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Home » Oceania » Australia » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Australia | Destinations & Tips for 2024

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Australia | Destinations & Tips for 2024

There is nothing that can make you feel as liberated and independent as traveling on your own. With dynamic cities, a remote outback, beautiful coastlines, and a bunch of cool backpackers to meet, Australia is one of the best countries to visit solo.

Travelling solo in Australia is super safe, it’s easy to get around, and there are plenty of adventures to be had. No wonder tons of gap year tourists and solo females choose to explore this massive island country. The only downside is that it isn’t the most affordable place to visit, but put in perspective, travelling Australia alone is well worth the price.

With an active outdoor lifestyle and a big beach scene, visiting Australia solo gives you the space for personal growth and development. Hostels make it easy to meet and make friends – and just about everyone speaks English here. Locals are friendly and funny, so you’ll never have an issue finding your way around!

If you are looking to travel the land down under on your own, here are my top recommendations of where to go, what to do, and how to prepare for your trip.

Laura with her hair blown in the wind with Sydney Opera House in the background on a cloudy day

5 Things to Do in Australia When Traveling Solo

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With incredible natural scenery, including mountains, barrier reefs, and deserts, Australia embodies an outdoorsy and active culture. Whether you’re backpacking the East Coast or hitting up Western Australia, is a haven for solo travellers. Check out these five activities you can do on your own in Australia…

travel australia alone

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1. Island Hop Through the Whitsunday Islands

People relaxing watching the sunset on a boat tour in the Whitsunday Islands

If there is one natural attraction worthwhile visiting on your Australian solo travel adventure, it’s the Great Barrier Reef coastline. With 74 sandbanks and tropical islands, there’s no need to choose just one island in the Whitsundays to visit. 

Instead, joining a group island-hopping trip along this picturesque coastline is an incredible way to see this Great Barrier Reef region. (If you’re looking to snorkel the reef itself, Cairns is a better option).

Since most islands are protected as a national park, you must visit with a planned tour . From luxury yachts to paddle boats, there are ways to explore the Whitsundays for all budgets. 

2. Experience Australian History in the Red Center

The Red Center is the heart of old Australia. Set right in the middle of the country, this is an impressive landscape of deserts, mountains, rocky gorges, and some of the most sacred Aboriginal sites. The region isn’t overpopulated with tourists, purely because it’s challenging to get to.

Uluru and Kara Tjuta are two exceptional locations in the Outback worth visiting to gain a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal culture and heritage. Here, you can watch the colours of the rock change at sunset while listening to local string melodies on the didgeridoo.

3. Hang out at the hostels 

Look, solo travel in Australia is just as much about kicking back and enjoying the simple life with new amazing travel buddies as it is about seeing world-famous attractions. All my most fond memories here involve nothing more than sharing a box of goon and a couple of joints with strangers who become dear, dear mates.

three women smiling at a hostels in Australia

4. Taste the Best Wine of Barossa Valley, Adelaide

Famous for being one of the world’s most significant wine-producing regions, Barossa Valley near Adelaide is home to over 150 wineries, as well as many of the world’s longest-continuously produced wine variants.

Aside from great wine, the region is one of the best Australian solo travel destinations , resembling a Tuscan dreamscape. Naturally, one of the best things to do here is to taste the famous wines, dine at exceptional establishments, and stroll through the lush vineyards. This is a great activity to enjoy solo, but also an easy way to meet other travellers and locals.

5. Take A Bike Tour Through the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne

Bike Tour Through the Mornington Peninsula

Located just south of the busy city of Melbourne, The Mornington Peninsula is a suburban landscape that blends seaside charm with lush vineyards. You’ll find golden beaches, vineyard-lined hills, and exciting forests here, with each landscape offering its own choice of adventure and activity. 

One of the best ways to experience the region is to join a bike tour through the peninsula. There are plenty of tours to join, stopping off at well-known restaurants, hot springs, and gorgeous beaches.

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We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Sometimes the best company is your own. Whether you prefer your own space or want to meet like-minded travellers, here is our pick of the best places to travel solo in Australia:

After visiting Melbourne , I can safely say it is my favourite city in Australia. With a considerable amount of buzzing neighbourhoods to explore, Melbourne is also one of Australia’s most popular cities. It has been called one of the most livable cities in the world, so it certainly is worth a visit to see what the hype is about. 

Melbourne is best known for its high-end food scene, Australia’s best coffee, and incredible art exhibitions and museums. It’s also the fashion capital of Australia, with streets lined with trendy boutiques and vibrant nightlife.

Melbourne City

You can’t say you’ve visited Melbourne without driving the Great Ocean Road. Expect an Aussie road trip packed with incredible scenery along this scenic drive, passing the famous surf spots of Torquay and Bells Beach, kangaroos hopping across golf courses, and the Twelve Apostle rock formations. Aside from renting a car, this activity won’t cost you a cent!

Selina Central Melbourne is an excellent example of Selina’s good reputation. Centrally located with a communal kitchen, bar, and co-working space, it’s the ideal budget city accommodation.

You just have to visit Byron Bay – Australia’s premier beach town. What was once a sleepy coastal town blossomed into a hippie centre in the ’60s. Today, it’s home to an eclectic mix of high-fashion socialites and laid-back surfers, with a patchwork offering of trendy bars, low-key restaurants, yoga studios, and incredible beaches.

The best thing to do when travelling solo in Australia’s Byron Bay is to enjoy time on the beach, typically packed with locals and visitors on any given day. When the sun sets, make your way to one of the town’s vibrant restaurants and enjoy a drink with new friends at a rooftop bar.

Small outdoor dorm room surrounded by jungle and lizard hiding in Arts Factory Hostel, Byron Bay

The town is by no means cheap, but there are ways to save money. Staying in budget accommodation is one of them. Naturally, the most affordable activities here involve spending time outdoors. Start by hiking the Cape Byron Walking Track and cycle to The Farm in Byron Bay.

The colourful community welcomes newcomers, and staying in a hostel here is the best way to find an in with the in-crowds. The Surf House is Byron Bays’ premier hostel. Just a few minutes from the Main Beach, the hostel has a rooftop bar and unique shared rooms perfect for solo travellers in Australia.

The heart of Australia’s active lifestyle, Cairns is a friendly town known for its incredible natural beauty. Set between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest (two listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites), backpack up to Cairns for the gateway of Tropical North Queensland with a subtropical climate. 

Again, the best (and most affordable) things to do here involve spending your time in nature. Rent some snorkelling gear and explore the underwater world of Ciarns, or take the more adrenaline-pumping alternative and jump 50 meters off Australia’s only bunjy jump. If you don’t want to do the jump, the platform alone offers some of the best views of the surrounding region.

View of tropical city of Cairns

The Daintree Rainforest, just an hour’s drive away, can be visited on a group tour or even when travelling Australia solo, and it is an exciting activity to uncover more about the ancient rainforest cultures.

As the day draws to a close, there’s no better place to grab a bite than at the Cairns Night Market, which has a lively atmosphere perfect for meeting locals and other travellers.

For the perfect combination of a relaxed and social atmosphere, Travellers Oasis Backpackers offers comfortable, safe, and clean accommodation for budget solo travellers.

Although the capital of Tasmania, Hobart is a small and historic city surrounded by nature. Best of all, this city is an incredible location for solo travellers, with tons of activities that are safe and fun to do alone.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include taking a tour of Bruny Island, where delicious chocolate and cheese meet spectacular wildlife. Visiting the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, watching a performance at the Salamanca Arts Center, or admiring an art exhibition at Mona are musts for culture vultures. If you want a quick intro to the city’s major attractions, hop on a hop-on-hop-off bus.

Bruny Island Hobart

Open yourself up to a social event at the Cascades Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating craft brewery. You never know; you might just meet a new friend willing to summit nearby Mount Wellington with you.

In the historic village of Battery Point, Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is close to restaurants and markets. The locally owned hostel has a large shared kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities.

Adelaide is an Australian solo traveller’s paradise for a few reasons. It’s easily accessible, with a compact city centre that makes it easy to explore on foot. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy and a bunch of cool people to meet in Adelaide’s great hostels .

When it comes to natural scenery, Adelaide deserves an accolade. The capital city of South Australia is perfectly-positioned just a short drive from the iconic Outback. While possible to do alone, I recommend visiting the outback with a tour group or a new group of friends. This way, you can access off-the-beaten-track hikes and trails and explore million-year-old mountains more confidently.

Downtown area of Adelaide city in Australia

Adelaide is also known for its stretched-out coastline, overflowing with abundant sealife that feeds the country’s high-end seafood scene. The city is also the host of many sporting events and festivals. If you’ve always wanted to lay eyes on a koala bear, plenty of these cuddly creatures call the Adelaide Hills home.

Adelaide Central YHA is one of the best backpackers in the city. With newly renovated rooms, free Wi-Fi, and other modern facilities, it offers safe, clean, and friendly budget accommodations for solo travellers.

  • Hostelworld: The best app for searching and booking hostels and backpackers
  • Booking.com and Airbnb : Great for finding hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation
  • PackPoint : A helpful app to help you make sure you pack all the necessities for your trip
  • Couchsurfer : Suitable for budget travellers but not recommended for solo female travellers in Australia
  • Viator and Get Your Guide : Useful for browsing and booking tours and day trips
  • Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble : Designed to meet and socialize with others in your vicinity
  • Trail Wallet : A great way to stick to your budget when travelling in an expensive country
  • Backpackr : A social media app designed for meeting travellers nearby
  • WhatsApp Messenger : The leading messaging app used by most locals in Australia
  • Holafly : An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card

It’s also a good idea to join local Facebook groups designed for travellers or ex-pats in Australia. Groups like ‘ Melbourne Meetups,’ ‘Traveling Tasmania, ’ and ‘ Australia Backpackers’ are some of the most popular.

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Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

Unlike many other destinations, your most significant safety concerns as a tourist in Australia are the unfriendly wild animals, as opposed to crime. That said, any big city poses a risk of petty theft and unwelcome crime, so vigilance is essential. 

Watch your belongings at all times, especially in crowded places or where you might be distracted. When you go out at night, always keep an eye on your drinks, especially if you are a solo female traveller in Australia. Although spiked drinks are uncommon here, you can never rule out risk.

I always share my live location with family and friends back home, as well as with a new friend I trust in the city I am visiting. I also recommend staying in a female-only dorm if you are travelling solo as a female-identifying person.

Steer clear of unfriendly animals in the outback while hiking or at the beach. There are a few dangerous animals to keep an eye out for. I’m talking about box jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks, crocodiles, and even octopuses.

Lastly, use all the sun protection . The sun is powerful in the land down under, and sunstroke can put a real damper on a great adventure.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling

  • Staying in hostels is the easiest way to make friends in any new place. Many of the best hostels in Australia even have bars and organize daily group activities. The perfect combo between a villa and a hostel, Stoke Beach House is one of Sydney’s premier surf hostels.
  • Plan some booked adventures or tours . Even if group tours aren’t your thing, I advise booking a few activities in advance. Not only are these a great way to meet other travellers, but they offer a different perspective of a location. This Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Course is an excellent example of a tour that could be booked out fast!
  • Take advantage of freebies . Travelling solo in Australia can get expensive – fast. Check social media groups to find free events in the area you visit. Most big cities offer free cultural days where you can visit different museums, castles, and historic homes at no cost.
  • Keep some flexibility in your itinerary . While booking some pre-planned activities is a good idea, keeping your plans flexible is essential. When you meet the right people, you’ll want to chop and change your itinerary and the places you visit.
  • Plan your own trip – it’s your Australian backpacking adventure . Template itineraries found on the internet can be helpful for research, but I recommend that you plan your own trip according to the activities you most enjoy.
  • Use public transport . Australian cities have some of the world’s most efficient and affordable public transport systems. Take advantage of this service and save costs on Uber and taxis, which are a sure way to blow through your budget super fast.
  • Be social , but appreciate spending time on your own. Travelling alone can be lonely, but it is also so rewarding. Be friendly with others in your hostel and tour groups, but also remember to be satisfied spending time alone.
  • One of the best tips for solo travel in Australia is to visit during the right time of year . September to November and March through May are the best times to visit the country. These months fall between seasons, meaning you’ll skip the crowds while taking advantage of lower prices before tourist season begins.
  • Get good travel insurance . I can’t stress this enough. Although the country is safe regarding crime, Australia is home to its fair share of dangerous animals. Make sure you have insurance that covers things like snake bites and jellyfish stings.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

happy traveller on decking at hostel at night acknowleging the camera

  • Use social media : Facebook groups advertise different events you can attend to meet new friends. Dating apps are another way to meet people. Most apps can be switched from dating to friendship, making it easy to find people with similar interests within your vicinity.
  • Stay in a hostel : When choosing where to stay in Australia , opting for a hostel is one of the best ways to meet new people. Especially if you stay in a shared room, it’s hard not to make friends when sharing accommodation with others. 
  • Attend cultural events : Besides tours, joining other cultural activities, including cooking courses and cultural immersion experiences, is another excellent way to meet others while travelling solo.
  • Keep an open mind and be confident and friendly : Make sure you keep an open mind about meeting new people. Be available when others need advice or directions or want photos taken, and remain approachable by being friendly and welcoming.
  • Join group tours : Whether you join a tour hosted by your hostel or an independent tour guide, group tours and activities are one of the best ways to meet others while abroad . Chances are those joining the same trip will have similar interests to yours!
  • Join a gym or sports team : Short-term memberships at sports clubs, gyms, or co-working spaces are an excellent way for solo travellers in Australia to meet other travellers.
  • Join a pub crawl : Often organized by hostels or youth organizations, pub crawls (or other social events) make it easy to visit new areas of the city while meeting new friends in a casual social environment.
  • Volunteer : Volunteering in Australia with a local organization is not only a great way to give back, but it is also great for meeting others with similar humanitarian interests as your own.

Australia was an absolutely mental place to visit alone. It was the first solo trip I took that kick-started my deep passion for self-exploration through global exploration.

The country is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, and there is nothing more liberating and character-building than travelling solo. Put these two together, and we have ourselves a winning location for solo travellers. With an incredible outdoorsy scene, incredible natural beauty, dynamic and safe cities, and plenty of budget accommodations available, solo travellers in Australia could spend their days learning to surf in Byron Bay and evenings dancing the night away with new friends. 

With cultural influences from Aborinonals and British settlers, as well as other island nations, Australia has a unique history and cultural scene. The country is most famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, including ‘The Outback’ and ‘The Bush.’ But it’s also famous for its metropolitan centres, with four mega-cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Massive and varied, the country truly has something to offer every traveller. Whether you enjoy spending your time lounging on beautiful beaches, tasting incredible food, or adventuring into the unknown Outback, you’re guaranteed to have an exciting time travelling solo in Australia.

A bay on the coogee beach walk with blue skies and blue seas

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Laura Hall

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Solo travel in Australia: everything you need to know

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • solo-travel-in-australia

written by Shafik Meghji

updated 7.05.2021

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Australia remains a classic travel destination. A steady stream of solo traveller gap-year backpackers, career breakers and round-the-world-trippers head down under to sample Sydney’s energetic nightlife, visit the Great Barrier Reef, marvel at Uluru , cuddle a koala and learn to surf.

The must-see destinations

Getting around.

  • Where to stay

Where to eat (and drink)

How to meet people, appreciate being on your own.

The country is a great place for solo travellers, particularly first-timers – it’s friendly, fun and full of opportunities to meet people. Many travellers end up staying longer than they planned – and some never leave.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

12 days  / from 2900 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

16 days  / from 3300 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

14 days  / from 10070 USD

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

The Best of Australia

10 days  / from 6900 USD

The Best of Australia

Discover Australia's allure through this tour! You'll witness Sydney's iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Dive into Cairns' reef and rainforest wonders before marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

One of the world’s great cities, Sydney is the ideal place to start your trip. As well as landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, it has a lively backpacker scene and eating, drinking and nightlife options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Cosmopolitan Melbourne is the country’s second-biggest city. As well as being a foodie and cultural hub, it has the country’s premier sports ground, the MCG – watching an Aussie Rules, rugby or cricket match here is an unforgettable experience.

Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most famous attractions: the Great Barrier Reef, the scenic Whitsundays , the beach resorts of the Gold Coast , and Fraser Island , which is covered with giant sand dunes.

ayers-rock-australia-shutterstock_1130331668

© Uwe Aranas/Shutterstock

No trip is complete without a visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock), which lies in the centre of the country, deep in the Outback. Regardless of how many photos you’ve seen of “The Rock”, nothing prepares you for experiencing it first-hand.

It’s also well worth heading off the beaten track. For example, the temperate wilderness of Tasmania feels very different to the rest of the country, the tropical Northern Territory has some of the country’s best national parks, and South Australia offers great vineyards and a beautiful coastline.

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world – at almost 7.7 square kilometres it is 31.5 times bigger than the UK – and getting around takes time.

Most people fly between states, and competition means fares are pretty good value. For shorter journeys – or tighter budgets – Greyhound buses connect all the main tourist destinations.

Australia is also a great place to drive , enabling you to explore at your own pace and get off the tourist trail. Campervans are particularly economical, as they double up as accommodation. Vehicles are easy to hire, but if you’re travelling for several months it is often cheaper to buy a secondhand vehicle and then sell it on again at the end of your trip.

Outback Australia

Hostels are great places to meet other backpackers, and most organise social activities – often for free – including barbecues and pub crawls. The YHA, which offers accommodation in everything from former prisons to historic mansions, is a good place to start.

Another option is a homestay, which provide the opportunity to meet locals and stay in a family environment.

Many people feel self-conscious about eating out (or going for a drink) on their own, but it’s increasingly common, especially in the cities.

Most hostels have a café, restaurant or bar where you won’t stand out as a solo diner and are likely to meet fellow travellers. More and more restaurants have communal tables, and food markets – such as Mindil Beach Sunset Market in Darwin and Adelaide Central Market – are sociable places to eat, too.

It’s also easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger in an Aussie pub (which, confusingly, are often called “hotels”).

Related articles from the blog

Maui Island, Hawaii, seen from above

Working in Australia is a rite of passage and a great way to meet people, get under the skin of the country and fund your travels.

Twelve-month working holiday visas are available for 18 to 30-year-olds from most European countries (including the UK and Ireland), Canada, Japan and Korea. US citizens need to apply for a “work and holiday visa”. For more information, visit www.border.gov.au.

Officially, no job should last longer than six months, and most travellers end up working on farms or doing bar, construction and other casual work.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but you’re far more likely to meet new people if you’re travelling on your own, rather than in a couple or with friends. You’ve got an added incentive to break the ice and try out new things – and will also seem more approachable to the countless other solo travellers out there.

Taking part in group activities is another easy way to meet people. For example, you could climb Sydney Harbour Bridge , take a 4WD trip across the giant sand dunes of Fraser Island, go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley or spot dolphins on a Coral Coast cruise.

And Australians themselves are (generally) very sociable, welcoming and happy to talk to strangers.

cape-range-ningaloo-marine-australia-shutterstock_770005099

Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Marine Park © Darkydoors/Shutterstock

You will feel lonely and homesick at some point. But you’ll also never have as much freedom than when travelling on your own – you can go wherever you want, whenever you want and do whatever you want, without worrying about anyone else.

Some of Australia’s epic landscapes – sunset at Uluru, driving down the Great Ocean Road – are best appreciated alone.

And although it may sound cliched, you’ll learn a lot more about yourself when you travel on your own.

You will find plenty of ideas for your Australian solo trip in our guide to the best things to do in Australia .

Shafik Meghji co-authors The Rough Guide to Australia . He blogs at unmappedroutes.com .

Top image © GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock

Shafik Meghji

Shafik is an award-winning travel writer, journalist and co-author of more than 40 Rough Guides to destinations across Latin America, Asia, Oceania, Europe and North Africa. A regular contributor to the Rough Guide to Everywhere podcast, he writes and takes photos for BBC Travel, Wanderlust and Atlas Obscura, among others. His new book, Crossed Off The Map: Travels in Bolivia, will be published in late 2021. Follow him @shafikmeghji on Twitter and Instagram .

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

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Solo Travel in Australia

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Types of Girl about the Globe (GatGs) – Beach GatG, Nature GatG, Ocean GatG, Party GatG, Train Journey GatG, Wildlife GatG

Australia is an amazing destination to visit especially as a solo traveller. Going to Australia for some is a once in a lifetime experience because of the distance to travel there. I spent a year working and travelling extensively around Australia and have written a guide on how to travel solo in Australia.

Discover the best places to stay, which tour company to use and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports and what to do in each place. All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

Solo travel in Australia

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Solo travel in Australia

Australia is known for its kangaroos

Solo travel in Australia is so easy that I've given it a 5 out of 5-star rating. Australia in Oceania is known for its travelling culture so wherever you choose to start travelling you’re guaranteed to meet others en route.

Backpacking Australia solo is really popular, especially along the East Coast which is famous for its party atmosphere. Because of its ease, many gap-year and younger travellers choose to visit here to experience life down under before entering the job market.

If you are wondering “is Australia safe to travel to alone?” Then the answer is yes. Travelling solo in Australia as a woman is fine as most people are friendly but be prepared for some strange souls in the outback, especially in Katherine and Tenant Creek.

Australia has an outdoor lifestyle, barbecues on the beach, sporty lifestyle. There are so many rural areas and beaches and it gives you a chance to cut off from your previous world and have time for yourself, to think about a career change, think about changing your life, a different path or to start something new.

Australia has the power to bring so much harmony and power back into your life because it’s so natural with so much space. You can choose to share with people who you just meet or keep it to yourself. You have the freedom and the space for personal growth, to think about what you really want from life and learn all about yourself on the road.

Oz is great for first-time solos as there are endless supplies of hostels and hotels and everyone speaks English. It really is a traveller’s dream but if you prefer your Australia sightseeing with others, there are plenty of solo travel companies in Australia to go with.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Australia.

travel australia alone

Volunteering & Working in Australia

If you are thinking of volunteering in Australia, Global Work & Travel helps you to organise a working holiday in Australia and around the world. Choose from au pairing in Australia, an IT or marketing internship in Australia, volunteering with marine conservation and so many more.

They even offer an eco-tourism internship! Whether you want to au pair Sydney, au pair Melbourne or experience one of their business internships, their placements are ideal for solos and include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure. * Save £100/$100/€100 with the code ‘GatG.’ * Check availability for volunteering & working in Australia placements

Solo travel in Australia

The sun sets over Cairns

Places To Visit in Australia

East coast australia.

You can’t get much further from home than Australia and a trip down under is ideal for solo travel. It has sun, sand and plenty of surfer dudes to keep you entertained but with so many territories to see, where do you start? Follow our list of places to visit in Australia to help you to plan your trip.

If you like to party and meet other travellers then the East coast is one of the popular places in Australia to begin. As one of the best places to travel alone in Australia, you can fly into Cairns  and travel down the Queensland coast.

Cairns is also the gateway to Northern Australia where the rainforest meets the sea and from here you can explore Cape Tribulation which is one of the locations in Australia that is home to thousands of mammals, reptiles and plants. Spend an evening in an eco-lodge to get back in touch with nature.

Solo Travel in Australia

Cape Tribulation (photo @ Petrina Wong)

Things To Do in Queensland

Take the scenic railway through the  Daintree National Park, see the waterfalls at Atherton Tablelands or take a stroll at the Mossman Gorge then relax at Cow Bay or the Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas. * Read: Exploring The Daintree Forest in Australia

The Great Barrier Reef runs along the Queensland coast and is one of the most famous places in Australia. The reef is a metropolis of coral and underwater life but due to many factors such as overfishing, coral mining, and tourism in Australia, the reef has suffered damage.

There are introductory dives available for those who want to experience the reef for the first time from Fitzroy or Green Island (but be careful not to touch the reef). Or you may prefer to take a scenic flight above it instead. 

Once you’ve experienced this Wonder of the World, head South for the real Australia where you can sample some Bundaberg rum in the fruit-picking region of Bundaberg .

Solo travel in Australia

Fraser Island

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, Australia, is a boat away from Townsville and they say that once you come here, you won’t want to leave. It’s a great place to hire a moke (a golf cart) and drive around the island. See the secluded beach of Radical Bay and the dairy-free ice-cream parlour, or explore the island on horseback.

Solo travel in Australia

The stunning Whitsundays

Fraser Island & The Whitsundays

Fraser Island  is a definite must-see. It's a huge sand island with stunning lakes where you can drive a 4WD along the beach. This is more of a camping experience but beware of the dingos and the tiger sharks. You do need to do a tour to see the best of the island. Find the best Fraser Island tours here.

Another of Australia's best places to visit is Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you can see manta rays swimming along the shoreline. This beach in the Whitsundays is also an ideal spot to clean any dull-looking jewellery in crystal clear waters.

Experience the great nightlife at Airlie Beach  then take a sailing trip around the islands of the Whitsundays. It really is one of the most stunning places you will ever see. 

Solo Travel in Australia

Surfers Paradise

Brisbane & The Gold Coast

Compared to the rest of the country, there aren't that many things to do in Brisbane but one of the must-do's is to visit the late Steve Irwin’s Brisbane Zoo and Riverside Park. Brisbane is also home to Moreton Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world. This island with pristine beaches and a shipwreck is the place for the adventurous solo as you can snorkel in its waters, go kayaking on a transparent kayak and sand board down huge dunes. You can take a tour from Brisbane to visit it .

If you need more nightlife and some surfing then Surfers Paradise is one of the best places to travel solo in Australia for surfing Girls about the Globe. This coastal city is the place to be with its ‘Miami feel’ and is the place to visit on the Gold Coast for plenty of fun and sun.

