You need it to not be cloudy, for starters 😆

But even if it’s not cloudy, light pollution can also be an issue, so it might help to head further out of the city (see: darksitefinder.com/map/?i=/%234/-37.84/144.94)

Basically, if you can’t see the stars, you can’t see the aurora.

The only equipment that can help you ‘see’ it better would be taking a long exposure with a camera.