Revealed: The Best Carry-On, Mid-Size And Large Luggage

Whether you’re heading off on a long holiday jaunt, overnight affair or work weekender, choosing the right luggage is the key to making your travel run smoothly.

No matter what type of bag you’re in the market for, we’ve found the best solutions for your next trip.

Carry-On

Victorinox Connex Frequent Flyer Carry-On

$599

The Victorinox Connex Frequent Flyer Carry-On is an ideal short-flight companion. The hard-side compact design makes it a practical but stylish solution, with all the compartments you need, and wheels that can make it easy to manoeuvre down the aisle. It you’re short on space it also offers an expandable upgrade.

Pro: Includes an integrated multi-tool with a USB port to charge any electronic device.

Con: A little pricey for the weight.

Weight: 2.9kg.

The Victorinox Carry-On is an ideal short-flight companion

Hershel Mammoth Backpack

$179

Hershel have always provided the best backpacks for day-trippers or adventurers, and their Mammoth Backpack is in-keeping with this theme. With a modern, streamline design, the Mammoth will be your best friend on hiking trips or city exploration. It holds plenty of storage solutions with a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a sunglass compartment and water bottle exterior pockets.

Pro: An affordable, practical, water-resistant and light-weight choice.

Con: Probably the closest to a school bag you’re going to find.

The Mammoth will be your best friend on hiking trips or city exploration

Staple Superior Harold Laptop Briefcase

$99.99

This Sydney menswear label have made a simple and sophisticated laptop bag in pebbled faux leather. Practical and professional, the Harold Laptop Briefcase is the perfect accompaniment to your next work trip. The briefcase fits up to a 15-inch laptop and contains internal padding to keep it safe. Compact sleeves offer great organisation and it can be hand-held or carried with an optional shoulder strap.

Pro: A strong, vegan and affordable selection to protect your laptop.

Con: It won’t fit much more than your laptop and essentials.

RM Williams Leather Duffle Bag

$560

RM Williams bags are as durable as their boots. Known as masters of the leather accessory, their Leather Duffle Bag is no exception. Its vintage style is timeless and made to last, with strong top carry handles and double sticked seams for durability. Inside you’ll find a fully lined interior with zip pockets and an optional shoulder strap.

Pro: It’s a stylish weekender that can be used for multiple occasions.

Con: Made of quality leather, it’s a heavier and non-vegan choice.

RM Williams bags are as durable as their boots

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Mid-Size

Away Expandable Medium

$445

Away suitcases specialise in great storage solutions. Their Expandable Medium is perfect for all you over-packers that need that extra space. If your packing gets really out of control (we get it), this case also offers an interior compression system to help you fit even more inside. The soft-side is made out of a water-resistant nylon for added protection, and you’ll also find plenty of compartments to store your gear, including a sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop.

Pro: Designed to expand an extra 1.75 inches with compartments that make all your travel essential easily accessible.

Con: The expandable storage and padded design makes it heavier than most mid-size suitcases.

Weight: 5.52kg

The Away Expandable Medium is perfect for all you over-packers

Delsey Chatelet Air 67cm Medium suitcase

$629

The French luggage brand has designed one of the chicest bags on wheels. Their Chatelet Air 69cm Medium suitcase is a favourite amongst the style conscious. It’s a surprisingly tough suitcase made out of an anti-scratch shell that also lives up to its name as a lightweight choice.

Pro: A sophisticated, classical style suitcase for the frugal packers. It includes an integrated lock to protect your belongings.

Con: It’s a pricey mid-size bag and chances are the cream exterior won’t stay cream for long.

Weight: 4.2kg

Chatelet Air 69cm Medium suitcase is a favourite amongst the style conscious

The Daily Edited

$399.95

From phones to luggage tags, The Daily Edited have long been our go-to for all things monogramed. Join the style-set and stamp your name on their Black Large Suitcase. Claiming an unbreakable hard-side shell, it’s also practically designed, with 360 degrees multidimensional wheels and a TSA lock – so you no longer have to panic when you lose your padlock key.

Pro: You can personalise it with your name or initials in a selection of colours and fonts. Plus, if your luggage gets lost in transit you might have more luck in tracing it.

Con: Everyone will know your name.

Weight: 4kg

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Large

July Checked Plus Suitcase

$395

July are a newly launched Australian luggage brand dedicated to creating sustainable and longer-lasting luggage. Function meets form in their Checked Plus Suitcase which holds up to 110 litres. It’s designed to be waterproof and unbreakable – to withstand even the most violent of luggage-handlers – while also being lightweight. Overall, it’s a modern and affordable choice for an extended getaway.

Pro: Great durability and you can choose from some unique colours, including forest green, burgundy, nude or navy. Each suitcase includes a hidden laundry bag inside.

Con: The lighter colourway tends to show travel grime a little quicker than the alternatives. Opt for a darker shade if you have the choice!

Weight: 4.8kg

The Checked Plus Suitcase holds up to 110 litres

Samsonite Lite Cube Prime 82cm Spinner Large Suitcase

$1299

Samsonite’s extra-large suitcases are created with revolutionary materials to make them as light as possible. Their high-quality Lite Cube Prime 82cm Spinner Large Suitcase is the premium choice, positioning themselves at the forefront of luxury. The easy manoeuvrability of its wheels – a quality hard to find in large suitcases – is compensation for the hefty price tag.

Pro: Extra lightweight without compromising on size, the hard-side exterior also makes it a durable, long-term investment.

Con: Definitely pricey and potentially bulky.

Weight: 3.8kg

Lite Cube Prime 82cm Spinner Large Suitcase is the premium choice

Antler Portland Softcase Large

$369

There’s a reason Antler have dominated the market for affordable baggage. Their Portland Softcase Large is your best option if you’re looking for something inexpensive without compromising on style. Inside it holds two zip pockets as versatile storage solutions.

Pro: The Portland offers great affordability with plenty of packing room for extended stays. It’s also one of the lightest large suitcases on the market.

Con: The soft-side exterior will be less durable.

Weight: 3.5kg

The Portland offers great affordability with plenty of packing room

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour, your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village. Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park, a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen.

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op, before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island, a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion, a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures.

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca.

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

Revealed: the best carry-on, mid-size and large luggage

Whether you’re heading off on a long holiday jaunt, overnight affair or work weekender, choosing the right luggage is the key to making your travel run smoothly.

Carry-On