One of the things to do in Australia's Gold Coast is taking  a ride in the many theme parks. Choose from Dreamworld, Movie World, or Wet ‘n’ Wild. Stay in a hostel to find others willing to come along for the ride.

Solo travel in Australia

Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay

Visit Noosa, Byron Bay, and Nimbin

Just north of Brisbane is a region called  Noosa with secluded beaches and cute arty shops with plenty of restaurants around Hastings Street. The main beach is great for swimming and there are no stingers here.

If you prefer the hippy scene, visit Byron Bay   for its incredibly laid-back vibe or take a trip to Nimbin the ‘alternative capital of Australia’ for its arty, colourful community and lost souls. This area is great if you are backpacking Australia alone as you will meet other travellers here too. Plus, you can see Bryon's Bay iconic lighthouse and spot dolphins and turtles if you take a sea kayaking adventure . 

Solo Travel in Australia

Victoria is the next territory and is known for its variety of sporting events. Melbourne hosts the Australian Open, the Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup and Aussie Rules football at the MGM. It is also the fashion capital of Australia and is great for shopping and back-street cafe culture but you’ll need a local to find its exclusive, hidden nightlife.

Take some time to walk along the riverbank and enter Queen Victoria Market, the city's iconic market and the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Museum, and the National Gallery of Victoria, before shopping at Chapel Street then while away your evenings at one of the bars or restaurants in Brunswick or Fitzroy.

You may feel more at home in Melbourne with its four seasons in one day but if you’re looking for more of a holiday feel, take the tram to St Kilda where you can sit al fresco and watch people rollerblading along the promenade.

You don't have to go far outside the city to experience some nature.  Just 35 km outside of Melbourne are the Dandenong Ranges, mountain ranges with tall forests and waterfalls and a 1000 Steps Walk for the active GatG. Other places to see in Victoria include the town of Olinda, a popular town with forest walks and cafes and restaurants but it can get busy on the weekends.

If you love wildlife, this region is the place to see the world's smallest penguins and koalas too. You can take a day trip to see the Philip Island Koala Reserve and penguin parade which also stops at Nobbies National Park to see volcanic formations and Seal Rocks. * Check rates & availability for the tour

* Read: Things To Do in Melbourne Solo

Solo Travel in Australia

The Great Ocean Road (photo @ Petrina Wong)

The Great Ocean Road

One of the things to do in Melbourne, Australia, is taking a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s epic drives. Bells Beach is en route and has great point breaks and was the setting of the film with the same name.

Stop off at Port Campbell National Park to see the Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. The Twelve Apostles are one of the well-known sites on the route and the best way to see this iconic drive if you don't hire a car is on a Great Ocean Road day tour.

Off the coast of Melbourne is Tasmania, one of the lesser-known tourist attractions in Australia. In reality, there is so much to see in Tasmania that we've given it its own page. Read Solo Travel in Tasmania here . 

Solo Travel in Australia

New South Wales

If you're wondering where the best place to spend a week in Australia is then the answer is of course, Sydney. Sydney   lies in New South Wales and although it is not the country’s capital it has everything you would expect to find in one.

Australia’s actual capital, Canberra , is 250km inland. If you do make it to Canberra, the Parliament Building is the main focal point of the city which overlooks the lake but don't make the long trip here expecting too much as the capital is very understated.

Solo Travel in Australia

Sydney Opera House

Places To Visit in Sydney

There is much to see and do in Sydney, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are must sees for day tours in Sydney. Take a boat ride around the harbour or travel across to Taronga Zoo for spectacular pictures of giraffes against a Sydney backdrop.

There are so many other things to do in Sydney, Australia, such as a Rocks walking tour, kayak to Goat Island, visit the Chinese Garden or take a tour to the Blue Mountains, named after the blue haze from the eucalyptus trees.

TIP – If you are planning to solo female travel in Sydney for a few nights, consider purchasing the Sydney Attraction Pass to save money. Choose from 4 of Sydney’s best sites and save up to 45% compared to buying the tickets separately. * Buy the Sydney Attraction Pass here  

Solo travel in Australia

Famous Bondi Beach

Sydney's Beaches

Darling Harbour at dusk is the perfect place to people-watch and has some great bars. If you prefer somewhere more upmarket, Woolloomooloo has swanky restaurants and plenty of yachts to admire.

If you like markets, you’ll love Paddington market which is reminiscent of Covent Garden with arty stalls. One of the favourite things to do in Australia is surf and Bondi is the most popular of the beaches but the waves of Coogee , Manly and Bronte are just as good. Dee Why Beach is lesser known and is a great escape from the crowds.

Only a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney is Port Stephans, a place that feels a world away from the city. With giant sand dunes and the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales, it feels like a hidden gem in the country. 

Solo Travel in Australia

Blue Mountains (photo @ Lindsay Deutsch)

South Australia

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and there is a lot to do both in and around this city which has a country-town feel. Things to do in Adelaide include getting out into the Adelaide Hills to see waterfalls, fairytale villages and the world’s largest rocking horse.

Sample wines at the Barossa Valley and see how chocolate is made in the chocolate factory, and camp overnight at Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre within the Flinders Rangers. It’s a unique experience and you need an entry permit to enter the park.

Other places to visit in South Australia include the beach-side suburb of Glenelg where you will find great restaurants after a day of sunbathing on the beach. If you don’t enjoy having tan lines as you sunbathe, Maslin Beach is a popular nudist beach.

Solo Travel in Australia

The Adelaide Hills

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a natural Australia attraction and is only 90 minutes from the mainland, reachable via Adelaide. Over a third of Kangaroo Island are nature reserve but the island was badly affected by the wildfires in 2020.

The East side of the island is still open for Australia tourism and you can get up close and personal with seals on Seal Bay or join a wildlife safari to learn about Australian wildlife.

See Admirals Arch, the Remarkable Rocks, and the lighthouse at Flinders Chase National Park on the west side of Kangaroo Island. There are tours that take you from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. Discover the best Kangaroo Island tours here.

Solo Travel in Australia

Perth City (photo @ Shannon Lane)

Things To Do in Perth

From Adelaide, you can travel by train on the Ghan across the outback to the Red Centre, home to many Aborigines, or to the modern city of Perth via the Indian Pacific railway. Perth doesn't have that many of Australia's tourist attractions but is popular with ex-pats and there are some great beaches such as Cottesloe and Scarborough.

Kings Park in Perth is a tranquil place to relax and see black swans, or you can take one of the popular day trips and drive three hours south of the city to Margaret River where you can visit vineyards and wineries, cycle along the river or even surf. Perth is worth seeing if you have the time as it’s a long way from the rest of the country.

Fremantle , Perth, is a vibrant little city with buzzing markets but the main attraction has got to be the old prison, which gives you an eye-opening tour of prison life. Don't forget to visit Rottnest Island either where you can cycle around the wildlife nature reserve and spot the quokkas that live there.

Solo travel in Australia

The Breakaways near Coober Pedy

Northern Territory

When you stray away from the cities into the more male-dominated outback, you may find you get more attention as a woman travelling solo and being whistled at is not uncommon. If you don’t mind the attention, it’s worth a trip to see the real Australia.

You shouldn’t miss Coober Pedy, the world’s only underground town where you can sleep in an abandoned mine shaft. Near Coober Pedy is the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park with colourful mounds and stunning landscapes.

The Red Centre is steeped in Aboriginal culture and resembles a scene out of the Flintstones. Learn how to throw a boomerang, ride in a hot air balloon or play the didgeridoo at Alice Springs .

Solo travel in Australia

Uluru, an Aboriginal sacred site

Uluru (Ayres Rock) 

Things to do at Ayres Rock include visiting the Flying Doctors Museum or the reptile centre to learn more about Australia’s snakes and lizards. Then it’s onto the wonder that is Ayres Rock or Uluru, as known by the Aborigines at Kata Tjuta National Park.

Australia has thousands of national parks but this sacred rock is one of the largest Australia attractions and can be reached by a six-hour drive or a flight.

There has been much controversy about climbing the rock but a walk around the burial caves and ancient art paintings at the base is a good substitute. Don’t forget to include a trip to Kings Canyon (the setting for the movie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert ), and the Olgas when you go.

Solo Travel in Australia

Things To Do in Darwin

Head north to  Darwin , the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to Lichfield or Kakadu National Park where you can see crocodiles and wetlands, and hire a bike at Katherine Gorge to cycle to the springs.

You don't have to go far to see a crocodile as Darwin is home to Crocosaurus Cove, one of Australia's tourist attractions, where you can experience one of the scariest things in Australia; diving with the crocodiles.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground and are wondering what to do in Darwin, there are plenty of art galleries showcasing indigenous art, and museums such as the Darwin Military Museum to keep you entertained. If you are going to the Northern Territory it’s worth investing in a fly net for this tropical climate.

Tennant Creek is an odd little place and half of its population are aborigines. If you can handle the strangeness it’s worth a stop to see the Devil's Marbles, an important site from the Dreamtime or visit Kalgoorlie for a real gold rush town.

Solo Travel in Australia

Nambung National Park

Western Australia

Cruise past the rugged red cliffs of the Kimberley region then west to   Broome , Australia, known for its pearling industry to drive a 4×4 along the northern stretch of Cable Beach. Many people skip this region but if you have the time it is worth travelling to. Nambung National Park is where you'll find the Pinnacles Desert, an area of pointy formations made out of limestone.

Finally…

Travel Australia alone and you'll have so many adventures. There are so many attractions in Australia and things to do from sleeping under the stars in a swag to experiencing a hot sunny Christmas.

If you decide to spend the Christmas holidays in Australia you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Santa jet skiing along Sydney Harbour. Tour Australia and you'll soon discover that there really is no other place like it.

Thinking of going to Australia? Global Work & Travel helps you to organise working abroad placements in Australia and around the world. Choose from a working holiday , an internship or au pairing . Their placements include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure.

solo travel in Australia

Best Tours to Australia For Solos

G Adventures Tours Australia   – With Australia being such a sociable country, you’ll never be short of company travelling Australia alone. There are numerous solo travel tours for Australia but if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures   is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers.

Most tours have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book one of their G Adventures Australia tours you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. G Adventures offer some of the best tours of Australia for all types of duration from 3 days on the Great Ocean Road to 28 days for a complete Australia tour.

Join the G Adventures East Coast Australia from Sydney to Cairns on a 16-day trip from £1849, or travel the Red Centre to Adelaide from £639 for 8 days . The G Adventures Best of Australia takes you from Cairns to Sydney over 14 days from £2050, making the most of your two weeks in the country.  I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company.   *  Check rates and availability for G Adventures Australia tours

Intrepid Tours Australia – Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people who book their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels for their Intrepid Australia tours and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more than G Adventures.

Intrepid Travel Australia tours range from 2 days to 22 days and include adventures such as an overnight camping trip in Uluru or an overland tour from Darwin to Perth. With both tour companies you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Read our   Intrepid Travel Reviews

*  Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Stray Bus Australia – More for the adventurous GatG, Stray Travel is a hop-on hop-off bus tour offering bus passes around Australia with Australia tours from Sydney and other major cities. Jump on a 16 or 21-day Australia tour to see the best of the coast from Sydney to Cairns. This epic trip squeezes in all the highlights including Fraser Island, sailing around the Whitsundays, and seeing the Queensland rainforest. Tours of Australia depart every week and you can start or end your trip in Melbourne. 

As well as seeing the iconic hotspots on their Australian bus tours you can also go off the beaten track and see areas of the country that others don't visit. Prices start from $2,895 AUD. If you visit during the peak season you may need to pre-book all sections of your trip before you go.  Check the review here and save 10% on any $500+ Freestyle Pass. * Check rates and availability for Stray tours

1770 Castaway – If you've ever wanted to experience life as a castaway on a tropical island, these 3/4 day tours are definitely not for the faint-hearted. Remote, raw and with insects, this will be one of those vacations to Australia that you'll never forget. (As one of the fun things to do in Australia, this castaway experience is definitely for the adventurous Girl about the Globe).

Australian Day Tours

Lets Go Surfing – Fancy a surfing lesson on Bondi beach? Check out Let's Go Surfing.

I'm Free Walking Tours – Enjoy 2.5 hours of easy walking around Sydney. The tours are free and you just make a donation at the end.

Get Your Guide – This tour platform offers day tours in Australia. When you solo travel around Australia it can be challenging to find tours that don't have a minimum of 2 people. Get Your Guide offers small groups and although some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people, there are plenty to book as a solo.  

Choose from a tour of the Sydney Opera House, a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne or a catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. There are so many to choose from. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for Australia day tours

travel australia alone

There are plenty of types of accommodation in Australia and you'll never be short of places to stay whether you prefer hostels in Australia or a swanky city apartment. Finding accommodation in Australia is easy with motels, farm stays and even boat houses to spend a night or two. If you are backpacking alone in Australia, choose one of the many Australian hostels to meet others.  

Booking.com is my favourite hotel site in Australia. It offers BnBs and hotels from 3-star to luxurious 5-star hotels in Australia and even includes dorm rooms if you're travelling on a budget. Guest houses are a sociable way of staying in family homes, or choose a private room in hostels if you want to meet others but still have your own privacy.

Plus there’s Airbnb Australia which offers rental accommodation in Australia on a short-term basis and rooms in Australia with a local. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. 

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodations, click on the link below and search for the solo traveller reviews. * Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Australia

Solo travel in Australia - Adelaide Central YHA

Adelaide –  Adelaide Central YHA ($)

Adelaide Central YHA is an award-winning hostel in Australia. It is right in the heart of the city and has air-conditioned rooms. Each bed has a personal light and a large locker to store your stuff. It’s sociable with a communal lounge and they have pizza and live music nights too.

There is a 6-bed female-only dorm or you can choose a private room from £56 if you need more privacy. You'll find lots of backpackers here as the YHA Australia group is one of the most well-known hostels in Australia. * Check prices and availability: Adelaide Central YHA

Cairns – Cascade Gardens ($$)

If you prefer your own space in Cairns, Cascade Gardens are apartments with their own private balconies and a shared swimming pool. Everything you need is just a short stroll away along the boardwalk. See the lagoon pool, dine at the city’s restaurants or take a ferry to explore the reef.

In an excellent location with friendly, helpful staff, the apartments are bright and comfortable and come equipped with a kitchenette with tea, coffee and condiments. This family-run business is close enough to the city yet you can escape to your own piece of paradise. Choose from a studio or a one-bedroom apartment. * Check rates and availability: Cascade Gardens

Solo travel in Australia - United Backpackers Melbourne

Melbourne – Selina Central Melbourne ($)

Located in the Central Business District, Selina Central Melbourne is one of the hostels in Australia Melbourne in the perfect spot to explore the city. I love the Selina brand. You’ll find lockers for your belongings and a manned reception which is open 24 hours. The onsite bar makes it easy to find others to explore with. For those of us going to Australia alone, it's easy to meet other solo travellers. * Check rates and availability: Selina Central Melbourne

Melbourne – Citadines on Bourke Melbourne ($$)

If you prefer comfortable accommodation in Melbourne, Citadines on Bourke Melbourne offers modern apartments within the heart of the city. The apartments are a good size and come equipped with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals, as well as a TV in the living space. The staff are really helpful and reception is open 24 hours.

Other facilities include a gym, sauna and saltwater pool as well as a sun terrace. As an award-winning hotel in Australia, Melbourne, you can choose from a deluxe studio apartment, an executive studio, or an executive one-bedroom apartment. * Check rates and availability: Citadines on Bourke

Sydney – Rydges Sydney Harbour ($$)

This four-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Australia for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It is a short walk from Circular Quay and is perfectly located for ferries and trains, with the harbour only a 15-minute walk away. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV and air conditioning, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.

You even have a choice of pillows that you don't find in many Sydney hotels. The swimming pool on the rooftop is one of the hotel’s highlights offering amazing views of the harbour.

The hotel breakfast is an additional cost but is well worth purchasing during your stay. Choose from a standard double room, a superior room, an executive double room or a deluxe king room with a harbour view. * Check rates and availability: Rydges Sydney Harbour

Experiences in Australia For Solos

If you are wondering what to do in Australia alone, we've picked our top 10 activities in Australia for solo travellers. * Check rates and availability for all experiences in Australia

1. The Sydney Opera House

If you are travelling to Sydney, Australia alone, you can’t come all the way to Sydney and not see the Opera House! This iconic structure is now 60 years old and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you thought this was one giant opera house you may be surprised to know that there are more than 1,000 rooms within its famous sails. The hour-long tour includes a tour inside the theatres, learning the history of Australia’s biggest icon. * Book Sydney Opera House tour

2. Sail The Whitsunday Islands

If you love beaches, sailing the Whitsundays Islands is one of the must do's in Australia. The Whitsunday Islands are some of the most beautiful islands in Oz and the best way to see them is on a sailing trip. You get to snorkel alongside turtles and stingrays and see Whitehaven Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the world. The catamaran departs from Airlie Beach, a destination that attracts many travellers backpacking alone in Australia. * Book Whitsundays sailing adventure

3. Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

When you're travelling solo it can be costly to rent a car for one. Instead of hiring a car along one of the world’s most popular coastal roads, take a full-day tour instead. See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and hear tales of shipwrecks as you see this spectacular coastline. The trip departs from Melbourne. * Book Great Ocean Road tour

4. Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation

If you are planning to spend some time in Queensland, head out of Cairns to experience Australia’s rainforest and wetlands. Cruise along the Daintree River among mangroves, spotting crocodiles. Cape Tribulation has a gorgeous white sand beach that you can walk along or just view from the boardwalk instead. The trip departs from Cairns. * Book Daintree Wilderness tour

5. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you want to see the best of Sydney, one of the fun things to do in Australia is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the most amazing views. The climb includes an experienced guide who takes you 134 metres above the water to the summit of the bridge.

After a complimentary certificate and photo, you finish your climb with a great sense of achievement. No matter what time of day you go, you’ll be blessed with a great panorama but it's recommended to pre-book your tour as this is one of the Australian activities that you don't want to miss. * Book Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

6. Go Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

If you’ve ever wanted to see whales up close, whale watching is a must do in Australia. This experience is led by marine naturalists who tell you everything about whale behaviour during your trip. You can listen to live whale songs underwater and there is also a whale researcher onboard to help with any questions. The best thing about this experience is that whale sightings are guaranteed or you will receive a free ticket for another day. * Book Hervey Bay whale watching experience

7. Wine Tasting in Barossa Valley

If you love wine, a trip to Barossa Valley should definitely be on your solo Australia wish list. This day trip makes it easy for you to go wine tasting as it’s travelling by coach. You'll experience wine tastings at three wineries and enjoy lunch in this famous region before heading to the Adelaide Hills and learning more about the region’s German heritage. * Book Barossa Valley tour

8. Cycle Rottnest Island

This little island off the coast of Perth is the perfect place for cycling. It takes 3.5 hours to peddle around this wildlife nature reserve spotting wildlife as you go. The island is only 4km wide and has secluded bays and unspoilt beaches. It’s a great day out and just a ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle. This tour includes your ferry ticket and bike hire. Just remember to pack some food and water. * Book Rottnest Island ferry & bike trip from Perth or Fremantle

9. Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef

You can't take an Australia solo trip and not see one of the Seven Wonders of The World. Green Island is one of the islands in The Great Barrier Reef with transparent waters and a colourful reef. Snorkelling is the best way to see the marine life but if you prefer to stay dry then you can discover the reef from a glass bottom boat instead.

The trip also takes you to the island’s rainforest. Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best things in Australia to experience. The boat departs from Cairns. * Book Green Island reef catamaran cruise

10. Climb Sand Dunes on Fraser Island

There’s a reason that this island is World Heritage listed. As the largest sand island in the world, it is begging to be explored. Cruise the Great Sandy Strait spotting dolphins, turtles and even a dingo or two. You may even spot humpback whales off the shores. If you are an active GatG you can snorkel, kayak, go tubing or just climb the sand dunes. Tours depart from Hervey Bay . * Book Fraser Island tour from Hervey Bay

solo travel in Australia

Travelling solo around Australia does take a bit of planning. The large distances between places are vast so travelling around Australia takes a while. If you are planning your own tour of Australia there is a great bus network called Greyhound that prov ides passes for bus travel, as well as epic train journeys.

A rail pass is a good way of saving money for train travel. If you are limited on time, the best way to travel Australia alone is to use internal flights between the cities: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate domestically. Find flights here

If you are planning a solo road trip in Australia, renting a car i s only recommended for either short distances, a trip along the East Coast, or those long distances when you have company to travel with. You don't want to be travelling Australia solo with just you in the car and breaking down miles from anywhere in the Outback.

With so many backpackers in the country, there are plenty of other travellers to keep you company on a road trip. I hired a car for Tasmania and Queensland. * Check prices for car hire in Australia  

Coach tours are also a great way for travelling Australia. You get to see areas of the country and share the experience with your fellow passengers. Oz Experience offers guided trips to Australia for those who are sociable and like to party.

travel australia alone

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary 

If you are hoping to see all of Australia’s sites in a single trip it can be difficult to achieve unless you have plenty of time. Most people when they solo travel in Australia start with Sydney and travel their way up the coast. You'll find more travellers along this route so pairing up with others is more likely than venturing to the Northern Territory alone.

If you are planning first-time travel to Australia, we recommend these routes for your Australia Itinerary. For a cultural experience, you have to visit the Red Centre (Alice Springs and Ayres Rock) to learn more about the Aboriginal culture and help support indigenous groups.

Within a two-week Australia vacation, you also can travel from Adelaide to Darwin or Sydney to Cairns. Below are two itinerary ideas for two weeks in Australia.

a) Sydney – 5 nights, Alice Springs – 4 nights, Cairns –  4 nights (to visit the Great Barrier Reef).

b) Melbourne – 3 nights, Tasmania – 3 nights, Sydney – 5 nights, Uluru – 3 nights.

Solo travel in Australia

Australia is such a wonderful country for backpacking. If you're wondering whether to take a suitcase or a backpack, I definitely recommend a backpack if you are planning on visiting a few destinations within the country.

I have the Caribee Jet Pack 65 which opens like a suitcase.   It makes it easier for me to find everything that I have packed rather than having a top loader. I store all my clothes in the big section and my shoes and toiletries in the smaller compartment. My first aid kit gets packed in the pouch. It’s easy to spot on the baggage carousel too.  Find out why I recommend it below.

  • Click here for all our recommended backpacks for solos 

Caribee Jet Pack 65

travel australia alone

* Click here for Amazon.com / Click here for Amazon.co.uk

Travel accessories for Australia

If you’re unsure what to pack for your solo trip to Australia, we have created a guide of our favourite solo travel products to help you decide what to pack. Our favourite travel accessory for Australia are a pair of Gandys Flip-Flops.

If you’re spending time at one of Oz’s incredible beaches, you’ll definitely need a pair of these. Find out why we love these below and click on the link to discover all of our favourite travel products:

* Click here for all of our recommended travel accessories for solos

Gandys Flip-Flops

travel accessories for Australia

Cool and very funky, these ethical flip-flops are not just footwear. Founded by brothers who were orphaned during the 2004 Tsunami, their mission is to improve the lives of fellow orphans. Every purchase goes towards opening a new children’s home around the world. These are flip-flops with a purpose but Gandys isn’t just limited to footwear; you’ll also find women’s shirts, hoodies and scarfs for your solo Australia trip. 

* Discover all Gandys Flip-Flops here

Best time to go to Australia

Best Time To Go To Australia

If you are wondering when is the best time to go to Australia, the best months to visit Australia are between October to December. Australia is in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning the seasons are opposite to Europe so you can escape a European winter.

There are still plenty of things to see in Australia no matter what time of year you visit. Because the country is so vast, each region differs in a climate so there is always somewhere to see depending on your interests.

If it's hot that you're after, one of the best places to visit in Australia is the Northern Territory which is known for being hot and humid year-round.

If you love festivals, Adelaide is one of the best places in Australia to visit in March due to its various festivals such as the Adelaide Fringe, and Art Festival. If you visit during the wet season (December to February), beware of box jellyfish in the sea. Stinger suits are provided if you intend to snorkel.

This chart shows the average maximum day temperatures for Sydney (from January to December) to help you plan your Australia travels. Find out the weather for other areas here.

weather in Australia - solo travel in Australia

Travelling alone in Australia is safe but travel insurance is always recommended, especially if you will be doing any active sports or venturing into the Outback. I recommend True Traveller for UK and European residents, and World Nomads for U.S. and worldwide citizens.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Australia. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

From Australia Airports 

When planning your solo trip to Australia, there is a choice of airports to fly into. Below are the main Australia airports with information on how to get into the nearest city.

Sydney Airport (SYD) – Airport Link departs the International and Domestic Terminals of Sydney International Airport every 10 minutes and takes just 15 minutes to reach the city.

Cairns Airport (CNS) – Airport shuttle buses run from the airport to the city centre, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach. Some accommodation provides their own courtesy coach so check when booking. The time to the city is only 10 minutes.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) –  SkyBus offer an express service to the city every 10 minutes or there are public buses and taxis for the 30-minute journey.

Brisbane Airport (BNE) – Coachtrans coaches offer direct transfers to Brisbane City departing every 30 minutes. Trains take 22 minutes to Brisbane City or 90 minutes to the Gold Coast (Nerang). For transfers from Brisbane International Airport to the Sunshine Coast, Sun-Air operates an hourly bus service until 8.50 pm.

Perth Airport (PER) – From Perth International Airport, Bus route 380 runs to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station in Perth City. Bus route 40 operates 7 days a week and offers the most direct route from the airport to the city. Check here for buses.

Adelaide Airport – JetBus services travel from the Adelaide International Airport to the city, Glenelg and the North-Eastern suburbs. Skylink Airport Shuttle   offers a regular bus service for the 15-minute journey to the city.

