Queenlander here too. Yep, absolutely.

And the "water proof" sunscrean is even worse. I know it states on the label that it doesn't last forever, but the average person assumes it'll just persist and relayering it isn't needed as often as you'd think.

Sunscrean does work, absolutely. But if you need to be in sun for an awful lot of time, follow the advice of lifeguards, cricket players. Which is exactly what you said.

Clothing + zinc. In that order. Sunscrean every 1-2 hours for anywhere zinc or clothing can't be used.

What is zinc in this context? (As an American I would assume zinc oxide, which to me is just an ingredient in some sunscreens.)