Station Life: What to Bring (and What to Leave)
I remember packing for my first station job—no idea what I’d actually need, and way too many things I didn’t. If you’re in that same position, here’s the guide I wish I had.
Afternoon picking up.
Work Essentials:
Mustering on horse in a Kent Saddlery Station Special.
Work shirts (e.g. Pilbara, Just Country - W.Titley&Co, Antola Trading, Newland Rural Outfitters, Hide to Tide)
Work jeans (e.g. Cinch - silver/white label, Wrangler - W.Titley&Co, Chute 9, Prinking In Pindan)
Neck Scarves (Rural Rays!)
Gloves (e.g. Bush Mits, FarmHER Hands)
Jacket (e.g. Ariat, Just Country - W.Titley&Co)
Shorts/ruggers (e.g. Country Mile, Rawhide Rural)
Riding boots (e.g. Ariat)
Work shoes (e.g. Merrell Jungle Moc/ Ariat Spitfire)
Belt - with pocket knife/ Leatherman holder (e.g. Kent Saddlery)
Pocket knife (e.g. Leatherman)
Socks (long) & Underwear
5 litre water bottle (e.g. Yeti, Yowy) & a smaller water bottle to carry on your saddle/bike
Water bottle holder (e.g. WDS Saddlery, Kent Saddlery) & 5 litre water bottle cover (not essential but great!)
2 way radio - if not supplied (e.g. Icom, GME) & 2 way pouch (e.g. RB Communications)
Saddle & bridle - if you have your own, station should supply them if not (e.g. Kent Saddlery Station Special)
Bike helmet - if you have your own, station should supply them if not
Sunglasses - if you’re like me and are always loosing sunnies, buy a bunch of cheap ones!
Time/days off:
Fishing at Horse Creek on a weekend off.
Comfy clothes to wear during the day and/or to dinner on the station
Short sleeve shirts
Shorts
Trackies
Pjs
Casual town clothes
Denim shorts
Nice top
Cap (e.g. Rural Rays)
Swimmers
Thongs/crocs
Events:
Nice jeans - not your work jeans (e.g. Chute 9, Prinking In Pindan, Kimes Ranch, CC Western)
Button-up long sleeve shirts - campdraft shirts (e.g. Campdraft Aus, Lime & Soda Collective, Deadset Designs, Hallie June, Reba Rae, Gringa Denim)
Neck ties (e.g. Rural Rays!)
Belt (e.g. Ivy & Gus)
Long/ short dresses - for the races
Sneakers/sandals - I never wore heels to the races
Nice sunnies
Hand bag (e.g. Ivy & Gus)
Toiletries/Medication:
Weaners on a bore run.
Soap (enough to last 3 months - better safe than sorry)
Nail scrub brush
Shampoo & conditioner (enough to last 3 months)
Deodorant
Lip Balm
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Face wash
Razors
Hair ties
Laundry detergent - if not supplied
Feminine hygiene products
Moisturiser - for face and body
Chaff cream
Panadol & Nurofen
Small first aid kit
Prescription medicine (enough to last 3 months)
Cold & Flu
Make-up for events
Bedding/Linen:
Sheets - check the size of the bed/check if they are supplied, I recommend 2 sets of sheets
Doona - check if supplied
Swag - I recommend a swag with tent poles (e.g. Kings Big Daddy Deluxe)
Make sure you have sheets that fit your swag mattress and have another pillow just for your swag
Keep your swag sheets, doona and pillow rolled up in your swag ready to go
Towels - 2 bath & 1 beach/check if they are supplied
Pillow & pillow case
Other:
Laundry basket - so handy!
Extension cord/power bank
Coat hangers - if there is hanging space, if not I recommend buying a Kmart clothes rack
Kmart Collapsible Storage Cubes - if not much storage in your room
Clothes airer - for drying clothes inside (not essential, just handy)
Hair tools (e.g. straightener, blow-dryer)
Laptop to watch movies
Snacks
Fishing rod/lures - if you have one/like fishing
A hobby - I like to sew, so I took my sewing machine
Photos to decorate your room
What NOT to pack:
Too many ‘going out’ clothes - just bring a couple favourite outfits
White or light colour nice clothes - bore water can make them turn yellow/orange
Expensive sunnies for work - get a bunch of cheap sunnies, you’re bound to loose a few
Bad attitude!
It won’t get you very far out here—bring a willingness to give anything a crack instead.
You don’t have to know everything, but being open to learning and having a go goes a long way out here.
Disrespect
Respect the people, station, animals, living quarters & gear—you’ll go a long way.
Closed-mindedness
There’s more than 1 way to do things—be open to learning all the different ways!
Negativity
A positive mindset makes tough days a whole lot easier.
Your first year on a station won’t always be easy, but it’ll be worth it. The early mornings, long days, and everything in between shape you in ways nothing else can. Go in with the right mindset, and you’ll come out with stories, skills, friends, and memories that stick with you for life.
Pack light, pack practical—and don’t stress too much. You’ll quickly learn what works once you’re out there.
You’ll make mistakes, you’ll learn fast, and you’ll probably wish you packed less. But if you show up with a good attitude, respect, and a willingness to have a go, you’ll fit in just fine.
Holding a mob.