* Feel more confident travelling to Australia alone with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa , a reliable and safe service for solos.

Travelling onwards (check visas before you travel)

As Australia neighbours countries such as New Zealand, Fiji, Bali or Papua New Guinea, your trip doesn’t have to end in Australia. You could fly to New Zealand , Bali, or the Pacific Islands to extend your travels in Oceania. If you prefer a leisurely pace, cruise from port to port in Australia and then onward to New Zealand or Tasmania . Asia and North America are also accessible by boat or sail back to the UK on a 40-day cruise.

* November to March is the best season for cruises to Australia.

Where can I go from here?

  • Papua New Guinea – 4 hours
  • New Zealand – 5.5 hours
  • Bali – 4 hours

travel australia alone

As well as the general ways to be a conscious traveller which you can find here , if you are solo travelling Australia you need to be aware of the following:

Don’t climb Ayres Rock. Climbing Ayres Rock used to be one of the top things to do in Australia. The Aboriginals have since won the right to keep this rock sacred. Instead, there’s a base walk that you can walk around. If there are signs asking you not to photograph Aboriginal sites refrain from taking pictures.

Buy Aboriginal art from cultural centres and ask permission before you take any photos of their crafts or the people.

Australia is known for its unique wildlife but don't try and touch or feed the animals, and don’t use your flash so that you can protect the animal’s eyes.

Don’t have your photo taken with a koala or snake around your neck and avoid any staged animal shows such as crocodile shows.

One of the must sees in Australia is visiting the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. If you do visit here, be careful not to touch the coral in the reef. Respect the ocean if you choose to dive, snorkel or swim in it.

Social Impact Programs

Lentil As Anything – This not-for-profit vegan restaurant is in four locations in Australia. With the slogan ‘food without borders,’ they aim to care for people and provide a wholesome and nutritious meal.

Guests pay what they can for meals and also use food that otherwise would have gone to a landfill. The restaurant trains volunteers such as those who are long-term unemployed, migrants and refugees and help them to find paid work. 

Daintree Crocodlyus Village – For the Eco Girl about the Globe, Daintree Crocodylus Village is located deep within the Daintree rainforest, less than 2 miles from Cow Bay Beach. This Daintree accommodation feels more like being on safari with tent rooms that come with either a private or shared veranda.

There is a cafe onsite and a games room so you can challenge one of the guests to a game of pool as an ice-breaker. Choose from a jungle double with a shared bathroom, a tropical cabin, a rainforest bungalow or a safari hut. There are also beds in a 4-bed mixed dormitory room for those on a budget.

* To book, check prices or availability for Daintree Crocodlyus Village

Daintree Ecolodge is also in the Daintree Rainforest. Each villa has views of the rainforest and you can feel at one with the atmosphere of the rainforest with your windows open and screens on your windows to stop the bugs coming in.

The views are even better from the restaurant which overlooks the lagoon. All ingredients here are locally sourced so you’re guaranteed a delicious organic meal from seasonal produce.

The staff in this eco-lodge Australia are very welcoming and there is a day spa to help you fully relax. If you are searching for an eco getaway, this eco-lodge certainly offers sustainable luxury. Prices start from £135/$169 USD for a lagoon villa.

* To book, check prices or availability for Daintree Ecolodge  

Volunteering Australia

Conservation Volunteers Australia – If you love nature, you could help conserve the environment during your trip to Australia. Help in the volunteering response to the bushfires in the affected areas, or in the areas of heritage, flora and fauna, or coasts and waterways. There are conservation projects across the country in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.

* Discover all conservation placements in Australia  

Vulnerable Girls in Australia

The Trauma of Australia’s Indigenous ‘Stolen Generations’ is still affecting children today. A report shows that children living with adults who were forcibly separated from their families are more likely to face a host of challenges. Read more….

Here are the most asked questions about Australia.

  • Is Australia safe for solo female travellers? Yes. That's why we've given it 5/5 stars.
  • Can you drink tap water in Australia? Yes, you can drink tap water but you may prefer to take a water filter for some areas.
  • Tipping in Australia: Tipping isn't expected but if you received good service, a tip of 5% to 10% is appreciated.
  • Fixed price or barter?  Fixed Price.
  • Are There ATMs in Australia ? Yes, there are many banks and ATMS throughout Australia.
  • What side of the road do they drive in Australia? They drive on the left-hand side (the same as the UK).
  • Good for vegetarians and vegans? Yes, there are vegan cafes and restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and other Australian cities. Adelaide even hosts an annual Vegan festival!
  • Any seven Wonders of the World? The Great Barrier Reef.
  • What is Australia famous for? Surfing, diving, beaches, road trips, and friendly locals.
  • Which Australian city should I visit? For first-time travel definitely Sydney then either travel up the East Coast to Brisbane or south to Melbourne.

If you are ready to solo travel in Australia here are some useful links to help you to travel Australia alone including airlines which fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals.

Budget – £70+ a day

Current Time in Canberra

Capital City – Canberra

Population – 22.4 million

Language spoken – English

Currency in Australia – Australian Dollar

Do I Need a Visa To Go To Australia? The validity of an Australia visa lasts for 3 months within 12 months of when your visa is approved. Apply through your visa through here.

Vaccinations Required For Australia

Useful Info

Airlines to Australia

When is The Best Time to Travel to Australia? The seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere so October to December is a good time to go.

Which Plug Do I Need?

UNESCO Sites in Australia

Australian Festivals and Events

Living Cost in Australia

Australia Customs & Etiquette 

Aboriginal Customs & Culture

Mind Body & Soul

Relax at Yasodhara Ashram

Stay at a Meditation Retreat

Unwind at an Eco Spa

Get rebalanced at a Lifestyle Retreat

  • Day Tours in Sydney
  • Solo Travel in Tasmania
  • Things To Do in Melbourne Solo
  • Exploring The Daintree Forest
  • Solo Travel in Oceania
  • Expert Interview – Australia with Michela
  • Solo Travel in New Zealand
  • A Round The World Itinerary

travel australia alone

57 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Australia ”

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Brisbane and Byron Bay are not part of the Gold Coast. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Byron Bay is at the top end of New South Wales.

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Thanks Claudia. I have changed this now.

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Hi thanks for your article, it is very informative, i will be going to Sydney solo in September. Can you recommenced any good seafood restaurants in Sydney?

Hi, thanks for your comment. I definitely recommend Doyles in Sydney. The fish is fab! There are a couple of girls in our Facebook group who live in Australia and may be able to suggest other places. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Aloha! Your website is truly a great source of information & inspiration!!! Thanks for doing this for all us Solo traveler’s, really makes it easier to take that leap. Wondering if you have advice re: Lord Howe Island, Heron Island, Hamilton Island, Magnetic Island, Hayman Island, Fitzroy Island. Fraser Island & Hervey Bay are on my to-do list, but I’m not sure about how to fit in all these island in 17 days this August. My goals are snorkeling the GBR, experiencing the pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife, too. Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

Thanks so much Judy 🙂 I have only been to Magnetic Island, Fraser Island and Hervey Bay. I would say that seeing all of these islands in 17 days could be a push as you’ll only get to spend about 3 days on each one. We have a Facebook group which you could join to ask advice and some of the girls live in Australia. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hi! I plan to travel solo to Australia this October. Travelling solo for the first time can be daunting. Any suggestions will only help me further with planning my trip. I am looking at 10-12 days. The broad itinerary is like Mumbai-Sydney-Cairns-Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney-Mumbai. Is it doable? Also if you could guide me about how to go about booking trips to Blue Mountains, Scuba Diving (at Cairns), Great Ocean Drive (coach tour is fine, i am not a very confident driver, that too in a foreign country). I have joined the FB group (hope you accept my request). Looking forward to your guidance… Thanks 🙂

Hi Nilanjana, thanks for your message. I would say that 10-12 days isn’t that long to do all of those places unless you are doing activities every day and taking internal flights. You mentioned that you joined the FB group so post the same message in there to get some more advice x

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hi. i’m planning to travel for 8 days in oz. personally, which part do u recommend?

Hi, I would recommend Sydney and then flying into Melbourne. You can then see the beaches in Sydney and if you have time, do part of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

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Travelling from Victoria, B.C. in January 2017. Bit nervous. Any other single females going to Australia around that time from Victoria?

Hi Alannah, I would suggest joining our Girls about the Globe Facebook group to meet other solos Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

Hi Alannah, I would join our FB group and ask the same question in there as you may find someone who lives there in our group 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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I’ll be in Sydney 1/29-2/1 and Melbourne from 2/6-2/9. Are you there at these times?

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wow! i m so tempted. was thinking of going solo trips to Europe, but was fearful because i hadn’t done solo before. sounds like australia is a better choice..

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Hello, I’ve found your site very informative, thankyou. I’m going flying to Cairns in November and I have about 3 weeks to get to Sydney to meet my BF who is coming out to see me for Christmas. I was just wandering about the best way to get from Cairns to Sydney, but missing out Brisbane as we are going to do that together. I have requested to join the Facebook group too as I am over there for 6 months. Hoping to work in Melbourne.

Hi Lindsey, thanks 🙂 You can either fly internally or take the Greyhound bus. I also took the Oz Experience for a sector of my trip. I’m glad you joined the group too.

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Hello! Thank you very much for your article! Very useful 🙂 im planning to go to Australia and new zealand next summer, one month Australia and two weeks new zealand. Do you reccomend renting a car going by myself or is it better internal flights, buses and trains? Im planning to do the East coast ( cairns to Sydney) adelaide, Melbourne, uluru, Tasmania and all i can visit for the whole month. Your tips are more than welcome

Thanks Carmen. I definitely recommend visiting Tasmania – it’s so stunning and natural. If you only have one month maybe take a bus for half of the journey up the coast – Adelaide, Melbourne, Tasmania (you can get the ferry here), then fly to Uluru. I was there over 10 years ago so I would recommend joining the Girls about the Globe Facebook group as some of the girls there have recently been or are heading to Oz so they can offer you some better tips. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Looking to travel solo to Australia from the end of november to mid december 2016, so very soon!! I have no idea where I should begin. Should I go with a tour group? I’m a young 40 year old single female and don’t want to get stuck with a bunch of old people, ha, but I do not want to have to drive while I am there and happy to fly from location to location. Thinking Sydney – Melbourne – Cairns – and the outback somewhere? Not necessarily in that order. No clue how to start!

Hi Marni, I’m 40 too 🙂 There are internal flights you could take and also a great bus service called Greyhound. Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns sounds good then you could fly to Alice Springs in the outback. I was there over 10 years ago so I would recommend joining the Girls about the Globe Facebook group as some of the girls there have recently been or are heading to Oz so they can offer you some better tips. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hello! I’m planning to visit Australia in the month of January, 2017. Will be there for 3 weeks. Is there any way I can team up with fellow solo travelers and go around? I’m 25 🙂

Hi Shweta. I recommend joining our Girls about the Globe Facebook group to meet other solos 🙂 Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hi I have just sent a request to join your Facebook group, I am looking to travel to Australia in April from 14th till 2nd May (nothing booked yet). I will be travelling solo for the first time so a little nervous, ideally I would prefer to join a tour group or other solo travellers and was hoping you can help me prepare an itinerary please?

Hi, I have just accepted your request. Many of the girls have been to Australia recently so post your comment in the group to get some advice 🙂

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Hi I am planning to go solo backpacking around the east coast in August/ September. Do you think its still worth going in the winter months -I am traveling alone so am hoping to meet other backpackers there or would it be very quiet? Thank you

Hi Rosie, I lived in Australia for a year and I would say yes but I recommend joining our FB group to ask the same advice in there as some of the girls have been to Australia recently x https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hi I’m aiming to travel to Australia for the first time on my own Feb/March and hoping to travel aroundSydney and nearby areas. I’m not a confident traveler so I’ve sent a request to join the facebook page as any advice and tips on how to travel solo would be really helpful. Thanks,. Kath

Hi Kathryn, I’ve just joined you into the group. Welcome 🙂 x

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I’m traveling solo to Australia for a month in February. I did send a request to join the group. Thanks so much!

Hi Sharon, let me know if you have any problems joining the group.

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Hey, this is really informative, thank you so much! I’m visiting Cairns in early June, and am planning on visiting the Great Barrier Reef then. I was thinking of clubbing a couple days in Gold Coast and maybe 4 days in Sydney after that. Does that sound doable? What would you suggest?

Hi Preethi. Oh wow. June isn’t far away. Clubbing on the East Coast sounds cool! I really liked Surfers Paradise http://www.barsandnightclubs.com.au/gold-coast/ You can take the bus from Surfers to Sydney but it takes about 17 hours which is doable if it’s a night bus or look at taking an internal flight instead. Rome2Rio is good for working out travelling around https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Surfers-Paradise/Sydney . Fee free to join our Facebook community too x https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hi, I found this information really useful as I’m travelling solo for the first time ever so I’m a bit apprehensive. Would you recommend booking on to one of the tours before I get there or just fly in and go from there? Also what is the job market like for travellers? Is it easy to find work for short periods of time?

Hi Chantelle, Australia is really easy to travel around as a solo so you don’t need to take a tour if you don’t want to. I used the Greyhound bus to get around, the trains, internal flights, hired a car, and then did a week with Oz Experience just to see what a tour felt like. It was fun and took me off the beaten track. I worked in an office in Sydney and Melbourne and also fruit picked on the coast. This was a few years ago so I’m not sure if it has changed. Are you a member of our Facebook community as someone who has been there recently may be able to help more about the job market now? Here’s the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/ x

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Hi. is it easy to get a Australian Tourist Visa if you are a pinoy solo traveler? Like i have Korean and Taiwan visa and traveled to mostly asian countries, i have work and sufficient funds for only 4 days tour trip in Sydney? Hope to hear from you. 🙂

Hi Mike, I would look at the Australian visa site for your nationality. You can get a tourist visa if you are on a British passport.

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Hi! Currently I have a trip booked to allow 7 full days on ground in Australia with flights to/from Sydney. With this being my first trip to Australia, I’m trying to figure out if I should switch one flight to Melbourne and travel in between the two. I really like the idea of hitting Cairens/Sydney/Melbourne based on your blog but with such short time, I’m not with the travel between. Or should I do day trips from Sydney? Thoughts would be appreciated! I’m so grateful I found your blog and just joined the FB page! One other question, have you take an overnight train? Thought that might be an option as well. Thanks! Brooke USA

Hi Brooke, thanks for your questions. I’ve answered your queries in the Facebook group 🙂 x

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Hi! I am 27 and going on my first ever solo trip in mid November this year. I am really anxious and not a clue what I am doing it was just a spur of the moment decision. I am thinking of starting off in Cairns (hopefully meeting my best friend for Christmas day) then heading south along the coast. How easy is it to get accommodation over the Christmas period? Also would you recommend starting in Cairns and working your way down? I would love to travel with someone and I am really hoping I meet people!!!

Hi Melanie, I would pre-book accommodation for the Christmas period as it’s also their summer. Yes, I would recommend starting in Cairns and working your way down. I used Greyhound buses which are good and also Oz Experience x

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Hi Melanie,

I am also travelling solo in mid November- hoping to start in cairns and work my way down to Sydney before I fly home in February. Have you made any plans yet? I have no idea where to start with hostel booking etc!!

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I’m 26 and doing my first solo trip, I’m heading to Asia first doing a tour then heading to Australia mid-dec and nothing planned as yet as really worrying what to do over the christmas/new year period. II’ve just asked on the group for some suggestions, but we could always meet up along the way. I’m definitely doing the east coast, just not sure what way I’m starting yet possibly Sydney upwards but I’ll wait for some suggestions.

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My name Imms. I’m planning to have solo trip to Brisbane on Aug ’18. At first, I will have training in Camp Warrawee for 8 days then I’m free to go. Any suggestions, this is my 1st trip to Australia. Can you advise me for the transport also, pls? How many days should I extend my trip? Thanks in advanced.

Hi Imms, I would suggest Sydney and Melbourne if it’s your first time to Oz. The distances are long so it depends how long you have in the country. Taking internal flights is quicker if you are short on time or you can take the Greyhound Bus or Oz Experience. Have you joined our Facebook community? Some of the girls are in Australia at the moment. Here is the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hi, I’m traveling solo to Brisbane for about 4 days in November. Please suggest any places of interest must go in Brisbane as well public transport to take. Thanks in advanced.

Hi Heather, I used the Greyhound bus to get around and spent some time on the Sunshine Coast which is North of Brisbane. Noosa is really nice. I didn’t find much in Brisbane except the zoo. Have you joined our Facebook group? They are a really friendly bunch. Here’s the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/

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Hey – I’m looling to travel travel between October and November this year! Would love to go on some tours and meet people. Are there any tours you recommend where most people are in the same situation as me??

Hi Demi, Oz Experience is great for meeting people. There are so many travellers in Australia that you’ll meet others in hostels x

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What about Western Australia? I had friends start their Around Australia trip there andthey were totally blown away by the vastness of the state, the magnificent beaches, friendly people and so many great sights: Perth’s King’s Park, Swan River, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock, seeing the carpets of Wildflowers during the wildflower season, Karri Forests & giant trees, Monkey Mia’s dolphins, Broome, The Horizontal Falls, Cape Leveque, Diving with whale sharks, the Ningaloo Reef, sandboarding at Cervantes…. WA is such a huge state yet tourists all get told to do the East Coast. Why? I’m going to follow my friends advice and fly and travel through Asia then go to WA and start my Australian adventure there.

Hi Sandra, thanks for your comment. You’re right – Western Australia is fantastic and there is a great reef there too. I think the reason that most tourists get told to go to the east coast is because it can be easier to combine on a first-time itinerary with other places x

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Hi!! I absolutely love this informative blog. I am planning to go to the Great Barrier Reef by myself, butI am totally confused if i should do the Whitsundays or Cairns. I am short on time so can be to only 1 of these destinations. Would love to know your thoughts.

Hi Sonal, thanks for your kind words. I would choose the Whitsundays over Cairns if I had to only pick one. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most stunning beaches that I have ever seen x

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Hey, I loved your article! I’m thinking about getting a one way ticket to Aus by myself, but I have no idea where to start or what to do! Do you have advice? X

Thanks Veronica 🙂 Australia will be amazing! I would start in Sydney then travel up the east coast to Cairns. If you have time take an internal flight or one of the epic train journeys into the Red Centre. Or you could start from Sydney and travel down to Adelaide x

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Hey! you should look into adding ‘Share Bus’ to the guide to get around. It’s a great way to meet people/travel in a small group, which is nice if you’ve just arrived as a solo traveller – you can meet people you can spend time with later on in your trip. They organise a shared rental of a minibus and lots of camping equipment as a way of getting to and from big cities/towns in Aus and exploring the nature in between. It’s super flexible and pretty affordable too 🙂

Thanks Jade. I’ll look into this x

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We Are Global Travellers

A complete guide to solo travel in Australia

Updated On 23rd February, 2024

Solo travel in Australia is a dream on many peoples bucket lists and well, it is not hard to see why,

Maybe it’s the tropical climates, the wildlife, the laid-back beachy lifestyle, the epic road trips or the backpacker goals lifestyle that has you dreaming of a trip down under, or maybe it’s a combination of them all?

Whatever it is, if you’re looking for a guide to solo travel in Australia, look no further. I got you!

I’ve solo travelled through Australia on 4 (fortunate) occasions now and so in this travel guide, I am going to share with you all the tips, tricks and knowledge I have from my solo travel in Australia.

Get your pen and paper at the ready, by the end of this post you will have all the inspiration ready to book your solo trip to Australia.  You will not regret it!

Other blog posts/guides you may find useful:

  • Australia Travel Guide
  • Farm work in Australia: Finding a job, top tips and advice
  • Visiting Fraser Island and The Whitsundays: Australia on a backpacker budget
  • A guide to freedom camping on the east coast of Australia
  • Hiring a camper van in Australia and New Zealand: Your questions answered
  • A complete guide to budgeting for backpacking Australia
  • 13 ways to save money whilst backpacking Australia

My complete guide to solo travel in Australia…

A complete guide to Sydney, Australia

Whether you are planning a 3-week solo trip, a couple of months travelling or even a whole year on a  Working Holiday Visa , Australia is a world-class location to do all three in. I don’t even know where to start luring you in with adventures I’ve been on here; I’ve had  so many  incredible ones. Here are a few blog posts to get you started…

  • The best things to do in Australia
  • Cairns to Sydney: The alternative East Coast Australia bucket list

It’s in Australia that you’ll be able to sail the beautiful  Whitsunday Islands , snorkel or scuba dive on the  Great Barrier Reef , explore  Fraser Island ,  Skydive , hang out in  Sydney  or  Melbourne  and of course visit the ultimate surf town of  Byron Bay…  and you can do it all solo!

Solo travel in Australia is so easy, particularly when compared to other countries so don’t worry about meeting people, being on your own or not having people to travel with. Australia is a haven for solo travellers. I’d say its one of my top 3 recommendations for a first-time solo traveller.

For the ultimate East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

For an alternative East Coast Australia bucket list,  check out this post.

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Is solo travelling popular in Australia?

The answer is a massive  YES .

If you’re part of the Global Travellers Facebook group ( join here ), you’ll see that the majority of the conversations about Australia are all about solo travel and even arranging meet-ups. There are SO many people doing it and there’s so many of you in the same boat – it’s just about putting yourself in the right places to find eachother.  I got you!

I’m sure many will vouch for me when I say,  ‘the moment you arrive in Australia, you realise how easy it is to navigate solo’.

I get it though, it’s a daunting thought going it alone and so it might seem super tempting to join, say a 30-day organised group tour instead. Group tours have their place in Australia for sure and if you really need to ease yourself in with an ‘intro’ one – by all means rock it. However you can end up paying  a lot  for these tours and then wishing you’d been smarter with your pennies.

Instead, I’d recommend simply booking small bits of your trips separately, e.g. transport, hostels and some of the main tours. All of the latter are all set up in a way that allows for backpackers to be spontaneous if they want. Then step out of your comfort zone, take a leap of faith and go solo travelling in Australia!

If you change your mind, you can always book onto a group tour when you’re there but… I believe in you!

Don’t forget!  My good friend Sammy owns  RatPack Travel  (a discounted booking platform for Australia and New Zealand Travels). They can help you…

– find the best prices and options for transport, trips and tours around the all the key destinations in Australia – create a personalized travel calendar with recommendations for your trip – answer any questions you may have – have an incredible time!

Click here  to send  RatPack  a WhatsApp message ( +61 490 149 348 ) and to get the ball rolling.

Don’t forget you can use my code  MOLLIE10  for  10% off  any trip or transport booking you make.

How do I meet people in Australia?

Sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time but sometimes just have to get out of your comfort zone and simply say hello.

All of the hostels are totally geared up for solo travellers. The best way to meet people in hostels is at the organised events, in your room (choose a larger mixed dorm to meet people!), or in the common areas. If there’s a BBQ or a beer pong tournament, join in, and I am sure you’ll not only have a great time, but you’ll also meet awesome people. The best tip I can give you is to just  smile and say hello  or even compliment someone on how good their food smells if you’re in the kitchen.

It’s worth remembering that you’re all in the same boat; chances are other solo travellers are feeling just as nervous as you are. Be the one to make the first move (not in a creepy way haha).

Typically solo travellers and travellers in general coming to Australia will travel the east coast from Sydney to Cairns (or vice versa).  This is the most popular route to take.  So whether your travel dates tie in with new found friends or not, it’s not uncommon to bump into people several times along the coast! You become like one big family.

If you know your dates or locations, pop a message on the  Global Travellers Facebook group  and I have no doubt you’ll find a travel buddy to meet up with!

A 1-day roadtrip from Byron Bay: Minyon Falls, Lake Ainsworth and Lennox Head

Worried about making friends while you’re solo travelling?  Here are all my top tips!

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before,  click here for my hostel top tips and hostel packing essentials!

Should I go on group tours and experiences when I solo travel in Australia?

Absolutely! Like I said before… group tours definitely have their place in Australia.

For example when it comes to the likes of the  Whitsundays  or  Fraser Island  – group tours are second to none. 3 days with a group of backpackers in  amazing locations, full of fun and incredible experiences  is definitely going to bond you. You might even find you’ll be travelling in the same direction as others following the trip and  you’ll have a new travel buddy ! 

Some of my favourite memories and bonds have been on these group tours in Australia. I’d definitely say get a Whitsundays group tour and Fraser Island group tour on your Australia bucket list.

Booking the Whitsundays:

The  Whitsundays sailing  tours leave from Airlie Beach and, depending on which boat you’ll choose, you’ll find yourself with a group of travellers from all over the world in a similar age range. The day times will be full of sailing, exploring beaches, snorkelling and the evenings are full of fun and drinks under the stars. You’ll be sharing large cabins with other backpackers on the tour as well as spending every day together, you’ll have  instant friends  and… people to help you get THE perfect shot!

See my guide to booking the best Whitsundays boat for you  here.

A GUIDE TO THE WHITSUNDAYS – WHICH BOAT SHOULD YOU BOOK?

Don’t forget you can use my code MOLLIE10 for  10% off  any trip or transport booking you make with  RatPack Travel .

Booking Fraser Island:

Oh, Fraser Island.  If you go on one of the 4WD Tag Along tours, you’ll be in convoy of 4 jeeps with 7 people in each 4WDs. Road trip goals. Have an epic road trip playlist ready that includes some classic singalongs! Over the 3 days, you’ll be driving on beach highways, swimming in freshwater lakes and camping under the stars .  Just like the Whitsundays, you’ll share accommodation, transport and spend every day with the group. It’s the perfect way to meet other backpackers who also love to explore. 

