Natural Care Kit for Aussie Holidays

September 14, 2025 Tracey Bailey

September holidays in Australia mean beach mornings, bush walks, bike rides, and picnics in the park to make the most of sunny, mild days.

Natural solutions can keep things comfortable without the harshness or waste: mineral zinc sunscreen, light plant oils to settle sun-tired skin, gentle soaps with reusable cloths for clean-ups, and simple balms to ease chafe, blisters and itchy mozzie bites. Refillables and reusables cut plastic, and zero synthetic fragrance keeps sensitive skin happy. We've even included a few DIY recipes to make your own low cost personal care formulations.

This guide sticks to Biome’s lane—gentle skincare and sustainable swaps for everyday comfort and how to care for common niggles (sun, wind, mozzies, chafe, blisters and the odd scrape). It’s general information only; always follow product labels and check with your pharmacist or GP if you’re unsure.

What to pack

Sun and elements

Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen (zinc-based) for faces and bodies. Decant into a refillable Solmates sunscreen & lotion roll-on bottle so kids can top up themselves without sandy hands.
SPF lip balm (unscented if you’re sensitive)
After-sun soothers:
- pure aloe vera gel
- calming hydrosol mist
- a light, fragrance-free body moisturiser
- or a few drops of jojoba oil on damp skin
- CastorGloss lip conditioner
Wide-brim hats and long-sleeve rashies.
Stainless steel water bottles for everyone to stay well-hydrated.

Bites, stings and itch

A natural mosquito repellent your family tolerates.
Bite-soothe: dab of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, calamine lotion (see our DIY recipe below), or an essential-oil roller.
Reusable cold pack for after an itchy encounter or a knock.

Chafe and blister prevention

CastorGuard for heels, under straps and inner thighs.
Good socks and well-fitting shoes for walks and scoots.
Protective dressings, including PFAS-free adhesive bandages.

Clean and cover

Pocket solid soap in a tin for quick hand and skin rinses.
Two soft reusable cloths: one damp in a Stasher silicone zip pouch, wet bag, or small container, one dry.
A compact wet bag to cart home used cloths or swimmers.
Bandaids.

Hand hygiene

Natural hand sanitiser for when soap and water aren’t nearby.
A small cloth hand towel.

How to care for common niggles naturally

1) Sun-tired skin

Helps: Rinse off salt/chlorine/sweat promptly. Mist with hydrosol, then moisturise while skin is still slightly damp with a light moisturiser or jojoba oil.
Avoid: Heavy fragrance and scrubs straight after a sunny day.
Prevent: Shade breaks, hats and consistent mineral SPF50 (the Solmates roll-on makes top-ups easy).

2) Itchy mozzie or midge bites

Helps: A cool compress or reusable cold pack, then your chosen bite-soothe from above.
Avoid: Scratching—pop a breathable adhesive strip over the area if it helps little hands leave it alone.
Prevent: Reapply repellent as directed; sleeves at dusk; light-coloured clothing.

3) Chafe from sand, sweat or straps

Helps: Rinse, pat dry, then a thin layer of CastorGuard on the hot spots.
Prevent: Balm before sport or long walks; breathable natural-fibre layers.

4) Blister hot spots from new shoes

Helps: At the first rub, add CastorGuard for a friction balm and cover with a protective dressing. Hydrocolloids are handy for friction blisters.
Prevent: Socks that fit well, dry feet and a quick shoe check before heading out.

5) Minor scrapes and grazes

Helps: Wash gently with your pocket soap and water, pat dry with your cloth towel, then cover with a fabric adhesive strip if clothing will rub.
Avoid: Harsh cleansers and fragranced lotions on broken skin.

6) Heat rash after active arvos

Helps: Lukewarm rinse, pat dry, loose cotton clothing and a light lotion.
Prevent: Breathable layers, shade and regular cool-downs.

7) Sand and salt irritation

Helps: Quick freshwater rinse, then a dab of jojoba oil to loosen leftover sunscreen/salt on cheeks before a proper cleanse at home.
Prevent: Reapply mineral SPF in the shade; rashie between swims.

8) Dry, wind-chapped lips and cheeks

Helps: SPF lip balm by day; at night, a simple lip conditioner like CastorGloss for natural care, or a shea-based salve on cheeks.
Prevent: Hats, regular sips of water and a light barrier layer before windy beach walks.

If discomfort worsens, a rash spreads or you’re worried about a bite or reaction, chat with your pharmacist or GP. For emergencies in Australia, call 000.

We’ve put this guide together so you can head out with the kids feeling prepared. Some well-chosen basics, plus easy carry gear like Solmates roll-ons, Stasher pouches and a trusty wet bag—keep things simple and low-waste. Enjoy that bush walk or beach morning with calm skin, a lighter footprint, and minimal plastic and petroleum-derived goop.

School holiday checklist to screenshot

Sun and elements

Mineral zinc SPF50 sunscreen + Solmates roll-on
SPF lip balm
Pure aloe vera gel
Light, fragrance-free body lotion or jojoba oil
Wide-brim hats and long-sleeve rashies
Stainless steel drink bottles

Bites, stings and itch

Family-preferred mosquito repellent
Bite-soothe balm or diluted essential-oil roller
Reusable cold pack

Chafe and blisters

CastorGuard balm
Good socks and well-fitting shoes
Protective dressings

Clean and cover

Pocket solid soap in a tin
Two reusable cloths (one damp in Stasher silicone pouch, one dry)
Wet bag for used cloths/swimmers
Adhesive bandaid strips

Hands and hygiene

Natural hand sanitiser

DIY help from Biome

Love a make-it-yourself fix? These simple recipes use pantry-style ingredients and gentle botanicals (all mostly available at Biome) to protect and soothe without the synthetic harshness or waste. Decant into refillable bottles and tins (also available from us!), patch-test first, and chat with your pharmacist if you’re unsure.