The C-130 transport planes were due to refuel in the northern city of Darwin before heading to the region, possible pre-positioning at Butterworth airbase in Malaysia, Defence Minister Robert Hill said.

"The C-130 will carry essential emergency stores including medical supplies, blankets and other emergency provisions," Hill said, adding the final destination of the aid shipments would be determined later.

"The Royal Australian Air Force is highly trained and well equipped to deal with such situations. This has been demonstrated in the past with the ADF (Australian Defence Force) support to Iran, Bali and Papua New Guinea," he said.

A military spokesman said the C-130s would carry water purification equipment, drinking water, tarpaulin and other supplies.

The government also announced an initial 10 million dollar (7.6 million US) financial aid package for stricken countries, with five million dollars going to the Australian Red Cross, three million to the Indonesian government and two million to Australian aid organisations.

"I stress that this is an initial contribution," Prime Minister John Howard said in releasig details of the aid. "Australia will and should give more".