See my guide to booking the best Fraser Island trip for you here.

nomads-fraser-island-tag-along-tour

See my solo travel vs. booking onto group tours blog post here if you still can’t decide which route to take.

Is solo travel in Australia safe?

I’ve always felt very safe in Australia when I’ve been travelling. The people here are kind and the cities are safe. Obviously, just like anywhere you travel, always have your wits about you and don’t put yourself in any situations that you wouldn’t at home. As a rule of thumb, I keep in touch with my family when I’m travelling and make sure I have data and battery on my phone (a power bank is really useful to travel with!)

Check out  my top tips for solo travel as a female in this blog post.

See my top tips for staying safe when travelling solo  here.

How do I get around Australia?

I travelled by bus the first time I travelled around Australia. It was so easy and convenient, and every bus was full of backpackers sharing stories and tips. I got the  Greyhound Hop on Hop off  bus pass which basically allowed me to travel from Sydney to Cairns on any Greyhound bus and stopped off at all the destinations I wanted to visit, it’s  definitely a way of travelling I’d recommend for a solo traveller .

Another thing to remember is that domestic flights in Australia are super cheap, so if you are on a short timeframe check out  Skyscanner  or  Jetstar  for flights.

If you prefer a bit of freedom, why not book a campervan through RatPack and road trip it!? I hired one from Sammy at RatPack when I did a  5-day Great Ocean Road road trip.

  • See my guide to planning your transport in Australia here.
  • Check out my guide to Greyhound buses in Australia here.
  • If you want to find out more about hiring a camper in Australia, click here.

The Great Ocean Road: A planning guide and 5-day itinerary

If you opt for the Greyhound bus pass, instead of booking direct,  click here  and use the code  MOLLIE10  for 10% off the direct rate with RatPack Travel. You can also use the discount for campers!

How much of my trip to Australia should I plan?

As a solo traveller, I always like to have a rough idea of where I’m going and what I’m doing. For Australia the choice is yours however I’d say it’s  pretty essential to pre-plan your trip if you are going in the peak season (November – February).  The popular trips trips get booked up around 3-4 weeks in advance during peak time. With everything else you can be super flexible with and keep it spontaneous.

A 1-day roadtrip from Byron Bay: Minyon Falls, Lake Ainsworth and Lennox Head

What happens if things go wrong?

Whether you are travelling solo or with friends, there is always scope for plans to change or things to go ‘wrong’. The first thing to do is to not panic; there’s always a solution! It’s pretty normal when travelling to be faced with a few hurdles, be it weather affecting your plans, suddenly feeling lonely or needing to go and see a doctor.  See my advice for feeling homesick when travelling here.

Medically, if you need to see a doctor urgently, the emergency number is  000.  Save it to your phone! Find hospitals near you  here . If you need to see a GP for something less urgent, most are open Monday-Friday 9-5, but you’ll need to book an appointment (it’ll cost 50-70 AUD). Make sure you get  travel insurance  – medical bills in Australia add up  really  quickly!

If you ever feel lonely,  don’t forget  that your family and friends are a quick WhatsApp or FaceTime away. The best way to overcome loneliness is to put yourself out there and socialise at the hostel events or common areas or join a tour with other backpackers. Don’t be scared though; feeling nervous before travelling is normal. Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do.  Get the flight booked and let the adventure begin…

The weather can’t be controlled, but try and check the forecast regularly before you make concrete plans, and if the weather calls off an activity you really wanted to do, embrace the storm and do that activity another day!

Top tip :  RatPack Travel  are the only agent that offers 100% full refund on any cancelled trips due to weather. RatPack knows that travelling sometimes isn’t perfect so if a big old storm rolls in and cancels your trip, you can expect all your money back.

CLICK HERE TO WHATSAPP RATPACK TRAVEL NOW (+61 490 149 348)

Looking for more top tips for solo travel in Australia?

Check out my video below, or my complete guide to  budgeting for backpacking through Australia here !

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

Have you solo travelled in Australia?

What are your top tips? I’d love to know about your experience!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

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A complete guide to solo travel in Australia

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here .

I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone.

My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America . But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia , because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂

Note:  Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation.

The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers

1. melbourne.

Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda , having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road . I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent.

Where to stay in Melbourne : I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne . But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel , which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure.

Read more : Where to eat in Melbourne , free things to do and general things to do , where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out.

St Kilda sunsets in Melbourne, one of the best places to visit in Australia alone.

2. Magnetic Island

This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone.

On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience 😉.

Where to stay on Magnetic Island : Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay.

Read more : Things to do on Magnetic Island, favourite photo locations and where to find koalas .

Yes, you can hire a car like this on a solo weekend getaway to Magnetic Island.

Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria .

Where to stay in Sydney : Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA ?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me.

Read more : Fun things to do in Sydney

Bondi, baby

As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone.

I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca.

Where to stay in Hobart : I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. They offer free day trips to MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD.

Read more : A visit to Mount Wellington , top things to do and where to eat in Hobart.

Views from Hobart’s Mount Wellington

So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island . You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds.

Where to stay in Cairns : I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s a total party hostel (there’s an onsite nightclub). If that’s not your style these days (I feel you), check out Traveller’s Oasis .

Read more : All the things to do in Cairns and you must do a Fitzroy Island day trip .

Hayley sitting on rock overlooking Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island near Cairns.

Taking in Fitzroy Island.

6. Adelaide

I did a solo weekend getaway to Adelaide in South Australia in 2018. It was my first time in the city and I really enjoyed my long weekend. I found there were plenty of things to do, the people were very friendly and the public transport network was great. Any city with cheap public buses to the airport is a winner in my book. Don’t miss visiting Glenelg Beach at sunset, checking out the free museums and art galleries, and heading to Hahndorf for lunch.

Where to stay in Adelaide : I stayed at the Adelaide Central YHA in a female dorm room and would stay there again.

Read more : My Adelaide weekend guide includes all the good stuff.

Henley Beach sunset in Adelaide

If you’re wondering what to pack, here’s a comprehensive list of my travel essentials

7. brisbane.

Brisbane was my home from 2012 to 2013 – before I ran away to Vancouver . I used to visit the city all the time when I lived in Townsville and have returned a few times in recent years. Although there are things to keep you occupied within the city over a weekend, the reason Brisbane makes this list of places to visit in Australia alone is that it’s sandwiched between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Although it’s easier to drive to these locations, catching the train from Brisbane to both coasts is possible. Use Brisbane as a base and do a beach-hopping day trip to either coast (although I’ll always be partial to the Sunny Coast ).

Where to stay in Brisbane : I’ve stayed at Brisbane City YHA , Breeze Lodge and the ibis . I’d go with the YHA for price and location.

Read more : My ultimate Brisbane guide and snapshots from a weekend in Brisbane .

Fun fact: I was born in Perth. My family lived in WA (with a brief stint in NSW) until I was nine, which is when we moved to Queensland. We’d regularly return to Perth to visit my grandparents, but I haven’t been back since 2012. Nonetheless, if you find yourself across the country in Western Australia, Perth is worth a visit. If you’re based on the East Coast though, Perth is a bit far to go for a solo weekend getaway. While in Perth, I recommend checking out King’s Park, beach-hopping, doing a day trip to Rottnest Island or Margaret River , and visiting Fremantle as well.

Where to stay in Perth : The reviews for this place are something else.

Cottesloe Beach // Source

9. Whitsundays

When I was a kid, I totally took for granted the fact we got to spend our school holidays in the Whitsundays on a couple of occasions. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia – whether you’re travelling alone or not. Thankfully, you can easily get from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach via a shuttle, and then from there, the 74 Whitsunday Islands are your oyster. Do a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, spend the day lazing by the Airlie Beach Lagoon (where I got majorly sunburnt one Christmas Eve) or head to Hamilton Island for the weekend. You won’t regret visiting the Whitsundays.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach : Magnums is located in the heart of Airlie Beach, where everything is within walking distance.

Read more : The best places to visit in Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef.

Airlie Beach

If you’re looking for more than just places to visit in Australia alone, check out my similar USA guide and my favourite solo travel destinations around the world.

10. byron bay.

Finally, Byron Bay in Northern New South Wales is the one destination on this list of the best places to visit in Australia alone that I still haven’t visited . I know, I know. But, I plan on heading there for a solo weekend getaway, eventually. Like the Whitsundays, you can easily get a shuttle from Ballina Byron Airport to Byron Bay. Once in town, I’ve heard you can see a lot on foot. I think I’d spend my time in Byron Bay alternating between relaxing at the beach and eating delicious food.

Where to stay in Byron Bay : As you can see from this post, I’m partial to a YHA because they always serve me well. There’s Byron Bay YHA , but Wake Up! Byron Bay also has stellar reviews. OMG, I want to go!

Hopefully one of these places to visit in Australia suits you and your solo weekend getaway needs.

Did any of these Australian solo travel destinations surprise you? No matter how long you visit Australia or where you go, I think you’re guaranteed to want to return for more. If there are other Aussie blog posts you’d like to see on Hayley on Holiday, please let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram .

Follow along: Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Pinterest

P.S. Do you sea (😉) a theme in these photos? It was unintentional, but apparently, I’m a sucker for a good Aussie beach.

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Reader interactions.

' src=

September 11, 2022 at 10:19 pm

Seriously? This is just a list of capital cities – disappointing!

' src=

September 29, 2022 at 3:54 pm

Sorry you feel disappointed but 4/10 places are actually not capital cities?

' src=

March 3, 2022 at 10:40 am

great guide! I’m looking to visit Australia solo soon and this was very helpful.

March 8, 2022 at 9:53 am

Thanks so much – happy travels 😊.

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Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone? 15 Dangers to Beware

You dream of a solo journey to the Land Down Under. But you’ve heard about the perils – the snakes, the spiders, the heat, the bushfires. Now you’re a little worried and wondering: is Australia safe to travel alone?

The simple answer is, yes. Australia is a safe place to travel alone. 

As an Australian and a solo traveller, I am yet to meet anyone who felt unsafe whilst travelling around Oz. But don’t just take my word for it…

In this article, I’ll break down the statistics that answer the question: is Australia safe to travel alone? You’ll see that only a tiny number of female or male tourists ever experience safety concerns whilst travelling solo in Australia.

I’ll also list the 15 dangers that every tourist should be aware of when travelling alone around Australia. Plus, I’ll share my top 5 safety tips for solo travel in Australia.

Take the stress out of planning – see my full guide to solo travel in Australia !

Is Australia safe for solo female travellers?

Is australia safe for solo male travellers, 15 dangers of travelling alone in australia.

  • 5 solo travel safety tips for Australia
  • More solo travel guides and tips

Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone?

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world to travel alone. Out of the 9 million people that visit Australia each year, more than 97.5% of tourists never witness or experience intimidation, harassment, assault, robbery or theft ( source ). And 99.99% of tourists to Australia return home alive ( source ). 

Numerous factors make Australia a safe destination for solo travel:

  • Low levels of crime.
  • Few health risks, diseases and viruses.
  • Modern amenities, infrastructure and transport links.
  • Modern emergency services including police, ambulance and fire.
  • Modern surveillance technology.
  • Political stability and civil order.
  • Generally friendly and helpful people.
  • Public and private healthcare services.
  • Strict criminal laws and gun bans.

Whilst it is safe to travel alone in Australia, you still need to remain aware of the dangers below and follow these solo travel safety tips . 

Solo travel deaths in Australia

A sign saying Dangerous Current on a beach in Australia.

On average, about 350-450 tourists die each year (0.01%) in Australia ( source ). 

Most health-related deaths occur amongst older tourists (e.g. heart disease). Contrastingly, most accidental deaths occur amongst younger tourists (e.g. transport accidents and drowning).

Very few deaths (about 0.9 per million short-term tourists) are caused by an unlawful assault (i.e. murder or manslaughter).

As such, it is statistically very safe to travel alone in Australia, particularly if you are in good health and aware of the dangers (see below).

Crimes against solo travellers in Australia

A police car in Victoria, Australia, protecting tourists and travellers.

According to this government study , 97.7% of tourists in Australia never experience or witness crime or harassment. 

Of that 2.3% that do experience or witness these incidents:

  • 1% witness intimidation, harassment or abuse
  • 0.2% witness assault
  • 0.2% witness robbery
  • 0.8% witness theft.

The most likely places for tourists to witness these crimes in Australia are in accommodation (31%) or on footpaths or streets (25%). Generally, public transport, outdoor recreation areas and commercial/licensed premises were safe.

Tourists mostly witness theft and robbery during the daytime (between 9 am and 3 pm). However, intimidation, harassment and abuse crimes can occur in equal measures during both day and night.

About 5% of tourists aged 15 to 24 report being victims of crime or harassment whilst travelling around Australia. Comparatively, only 1.6% of tourists aged 25 or above report being victims of crime or harassment. This means that it is safer for older tourists to solo travel in Australia.

As such, you are statistically very safe from experiencing crime or harassment whilst travelling alone in Australia.

Is Australia safe for solo female travellers? A solo female traveller in Australia sits in the safety of her van.

Australia is safe for solo female travellers. It is one of the most visited destinations in the world for women travelling alone.

Less than 1.5% of female travellers in Australia report witnessing or experiencing harassment, abuse or assault during their stay (according to the data above). 

However, young females travelling alone in Australia should take extra precautions. Most of the female tourists that do report harassment are aged between 15 and 24.  

I suggest buddying up with other female solo travellers from your hostel and walking home as a group after nights out. Most hostels also offer female-only dorms, further reducing safety risks.

A male solo travellers in Australia on the beach with a skateboard.

Australia is a safe destination for male solo travellers. Again, it is one of the most visited destinations in the world for men travelling alone. 

Less than 2.5% of male travellers in Australia report witnessing or experiencing abuse or crime during their stay (according to the data above).

However, young male tourists are more likely to be victims of homicide than other tourist demographics. Young males (aged between 15 and 24) are also more likely to witness or experience abuse or crime.

As such, young males travelling should take extra precautions. Avoid excessive drinking and walk away from altercations. Never drive when intoxicated and stick to the road rules. When returning to your accommodation at night, try to walk in a group.

For 20 more tips and personal tales, see my article on traveling alone as a man .

Related Post

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1. Wildlife

A snake in the bush in Australia. A safety threat to people travelling alone.

The biggest safety concern for anyone about to travel alone around Australia? The creepy crawlies and the deadly wildlife!

When travelling alone in Australia, you need to be aware of the following animals and the threats that they pose:

  • Snakes: Snakes are active in Australia from Spring to Autumn. It is highly unlikely that you will come across a snake during your solo travels. Try to avoid them by making noise, wearing covered footwear and sticking to well-used trails when bushwalking. If you do come across a snake, back away without taking your eyes off it.
  • Spiders: Spiders are a concern in Australia throughout the year. You will likely come across spiders during your solo travels. Avoid spiders by shaking out your shoes and clothing before putting them on. Never reach into piles of foliage, pipes, holes or places where spiders may live.
  • Crocodiles: In the north of Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia), you need to be aware of crocodiles. Never swim at the beach or in fresh water sources unless there is signage indicating that it is safe to do so. Avoid approaching or camping near the edge of the water and keep your distance from crocodile slide marks.
  • Jellyfish: You also need to be aware of jellyfish in the north of Australia (particularly Queensland). The peak season for jellyfish is November to May. Never swim at the beach unless there is signage indicating that it is safe to do so. When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, you may want to hire a protective stinger suit.
  • Sharks: Sharks are rarely a danger to swimmers in Australia. However, you can reduce your risk of encountering a shark by swimming close to the shore and between the flags at patrolled beaches. Avoid swimming at dusk or dawn. If you do see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible.
  • Mosquitos: Mosquitos are a health risk and can spread disease in Australia (particularly in northern Queensland). Protect yourself when travelling alone by covering up with long-sleeve tops and pants when outside. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Mosquitoes are worst at dusk and dawn. 
  • Kangaroos, emus and cassowaries: Many solo travellers enjoy visiting zoos in Australia and getting up close to kangaroos and emus. However, you should avoid approaching these animals in the wild, as they have been known to attack by using their long claws.
  • Dingoes: Wild dingoes roam around some popular tourist destinations in Australia, including the Outback and Fraser (K’gari) Island. Generally, they will avoid humans but they can become aggressive and attack. Never feed a dingo. If a dingo does approach you, stand tall and back away slowly (never run).  

2. Heat and sun

An umbrella on a beach in Australia.

During summer, temperatures in Australia can reach more than 45℃ (113℉). 

You must stay well hydrated to avoid heat stroke. Try to drink about 2.5L (0.5 gals) of water per day whilst you travel alone.

Australia also has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. Your skin can burn in as little as ten minutes if you don’t properly protect yourself from the sun. 

Always wear sunscreen when spending more than half an hour outside. On particularly hot days, try to cover up with a hat and long sleeves. 

3. Wild weather events

A bushfire burning in Australia.

Extreme weather events are a common and dangerous occurrence in Australia. 

Besides the heat (see above), solo travellers also need to be aware of fires, floods, storms and cyclones

Upon arrival, download the Bureau of Meteorology app on your smartphone. This will keep you up to date with weather forecasts and warnings, helping you to stay safe whilst travelling alone in Australia.

4. Adventure sports

A scuba diver giving the shakas underwater.

There are a heap of adventure sports for solo travellers to get involved in whilst travelling Australia. 

Some of the most popular adventure sports in Oz include scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, paragliding, surfing, parachuting, bungee, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, caving, horse riding and white water rafting.

However, accidents can and do happen. Unfortunately, numerous tourists are injured or die each year whilst participating in adventure sports.

Always use a professional guide and a trusted operator when participating in adventure sports. Read online reviews on Google and TripAdvisor before booking.

Be aware, some activities that seem relatively easy (e.g. hiking, golf or tennis) can turn deadly in Australia due to extreme heat (see above).

5. Swimming

Surf lifesavers raising a flag on a beach in Australia.

One of the biggest dangers to tourists in Australia is drowning whilst swimming. 

Whilst Australia’s beaches are beautiful, the surf is powerful and strong currents can drag swimmers out to sea. 

Only go swimming in Australia if you are a confident swimmer. And only swim on beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards, staying between the red and yellow flags. 

As mentioned above, you also need to be cautious of crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks when swimming in Australia. Always read the safety signage.

A roadsign in Australia telling drivers to reduce speed.

The biggest danger to tourists in Australia is driving and road safety. Drivers often become tired because of the long distances between destinations.

If you plan on driving whilst travelling alone in Australia, break long journeys into small chunks. Stop for a day or two in the regional towns between the major destinations.

Also, ensure that you have filled your car with enough fuel for the journey. Fuel stations can be few and far between in Australia, particularly in the Outback.

Never drink and drive. Australia has very strict drink driving laws and drivers are regularly breath tested by police. You will be criminally prosecuted and deported from the country if caught by police.

A mosquito

There are not many diseases or illnesses that solo travellers need to worry about in Australia. 

Generally, it is recommended that solo travellers receive their routine vaccines (e.g. flu, chickenpox, MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus, etc.) before travelling to Australia (as recommended by the CDC ).

You can drink tap water in Australia. However, avoid drinking from outdoor taps unless they are designated for drinking.

Be aware of mosquitos when travelling alone in the tropics or rural areas. See above for advice on avoiding mosquito bites.

8. Sexually Transmitted Infections

A banana with a condom on it and the words 'safe sex'.

More than 75% of backpackers and solo travellers have sex during their trip (and more than 30% hook up with more than one partner). But with so many travellers getting frisky during their adventures, you have to be cautious of STIs.

Some of the most common STIs in Australia that solo travellers need to be aware of include:

  • Hepatitis B and C
  • HPV and genital warts.

To reduce your risk of an STI or unintended pregnancy, use contraceptives or abstain from sex altogether. 

Men should include condoms on their solo travel packing list for males . Women should also include male or female contraceptives on their solo travel packing list for females .

9. Mental health

A woman sleeping in a bed

Solo travel can be sad and lonely at times, particularly if you are predisposed to mental health issues.

There are numerous helplines and services that solo travellers in Australia can use if they are struggling with their mental health.

If you are concerned about your mental health whilst travelling alone, see my article on solo travel depression . 

You may also be interested in knowing:

  • How to travel alone and not be lonely
  • Is it weird to travel alone?

10. Drunken behaviour

A man sitting and drinking a beer in Australia.

Australia is known for having a drinking culture. So, it is no surprise that many solo travellers (particularly youngsters) find themselves drinking and partying most nights whilst travelling alone around Australia.

However, excessive drinking presents short-term and long-term risks to your safety and well-being. When drunk, you are more likely to take risks (e.g. drive drunk, go swimming at night or get involved in altercations).

Numerous solo travellers have gone missing in Australia after a night of drinking. 

If you are going to drink, avoid becoming overly intoxicated. Try to buddy up with other travellers from your accommodation and stay in groups when partying.

Female solo travellers also need to be cautious of drink spiking. Statistics suggest that 4 out of 5 victims of spiking in Australia are female (many aged under 24). Always buy your own drinks, watch them being poured, never leave them unattended and throw it out if you think it tastes weird.

11. Fights and arguments

Two kangaroos in Australia fighting

In Australia, almost 5% of people experience threatened or physical assault each year. As such, there is a chance that solo travellers may witness or be involved in an argument or fight during their stay in Australia.

However, most assaults occur in suburban or disadvantaged areas, where tourists do not generally visit.

Young people (aged 15-29) who are travelling alone need to be particularly cautious and avoid getting involved in arguments. 

Arguments and fights can occur during the day or night, but they mostly stem from drunken behaviour. Avoid interacting with drunken individuals in public.

12. Sexual harassment

A woman crying in a bed. Sexual harassment is a safety concern for solo female travellers.

Generally, females do not have to worry about intimidation, harassment or abuse when travelling alone in Australia. Less than 1% of tourists report witnessing or experiencing harassment during their stay.

Of those female tourists that do report harassment, however, most are aged between 15 and 24. Therefore, young females travelling alone should take extra precautions. 

As suggested above, buddy up with other female solo travellers from your hostel and walk home as a group after nights out. Most hostels also offer female-only dorms, further reducing safety risks.

If you do feel harassed, ask people around you for help if possible. Most Australians are friendly people and will help you immediately.

If there is no one else around or the situation is serious, do not hesitate to call the police on Australia’s emergency hotline – 000.

13. Theft and pickpocketing

A wallet being pulled out of a man's pocket.

Only 1% of tourists in Australia witness or experience theft or robbery during their stay. Theft and pickpocketing are very rare thanks to modern surveillance systems and strong policing.

However, it is still worthwhile keeping an eye on your belongings when visiting touristy areas.

When visiting busy beaches (e.g. Bondi Beach), try to avoid leaving your belongings alone on the sand whilst swimming. Take a buddy with you from your hostel, so that they can sit with your belongings whilst you swim. If you don’t have a buddy with you, try to keep your belongings close to the water’s edge and watch them from the water.

A taxi light shining in the dark.

Thanks to the strict criminal laws and strong police presence in Australia, tourists rarely have to worry about being scammed.

However, there are some scams that solo travellers should be aware of in Australia:

  • Taxi overcharging: It is preferable to use Uber over taxis. If you do have to use a taxi, make sure that the metre is switched on and check how long the trip should take on Google Maps.
  • Text message and phone scams: If you are using a local SIM card whilst travelling in Australia, you may receive text or phone scams. Ignore or hang up on any numbers you don’t recognise.
  • Train fares: Some scammers stand at train stations or bus stops and tell you that their bag was stolen (or a similar story). They will ask you to give them money for their return ticket home.
  • Overcharging: In tourist areas, some businesses may try to overcharge you for goods or services. Whilst not technically a scam, you can use my guide to solo travel in Australia to get an idea for budgeting and general costs.

If you think you have been scammed, contact the Australian police and your bank to find out if there is any way to fix the situation.

15. Laws and airport customs

An Australian Federal Police vehicle parked outside of Brisbane airport.

As you may have seen on shows like Nothing to Declare, Australia takes its criminal laws and airport customs very seriously.

As a solo tourist, you want to avoid breaking the law whilst visiting Australia. Doing so could see you criminally punished and deported from the country. 

The most common criminal laws that you need to be aware of when travelling alone in Australia include:

  • Drug laws: Illicit drugs are illegal in Australia (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, shrooms, LSD and amphetamines). If you are caught in possession of these drugs, you will almost definitely be arrested and prosecuted.
  • Drink and drug driving: The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for fully licensed drivers in Australia is 0.05. If you are caught driving whilst intoxicated or under the effect of drugs in Australia, you will be arrested and prosecuted.
  • Assault: I have seen many tourists in Australia arrested, prosecuted and deported due to their involvement in physical fights. Avoid altercations at all costs.

You also need to be aware of Australia’s import customs . When you arrive by plane, you will be asked if you are carrying food, animal products, tobacco, alcohol, medicines, drugs, plants, seeds, weapons or other miscellaneous items.

You may have to dispose of some of these items if they are banned in Australia. If you are caught trying to enter Australia with these items without declaring them, you may be fined or criminally prosecuted.

Solo Travel Safety Tips for Australia

Here are my top 5 safety tips for people travelling alone around Australia. But if you want more advice, be sure to check out all 35 of my solo travel safety tips .

  • Save emergency contacts in your phone

An air ambulance helicopter landing in Melbourne, Australia.

The emergency assistance number in Australia is 000. Call this number if you ever need emergency assistance from the police, fire service or an ambulance.

Save the emergency assistance number as a contact in your phone. This will save you from having to Google it in an emergency.

However, only use this number in real emergencies. Calling it for improper use may be considered a criminal offence.

On your smartphone, you should also set a family member or trusted friend as an emergency SOS contact ( iOS and Android ).

