Padded hip belt improves carrying comfort
- Opens like a suitcase for easier packing
- Harness can be covered during transit
- Dedicated padded laptop compartment
Cons
- Does not have wheels
- Can exceed the permitted depth when overpacked
- Limited capacity for bulky packing lists
- Women’s-specific harness will not suit every traveler
Best for: Women seeking a carry-on backpack for multi-stop itineraries around Australia.
What Size Suitcase Is Best for Two Weeks in Australia?
Pack enough stuff for two weeks? You’ll want a medium 24- to 26-inch checked suitcase.
Big enough for several changes of clothes, plus toiletries and a lightweight jacket, but small enough to deter overpacking you’d likely resort to with a bulging 28- or 30-inch suitcase.
Add a small personal-item backpack for medications, electronics, travel documents and a change of clothes.
It’s possible to do carry-on-only travel with a 35- to 40-liter backpack, but you’ll have to use packing cubes, sacrifice footwear options and do laundry on the road.
Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better for Australia?
Neither suitcase type is inherently superior for all Australian travel.
Opt for hardside luggage if durability and protecting fragile belongings is your primary concern. They’re also easier to clean after dusty adventures or off-road trips. Softside luggage is the better choice if weight, outside pockets and packing flexibility are more important. Softside suitcases are also easier to squeeze into car rentals and tight hotel closets.
If you’re focusing on city travel, you can’t go wrong with either. But if you’re going on a multi-flight journey within Australia, you may want to choose the lightest suitcase that won’t fall apart.
Are TSA Locks Required in Australia?
No, TSA compatible locks are not required for Australian entry.
They’re still handy if you’re visiting the United States or desire a convenient built-in combination lock. Keep in mind that no luggage lock can prevent bags from being opened if subject to authorized inspection.
Don’t pack valuables, medication, passports, lithium batteries or necessary electronics in checked baggage regardless of what type of lock you use.
What Is the Checked-Baggage Allowance for Flights to Australia?
One standard checked-baggage allowance doesn’t apply to all flights to, within or from Australia.
It varies by airline, route, fare, cabin and frequent-flyer status. Some fares offer a weight-based allowance; others detail how many pieces you can check, and the maximum weight per piece.
Don’t bank on the oft-cited 23- or 30-kilogram allowance when you pack. Check your booking’s baggage details. As one example, Qantas displays separate allowances for domestic and international itineraries.
Can I Pack Hiking Boots or Camping Equipment?
Yes, however outdoor equipment should be clean.
Australia’s biosecurity officials remind travellers to clean soil, seeds, plant material and animal matter from boots, clothing and equipment. Goods used in rural environments or on animals may have to be declared and camping, fishing and sporting equipment should be clean and dry.
Boot cleaning before departure rather than arriving at the airport ready to board your flight.
Final Verdict
Rolling through Australia? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium 25-Inch Spinner is overall our pick for best luggage for Australia. It offers travelers the most useful compromise of low weight, packing volume, maneuverability and affordability.
Flying with just a carry-on bag? Consider the ultralight Osprey Farpoint 40 or, for its women’s-specific harness design, the Osprey Fairview 40. These hiking backpacks are both lighter and more compliant with Australian carry-on requirements than most comparable upscale suitcases.
Want a protective hard-shell instead? The Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch offers the better durability at a slightly higher price than the American Tourister Moonlight 24 Inch.
Assembled with the highest-quality materials, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is robust enough to function as a travel trustee for many years. But because of its weight, we hesitate to recommend it for passengers with strict 7-kilogram carry-on limits. Consider it for its lifespan, not its ability to navigate Australia’s low-cost carriers.
No matter which bag you choose, remember to measure it when it’s packed, weigh it before you leave for the airport and check the allowance on every flight of your itinerary.