Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Plug Adaptor/Converter Recommendations for US electronics in Australia

Flying Qantas from LAX to SYD and later MEL for visiting for about 11 days and brining my iPhone and Apple MacBook Pro along. I need to make sure I charge these guys on the plane ride down and back and during our trip (we are staying in Marriott in both cities). Any recommendations for investments I should make in specific plug adaptors and/or converters? Should I get something before I leave or just use what they have on the plane then buy something once I get there?

I was traveling in Europe a years ago and brought along an International Voltage Converter Travel Kit 50W/1600W (http://www.amazon.com/International-Voltage-Converter-Travel-1600W/dp/B000J17DR8/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3) only to have the converter box fry itself after an hour of use in Germany so want to make sure I get the right tools this time.

Many thanks!!

UPDATE:
Think I have it figured out... All the appliances I am bringing can properly draw power from Australia electric outlets as well as US electric outlets (I read the technical specs on the power source and it gives the range of voltage and amperage it can operate under). So all I need is the adapter plug but have only located a the 2-prong, ungrounded adapter.

I can easily get a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter at my hardware store so now my questions is should I be overly concerned with plugging my devices into Australian outlets without that third prong to serve as a grounder?

Thanks!

Australian to US adapters are sold at every hardware store, computer store and chains like Dick Smith -- so trivially easy to buy. They only sell the grounded kind, cost varies from AUD 5 to AUD 15 (the cheaper ones are a bit loose in fit so the more expensive are actually better). The ground is needed only as a safety feature -- it is used only when the neutral is improperly energized or has a discontinuity (when needed a ground will save your life). Personally I choose to always use a ground, but it is your choice (and how much you value your life). Most people will never use a ground in their whole life, so it is a rare event but the electrical code requires it for a reason :)

There are some good multi adapters available.

Traveling home from NZ a few years and was browsing through the Qantas In Flight Duty Free Catalog. I saw this for AU$35:
http://www.inskyshopping.com/assets/cache/TravelPac_UniversalTravelAdaptor-330x450r0.jpg

I thought what the heck, and surprised the FAs by actually buying something...

http://www.inskyshopping.com/item.php?item_id=102&category_id=9&ioffset=11&sort_column=i.is_new&sort_direction=DESC

It's a one piece and actually about the same size as other single adaptors I have. I've used this many times in the US, Europe and Asia.

Hi TheChadSD, without having first hand knowlwedge of the Marriott hotel's bathrooms, all/most luxury hotels in the Asian area have compatible outlets in the bathroom for shavers, computers, chargers and the likes. Don't get to freeked out about the earth plug as most hand held appliances sold in Australia have only the 2 sockets. The main area to check is if your appliance will accept240 volts without self destructing. Plugs and adaptors are easier to buy oin MEL and SYD, and I would say the hotel would have one anyway, regards bkkrop

To be honest I'd probably just buy a travel charger from here for the iPhone:

www.dealextreme.com

It will be cheaper than an adapter and easier to use.

Macbook's have a power cable that plugs in to the power supply correct ? I'd also just pick up a new cable from Dick Smith or on the internet ...

Don't know where you are in San Diego, but if the Fry's on Stonecrest, or the one in San Marcos is convenient you can easily pick up a 3 prong US > Aussie adapter for about $4. I travel with one travel adapter and a small Outlets-to-go power strip to charge all my devices. If you go this route make sure the power strip (or cheap Walmart extension cord) doesn't have a pilot light or surge suppression as they might go poof on 240V.

The 2 prong adapter will also work fine there - note that almost all Australian outlets (powerpoints) have an on/off switch which does make them safer to operate.

Have a great trip!

OP- As you no doubt figured out, the Aussie plugs are very similar to our US plugs, except the blade contacts are angled at 45 degrees. All the "technology" items we took to Oz were dual-voltage 120/240 and could be plugged into Oz outlets with the plug adapter (no voltage converter needed).

Consider bringing along a multi-tap extension cord. It can be used to multiply the number of US outlets available off a single Aussie wall socket with the adapter. Of course it's only for low-wattage items like laptops....don't expect to plug 3 hair dryers into it! Also, as an electrical engineer I really shouldn't promote running 240V on a 120V cord....but you will be OK as long as the cord is in good condition.

BTW, most high wattage US appliances (> 200W) are 120V only, unless they have a voltage switch. It's not economical to make them dual voltage since they draw a lot of power. They will get *very* hot for a short amount of time on 240V!!!

I found a 2-prong adapter as part of a set at Target for about $10.

I have a few different kinds I’ve purchased here. There is the smaller version that will convert on plug; however , there are these bigger white ones that will allow you to plug 2 cables into it, which is handy if you have 2 devices. They are about $12 and available at places like Dick Smiths. The smaller ones I’ve seen at the airport gift shops both in MEL and SD, and the 7-11 on Spencer St. in Melbourne when you get off the SkyBus has a good selection for $10 each. Don’t bother with the voltage conversion ones, the transformer on your devices will step the power down. You can always charge your iPhone from your Mac USB port and then you don’t have to worry about converting that plug across as well.