  • Catch public transport instead of driving

A public bus driving around Sydney, Australia.

Driving and road accidents are one of the main causes of tourist deaths in Australia. To minimise your chances of being in an accident, avoid driving and catch public transport instead. 

Understandably, some solo travellers will want to drive or ride around Australia. In some cases, you need your own vehicle to access remote regions.

But if you do choose to drive whilst travelling alone in Australia, remember:

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Take breaks when travelling long distances.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Always carry enough petrol (particularly in the Outback).
  • Avoid driving at dusk, dawn or night (this is when kangaroos and cattle are most often on the road).
  • Don’t hitchhike 

A solo female traveller hitchihking on the side of the road. An unsafe practice.

Hitchhiking is not popular in Australia. 

If you try to hitchhike, you will likely be waiting for a long time before someone eventually picks you up. Standing on the side of a busy road or highway is extremely dangerous.

Also, you cannot guarantee that the driver is trustworthy. The victims in some of Australia’s most notorious murder cases were backpackers and solo travellers who were hitchhiking.

  • Avoid these dangerous spots at night

The welcome sign to Alice Springs, Northern Territory. One of the most dangerous cities for tourists in Australia.

Like every country in the world, there are places in Australia that can be dangerous for tourists to visit alone (particularly at night). 

The large cities and towns in Australia are generally safe to wander both day and night. Much of the crime occurs in the outer suburbs and in disadvantaged areas that tourists never visit.

However, in terms of crime, the most dangerous places to visit in Australia include:

  • Alice Springs

As a local that has travelled all around Australia, I would avoid exploring these places at night. Whilst it might be fine to walk from your accommodation to a nearby bar or restaurant, you should avoid the backstreets and housing areas.

  • Get a local SIM Card

A SIM card. Buying a local SIM is convenient and safe when travelling alone.

For your safety, it is important that you stay connected whilst travelling alone around Australia. I recommend getting a local SIM card, which is usually more affordable and provides better coverage than data roaming.

There are three main mobile providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Personally, I use Telstra because they provide the widest coverage – important if you are travelling alone in the Outback.

All three providers have stalls in most of the international airports around Australia. Purchase a SIM upon arrival and have the staff set it up for you.

Summary: Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone?

Despite its dangers, Australia is still a very safe place to travel alone. This applies to everyone, including women and men, young and old.

Based on the statistics, there is an almost 99% chance that your solo journey in Australia will be trouble-free. 

If you use your common sense and follow safety advice, you will be one of the 9 million tourists that enjoy travelling to Australia each year.

It’s time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, watch the sunrise over Uluru and relax on the sands of Bondi Beach – see my full guide to solo travel in Australia !

Related Posts

Guide to Solo Travel in Australia. Sydney Harbour.

Australia Solo Travel Guide and Adventure Itinerary (2023)

Solo Travel New Zealand Guide

New Zealand Solo Travel – Adventure Itinerary & Guide (2023)

New Zealand solo trip cost.

New Zealand Solo Trip Cost (2023)

More solo travel guides and tips on nomadic yak.

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Nomadic Yak helps solo travellers to plan journeys that are adventurous and authentic.

Every article is written by me, Harry . I’ve travelled to 40+ countries over the last 5 years – alone.

For even more information about solo travel in Australia, see our solo travel tips .

We also have destination guides to help you plan solo travel in nearby countries such as New Zealand.

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Creator of Nomadic Yak

At age 22, I had never travelled overseas. Six years later, I have travelled alone through 35 countries and work wherever I like as a freelance writer.

Pommie Travels

How to Travel Australia Alone

My first ever solo backpacking experience was to Australia. I spent a total of 6 weeks traveling up the east coast from Sydney to Cairns , then flew to Alice Springs for a 3-day Uluru Tour. From there I flew to Melbourne for the Grand Prix, then I continued my adventures in New Zealand.

For a first-timer to traveling alone, Australia is an ideal location because it’s an English-speaking country, it’s set up for backpackers and it’s easy to make friends. At first it was a little bit daunting and the thought crossed my mind; “What if I don’t meet anyone?” but as soon as I landed I realised my fears were completely unfounded. Not once on my trip was I ever alone. When I touched down in Sydney, I met lots of people in my hostel in Bondi Beach and I still talk to some of them to this day. I became good friends with a girl on the Oz Experience bus, (who was also traveling solo) and we were pretty inseparable for the next few weeks.

Don’t be nervous or apprehensive; here are my top tips for how to travel Australia alone:

Go prepared

Skim Boarding Australia

First of all, make sure you purchase adequate insurance to cover you for things like emergency medical expenses and lost or stolen items.

Also make sure you have the right Visa for your trip. If you’re from the UK and traveling as a tourist for less than 3 months you can apply for the eVisitor visa online, or you might want to spend a year in the Land Down Under by applying for a Working Holiday Visa . You can also apply for an Australia visa through a private visa bureau that takes most of the work out of your hands for a slightly higher fee. Just make sure you use a reputable one.

Do your research about the activities you would like to do, but don’t have too many fixed plans in place, because the likelihood is you’ll meet people along the way and you might want to change your itinerary. Perhaps also something like “but make sure you use a reputable one”.

Try Oz Experience or Greyhound

Oz Experience Crew in fancy dress

I chose the Oz Experience bus and I would recommend it to anyone traveling alone. Basically you choose a route and purchase a bus pass before you go, and it works like a hop-on-hop-off tour.  Everyone doing the Oz Experience is traveling on their own time scale- some fast, and others a bit slower. But as I made my way up the east coast, I did find that I would bump into people I had met before and soon I found I had a new crew of friends. The bus drivers are fantastic at getting everyone to socialise by playing games on the bus, and we often broke the long journeys up with cool activities such as barefoot lawn bowls. It’s a flexible, safe way to travel around Australia, and the drivers will help you book extra tours and excursions too.

The alternative is the Greyhound bus, which is a bus service that will take you between the main cities. This is just a point to point service and personally I think the Oz Experience seems a lot more fun for a solo traveller.

Stay in Hostels

If you’re backpacking Australia and want to meet other people, hostels are a great place to do that as they have common areas where you can swap stories over a few beers. My favourite hostels in Australia included  Surfside Bondi Beach, Holiday Village Byron Bay, Cool Bananas Town of 1770, Habitat HQ St. Kilda, Base Magnetic Island and Global Backpackers Airlie Beach.

Take a tour

Kangaroo Island Tour

I’m not usually a ‘tour person’ but I booked some fantastic tours and I quickly became good friends with the people in my tour groups. My favourite tour was a 4×4 excursion to Fraser Island because we spent several nights camping under the stars, driving on the beaches and cooking meals together. Other memorable tours I’ve taken part in included a 3-day tour to Uluru and Kings Canyon, a tour of Kangaroo Island and a tour to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. I booked a Whitsunday Islands sailing trip, but unfortunately there was a cyclone and we had to sail back after just one night.

Find a road trip buddy

I was lucky enough to make a friend who also wanted to drive the Great Ocean Road , so we rented a vehicle in Melbourne and off we went. If you’re looking for a buddy to do a road trip with, look on the noticeboards in the hostels. The noticeboards will often have info about vehicles for sale (if you’re staying a while) and messages from people looking to do a road trip. Alternatively I would recommend you check out the Gumtree website and the Rideshare and Travel Partners section!

Road Trip Australia

I had an incredible time traveling alone in Australia, and there definitely isn’t anything to be worried about! It’s an amazing place and you’ll make so many memories.

About The Author

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18 thoughts on “How to Travel Australia Alone”

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Love your photo on the van 🙂

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I much rather prefer airbnb over hostels, they are much cheaper, although you wont meet as much people.

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Hey! This helped me a lot. I was a bit scared to go all by myself at first but when I read this I felt more confident and acually convinced that I can do this. I’ve read about the Oz experience before but I’m a bit confused over wich route to choose. Which one did you pick? Thank you for the inspiration!

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Really cool article! I went backpacking my myself as well and it was the best experience ever! 🙂

Really cool article! I went backpacking by myself as well and it was the best experience ever! 🙂

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I’ve recently found myself with no option but to travel alone down the East Coast after splitting up with my boyfriend of 7 years, and being too proud to admit defeat and go home. The idea of travelling alone is terrifying me but I have to do it, and reading this has actually got me feeling a lot more relaxed about the whole thing. I hope I have the same awesome experiences you clearly had. Thanks!

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Hi Clo, glad you found some inspiration in the article! Hope you have a great time!

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I’m heading to Australia by myself in February 2019!! I’m so excited but due to work can only stay there a week going to Sydney how much would I be able to do in a weeks time in Australia?

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When are you travelling down there? I’m English,in Perth house/dog sitting for a bit, and then getting to Cairns on 24th March and heading down the coast until 20th April, so could be fun to link along the way 🙂

I can give you my email address if that helps.

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I totally agree with Clo! much needed motivation for me as I am getting ready to travel for the month of may.

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Sounds awesome.. Did you go? 🙂

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I’m in somewhat of a siniliar situation – have you started your travels ? Just looking for suggestions. 🙂

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Hi Victoria,

I’m planing on traveling alone east coast australia in november. I’m thinking of joining the oz experience. What package did you choose? Did you book hostels in advance or when you arrived to the place? Thank you for a good blogg post 🙂

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Hi, lovely article thank you!

Now that Oz Experience has joined up with Greyhound do you think the activities included for the price are worthwhile or do you think I am better booking these alone? I’d really like your thoughts on this as it is quite expensive for the Cruiser pass in comparison to the amount needed to travel up the east coast so just want to make sure I have value for money. Not sure whether to maybe go for the medium option on Oz Experience and book a few activities separately. I am travelling alone!

Any help would be massively appreciated!

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Share goon to make friends

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I am planning a trip to NZ and East Coast Australia but I am 41 and wondering by so many pictures of young travelers……am I going to feel old or is there a lot of different ages staying in the hostels and tours ect?

Hi Cheyenne, there will be lots of young people, yes. Australia is where lots of people go when they’re just out of school or in their 20s. Of your age group there were usually one or two in the hostels. But I wouldn’t worry about it, if you are social person and you take tours, I’m sure you will make friends. I think ultimately it is all about your own attitude 🙂

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HI, Can you send me a link to the OZ Experience Pass….I cannot seem to find a link on their website. Please and thank you,

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Australia’s best solo travel destinations

Nothing evokes the feeling of pure freedom more than travelling alone. From lively city scenes to prehistoric outback landscapes, Australia offers unique destinations perfectly suited to the solo traveller.

By Amy Fraser

Yoga class at Creature Yoga in Byron Bay, NSW © Creature Yoga/Drishti Studio Photography

Creature Yoga, Byron Bay, New South Wales © Creature Yoga/Drishti Studio Photography

Great for: Wellness activities and laid-back bars

Australia’s east coast is a mecca for backpacking adventures, and Byron Bay is undoubtedly a long-time favourite along this lauded route. What once was a sleepy coastal town transformed into a hippie heaven of surfing and wellness in the 60s. The latter has become the fabric of Byron Bay, but these days, you can expect a patchwork of trendy restaurants, bars and relaxed hostels peppered around town too. Spend your days experiencing Byron Bay’s laid-back vibe: chasing waves, stretching out your worries in a yoga class or watching the world wake up from Australia’s most easterly point. Come evening, say cheers with new friends at The Surf House’s rooftop bar.

Magnetic Island

Alma Bay sunrise, Magnetic Island, Townsville, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Alma Bay, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Great for: Spotting koalas and budget-friendly island escapes

You don’t need to travel far to experience the splendours of a tropical island. Magnetic Island , or ‘Maggie’ as affectionately called by locals and travellers alike, is coated in lush bushland that meets white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take the easy 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville and check into Nomads – one of Australia’s most breathtaking hostels – where a line of teepee-style wooden rooms and swaying palm trees overlook the ocean. Maggie’s list of adventures is endless. Hire an open-roof car to explore some of the 23 dazzling beaches that envelop the island, immerse yourself in the world’s largest koala population along the Forts Walk to see our furry friends among the trees, and follow a colourful snorkel trail to gaze over vibrant corals and a 1900s shipwreck.

Good Heavens roof top bar, Melbourne, VIC © Visit Victoria

Good Heavens roof top bar, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Great for: A trendy food and drink scene

Melbourne has been dubbed one of the most liveable cities in the world – and it’s a must-visit too. This eclectic city serves up silky coffees (often claimed as Australia’s best), eccentric exhibitions and show-stopper plates of food. Capture the bustling atmosphere and artistic details of its cobbled laneways , mingle with the locals at a live sports event and watch the sunset over the city skyline from a rooftop bar . Whether you want to blend into the city or make new-found friends, Melbourne’s menu of solo-friendly activities is a recipe for a great time.

Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, Cairns, QLD © Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, Cairns, Queensland © Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

Great for: Exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Cairns, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Unmissable experience

Join Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel  to meet Indigenous sea rangers and learn about their cultural practices and creation stories connected to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tropical adventures abound in the friendly town of Cairns , where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites meet. Positioned between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest , and with plenty of uncrowded palm-fringed beaches in between, the natural wonders of North Tropical Queensland are at your fingertips here. Join a cruise to snorkel around the colourful outer reefs, or face your fears with a bungy jump. The ancient culture of the Daintree Rainforest is just a one-hour drive away, easily accessed solo or on a group tour.

Fraser Dingo 4WD Hire, K'gari, QLD © Fraser Dingo 4WD Hire

Fraser Dingo 4WD Hire, K'gari, Queensland © Fraser Dingo 4WD Hire

Great for: 4WD adventures and gorgeous lagoons

Coated in sand dunes, rainforests and natural blue lakes, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) exudes the free spirit nature of solo travel. Despite the small slither of ocean that separates it from the mainland, you’ll feel a world away from life’s realities on this remarkable landscape, crowned the world’s largest sand island. The best way to experience K’gari as a solo traveller is on a group tag-along tour . Following your guide, take the wheel of a 4WD to cruise along the mighty 75 Mile Beach, drive through the towering forest and swim in crystal-clear lagoons. At night, relax in private beach house accommodation.

Mount Wellington, Hobart, TAS © Daniel Tran

Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania © Daniel Tran

Great for: Local produce and culture

Known as one of the friendliest cities in Australia, a solo trip to Hobart is always a good idea. The charismatic city centre is small enough to explore solo and big enough to excite. Wander around the traditional Salamanca markets to taste the region’s famed produce, expect the unexpected at MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) and enjoy a beer at Cascades Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating craft brewery. The city’s surroundings are just as alluring. Hike to the summit of Mount Wellington for sunrise or take a day trip to the nearby Bruny Island , where gourmet delights in the form of cheese, beer and chocolate meet spectacular walks and wildlife.

travel australia alone

Ways to make friends while travelling

Fremantle and Rottnest Island

Aerial view of Little Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Little Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Great for: Making (furry) friends

It’s not every day you can wake up in a World Heritage-listed 1800s building and later on, come face-to-face with a tiny smiling marsupial on an island described as paradise. The port city of Fremantle has long been a popular destination for solo travellers. Stay at the unique YHA Fremantle Prison hostel to make life-long friends (and memories) and embrace the city’s extensive culture at fascinating museums, bustling food markets and breweries famed for their pioneering craft beers. From Fremantle, take the easy 30-minute ferry ride to Rottnest Island , an island primed for solo exploration. Explore its gorgeous bays and beaches on two wheels and be sure to capture your day with an adorable quokka selfie .

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain Canyons, Cradle Mountain, TAS © Off the Path

Cradle Mountain Canyons, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania © Off the Path

Great for: Natural beauty and wildlife

Slow travel is synonymous with Cradle Mountain St Clair National Park , where Tasmania’s raw wilderness evokes a deep connection to nature and wildlife in the heart of the ancient World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Join a night tour at the conversation centre, Devils@Cradle, to meet the typically shy Tasmanian Devil , or venture into the wild after dark to spot native Tassie animals on a guided tour. If you’ve got an appetite for thrills, try abseiling down dramatic waterfalls on a canyoning adventure. And for those who seek the true solidarity of nature, join a day tour from Launceston to hit Cradle Mountain’s breathtaking collection of hikes, spanning dramatic summits, alpine terrain and ancient rainforests.

A visitor walking around the base of Uluru, NT © Tourism NT/Jackson Groves

Ulu r u, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Jackson Groves

Great for: Connecting to the world’s oldest living culture

Nothing says adventure like visiting the mighty r u">Ulu r u , the world’s largest sandstone monolith towering 348m (1,142ft) high from the red earth of Australia’s arid outback. Over 500 million years old, Ulu r u’s spirit is just as present in the Indigenous A n angu people and their Dreamtime stories as it is in the red-hued rock itself. Immerse yourself in the region on a multi-day tour (goodbye, transportation worries) which blends the highlights of Ulu r u and its neighbouring monolith, Kata Tju t a. Expect days packed with guided cultural hikes through otherworldly landscapes, Indigenous bush tucker-inspired dinners and a spell-binding celestial sky.

Untamed Escapes, Flinders Ranges, SA © Untamed Escapes

Untamed Escapes, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Untamed Escapes

Great for: South Australia’s bucket list experiences

Adelaide’s easily-accessible city centre and beaches make it a popular locale for solo travellers. There’s plenty to do in and around the city – think wine tasting at world-class vineyards, beach hopping along an endless coastline and museum hopping around celebrated art galleries. But its appeal also lies in its proximity to South Australia’s untamed ancient outback and seafood-famed coastal regions. Hit the open road with a group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip to access off-grid outback hikes, cultural insights and an epic itinerary crafted with some of the state’s most exhilarating experiences. On a six-day Swag Camping Eco Tour , a smorgasbord of bucket list activities awaits, from traversing the dramatic gorges of the 540-million-year-old Flinders Ranges by foot to swimming with playful sea lions, spotting koalas in the wild and shucking fresh oysters on the Eyre Peninsula .

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Uluru, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Lola Hubner

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10 helpful tips for travelling solo in Australia

Amanda Woods

Travel Journalist

16 February 2023

Time

Travelling solo is an art that takes a bit of fine-tuning, but once you get it right, you’ll never want to stop.

Whether you’re excited or terrified by the prospect of solo travel in Australia, here are some top tips to help get you on your way.  

1. Embrace the unknown

When you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before it’s comforting to have a familiar face along for the ride. But rather than worrying about going it alone, see it as a chance find out just what you’re capable of when you’re the only one in the driver’s seat.

Jurien Bay Skydive

You’ll be surprised what you can do when you travel solo. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Plan ahead but don’t panic if those plans don’t go as smoothly as you’d hoped. If the last few years have taught us anything it’s that we can’t control everything in life and flexibility is key. Stay open to where any twists and turns may take you. It may not be where you set out to go, but you could come home with even better memories and stories.   

travel australia alone

Stay open to whatever opportunities come your way. (Image: Tourism Australia)

2. Talk to strangers

Some people can happily talk to anyone, anywhere. For others conversations are things best saved for people they already know and love. Depending on the day I could be in either of these camps and can happily spend days talking to no one, or find myself chatting to strangers about anything under the sun.  

When you’re travelling solo there’s a lot to be said for talking to strangers. If they’re local they can tell you more about the place you’re visiting. If they’re a fellow traveller you can swap tales and tips.

To stay on the safe side,  don’t tell people you’ve just met that you’re travelling alone. A phantom partner who’s either back in the hotel room or about to meet you for dinner can help create a safety buffer until you’re confident you’re in the right kind of company.   

If you’re a bit rusty on the striking-up conversations with strangers side of things try asking them questions about their favourite things to do, see and eat around town. If they like to chat you could be there for hours. And if they don’t then thank them for their short reply and let them get back to their day.    

Man talking to worker on Willie Cruises serving oysters drinking a Coopers Pale Ale.

You’ll learn a lot by speaking to strangers. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Enjoy dining alone

Solomangarephobia is a fear of eating alone in public and while I’ve never known that fear I know what it’s like to feel other people looking at me when I’m dining alone, especially when I treat myself to a solo meal in a good restaurant .   

If you’re worried about eating by yourself a counter seat or a seat at the bar can be a great option. I’ve had some very entertaining conversations with chefs, bar staff and fellow single diners at a counter seat. 

Meal and beer at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Just because you’re on your own, doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a gourmet meal. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As easy as it is to disappear into your phone, force yourself to put your devices away and  take in where you are. Really taste that food that you’ve never eaten before. Even if it’s an old favourite dish, you’ve never had it here so how does it compare?   

If you’d rather have some kind of distraction bring a book or magazine, or take the time to write in a travel journal or catch up on postcards rather than scrolling social media.   

Gourmet dishes and cocktail.

Try to embrace your solo dining experience rather than escaping into your phone. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Be patient

With yourself and with others. When you step out of your comfort zone you’re bound to have some frustrating moments. Whether it’s failing to immediately grasp a new public transport system or getting lost after taking a wrong turn, take a breath and reboot. Allow extra time for figuring some things out slowly and be kind to yourself when you get things wrong.

Extend the same courtesies to everyone you meet on your travels. Some things may not be done as quickly as you’re used to back home, but with so many short-staffed businesses around Australia, the people behind the counters are the ones who turned up and are doing their best.

Aerial shot of boat on beach.

Step out of your comfort zone. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Pack your hiking boots

Really get to know a special corner of Australia on two feet. You can either be inspired by Cheryl Strayed’s Wild experience and go completely solo, or if you’re like me and want to walk the walk but not pitch your own tent you can join a guided hike. 

Spicers overhead shot of a man travelling solo in Australia

The spectacular mountain view on top is worth the hike. (Image: Spicers Scenic Rim)

As a solo traveller on  Spicer’s Scenic Rim Trail ,  I was able to hike 88km up and along Queensland ’s Great Dividing Range with nothing more than a day pack. As well as having the security and safety of a guide I loved the chance to get to know fellow hikers both on the trail and over drinks and dinners every night.

female hikers traversing the Spicers Scenic Rim trail

Safely traverse the Spicers Scenic Rim trail with a hiking guide. (Image: Spicers Scenic Rim)

There are short and long walks to find around Australia including Tasmania ’s Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, South Australia ’s Arkaba Walk and the Northern Territory ’s Larapinta Trek , and some companies offer no single supplement deals so you don’t have to pay more to go solo.   

Woman with sleeping bag at the Elder Camp on the Arkaba Walk in South Australia's Flinders Ranges.

The Arkaba Walk is great for solo travellers. (Image: Wild Bush Luxury / Great Walks of Australia)

6. Join a group

If your friends and family aren’t interested in joining you on your dream trip but you’d rather not go it alone, a group holiday could be the answer. When I joined an  Inspiring Journeys  tour I went from an Indigenous tour of the Daintree and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to seeing Field of Light at Uluru at hiking Kings Canyon at sunrise.

Kings Canyon photography at Inspiring Journeys

Kings Canyon is a true spectacle you don’t want to miss. (Image: Inspiring Journeys)

As well as handing over all of the logistics to the experts, you’ll get the chance to share the trip with other travellers. Companies will often know the best things to do in any location and have tickets to events or experiences that can sell out in advance.

Uluru lit up during Field of Light.

Companies will know the best things to do in any location. (Image: Tourism Australia)

With tours tailored to different kinds of travelling styles as well as destinations, you may even meet some like-minded travel friends for future adventures. 

Indigenous tour in the Daintree Rainforest

Tours are tailored to different kinds of travelling styles. (Image: Walkabout Cultural Adventures)

7. Set sail

Another way to go it alone without really going it alone. I’ve enjoyed cabins for one on boats and ships that have had anywhere from 10 to 4,000 passengers. Sailing solo gives you a chance to be as social or as quiet as you like and at meals there’s almost always a table where you can join other people or you can simply request to dine alone.   

Cruise ship in Sydney Harbour

Cruising is a good way to meet other people while travelling. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As with group tours you don’t have to worry about orchestrating any plans, and on a ship you don’t have to keep packing and unpacking your bags either. On a tour around Tasmania’s wild coast with  Coral Expeditions I was able to see wilderness spots I couldn’t have reached by car and after sharing travel tales over meals I could retire to my cabin alone.

exploring the crystal blue waters

Australia’s powdery white beaches have sparkling emerald blue waters. (Image: Coral Expeditions)

Coral Expeditions are among the cruise companies that offer to match single guests with people of the same gender to avoid single supplements, and also have a Standby Singles offer where you could get a cabin to yourself with no single supplement depending on availability.   

Woman taking selfie on ship deck.

Look around for a cruise line that doesn’t charge more for singles. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Some cruise lines including  Cunard  and  Celebrity Cruises  also have solo staterooms built for one but as single cabins and fares are limited it’s best to book well ahead.   

Ships docked in Melbourne

Some cruise lines have solo staterooms. (Image: Tourism Australia)

8. Be beach smart

Australian beaches are pretty sweet places to get away from it all and while most people can be trusted unfortunately there are times when you shouldn’t just put your valuables in your shoes when you go for a dip. Well, that’s unless they’re a pair of reef or waterproof shoes with pockets. Then you’re good to go.

Person sitting on beach in Pelorus Island Beach Cave.

Beaching solo is great fun, just make sure you do it safely. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Some beaches have lockers but when they don’t you’re best off leaving valuables either in the hotel safe or hidden in the car if you’re between rooms on a road trip . A waterproof phone pouch can fit your phone, room card and a little cash when you go for a swim, or you can also buy a small portable safe to attach to a table or umbrella.   

If you decide to bury your things in the sand make sure you’re subtle about it and use a zip-lock bag. And if there’s a lifeguard on duty get a spot in front of them as most thieves will avoid areas where they think someone is watching.  

woman travelling alone in Australia and walking alone on sandy beach

Hear the soft sounds of the waves caressing the shore.

