When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors in Australia, there’s one thing we all know too well: our little biting mates - mosquitoes, sandflies, midges - don’t muck around. Whether you're pitching a tent in the tropics, kicking back at the caravan park, or wrangling kids at a beach BBQ, keeping the bugs (and the UV) at bay isn’t just handy - it’s essential.
At Adventure Awaits, we’ve been curating the best insect repellent and sun protection gear for over 10 years. Not just what looks good on the shelf - we’re talking products we’ve actually used, loved, and packed for every camping trip, caravan adventure, and family holiday. If it’s in our store, it’s passed the test - and we’re picky!
So, what makes great insect protection? It needs to work (obviously), but it also has to feel good on the skin, be kind to little ones, not smell like a chemist aisle, and ideally - be made by Aussies who know our conditions.
Here’s our ultimate guide to staying bug-free and sun-safe, no matter where your next adventure takes you.
Australia is a big, beautiful place - and mozzies love it just as much as we do.
Whether it’s the wetlands of Kakadu, the bushlands of Victoria, or the tropical beaches of Queensland, biting insects can turn a dream holiday into a scratchy, swollen nightmare. And it’s not just the itch. Mozzies in Australia can carry viruses like Ross River and Barmah Forest, while ticks and midges can cause allergic reactions and infections.
Insect protection isn’t just about comfort - it’s about health, safety, and peace of mind.
After a decade of trying everything, we’ve narrowed it down to a few key things that matter most when choosing bug protection for the whole family:
Effective - keeps mozzies, sandflies, midges, and ticks away.
Gentle on skin - especially for babies, kids, and sensitive types.
Smells good - because nobody wants to smell like fly spray.
Long-lasting - no need to reapply every 10 minutes.
Aussie-made - because local products are designed for our bugs.
Let’s get real: we’ve all tried the super-strong chemical stuff. It works, sure - but it can leave your skin greasy, your clothes stained, and your nose burning. That’s why we LOVE stocking a range of natural repellents that offer powerful protection without the nasties.
An absolute cult favourite, Good Riddance is made right here in Australia and developed with the help of a cosmetic chemist and a professional aromatherapist. It's DEET-free, smells amazing (thanks to essential oils like citronella and lemongrass), and actually keeps bugs away.
Long-lasting protection against mozzies and midges
Safe for kids over 2 years (and babies with a patch test)
Non-greasy, nourishing formula that feels like skincare
Developed in Darwin - mozzie central!
Bug bite already happened? Their Rescue Balm is a game-changer. Soothes itching and inflammation fast - ideal for mozzie bites, midge stings, and even minor sunburn.
Sometimes, the best repellent is not giving bugs access to your skin at all. That’s where clever accessories come in.
If you’re heading into midge territory or bush-bashing where the air is thick with flying critters, a mosquito head net is a total lifesaver. Light, breathable, and easy to throw in your daypack.
👉 Shop Insect Nets & Accessories
Layering up with lightweight long-sleeves in the early morning and evening (prime mozzie time) is a simple way to dodge bites. Pair that with repellent, and you’re golden.
It’s not just the mozzies you need to worry about. The Aussie sun is fierce - and sunburn and bites often go hand-in-hand. The trick? Products that do double duty or layer together beautifully.
Let’s be honest - getting sunscreen on squirmy kids (or yourself) without ending up covered in goop is no easy task. That’s why we love the Solmates Sunscreen Applicator. This clever little Aussie invention takes the stress and mess out of sun safety. Simply fill it with your favourite sunscreen and glide it on - no spills, no sticky hands, no fuss. It’s lightweight, reusable, and perfect for beach bags, backpacks or caravans. Kids love using it themselves (yes, really), and parents love not having to wrestle with slippery bottles mid-adventure. An absolute game-changer for any sunny day outdoors!
Some of our bestsellers combine SPF and mozzie protection into one super-smart spray - ideal for hiking, beach days, and road trips where you want to pack light.
✅ Bonus tip: Spray it on before you dress to avoid staining your clothes.
If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a meal outside only to be bombarded by flies, you’ll understand why the ShooAway Fan is one of our best-selling essentials. This clever, chemical-free gadget uses soft rotating blades and a touch of science (light refraction!) to keep flies at bay - no swatting, no shouting, and no covering your sausage roll with a paper plate. We’ve used them on caravan tables, picnic blankets, and backyard BBQs, and once you try one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Safe around kids and pets, and seriously effective - it’s one of those why didn’t we get this sooner? kind of products.
We don’t just stock gear - we USE it.
From camping in the Murray River region, to dusty road trips through SA, to soggy nights by the sea in Queensland - our own families and customers have tested every product we sell.
Here’s what our customers love about our range:
“We took the Good Riddance Tropical Cream to Cairns, and it was a lifesaver. Smells beautiful and actually works. Didn’t get bitten once!” - Jess, VIC
“Love that these products are Aussie made. Easy to pack, safe for the kids, and they smell amazing. What more could you want?” - Bec, NSW
“We’ve been using your repellent gear since 2016 - wouldn’t camp without it.” - Dean, WA
🌲 Camping:
Good Riddance Cream or Spray
Mosquito head net
Rescue Balm
Long sleeve tops & light pants
🚐 Caravanning:
Clip-on mozzie coils or citronella candles
Easy access to repellent (one in the car, one in the van)
Screens on windows/doors
🛳️ Cruising:
Compact repellent spray or cream (carry-on friendly)
Rescue balm for bites or sunburn
A head net if visiting tropical ports
✈️ Overseas Travel:
DEET-free repellent to meet airport regulations
Ziplock of insect wipes
Travel-sized rescue balm
Mosquito net if you’re staying in remote areas
We’re real people behind the screen - based in Numurkah, Victoria - and we love helping you find the right gear for your next trip. Give us a call, send an email, or visit us in-store if you’re passing through.
We’ll happily help you build a bite-free kit that suits your family’s travel style - no itchy surprises.
Protecting your family from mozzies, midges and the blazing sun shouldn’t be complicated - and it certainly shouldn’t involve five different sprays, confusing ingredients, or dodgy products from who-knows-where.
We’ve done the testing. We’ve felt the bites. We’ve packed the bags and sprayed the kids. The gear in our Insect Repellent & Protection Collection is the good stuff - loved by Aussie families, packed with care by our small team, and ready to help you enjoy every second of your next big (or small!) adventure.
Did you know we even have Bug-A-Salt's - these blasters will send your flies to another world and are super FUN - especially for the grown ups!
👉 Shop the Best Bug & Sun Protection Now
https://www.adventureawaits.com.au/collections/insect-repellent-protection
Keep a small “itch kit” in the car or van - with repellent, balm, wipes and a light long-sleeve top. It’s saved us more than once!