9. Stay safe

Even though Australia is a pretty safe country to travel around it’s still a good idea to do some simple things to help make your solo trip a safe one.   

Pop a rubber doorstop in your bag for those times when your hotel room doesn’t have a deadbolt or security latch. They’re small and light and can stop an intruder in their tracks.   

I like to tell empty hotel rooms that I’ll see them soon and then say I’m back when I open the door so that it looks like I’m not alone. Asking for two keys at check-in if there’s anyone else around is also a good idea.  

Resist sharing where you are on social media until you’ve checked out. I once shared a drink with two influencers who discovered to their horror that the champagne that was sent to their room wasn’t from hotel management but from a man who liked their latest Instagram story a bit too much.  

And while smart international readers will already have this covered a tip for our fellow Australians. While you may only think about travel insurance when you’re heading overseas it can come in very handy in your own country too. Domestic travel insurance policies can kick in when you’re anywhere between 50 and 250km from home and depending on the policy could cover you for delays and cancellations and lost or damaged belongings.   

woman after checking in her hotel while travelling solo in Australia

Make sure you feel comfy and secure in your hotel room.

10. Have fun

And finally, in a world where so many of our decisions involve friends, family and work enjoy every moment of a trip that’s all about you.   

Solo travel allows you to choose everything you do from the places you go and the things you see to what time you want to have breakfast in the morning and go to bed at night. And if you decide at the last minute to turn that 7 am breakfast into an 11 am brunch, that’s okay too.  

Woman is swimming at Eco Beach swimming pool.

Solo travel allows you to go at your own pace. (Image: Tourism Australia)

It’s self-indulgent in the best of possible ways, and as well as discovering new things in new places, you may find that you learn a lot about yourself on the way too. 

Car dricing along dirt road in Broome

Be self-indulgent, you deserve it. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Amanda Woods is a travel writer based in New England high country in NSW. She’s travelled from Antarctica to the Arctic and loves to inspire people to get out and explore this big beautiful world of ours. She has a passion for regenerative, sustainable and mindful travel and has some big Australian travel dreams for the future.

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Comments (2)

You only have one life embrace your wishes and travel enjoy life unexpected vista and people

Thank you for the great tips, I will definitely try them.

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The Best Solo Trips In Australia To Take This Year

By Anna May 26th May 2023

  • X Post (Twitter)

travel australia alone

Gorgeous gorgeous girls and boys love solo travel. It’s not that they hate people, no. Or that people are annoying, no no. It’s just that sometimes (or a lot of the time) the best company is yourself. 

Picture it: a book, a fabulous Airbnb and the ultimate getaway to reacquaint yourself with the best person in your life (you). But, we hear you ask, action! Adventure! Doing! Things!

Worry not, grasshopper, we’ve curated a list of unmissable experiences that add up to Australia’s best solo travel getaways. Get bookin’. 

The Best Solo Travel In Tasmania

Shuck oysters on the freycinet peninsula.

travel australia alone

There are times when taking a moment for yourself is a must, and one of those is while enjoying a fresh-from-the-ocean oyster in the waters of Tassie’s Freycinet Peninsula. Whether you rock those sexy wading overalls like Rhianna rocks pregnancy or you’d rather no-one important ever saw it, you can’t deny shucking oysters in knee-deep water while sipping riesling isn’t an absolute flex. So get your wellies on and understand why the oyster life chose you. But the fun doesn’t stop there, oh no. You can Kayak Great Oyster Bay, hike to Wineglass Bay, or simply be at one with yourself. You make the rules.

Where to stay: Sunsets A Frame Beach House

Chase The Aurora Australis

If bearing witness to the dancing wonder of these The Southern Lights , the cousin to the Arctic’s Northern lights, has been on your bucket list for years, consider this your sign to do it, and do it all by yourself. Because what greater gift to your soul and retinas could there be? You’ll have to head there in Winter, so bundle up warm, and do some research to make sure you’re headed to the right spot, this Facebook group is an excellent resource. Our insiders tell us Evandale is a good place to start, because staying away from city lights is key to seeing this celestial nightclub. 

Where to stay: Blackwood Tree Cottage

The Best Solo Travel In NSW

Explore booderee national park.

travel australia alone

Impossibly blue waters are a given in Jervis Bay, just a three-hour cruise from Sydney (which is ample time for a solid main character energy car concert if you ask us) and home Booderee National Park , a haven for solo traveller delights to see and do. And do you shall: Car entry is a casual $13. From there you can take your sweet solo time getting to know the place: take in the history and wildlife of Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia, snorkel through the sapphire-blue waters at Murray’s Beach and spot the rays, or take the two-hour hike through the park to Whiting Beach and see if you can spot the waterfall. You might even catch sight of some whales if you time it right.

Where to stay: Jervis Bay Beachside Cottage

Take On Some Luxury Clay Making In Gerringong 

There's not much the South Coast doesn't offer but when it comes to indulging in a spot of solo travel, this region really is your safe space. If you're driving down from Sydney, the lone drive will be short and sweet but long enough to make you feel like you're out of the hustle and bustle from the Big Smoke. We suggest hitting Gerringong for some seaside and wholesome vibes. You've also got Werri Beach and Werri Lagoon for a spot of swimming and beach reading, plus Natural Necessity for any retail therapy you want to get out of your system (it also hybrids as a super cute cafe). To really edge your wholesomeness to whole new levels, book a luxury clay experience  to settle back into your creative juices. 

Where to stay: Infinity Tiny Home

The Best Solo Travel In Victoria

Take a bike tour of the mornington peninsula.

Taking in the sights, sips, and flavours of vine-tangled stunner that is lady Mornington Peninsula can be enjoyed with company, sure, but doing it on your own terms (i.e. lingering at the local cheese shop) sounds friggin’ great if you ask us. Which is why this self-guided bike tour is such a banger: you rock up, grab your bike and your map, then explore at your own pace. The tour is curated by in-the-know locals, so you’re in good hands to pop into local vineyards and breweries (be safe on those wheels, friend), produce shops and more while taking in the stunning (Darryl Kerrigan voice) serenity. So much of it. Treat yo’ self to a bottle of the region’s finest before heading back to drink it in a bubble-filled tub. Dreamy. 

Where to stay: Maxz Loft

The Best Solo Travel In Queensland

Soar into lady elliot island.

travel australia alone

This one’s for those that want to give themselves the luxury solo trip of a lifetime. Go off, queen or king. Spanning just 85km and only accessible by sea plane (did we mention luxury?) Lady Elliot Island sits on Australia’s east coast and is one of the most highly protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef National Park. Home to some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling around, this close-to-untouched corner of paradise is home to endless crystal-clear waters and colourful coral, as well as sea turtles, manta rays, and Nemo-level fish aplenty. Go cleanse your spirit in these waters, you deserve it. 

Where to stay: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

The Best Solo Travel In South Australia

Swim with sea lions and dolphins at baird bay.

We do not deserve sea lions or dolphins and their absurdly cute inquisitive nature. This is a fact. But, somehow, getting up close and personal with the majesty of these slippery sea doggos is not only allowed, but also safe and encouraged at this unforgettable experience in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, where you’re on their turf underneath the waves. Doing this on your own allows plenty of time to get lost in their wide eyes and whiskers. A 40-min drive from the sands of Streaky Bay, where unwinding is simply mandatory, this is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do it, k?

Where to stay: Sunset Dreaming Eco Retreat

The Best Solo Travel In Western Australia

Take a scenic flight over margaret river.

travel australia alone

Margaret River is home to pristine waters and vineyards aplenty, but seeing it from way, way up above is something else. You’ll be saying “holy dooley” more times than anyone needs to hear as you take in the ridiculously good-looking sights of the WA coast from an actual helicopter. Dizzy from the heights, you’re going to need a drink after, so follow your nose and hightail it to one of the region’s vineyards and get yourself a Chardy. The rest is up to you. Being your own best friend is the best. 

Where to stay: Ironstone Studio

Get To Know Perth On Foot

Finding your bearings in a new city can be scary, stressful, exciting, another adjective. But putting on your (big boy/girl) shoes and hitting the pavement is one of the best ways to get to know a new place. Enter the walking tour , where new sights can be experienced and new friends can be made if that’s your artisanal jam. Operators offer plenty of cute group tours for solo-travelling souls to join (pro tip: food-centric options are a great way to get a locals’ look into a city), or private options for those that care not for the company of others. Do you, you walking wonder. 

Where to stay : Le Cherche-Midi Fremantle Bed And Breakfast

Can't decide on where to travel this year? Here are 50 of the most amazing places in Australia.

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Solo Female Travel in Australia — Is it Safe?

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Australia is a fantastic destination for solo female travel! I love Australia and if it were easy and cheap to fly halfway around the world, I would go all the time!

Australia is probably the #1 country that people tell me they want to visit. Many people keep Australia as a “someday” destination, wanting to visit but put off by the long, expensive journey to get there. And I won’t lie — Australia isn’t a trip that you can plan casually on a whim. For most people, it’s going to require diligent saving and careful planning.

But it’s worth it. SO worth it.

And for that reason, I urge you not to save Australia for “someday.” Someday you might not be able to travel the way you can now. Don’t put it off too long.

I’ve traveled Australia with others, and I’ve traveled Australia solo. Australia is a particularly good destination for solo female travelers and this guide will give you an overview on how to stay safe in this unforgettable country.

Table of Contents

travel australia alone

Why Travel Solo to Australia?

Australia is an easy-to-visit country that also has a high exotic factor. Australia is endlessly interesting. The wildlife is one-of-a-kind. The nature is bonkers. And the cities are just different enough that you feel slightly off-kilter — in the best way.

If you’ve never been to Australia, you’ve never seen the best beaches in the world. It’s almost embarrassing how good the beaches are, from white sand behemoths in Western Australia and Queensland to the gorgeous urban beaches of Sydney. Nothing you’ve seen has prepared you for this.

Besides, you’ve probably been dreaming about visiting Australia since you were a kid! Isn’t it time to fulfill your childhood dreams?

Finally, as a solo traveler, you have so many options in Australia. Do you want to join a group tour? Go for it! Do you want to be part of a hop-on hop-off bus? That also works! Do you want to go on a solo road trip through the Outback? Challenging, but you can pull it off solo! Whether you want to meet people or be solo, whether you’re interested in cities or nature, whether you prefer touristy areas or getting off the beaten path, you can find so many things to do as a solo female traveler in Australia.

travel australia alone

Is Australia Good for First-Time Solo Female Travelers?

Australia is a wonderful destination for first-time solo female travelers. Australia has some of the best travel infrastructure on the planet: everywhere is outfitted for travelers. English is the spoken language and Australians are incredibly friendly and helpful. The only mark against Australia is that it’s an expensive country, which becomes a bit of a pain when you’re not splitting costs with anyone.

Of course, not every Australia trip is equal — if this is your first solo trip ever, I wouldn’t recommend going extremely off the beaten path, like driving solo in the Outback. Driving in Australia requires its own set of skills unless you’re sticking to extremely well traversed areas. You can see more about driving in Australia below.

But for the vast majority of trips to Australia, particularly when driving is not a factor, it’s very easy to travel.

Group Tours to Australia

If you’re nervous about traveling solo in Australia, consider joining a group tour. You’ll meet lots of people and all the work will be taken care of for you!

G Adventures , whom I’ve traveled with and recommend, offers several tours to Australia. Here are some of their top sellers:

  • Best of Australia — 14 days, Cairns to Sydney
  • Outback to the Top End — 14 days, Adelaide to Darwin
  • Queensland Sand, Sailing and Dreamtime — 12 days, Brisbane to Cairns
  • Complete Australia — 28 days, Melbourne to Cairns
  • See all Australia tours here.

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Is Australia Good for Experienced Solo Female Travelers?

Absolutely, Australia is terrific for experienced solo female travelers. I had already been to more than 40 countries before arriving in Australia and I was delighted in all senses of the word.

If you’re already an experienced solo traveler, chances are you’ll have different interests than a newbie. You might be drawn toward hiking and culinary exploration in Tasmania or exploring tougher-to-reach areas of the Kimberley. Then again, you might simply want to do the classic route of Sydney, Melbourne, and the Queensland coast. It’s a cliché for a reason.

I’ve spent time in two regions of Australia that are more challenging to travel: Western Australia and the Northern Territory. If you’re driving on your own in rural parts of these states, be sure to heed the driving advice below. Driving can turn deadly in the Outback, so be sure to take all the precautions you can.

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Is Australia Safe?

Generally speaking, Australia is a very safe country. Likely safer than your home country. The kind of country that provides healthcare to its citizens and bans the vast majority of guns after one massacre, not thousands. (How about that?!)

The important thing is not to get lulled into a false sense of security in Australia. Anything can happen here, including crime, and it’s best to remain conscientious at all times.

If you’re hanging out in touristy or especially backpacker-filled areas, be conscious of petty theft. Many people prey on tourists who are drinking and are less aware and have fewer inhibitions. You can see the following advice for tips on keeping yourself and your belongings safe while traveling in Australia.

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Travel and Safety Tips for Australia

For the most part, traveling safely in Australia is about having common sense. I’ve added a few travel safety tips specific to Australia, but for the most part you should be fine behaving as you would traveling in any other destination in the world.

Don’t forget to get your ETA before you arrive.  The ETA, similar to a visa, is a requirement upon arrival in Australia, and you must secure it in advance. You can apply here.  The current cost is $20 AUD. While ETAs tend to process within a few days, do not wait until the last minute!!

Australia is very strict in what you can bring over the border. When you arrive by plane, you may be questioned extensively by the customs agent to make sure you don’t have wooden products, homemade food, fruits, or vegetables in your luggage. See the full list here. (I’ve been to Australia twice; once I was questioned extensively and once I was questioned briefly.)

Australia has a big drinking culture. I burst out laughing on my first day in Australia ever, in Darwin, where I saw people sitting around in lawn chairs, drinking beers from coolers. It was exactly like the stereotype I had in my mind.

As I mentioned in my UK travel guide , you need to be cautious about “shout” culture where one person buys drinks for a group, then another person buys the next round, and so on. It can lead you to drinking more and faster than you want to, especially if you’re with men or heavy drinkers. Four beers may be fine for a larger guy, but that can be a LOT for a woman, especially if they’re strong beers.

The best thing to do is to tell the group early that you don’t want to drink much — two drinks, maybe three at most. People will totally understand.

Australian wildlife can be dangerous. While drop bears may be a myth, there are very real wildlife dangers. The box jellyfish is a deadly animal dwelling in northern reaches of Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory roughly from October through May. Locals will advise you on the precautions to take to avoid these creatures.

And in the Top End and other parts of the country, crocodiles are a very real danger. Always ask a local before going near any body of water. They know what is safe and what isn’t.

Furthermore, kangaroos may look cute, but they are actually quite vicious. Keep things safe by not approaching any wild animal.

It’s Always Croc Season in Darwin and the Top End

Be cautious of the ocean. Australia is famous for its surfing beaches, and with surfing comes riptides and dangerous currents. Always ask locals about whether it’s safe to swim. In most places in Australia, swim between the red and yellow flags, as these designate a safe area. If you get caught in a riptide, don’t fight it — swim parallel to shore until you escape the current.

Get a SIM card from Telstra .  Having a SIM card is especially important in Australia, as wifi is slow and expensive. There are a few different carriers in Australia, but Telstra tends to have some of the best coverage. Keep in mind that there is no cell service in many rural areas, including on highways. When driving through rural Western Australia, I had zero signal until I landed within the city limits of the nearest town.

Be careful about your drinking.  Drink less than you ordinarily would at home — two drinks is a good limit. Only take drinks from bartenders, never take a drink from a stranger, and always keep it with you and keep an eye on it.

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.  If you carry a purse, hold it close to you. I recommend a crossbody purse, made out of a tough material like leather or fake leather, that zips shut. I recommend many purses in this post.  Never let it hang behind you — always keep it in a place where you can see it, and keep your hand on it if you’re in a crowd.

If you carry a wallet without a purse, don’t keep it in your back pocket. This is obvious to thieves and they will grab it and run.

If you use a small backpack, lock it. I use a Pacsafe backpack where you can lock the compartments shut.

Never leave your bags anywhere unattended.  Take them with you. While in cities and touristy areas in Australia, if you’re keeping your bag under the table or otherwise out of sight, keep it between your feet or hook the strap around one of the chair legs.

Keep your valuables locked up in your accommodation and only take with you what you need that day.  I do this with my Pacsafe Travelsafe and I consider it the most important thing I pack . Keep an extra debit card and at least $100 hidden in obscure parts of your luggage.

Get an extra debit card. You should have two debit cards to two different bank accounts. If you only have one, I recommend you get a debit card from Transferwise . Keep a few hundred dollars in your account, hide the card deep in your luggage, and use it if your primary debit card is stolen.

If someone robs you, GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT.  Things can be replaced. Nothing is worth your life.

Don’t carry tons of cash around with you. You can use credit cards almost everywhere in Australia, and carrying lots of cash leaves you vulnerable to theft. Don’t be the traveler who loses her wallet and the $500 in it.

Only use ATMs at banks if possible.  If your card gets eaten, it’s a lot easier to retrieve it from a real bank’s ATM. If you can’t find a bank and it’s at night, use an ATM indoors, in a vestibule or in a shopping mall.

Get a digital guidebook and keep it on your phone.  Even today, I always keep a guidebook PDF on my phone — it’s great for calculating approximate time of journeys, knowing what days places are closed, and it lists medical centers you should go to in case of emergency. I’m a big fan of Lonely Planet guidebooks — I recommend Lonely Planet Australia .

Spend extra money on staying safe.  If you’re not comfortable walking home at night, spend money on a cab or Uber. If you’re hesitant on spending money on a not-as-nice-looking hostel, pay for a nicer place. It’s worth the peace of mind. Don’t pinch pennies on your safety.

Most importantly, you have no obligation to be nice to anyone. Women often feel the need to be nice and please people at all costs. You don’t have to anywhere — especially so in Australia, where the laid-back culture might convince you that you’re being “difficult.” If anyone is making you feel uncomfortable, just leave. Trust me — you won’t be the rudest person they meet that day. And so what if you were? You’re never going to see them again.

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

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How to Get Around Australia Solo

Australia, once again, is huge and sparsely populated. Flying is the best way to get around unless you’re on a tight budget and have a LOT of time. Even Brisbane to Cairns, which looks close on the map, is an 18-hour drive! Take the 2.5-hour flight instead!

There are train lines that run along the east coast. You can see them here. There are also Greyhound Australia bus lines , which have more extensive coverage.

There are a few luxury long train rides in Australia — the Indian Pacific, from Sydney to Adelaide to Perth and vice versa; the Ghan, from Darwin to Alice Springs to Adelaide and vice versa; and the Overland, from Melbourne to Adelaide and vice versa. In late 2019 the Great Southern, from Brisbane to Adelaide and vice versa, will begin operations. If you’ve got the time and cash and love spending long train journeys staring out the window (and I do!) these are a great choice.  See them all here.

While there are lots of tour companies in Australia, there are also hop-on hop-off backpacker buses like Stray Australia and Oz Experience . While those two companies also offer full-fledged tours with accommodation and activities, you can also just book the transportation and have the freedom to move on whenever you’d like.

Finally, you can rent a car. More on that below.

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Driving in Australia

Driving safely in Australia requires a higher level of conscientiousness, particularly if you’re driving in the Outback or other rural areas. First off, they drive on the left side of the road, and they turn left at roundabouts. If you haven’t driven on the left before, it can take your brain some time to get used to it.

Wildlife is a major issue when driving in rural Australia. Kangaroos in particular will vault themselves straight in front of your car. It’s wise to drive slowly and be extra conscientious when driving in remote areas. Be especially conscientious at night and during dawn and dusk, when animals tend to be most active.

In extremely rural areas, there can be long stretches between service stations and roadhouses. Be sure to get gas (“petrol” in Australia!) as often as you can; this is not a place to wait until the next station. Additionally, when traveling the very rural route from Coral Bay to Tom Price in Western Australia, I was shocked that many of the towns on the map were a roadhouse and nothing else.

Cell service is more or less nonexistent in rural areas, even with Telstra, the network with the best coverage. I found that frequently there wouldn’t be any phone signal at all until I entered a town.

Look out for “road trains” — huge, long trucks. Give them a wide berth as it’s tough for them to swerve or slow down.

Another issue is driving long, monotonous distances on your own. For some people, driving long stretches where you see the same unchanging view in front of you can have an almost hypnotic effect, affecting your senses. It’s important to take frequent breaks.

If you’re driving in remote parts of Australia, you should know basic car maintenance, like knowing how to check oil and change a tire at the very least. You should also have an emergency survival kit packed with enough water to survive for days.

Even though I’ve driven all over the world, I don’t consider myself a skilled enough driver to handle driving in rural Australia. I don’t even know how to change a tire. You should know your limits.

travel australia alone

How to Meet People in Australia

Australians are gregarious, good-natured, and fun. In fact, I’d put Australia up there with Ireland as one of the easiest countries in which to make local friends! Australia is a country where you can walk into a bar and leave with a whole crew. Here are some ways to meet people while traveling.

Consider staying at a social hostel.  There are tons of great hostels all over Australia, from surf lodges along the Queensland coast to modern chains in Melbourne to a hostel built in a former prison in Fremantle . Many of these hostels offer private rooms, if dorms aren’t your thing, and quite a few of them offer tours and other activities. If there is a bar in the hostel, it will be a very social place.

Join tours and activities.  Tours are a great way to meet new people! Whether you’re doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney or a river tubing trip from Cairns , you’ll meet people excited to explore the local region. I met so many wonderful Australians (though they were mostly 50+) at the Sounds of Silence dinner at Uluru.

Look for Couchsurfing meetup events throughout Australia. Couchsurfing isn’t just for free accommodation — they also put on meetup events where everyone is welcome. Many major cities have weekly meetups, and they always draw a great crowd.

Join a meetup on  Meetup.com . Whether you’re into travel, running, movies, board games, or just want to meet a group of nice people, there’s a Meetup for that.

Put out feelers on social media. Often a friend of yours will have a cousin or friend living somewhere in Australia who will offer to meet you for coffee, just so you know someone. Take advantage of this if you can.

Tinder. If you’re looking to date or hook up, have fun! If you’ve always wanted to date a guy or girl with a swoon-worthy accent, this is your chance! Honestly, I was stunned at how many hard bodies there were in Sydney, but I much preferred the quirky folks of Melbourne.

Melbourne: The Coolest City on the Planet

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Best Things to Do in Australia on a Solo Trip

Hang out with the quokkas on Rottnest Island in Western Australia!  Quokkas are my favorite animals on the planet. They are so adorable and look like they have smiles on their faces! And in Rottnest Island, especially near the settlement, they come right up to you and want to meet you! Just search #quokkaselfie on Instagram to see how cute they are.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is one of my favorite things I’ve done anywhere in the world — I’ve wanted to do it since seeing it on the second season of The Amazing Race while in high school! While it looks intimidating, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. The operation is so professional, they even breathalyze you beforehand, and while heights usually bother me, I felt fine on the bridge.

Watch the sunrise and sunset at Uluru.  It’s worth every bit of hype — the giant rock changes color so many times as the sun goes down. It’s best watched with a glass of champagne in your hand. And if you can swing it, the Sounds of Silence dinner is a beautiful way to go from sunset to darkness.

Get lost in the little neighborhoods of Melbourne. Melbourne is full of hidden treasures — it’s like a nicer, more expensive version of Berlin or Bushwick. Australia has some of the best coffeeshops on the planet and I loved dropping in for a flat white in neighborhoods like Fitzroy and Northcote. Don’t miss the graffiti on Hoosier Lane.

Snorkel with the most wonderful tropical fish. Most travelers to Australia head to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef for diving and snorkeling. But I LOVED Ningaloo Reef, near Coral Bay in Western Australia. The reef is a five-minute boat ride from the shore, far closer than the Great Barrier Reef, and you can even swim with giant manta rays!

My Favorite Experiences in Western Australia

See kangaroos in the wild.  You’ve heard about kangaroos your entire life, but it will thrill you to high heaven the first time you see them in real life! And if you want to see koalas in real life, your best bet is heading down the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, near Melbourne.

Swim in rockholes in the Top End. This part of the Northern Territory is home to hot, dusty places like Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. You’ll likely spend the day forming a crust of dirt and sweat as you hike around the region — but sliding into a cool rockhole filled with fresh, croc-free water is one of the best feelings in the world. This is best done with a group tour; a tour leader will only have you swim in safe places.

Walk along the gorgeous beaches of Sydney. I think Sydney has the best urban beaches on the planet. It’s uncanny to see beaches so soft and white and clean, with bright blue water, in the heart of a major city! The best way to enjoy them is to walk the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee or in reverse. Manly is great, too.

The Glorious Beaches of Sydney, Australia

Feel like you’ve gone back in time in Karijini National Park. If you want to go somewhere off the beaten path in Australia, Karijini National Park is one of the best places to do so. It’s in the heart of Western Australia, a day’s drive from civilization — and home to red rock canyons, swimming holes, giant trees, waterfalls. As you swim through a narrow canyon, you’ll expect to see a dinosaur around the corner.

Eat the best breakfasts on the planet. I’m convinced that Australia is home to the best breakfasts in the world — it’s standard for a restaurant to have several outlandish dishes on the menu! Whether poached eggs over spiced brown butter pumpkin mash on sourdough bread, or a coconut rice pudding with starfruit, pomegranate seeds and pineapple, I was blown away by the creativity of breakfast dishes in Australia.

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Where to Stay in Australia on a Solo Trip

While I’ve stayed in a mixture of hotels, apartment rentals, and crashing with friends in Australia, and not all the places I stayed are still open today, there are a few I highly recommend for solo travelers:

The Mangrove Hotel in Broome, WA — Staying at the Mangrove Hotel was the highlight of my time in Broome. It was the perfect place to kick back and chill, as well as meet Australians on holiday. In the early evenings, this is the place to be, especially during the Staircase to the Moon event during the full moon each month.

Sydney Harbour YHA The Rocks in Sydney — If you’re looking to stay in a hostel, this is a GREAT one. It’s clean, comfortable, and has an unbelievable view of the Opera House from the rooftop deck — perfect for selfies!

Outback Pioneer Lodge at Uluru National Park — This mid-range hotel is one of the better value options at Ayers Rock Resort, which is comprised of several hotels. There is music and a great atmosphere at the barbecue restaurant at night! If you want to splurge, stay at the shmancy Sails in the Desert .

Alex Hotel in Perth — This is a trendy, upscale boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Perth. It feels super hip and you can get anywhere from here!

Karijini Eco Retreat in Karijini National Park, WA — You can sleep under the stars in this beautiful tented camp in the national park. There are dorm-style tents for backpackers and standard and upscale private tents for people with more cash to spend.

travel australia alone

Travel Insurance for Australia

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance for Australia — after all, it’s a safe country with good healthcare. But you need it.  If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Australia.

The first time I went to Australia, I had been suffering allergic reactions to an unknown substance for the last few weeks. Sometimes it got so bad that my lips or face swelled up, and I had to go to the doctor several times in Australia. Once I had to go to the hospital in Alice Springs when it got really bad. (Fun fact: lots of Australian doctors prefer to go by their first names.)

While prices aren’t anywhere near what the US would charge you, you could end up paying a lot of money for a serious medical issue like mine. But travel insurance protects you and refunds you for your costs. It’s the kind of thing you don’t know you need until you need it.

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My #1 Australia Travel Tip

See as much of Australia’s natural environment as you can. Don’t spend too much of your time in cities.

Australia’s cities are very cool, especially Sydney and Melbourne, but they are not what make Australia special and unique. What makes Australia special and unique is its nature and wildlife. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world, and for that reason that’s what you should prioritize seeing.

I recommend that you try to see at least two different kinds of outdoor destinations during your trip — like the Queensland coast and the Red Centre, or the Top End and the Great Ocean Road. If you can do more than two, even better.

Too many people plan trips to Australia centered around Sydney and Melbourne. You’ll probably land in Sydney, and I definitely recommend spending a few days there (if only for the Opera House, the BridgeClimb, the beaches, and attempting to spot Hugh Jackman!), but once you’ve done that, it’s your cue to get out. As much as I love Melbourne, and it’s one of my favorite cities, I think it’s better to include it as part of a longer Australia trip only.

If you’ve already planned a city-centric trip, consider adding in some day trips. From Sydney, you can visit the Blue Mountains; from Melbourne, you can visit the Great Ocean Road; from Perth, you can visit Rottnest Island; from Adelaide, you can visit Kangaroo Island.

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Australia is waiting for you!

You are going to have the best time in Australia. Everyone I know who has been has loved it, and that goes for solo female travelers as well as everyone else. Australia is magical. It never lets you down.

Go have the time of your life in Australia. Then come back and tell me all about it!

Is Australia a Value Destination?

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Have you traveled solo to Australia? Share your tips!

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A Comprehensive Guide To Solo Female Travel In Australia

travel australia alone

Having spent 12 months road tripping across Australia I can attest to the fact that the varied landscapes of this vast continent are a heaven for those in search of an adventurous escape.

From the passenger window of our vintage Winnebago I watched as miles of arid desert, lush tropical rainforests, and mountainous terrain flew past. And over the course of our yearlong adventure, we drove over 25,000km making it the most EPIC of all our road tripping adventures to date.

While we travelled as a couple, I often questioned how I would have tackled 12 months in Australia on my own. As a solo female traveller there are a few extra considerations to factor into your itinerary planning, not only those that will offer additional security, but aspects of budgeting and logistics that are easier to manage when travelling as part of a couple or group.

I’d say that I’ve a good knowledge of travel in Australia, but today I’m turning to a woman who has spent 10 years travelling solo across the continent. Read on as I chat to Michela Fantinel, author of Your Australia Itinerary , the ultimate guide for female solo travellers.

THE BASICS OF CREATING YOUR OWN AUSTRALIA ITINERARY

SoloTravelAustralia2

Q: What should travellers be aware of when planning their Australian travel itinerary?

The hardest part about creating a good itinerary for travel in Australia is balancing your time frame with the places you want to see and the distances you have to travel.

When crafting your itinerary, factor in the time it takes to travel from one location to the next and choose self-driving routes that match your level of experience. Be realistic, and make sure the distances work with your schedule.

HOW TO GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ITINERARY

Q: What’s the first thing you should do when planning a trip to Australia?

Set a time frame: And stick to it. Make a list of must-dos and must-sees. Then make sure they’re a good match with the time of year you’re planning to visit. Draw a rough plan: Once you do this, calculate the distances to see if it’s viable.

Choose the most cost-effective transportation modes that allow you to maximize your time. Fix a budget: You’ll need this to stay on track . Make 80% of arrangements: But leave 10-20% to be decided upon spontaneously.

Give shape to your itinerary. In my book I’ve collated 4 itineraries + 36 customisation options , with the resource pages that offer insight into the best times of year to visit each state, highlight the best activities and locations for your style of travel, and how to make the most of your time in some of the country’s most notable places.

WHAT SHOULD SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS IN AUSTRALIA KEEP IN MIND?

Solo-Travel-Book-Cover-1

Q: Are there any considerations that solo female travellers should be particularly aware of?

I have been travelling Australia alone for 1 5 years there aren’t really crucial aspects for female solo travellers, Australia is a safe country for solo travellers . I would suggest planning carefully how to get around, because of its huge distances.

If you want to traverse the country from coast to coast you need to to combine different transportation modes to make the most of your money and time. The same for accommodation, you can save money by staying in hostels, or in private homes. House sitting in Australia is also a great way to stay for free in exchange of house and pet sit.

WHY PRE PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ESCAPE IS VITAL

Q: How important is it to have a clear idea of what you want to see and do whilst visiting Australia?

Unless you have an unlimited budget you can’t afford to make changes to your plan last minute , because this would mean increasing the cost by 100-200%.

In Australia, distances are huge; it takes a long time to move from A to B. Cheap flights and internal transportation must be booked in advance to save 30-50% on normal rates. Consider renting a car or campervan and sleeping out in some of Australia’s most inspiring wilderness campsites for a quintessential Aussie experience.

Don’t waste time doing extra research when in Australia . You’re there to discover places and experience a new country, not to plan and revise your itinerary. To get the best deals the vast majority of your planning should be completed before leaving for Australia.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL AUSTRALIAN ESCAPE

SoloTravelAustralia

Q: What are the main factors to consider when choosing experiences for your Australian itinerary?

The first should be timing – how much time do you need to see a place? You don’t want to miss out on the big ticket experiences, but you also don’t need to stay too long either. In my book I offer detailed information with advice regarding the optimum amount of time to spend in some of the country’s most iconic locations.

Next is transportation . Self-driving vs public transportation or tours – you need to know all options for each route and choose what makes you feel most comfortable with. Self-driving is a more rewarding way to travel around but it’s not for everyone!

Finally select your destinations wisely . The greater the distances you have to travel between attractions, the more money you’ll spend on transport, and the less time you’ll have to experience the country.

Visit Michela’s informative Australian travel blog RockyTravel.net and and get her  Australia Travel Guide Book  now.

Have you explored Australia solo? Share your experience below!

So much good tips here for solo female travel! It’s a treasure trove! Even though Im already doing solo travel, there’s much more to learn everyday. ?

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Rocky Travel

The Best Places to Travel Alone in Australia

Michela Australia Destinations Australia Solo Travel 2

Australia is a great destination to travel solo and for road trips too. There are so many unique places that match any solo travel style.

As a solo traveller , you may feel overwhelmed because of the vast distances that you need to consider before choosing destinations to travel alone. I would pick places you feel comfortable with, regarding what you can there and transportation options.

If you don’t plan to drive alone in Australia , make sure that your itinerary is covered by an excellent public transportation network, like modern trains and buses and flight connections too.

Places to start your Trip in Australia Alone.

As a first time traveller to Australia, you are better off starting your journey from the main Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne and Perth and Adelaide. These are the safest places to visit in Australia on your own. As a woman, I highly recommend it to all first-time solo female travellers if you don’t feel like going on a self-driving itinerary.

While activities and attractions are abundant in all Australian cities, you can also use small towns as the central hub for further explorations of the surroundings.

Cities like Melbourne and Sydney are the top solo destinations in Australia to start your trip with many exciting things to do without having to drive long distances. It’s easy to see Sydney alone and explore its surroundings by public transport.

From Melbourne, you can go by bus and visit small towns like Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and if you feel confident about driving solo, go on an easy day trips from Melbourne.

If you can consider self-driving, then you have it all. Australia is a beautiful country for road trips . From rural areas to scenic coastal drives to remote Outback regions, you name it.

Here is a list of the best places I have discovered by going on road trips over 15 years of solo travel adventures in Australia.

Best Places to Travel Alone in Australia

Here is a list of top places for travelling alone in Australia . They are absolutely a no-brainer, and everyone can embrace these adventures, even if you travel by yourself for the first time. I have gone to these places by myself several times with rental cars and public transportation.

Driving in Australia does not require exceptional skills as long as you drive on sealed tracks. However, in remote Outback areas, you need a certain level of experience as a four-wheel drive is strictly necessary on unsealed roads. Moreover, weather conditions can make it difficult and dangerous. Therefore before venturing out alone on a road trip across the Australian Outback, consider whether this is something you feel comfortable with and meet your driving experience level.

The Great Ocean Road Trip

After discovering Melbourne alone , a beautiful 300 km coastal drive awaits you. It may be demanding as there are many turns and bends, but the scenery makes up for the effort. There are many places to visit and activities to do along your way, offering time for resting too. Plan at least 2-3 days to make the most of this fascinating coastal drive.

I recommend hiring a car in Melbourne and taking an inland detour to the Grampians National Park on your way back.

Here you can read more about the best places to travel alone on the Great Ocean Road Trip .

From Alice Springs to Ayers Rock

There are many myths about Uluru and the Red Centre . You will be amazed at how easy this road trip is to travel alone. Just keep driving straight ahead of you for hundreds of kilometres. You don’t need to hire a four-wheel-drive car, as the route is entirely on sealed roads.

The 440km from Alice Springs to Yulara Resort and 330 km from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon are reasonable distances that everyone can easily travel alone.

A first stop could be the Rim Walk in Kings Canyon , one night at the Kings Canyon Resort and then drive further to Ayers Rock for two more nights. In this post, you can read about my tips for driving to Uluru .

My tip : plan four days for the Solo Road Trip To Uluru.

A Solo Trip from Perth to Margaret River

After visiting Perth Alone , 300km south of the city, lies one of Australia’s most surprising regions for Food and Wine. It’s a pleasant and comfortable highway drive to get there. You will need a car to explore the area between Margaret River, Busselton and the Geographe Bay region.

My tip: Add an extra 200-300 km and travel to Walpole, Denmark and further south to Albany to visit the wild coastal landscapes and see the famous Tall Trees.

All roads are sealed and in the right conditions — plan at least 4-5 days for Margaret River, explore the Geographe Bay Region and spend 4-5 days travelling South Western Australia.

Travelling Alone Down South Western Australia

If you can plan more than a week, I would drive down south and visit more beautiful South West Australia. I went on a 10-day solo road trip down south the West Coast and explored one of the most ancient with the world’s highest biodiversity.

It’s one of my favourites places for solo adventures in Australia. In this post, you can read about how to discover South Western Australia on your own.

Exploring the Central East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns

The East Coast Australia ranks high on all solo travellers in Australia among the most popular destinations for a solo backpacking trip. Queensland hosts hundreds of backpackers in summer on their Australian Working Holiday, and it’s an ideal destination for everyone wanting to spend some time alone yet not feeling completely lonely.

While hiring a car in Australia is probably a more relaxed way to travel up from Sydney to Cairns , you can also use public buses and make your way up with Greyhound.

You will be able to stop along your way as much as you like and spend time at the lovely beaches in Byron Bay , soaking in the great weather at the famous and busy Gold Coast and enjoying the Sunshine Coast.

Further north from Airlie Beach , you can explore the Whitsundays Islands , drive to Rockhampton and along the Capricorn Coast ,

If driving alone is not your thing, there are more options to travel around on the East Coast of Australia. There are many local train and bus networks, like Greyhound, which offers excellent bus passes. Plan at least 3-4 weeks from Sydney to Cairns to make the most of your time alone on the East Coast.

Discover Australia Gold Coast Hinterland

Another top place to travel alone is the East Coast of Australia along the Gold Coast. I first went to Coolangatta in 2013 ago and visited Coolangatta coming from South Wales. Later on, I spent six weeks in Mermaid Beach while house-sitting in Australia.

This is an excellent way of visiting alone Australia on a budget and saving money on accommodation which can be pretty expensive for a single traveller.

I think the Gold Coast is an excellent place to be in Australia for solos too. Despite being a bit touristy, it does offer everything to any traveller, with a variety of fun outdoor activities, festivals and amenities that is hard to beat.

You can also escape the crowds and drive inland to the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland for more outdoor explorations and great walks in nature.

Driving Alone from Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Two more great road trips for solo travellers are in North Tropical Queensland. The first trip is from Cairns to Cape Tribulation , where you can visit Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge.

You can do it either as a day trip or by staying overnight at Cape Tribulation in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest.

The tropical region offers spectacular rainforest scenery with solo walks and cruises, abundant fruits, coffee plantations, hills and mountains, gorges and waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands. Another great trip to go alone is the ride from Cairns across the Atherton Tablelands .

Hiking Solo in Tasmania

If you love hiking and are thinking of exploring alone more of Australia, I’d recommend Tasmania as one of the best destinations for hiking solo in Australia. I have gone on several walks alone and loved it. I also went on a solo road trip to the East Coast and explored the Freycinet National Parks.

My last adventure in Tasmania was hiking the Three Capes Track Walk on my own.

The right places to visit Australia Alone

The destinations I have listed on this page are suitable for all kinds of solo travellers, from beginners to more experienced, with different skills and if you travel alone with your pet around Australia .

I have also travelled to remote regions of Australia’s Outback alone that I haven’t listed here. I’m sure, among this list, you will find the right places to travel independently, that will make you want to explore more of Australia.

Now over to you: What are your best places for travelling alone in Australia? If you have a road trip that you can recommend for the solo traveller, please share it with us. Thanks!

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How to organise your Time Travelling Alone in Australia

The best way to organise your time travelling alone around Australia is by driving. You may prefer self-driving to guided day trips, depending on your driving skills. Solo road trips are good fun, and there are many accessible routes for solo travellers too.

You can also combine self-driving with guided tours and public transport. Here are all the tools I use for planning my solo adventures in Australia.

If you find this article helpful for your trip, I’d appreciate it if you could support Rocky Travel and book your tours, accommodation, rental car, or purchase my book using the links in the box below. Thank you!

Last updated in March 2021

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BlairH February 12, 2014 @ 7:59 am

It sounds like a great trip Michela. Our family doesn’t really travel much, i think this year ill plan a sneaky getaway for myself. I think a outback safari might just be the thing for me. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

rockytravel February 27, 2014 @ 9:27 am

I am glad you liked the post, Blair!

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  • Travel tips

Check out my list of 17 things to know before travelling to Australia so you can plan your first solo trip.

Solo Travel Australia: 17 Things to Know Before Travelling to Australia

Australia itinerary 10 days: Sydney

Australia Itinerary 10 Days: Best of East Coast Australia

Australia itinerary 4 weeks highlight: Fraser Island

Australia Itinerary 4 Weeks on East Coast Australia for Solo Travellers

New south wales.

Solo travel in Sydney must-see: Sydney Opera House

Solo Travel Sydney: How to spend 3 days in Sydney Australia

A day trip to Byron Bay must include watching sunset from Byron Beach.

Day Trip to Byron Bay: Things to do Alone

One of the best things to do alone in Brisbane is visit Story Bridge and Riverwalk linking between CBD and New Farm

Solo Travel Brisbane: 36 Things To Do Alone In Brisbane Australia

View of Surfers Paradise from Mick Schamburg Park Lookout

Gold Coast Solo Travel: Top 10 Things to do Alone in Gold Coast Australia

Best things to do in Noosa Heads: visit Hell's Gate in Noosa National Park

Noosa Itinerary: Best things to do in Noosa Heads in One Day

Fairy Pools Noosa National Park is a highlight for a day trip from Brisbane

Noosa day trip from Brisbane: How to find Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park

Follow my Melbourne 5 day itinerary when you take your first solo trip to Melbourne.

Solo Travel Melbourne Australia: How to Spend 5 Days in Melbourne Alone

A highlight to any Great Ocean Road itinerary must include the iconic 12 Apostles.

Great Ocean Road Itinerary: 2 Days Self-Drive Itinerary

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Home > Australia > 22 Things To Do Alone in Sydney: Solo Travel in Sydney

22 Things To Do Alone in Sydney: Solo Travel in Sydney

By Dymphe / March 9, 2023

Because of all the amazing things to do alone in Sydney , going there by yourself is great. There's a lot to do and see for solo travel in Sydney!

Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia . Furthermore, it's the capital of New South Wales. It's an incredible place to travel to because of all the amazing sights.

One of the most famous things to see in the city is the Sydney Opera House. Furthermore, Bondi Beach is a gorgeous beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge is also a must-see.

Even though it's always amazing to travel to the city, it's even more fun for solo travel! That's because there are so many great things to do alone in Sydney.

There are many activities that are incredible if you want to meet new people in the city. For example, you can explore foreign and arthouse movies with a group. Or you can join a community of photographers.

Besides that, you find some fun and unique solo activities in the city too. For example, you can do a mosaic lamp workshop. Or you can take part in a surfing experience at Bondi Beach! This is amazing if you want to be active.

And there are many more activities that are wonderful for solo travel in Sydney!

Table of Contents

1. Take Part in a Surfing Experience at Bondi Beach

One of the most iconic activities of Australia is surfing. Because of that, it is fun to do that during solo travel in Sydney!

Through the experience " Lets Go Surfing: Bondi Beach! ", you can learn how to surf.

Bondi Beach

This is an introductory surf lesson that takes about 2 hours.

What's great is that you can do this lesson even if you have no experience at all! It is a great introduction to this wonderful sport.

Another reason why this is one of the best things to do alone in Sydney is that you do these classes with other people. This experience is a small group experience with at the most 5 people.

Bondi Beach in Sydney

2. Do a Food and Street Art Tour: Fun Thing To Do Alone in Sydney If You Like Art and Food

Doing a food and street art tour of Newtown is great during solo travel in Sydney as well.

During this experience, you go to various places in Newtown with street art. There are many places in this part of the city where you can find this type of art

Sydney from above

Besides that, you'll visit 3 to 4 venues where you can sample food and drinks. Newtown has a very multicultural cuisine, so you can discover a large variety of foods. Through this, you cover many cuisines. For example, you sample Turkish, Pakistani, and Egyptian food.

What's great is that there is also a lot of vegetarian and vegan food in Newtown. So if you are a vegetarian and vegan, you can join this tour as well! This makes it, even more, one of the best things to do alone in Sydney.

3. Do a Mosaic Lamp Workshop: Unique and Fun Thing To Do Alone in Sydney

Another one of the most fun things to do alone in Sydney is doing the Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop .

During a group class that takes about 2.5 hours, you learn the techniques of making such a lamp. It's amazing to learn this. And it's a very nice workshop if you like being creative.

At the end of this class, you leave with a beautiful and colorful lamp!

4. Take Part in a Jet Boat Thrill Ride of Sydney Harbour

One of the most spectacular things to do alone in Sydney is doing a thrill jet boat ride through Sydney Harbour .

Sydney Harbour Bridge

During this experience, you board a jet boat with which you go through Sydney Harbour. This experience takes about 30 minutes and it is amazing.

The ride is definitely very fun for solo travel in Sydney. But what's also great is that you see waterfront sights during this experience as well!

For example, you can see the Sydney Opera House during this experience.

What's great is that the captain is also the guide of the boat. Along the way, you get a lot of information on Sydney and the country. This is very interesting.

5. Explore Foreign and Arthouse Movies With a Group

If you like foreign and arthouse films, this is one of the best things to do alone in Sydney for you!

You can join the " Arthouse and Foreign FIlm Fans " Meetup group.

Through the events of this group, you'll visit cinemas together with other people. You watch there a movie together. And after watching it, you can discuss the film with a meal or a drink.

This social aspect makes this experience a lot of fun as well. You may make some new friends here as well, which is great during solo travel in Sydney!

6. Ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus of Sydney: Great Thing To Do Alone in Sydney To Explore the City

Another one of the most fun things to do alone in Sydney is joining a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Sydney .

Through this, you can discover the city in a fun and convenient way.

Sydney Opera House

You board the bus and go through the city. Along the way, you can listen to the recorded commentary. This allows you to discover a lot of the city during this tour.

This commentary talks about all the places you visit. And because the bus is an open-top bus, you can have a good look at these places.

What's great is that you can leave the bus at a stop that you find interesting. You can then explore it and hop back on the bus when you finished your visit to that stop. Then, you can go to the next stop!

Some of the sights this bus tour covers are the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Chinese Gardens. But there is so much more this bus tour covers!

Doing this tour is great during solo travel in Sydney because it allows you to get around in a quick and easy way. Besides that, you get a good overview of the city, which makes exploring easier!

7. Explore the Outdoors of Sydney With a Group

Also one of the best solo activities in Sydney is joining the " Sydney Outdoors Meetup Group ".

This is a lovely group that organizes outdoor events in Sydney. For example, there are day walks in and near the city of Sydney.

Purple flowers in Sydney

Through these walks, you can discover the nature of the city, which is great!

If you go to several meetups, you can see a lot of beautiful nature.

Besides that, you go on these walks with other people. And thus there is a social aspect to these events.

This is great if you want to meet new people. And you may also make new friends when you go here.

Keep in mind that the walks can have a long total length that can be hard if you have no experience!

8. Learn To Make Vietnamese Food With a Chef

Learning to make Vietnamese food with a chef in Marrickville is also one of the best things to do alone in Sydney. Marrickville is a suburb of Sydney that is easy to get to!

During this experience, you meet at a cafe where you have a Vietnamese sandwich and coffee.

After that, you visit an Asian grocery store to look for ingredients to cook with.

Now it's time to learn to cook Vietnamese food.

You'll learn about every step in the cooking process and you have a hands-on experience.

When the food is ready, you have the food together during this experience. It is great to have food together during solo travel in Sydney because otherwise, you would eat on your own.

But the experience doesn't stop there. When you are home, you get recipes so you can make Vietnamese dishes at home.

9. Do a Bike Tour of Sydney

Another fun way to explore the city during solo travel in Sydney is by bike.

You can do this through a 4-hour bike tour of the city .

Buildings and trees in Sydney

Through this tour, you to the most famous sights in the city, but you also visit some hidden gems of Sydney! So it's perfect if you want to get to know the city better.

Because you ride a bike, you can cover a large part of the city in 4 hours. This is also amazing for those who love being active.

What makes this one of the best things to do alone in Sydney as well is that you can meet others. That's because it is a group bike tour.

10. Play Pickleball With Other People: Great Thing To Do Alone in Sydney To Make Friends

If you like playing pickleball, you can do so in Sydney!

Pickleball is a lovely sport that looks a bit like tennis and ping pong. It comes with paddles like those used in ping pong. Besides that, the playing court looks like a tennis court, but smaller.

That's because you can join the " Northern Beaches Pickleball Association (Sydney) ".

This is a group that organizes all kinds of pickleball events. These events are great to attend for everyone. You don't need to have experience playing the sport.

Another reason why this is one of the best solo activities in Sydney is that the social aspect of it is great! You can meet others and you make some new friends along the way!

11. Do a Tour of the Sydney Opera House

One of the best things to do alone in Sydney is doing a tour of the Sydney Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House is such an iconic and famous building, you have to visit!

During a 1-hour guided tour of the Sydney Opera House , you learn a lot about the place.

A view of the Sydney Opera House

You learn about the history and you get to see the inside of the place, which is great!

A guide shows you around, and tells you all about the building!

What's great as well about this tour is that you go to places where you can take photos of the building. These places aren't available to the general public!

Another great thing about this tour is that you do it with other people, so you can socialize with others.

When you are doing solo travel in Sydney, this is the best way to explore the Sydney Opera House for sure!

After doing the tour, you could also attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House. There are more than 1800 performances every year, which is amazing! There is likely a show that you like a lot.

Keep in mind that this tour doesn't take place on certain days of the week. So check out the event page for more information on whether there is a tour when you want to visit!

12. Join Group Hikes in Sydney

If you like walking, you can join the " Sydney Hiking and Walking Group ".

This is a meetup group that organizes events during which you can hike and walk with other people.

A view of Sydney

Together with a group of other people, you can discover beautiful places in and near Sydney. And there are also events that take place at a place that is a lot further.

What's great is that you can meet other people at the same time. So this is also a very social activity! You may even make some new friends when going to the events of this group.

Another great thing about the group is that it consists of thousands of people. So there are likely a lot of people that attend the events, which is great during solo travel in Sydney!

13. Do a Tall Ship Cruise of Sydney Harbour

One of the most unique things to do alone in Sydney is doing a tall ship afternoon cruise of Sydney .

During this, you sail aboard a historic tall ship.

Sydney Harbour

This is a very unique experience unlike any other experience in the city.

Onboard you can learn about the maritime history of the city, which is very interesting.

Besides that, you go to a lot of beautiful places in the city from where you have beautiful views of the city and sights. Examples of sights you'll see are the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, and more!

14. Go to an Event at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Nice Things To Do Alone in Sydney If You Like Nature

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a place where you can find a lot of nature. You can find a lot of beautiful trees, plants, and flowers here.

You can go to an event at this place during solo travel in Sydney if you like nature.

In the garden, there are interesting talks that relate to nature.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Also, there are guided walks of the garden through which you can learn more about the nature that you find there.

Besides that, there are many other events that can be relaxing and interesting

15. Go to an Exhibition of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Another one of the best things to do alone in Sydney is going to an art exhibition.

You can do this at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia .

If you like contemporary art, this is the place to go!

Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

What's great is that you find here both art from Australia and the world. Because of that, there is a large variety in the art you find here, which makes it very interesting.

Besides the permanent collection, there are also temporary exhibitions at the museum.

These are very interesting as well and they make sure that there is always something new when you visit!

On your own, during solo travel in Sydney, you can better focus on the art. This makes your experience at the art exhibitions much better, which is awesome!

16. Walk Through the City and Learn About History

If you want to learn about The Rocks neighborhood in Sydney, you can do so during a walking tour.

The " Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute Walking Tour " is a great one that I recommend.

During this, a local guide takes you to many places in this part of Sydney.

Moreover, you'll listen to all kinds of interesting stories about the past.

Another thing that is great about this tour is that you can see beautiful views of Sydney Cove through this.

Another reason why this is one of the best things to do alone in Sydney is that you do it with a group of other people.

Because of that, you can socialize with other people that take part in the tour. This social aspect is a lot of fun!

In total, this walking tour takes about 90 minutes.

17. Join a Community of Photographers: Lovely Thing To Do Alone in Sydney If You Like Taking Photos

If you like photography, you can join a photography group in Sydney.

The Meetup group " Sydney Street Photographers " is a great one.

Street in Sydney

They host a variety of events where you can meet others that have an interest in photography.

Also, at these events, you can discuss photography techniques and take photos together. There is a large variety of events, which is great.

Besides that, the social aspect of the events is great too. You may make some new friends during solo travel in Sydney if you go to the events, which is great!

Water and buildings in Sydney

18. Do a Whale Watching Cruise and Have Lunch

Going on a whale watching cruise in Sydney is another great solo activity in the city.

During this experience, you board a ship and sail through Sydney Heads to find whales.

Seeing these whales is an incredible experience that you must experience.

What's great is that this cruise also includes breakfast or lunch.

Another great thing about the experience is that there is live commentary on board.

19. Visit an Exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the best art galleries in Sydney. Going here is also one of the best things to do alone in Sydney.

You can visit the general exhibition space of the museum for free, which is great.

The permanent collection includes Australian, European, and Asian art. This is very interesting to see!

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Besides that, there are lots of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. In fact, there are about 40 temporary exhibitions at the museum.

This makes the place even more interesting to visit during solo travel in Sydney. You can see a lot of new things every time you visit the museum.

What's great is that when you see the art on your own, you can better concentrate on it. This gives you a more immersive experience of the exhibitions!

Keep in mind that some of these temporary exhibitions do have an admission fee.

20. Do a Guided Tour of the Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is a beautiful spot that you can find near the city of Sydney.

There is a lot of nature here and there are beautiful landscapes.

If you want to explore the park, you can join a guided tour. There are many guided tours to choose from.

Water at the Royal National Park

For example, you could do a birding tour, which can be very interesting.

Royal National Park

21. Play Tennis With a Group: Active Thing To Do Alone in Sydney

When you want to play tennis during solo travel in Sydney, you can join the " Lane Cove Sunday Tennis Meetup ".

This is a group that has tennis meetups where you can play tennis together. These meetups usually take place on Sunday.

What's great is that everyone can join! You don't have to have a lot of experience.

Another reason why this is one of the best things to do alone in Sydney is because of the social aspect of it.

After playing tennis, there is often BBQ and drinks together with the other players. This is a lot of fun!

22. Do a Day Tour to the Blue Mountains

Another one of the best things to do alone in Sydney is doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains .

Blue Mountains

This place is beautiful to visit. And you find here a lot of beautiful viewpoints and nature.

There are so many beautiful places to visit here! And there are also lots of great opportunities for photos at the Bleu Mountains.

What's great is that this is a small group day tour. This social aspect is a lot of fun, and it still feels like an intimate experience, which is great!

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Why not go solo? How to travel alone . . . and like it.

Question: You’ve just departed a sunset kayaking trip when you realize your phone is out of juice so you can’t call a rideshare. You’re 30 minutes away from your hotel — too far to walk. You’re alone. And it’s dark. What do you do?

Answer: You walk a few blocks to a restaurant/bar and ask them to call you a cab. Which they do. “Crazy Joe” arrives and immediately announces, “Aliens are among us!” and you don’t even care; you’re thrilled to have transportation, even if the local eccentric is doing the driving. He gets you to your hotel without incident.

File this under “very specific but potentially useful solo travel tips.” When you’re traveling solo, it’s all on you. “You grow when you travel alone,” says Janice Waugh, publisher and founder of Solo Traveler ( www.solotravelerworld.com ). “You make your own choices, you navigate new situations alone, and you negotiate through different cultures, even languages. It’s a fast track to improved life skills and greater self-awareness.”

Honestly, it felt pretty good to solve this problem (a true-life scenario) solo. Traveling alone is empowering, even if it is sometimes scary and difficult. As travel journalists, we frequently travel solo — including romantic locales where it’s often just us and a bevy of PDA-happy honeymooners. Cultivating an air of mystery — and wielding a notebook —helps.

Table for one, please!

Increasingly, it’s not just us. Solo travel is trending. In 2023, 25 percent of Americans (83 million people) were considering taking a solo trip, according to Travel Daily Media . Why would you travel alone instead of bringing a spouse, partner, child, or Blake Lively and Ice Spice (assuming you’re Taylor Swift)?

According to a 2023 survey of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, reported in Statista, the main motivation for solo travel was the willingness to “see the world and not to wait for others,” mentioned by roughly two-thirds of the sample. Forty-six percent of respondents mentioned being motivated by the feeling of freedom and independence. Other reasons cited include “wanting to meet new people,” “personal growth,” “I have different interests than my friends,” and “my partner doesn’t want to travel as much as I do.”

Note the reference to “partner.” Solo travelers aren’t necessarily single. Maybe a partner doesn’t have time off work, or isn’t interested in travel, or wants to do something completely different while traveling. Many solo travelers are women, and many are old enough that they don’t have to worry about young kids at home. They’re booking bucket list journeys with a “If not now, when?” mentality.

“I feel most alive when I am alone in an unknown place — one that stimulates my senses and heightens my gratitude, courage, and curiosity,” says Carolyn Ray, CEO and publisher of JourneyWoman ( www.journeywoman.com ). “Just knowing that I can do it on my own gives me the confidence that I can handle anything that comes my way in life.”

One is not the loneliest number

On your own, you are the author of your travel story. You can go where you want, when you want. Feel like sneaking into a hotel pool in Las Vegas, or visiting the M&Ms store for breakfast? Go for it. Want to sleep in, or see the sunrise from the top of a volcano? Your call. Your schedule is your own, with none of those “what shall we do?/where should we eat?” conversations.

Speaking of conversations, you meet more people when you travel solo. When you travel with others, you’re focused on them. On your own, you’ll discover the peculiar joy of speaking with strangers. Once we got over the initial weirdness — as New Englanders, we’re not exactly famous for our breezy chitchat — we learned to love chatting with chefs, shopkeepers, street musicians, people with pets, toddlers, and, yes, honeymooners (who, by day three, are eager for fresh company and invite fellow guests to join them for dinner and hot-tubbing).

“I learn the most when I travel solo because my senses are attuned to what’s around me and I can focus on me more, not what my companion wants to do,” Ray notes. “I pay more attention to the people around me, am more inquisitive, and find that others — especially other solo women — want to connect, too.”

Going solo in a group

Worried you’ll be lonely? Or that you’ll grow tired of your own company? Consider going solo on a group tour (as opposed to traveling independently, and handling all the details.)

Budget-conscious solo travelers recommend Overseas Adventure Travel ( www.oattravel.com ), offering 80-plus adventures in 100 countries. OAT travelers are not charged single supplements on any of the company’s Land Adventures (land-based tours with groups of no more than 16 travelers) or Small Ship Adventures (boat tours for no more than 25 travelers.) G Adventures ( www.gadventures.com ) is an appealing option for solo travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, with a focus on community tourism (using local service providers). Cambodia, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies — they cover it all. They’ll pair you up with a roommate of the same gender (or book you in a single room for a slightly higher fee). EF Go Ahead Tours ( www.goaheadtours.com ) offers 18 tours designed for solo travelers. A private room is included on their solo tours. Popular destinations include Japan, Spain, and Kenya.

Small group trips are a great choice for solo travelers because the logistics are planned out for you, says Alex Sanchez, US Consumer Marketing Manager of G Adventures. “You get the peace of mind knowing that you’re in the hands of knowledgeable CEOs — ‘chief experience officers,’ what we call our local guides — and you experience the destination with a small group of like-minded travelers. It’s a ready-made community.”

Also, it’s nice to know that someone’s looking out for you in case you get sick or hurt. (We were wildly grateful that a fellow traveler shared anti-nausea meds when we got food poisoning in Petra.) Plus, you can meet some interesting people on a group trip. “We’ve seen people forge life-long friendships,” Sanchez says.

For a first-time female solo traveler, Ray recommends booking a trip designed by and for women. “Women-owned and women-led group tours create safe travel experiences for women and create environments that challenge a woman’s sense for adventure, with less ego and less competitiveness,” she says. Group travel also provides a safety net for those who may be anxious about their first trip on their own, Ray notes. Find some options at JourneyWoman’s Women’s Travel Directory .

Rather go it alone than take your chances with a small group of strangers? Spring for a day tour — say, a pasta-making class in Rome, or something else that fits your interests. Breaking up a long trip with an organized tour will add some structure to your journey.

All alone and… loving it? Solo travel is trending; people want to experience the freedom and independence of seeing the world on their own terms.

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What a great trip! I experienced so much and participated in all that was offered. I had read and reviewed as much as time allowed me but was not prepared for what the trip gave me and that is a better understanding of the beautiful people of both countries. - Lesley on Vietnam/Cambodia

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I thought the suggestions for optional things to do, in the "free" time were very good. So good, we really ended up with very little free time. So much to do! - Mary on Vietnam

Great time together

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together. - Anonymous on Vietnam/Cambodia

Fantastic first experience!

Extremely well organised with fabulous guides throughout - especially in Vietnam! First holiday with your company and certainly not the last. - Glenys on Vietnam

Great group to travel with

Having a small group meant that the days were more relaxed and flexible and I really felt spoilt and looked after. Melinda on Borneo

Thoroughly enjoyed Uganda

Thoroughly enjoyed my trip especially Uganda. There was so much variety of things to do on this trip. Jaros & Julius were great. Thought in Kenya the Maasai Mara were beautiful people, so easy to get along with. Judy

Can’t stop talking about my experience

I just feel so privileged to have shared with the Maasai the most awe-inspiring majestic sights and sounds of Africa. The fantastic memories will be with me forever. Maureen

Absolutely enjoyable

Gillian was a fantastic host. She was there for us from the moment we reached Hotel Troy. Heather on Africa

Best holiday I’ve been on!

One of the best holidays that I have been on - really well organised. I would never have travelled to Vietnam or Cambodia on my own. Bronwyn

Well organised

Fun, well organised and a really great group. Barbara on Vietnam/Cambodia

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together.

Great value

Well done. No complaints. Very pleased with this trip. Great value for my hard earned dollars! Really enjoyed the [Vietnam/Cambodia] tour. 

Fabulous rapport filled with much humour!

A great bunch of people & I can't believe how we all had such a fabulous rapport filled with much humour!!!

I couldn’t fault anything.

The (Uniworld River) cruise was great, I met up with some wonderful people who treated me like part of the family ! The ship & crew were fantastic & the excursions were very good, I couldn't fault anything. I'd recommend this cruise to anyone.  Peter

Informative and educational

The entire trip was one of the most enjoyable and exciting. Also so informative and educational. I was so pleased to make the trip. Wish I was over there in that magical place.  Marjorie

I’ve just returned from the wonderful Kimberley trip.  It was my first experience with Two’s a Crowd and I was delighted.  Kay

Opportunity to experience

I have had the opportunity to experience things I would never had done by myself.  Solo travellers is a fantastic concept and use of social media has been a great way to share and keep in touch with friends and family. Judi

I need not have worried

Being my first tour and a senior member, I admit I was apprehensive but I need not have worried. It was great and I was very well looked after.  Can’t wait to go to Kenya with Two’s a Crowd.  Maureen

Smooth and seamless

A memorable trip of a lifetime, a wish fulfilled.  A fascinating cultural country steeped in history which I found totally enthralling.  Two’s a Crowd service was smooth and seamless.  Pam

A wonderful experience

It was a wonderful experience visiting Cambodia and Vietnam and gave me a better understanding of these countries. I had a great time with new friends, we had a good bunch and Leonie was the perfect host. Eric

Value for money

Value for money and outstanding co-operation from your staff and tour operators. Joan

Safe and secure and totally looked after

An awesome adventure for my first time overseas alone.  Leonie was excellent and both guides were also fantastic.  At all times I felt safe and secure and totally looked after.  Melinda

Well done Two’s a Crowd.

Leonie was an excellent host, the ideal person. I never felt any pressure to  be involved in every activity so I could explore alone during free time. Having 2 or 3 nights in most places was great – you could rest up or party. Well done Two’s a Crowd. Jenny

A completely different experience

It was a nice surprise holiday, a completely different experience from all my other holidays. Thanks. Piroska

I’ve had at least 10 travel agents.

In my travelling life, I’ve had at least 10 travel agents.  Two’s a Crowd is the first one where I haven’t had to correct anything in my travel documents.   Piroska

I’m so excited to have found you Two’s a Crowd.

“Finally. A travel company is recognising the needs of people like me”

This is perfect for me.

“I’ve been to Burma but can you please send me some information about other destinations. This is perfect for me.”

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“I saw your ad in the local paper and could have phoned but I wanted to come in and congratulate you on starting this great business. I really wanted to meet the people behind it.”

Two’s a Crowd on the internet was definitely meant to be!

I’m really enthusiastic about the niche you are determined to cover in the market, and have the feeling stumbling on Two’s a Crowd on the internet was definitely meant to be.

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Thanks for sending these emails as I find them inspirational and will sit dreaming for the next hour or so.

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“I am very excited to read about your area of speciality, and look forward to devouring all information that might come my way. Thank you for providing a service for people like me.”

Excellent throughout.

The entire 14 days ran so smoothly from Two's a Crowd booking my flights to  airport transfers and then the 12 days camping in the Kimberley. Excellent throughout. Congratulations. Marjorie

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Solo traveling basics: Expert advice for your first trip

travel australia alone

Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo yearlong journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her yearlong solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

◾ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something happens.

◾ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

◾ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

◾ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, vice president of product management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

◾ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing nonpreventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases like dengue or Zika.

◾ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with some necessities and medications, such as for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

◾ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

◾ Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

◾ The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 

◾ For your first trip alone, it’s OK to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you don't have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 

◾ It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 

◾ Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned every day, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and be aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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A solo traveler who has been to more than 80 countries says to stay close to home for your first trip alone

  • Pamela Holt advises first-time solo travelers to start with short, local trips.
  • Holt suggests participating in community-based events or hobbies for a more immersive experience.
  • Solo traveling is about getting comfortable with yourself and building confidence, she says.

Insider Today

If you're planning your first solo trip, make it quick and close by.

Pamela Holt, a seasoned solo traveler who visited 80 countries by her 50th birthday, shared this advice with Business Insider. Now 54, Holt has ventured to even more places and hosts a show on Amazon Prime and GoTraveler called "Me, Myself & the World."

The show follows Holt in various destinations as she shares exciting accommodations, activities, and key tips for solo travel .

Traveling solo can feel overwhelming

Holt acknowledges that traveling alone can be daunting and overwhelming for first-time travelers — especially for those not used to being in new places by themselves.

"When I'm talking to first-time solo travelers , women in particular, they look at me like I'm crazy and they could never do this," Holt said.

But it's all about starting small .

Start with a local trip

"If you're a total first-time solo traveler living in the US, just go away for a night or a weekend and get used to yourself — traveling with yourself, depending on yourself, and your own company," Holt told Business Insider.

Related stories

Holt said Santa Barbara is a great option for Los Angeles residents .

"Or, if you're in Chicago, go to Wisconsin. It's an hour-and-½ away, and there are quaint little towns that are so different from Chicago," she said. "It'll give you the effect as if you traveled 10 states away."

If an overnight stay feels too intimidating, Holt recommends taking a day trip .

"Travel an hour, start early in the morning, and spend the day there until you would go to bed. Then go home," she said. "Just experience what that is to be a visitor in another location you haven't been to before."

Wherever you go, immerse yourself

Holt recommends attending activities and events with a built-in community in the destination.

"Try to immerse yourself culturally. Go to a street festival, a concert, or a sporting event," she said.

For those looking to meet people, Holt also suggested signing up for community-based events related to hobbies.

"Whether you're into knitting or Jet-Skiing, you can instantly find a community that might make you feel a little bit more welcome at that destination," she added .

For those not looking for a social trip, solo travel is an opportunity to catch up on alone time.

"It's all about creating the vision you want and seeking it out," Holt said of solo trips.

And the more you take, the more capable you'll feel.

"If I could break it down, it's really about getting used to being with yourself, trusting yourself, entertaining yourself, and getting comfortable and confident," Holt said.

Watch: This couple ditched their 9 to 5 jobs to make a living traveling the world

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  1. How to Travel Australia Alone

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  2. Going Solo in Australia

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  5. Best places to travel alone in Australia and how to get around the country

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  6. Traveling Australia ALONE!! Sydney and Melbourne

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  1. You should travel Australia #travel #travelvloggers

COMMENTS

  1. EPIC Guide to Solo Travel in Australia

    Travelling alone can be lonely, but it is also so rewarding. Be friendly with others in your hostel and tour groups, but also remember to be satisfied spending time alone. One of the best tips for solo travel in Australia is to visit during the right time of year. September to November and March through May are the best times to visit the country.

  2. Australia Solo Travel Guide and Adventure Itinerary (2023)

    October 12, 2023. Australia is one of the most popular and diverse solo travel destinations in the world. Head Down Under and you can cuddle a koala, surf the Gold Coast, dive the Great Barrier Reef, catch the sunrise at Uluru and so much more! In this ultimate guide to solo travel in Australia, you'll find everything you need to plan the ...

  3. Solo Travel In Australia: A Complete Guide

    Some of Australia's epic landscapes - sunset at Uluru, driving down the Great Ocean Road - are best appreciated alone. And although it may sound cliched, you'll learn a lot more about yourself when you travel on your own. You will find plenty of ideas for your Australian solo trip in our guide to the best things to do in Australia.

  4. Solo Travel in Australia

    If you are ready to solo travel in Australia here are some useful links to help you to travel Australia alone including airlines which fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals. Budget - £70+ a day. Current Time in Canberra. Facts. Capital City - Canberra. Population - 22.4 million. Language spoken - English

  5. A Complete Guide To Solo Travel In Australia

    Solo travel in Australia is so easy, particularly when compared to other countries so don't worry about meeting people, being on your own or not having people to travel with. ... I get it though, it's a daunting thought going it alone and so it might seem super tempting to join, say a 30-day organised group tour instead. Group tours have ...

  6. Places to Visit in Australia Alone

    St Kilda sunsets in Melbourne, one of the best places to visit in Australia alone. 2. Magnetic Island. This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live.

  7. Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone? 15 Dangers to Beware

    Whilst it is safe to travel alone in Australia, you still need to remain aware of the dangers below and follow these solo travel safety tips. Solo travel deaths in Australia. Tourist deaths are rare in Australia. On average, about 350-450 tourists die each year (0.01%) in Australia . Most health-related deaths occur amongst older tourists (e.g ...

  8. Tips for solo travel in Australia

    In larger towns and cities, restaurant and bar work is always available and working in hospitality is a fun environment for meeting new people (while making some money, of course!). Stop into local cafes, eateries and bars to enquire about work. Australia is a great destination for solo holidays. Friendly locals, stunning scenery and great ...

  9. Best solo holidays in Australia

    Australia is just the place to take time to travel alone. By Sarah Reid There are many different reasons travellers choose to adventure on their own, and there's no country better to do it in than Australia thanks to our world-class tourism infrastructure, experiences tailored to solo travellers, welcoming locals and operators, and easy-to ...

  10. How to Travel Australia Alone

    It's a flexible, safe way to travel around Australia, and the drivers will help you book extra tours and excursions too. The alternative is the Greyhound bus, which is a bus service that will take you between the main cities. This is just a point to point service and personally I think the Oz Experience seems a lot more fun for a solo traveller.

  11. Australia's best solo travel destinations

    You don't need to travel far to experience the splendours of a tropical island. Magnetic Island, or 'Maggie' as affectionately called by locals and travellers alike, is coated in lush bushland that meets white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.Take the easy 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville and check into Nomads - one of Australia's most breathtaking hostels - where a line of ...

  12. 10 Helpful Tips For Solo Travel In Australia

    The Arkaba Walk is great for solo travellers. (Image: Wild Bush Luxury / Great Walks of Australia) 6. Join a group. If your friends and family aren't interested in joining you on your dream trip but you'd rather not go it alone, a group holiday could be the answer.

  13. Solo Travel in Australia for the Active Female Traveller

    Australia is a top destination for women who love solo travel or want to start with it and enjoy down under at a slow pace. From backpacking to road-tripping to hiking, Australia is one of the safest destinations for solo female travellers of any age who love the great outdoors. On a gap year, I took my first solo trip to Australia in 2004.

  14. The Best Solo Trips In Australia To Take This Year

    Explore Booderee National Park. Impossibly blue waters are a given in Jervis Bay, just a three-hour cruise from Sydney (which is ample time for a solid main character energy car concert if you ask us) and home Booderee National Park, a haven for solo traveller delights to see and do. And do you shall: Car entry is a casual $13.

  15. Solo Female Travel in Australia

    Absolutely, Australia is terrific for experienced solo female travelers. I had already been to more than 40 countries before arriving in Australia and I was delighted in all senses of the word. If you're already an experienced solo traveler, chances are you'll have different interests than a newbie.

  16. 10 Tips for Traveling Solo in Australia

    Australia is one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers—it's full of friendly people, a ton of opportunities to meet new people, and a relatively safe place to travel alone. It's a popular choice for gap-year travelers, career breakers, students, and generally anyone who wants to have a good time while soaking up the Aussie sun.

  17. A Comprehensive Guide To Solo Female Travel In Australia

    Draw a rough plan: Once you do this, calculate the distances to see if it's viable. Choose the most cost-effective transportation modes that allow you to maximize your time. Fix a budget: You'll need this to stay on track. Make 80% of arrangements: But leave 10-20% to be decided upon spontaneously. Give shape to your itinerary.

  18. The Best Places to Travel Alone in Australia

    Discover Australia Gold Coast Hinterland. Another top place to travel alone is the East Coast of Australia along the Gold Coast. I first went to Coolangatta in 2013 ago and visited Coolangatta coming from South Wales. Later on, I spent six weeks in Mermaid Beach while house-sitting in Australia.

  19. Australia

    Solo Travel Australia: 17 Things to Know Before Travelling to Australia. Australia. Australia Itinerary 10 Days: Best of East Coast Australia. ... 36 Things To Do Alone In Brisbane Australia. Australia. Gold Coast Solo Travel: Top 10 Things to do Alone in Gold Coast Australia. Australia.

  20. 22 Things To Do Alone in Sydney: Solo Travel in Sydney

    4. Take Part in a Jet Boat Thrill Ride of Sydney Harbour. One of the most spectacular things to do alone in Sydney is doing a thrill jet boat ride through Sydney Harbour. During this experience, you board a jet boat with which you go through Sydney Harbour. This experience takes about 30 minutes and it is amazing.

  21. Why not go solo? How to travel alone . . . and like it.

    According to a 2023 survey of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, reported in Statista, the main motivation for solo travel was the willingness to "see the world and ...

  22. Two's a Crowd

    Solo travel is all we do. We create a range of itineraries and group tours dedicated to solo travellers to a range of destinations throughout the world. 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) ... An awesome adventure for my first time overseas alone. Leonie was excellent and both guides were also fantastic. At all times I felt safe and secure and totally looked ...

  23. First Solo Trip To Australia : r/solotravel

    I spent 5 weeks in Australia and this was my rough itinerary. Flew into Sydney, spent a week or so there. Then travelled up the east coast stopping at Central Coast, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa ( HAVE to go to Fraser Island ), back to Brisbane to fly to Airlie Beach to do the Whitsundays/ GBR, then fly down to Melbourne to finish off.

  24. Solo travel tips: How to get started traveling alone

    Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as ...

  25. Encounter Travel: Solo Travel Tours. Singles Holidays Reinvented

    Take your pick! Join our 'Solos Only' groups, exclusively for solos travellers. Or, join 'Solos Mix' - tours we've hand picked, popular with solos but mixing it up couples also. ©. Award winning solo travel tours & holidays from Encounter Travel. Find your travel in 2023 & beyond with Leisure Adventure Cruising Resorts ☎ 1300 653 692.

  26. Traveling Solo for the First Time? Start With a Local Trip

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