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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.

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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…

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1. Island Hop Through 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.

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

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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Solo travel in Australia: everything you need to know

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written by Shafik Meghji

updated 07.05.2021

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.

Travel ideas for Australia, created by local experts

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.

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.

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.

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.

© 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.

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”).

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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 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 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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The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide To Australia (2024)

A solo trip to Australia’s vast landscape of energetic cities, wild terrain, and wavy shores is a dream idea for most people! The country is known for being a bucket list destination, and many of those who turn their Aussie travel dreams into reality are solo backpackers, looking for an ultimate adventure.

I’ve had the pleasure of spending extensive time in Australia thanks to a working holiday visa which allowed me to stay in the country for 2 years. During this time, I travelled A LOT. Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country and I wanted to explore as much as possible before my time ran out. Locations imprinted in my memory the most from my trip down under include Melbourne, Kakadu National Park, Magnetic Island, and Byron Bay.

Exploring various countries as a solo female traveller has boosted my confidence and belief in myself tenfold. From the moment I step foot on a plane, I know I’m about to make incredible memories, learn about a new culture, and immerse myself in an unfamiliar environment meeting incredible people along the way. My solo Australia trip allowed me to fly to the other side of the world, trusting my adaptability and travel experience to guide me through each day. 

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Australia

My biggest tip before an Aussie solo trip is to be prepared! I don’t mean to have every second of your travels mapped out, but at least have a good idea of the must-visit places on your list, a rough daily budget, insurance, and accommodation arranged for some of your days. Being prepared will help you feel more relaxed when the plane touches down in Australia and you know what you’re getting up to on your first day. 

How To Get To Australia As A Solo Traveller

Coming from the UK, Australia is FAR to travel to! This typically means expensive flights and at least one layover, but trust me when I say the travel faff of reaching the continent is worth it. Australia has over 600 airports, so you can only imagine the number of possible flights available to reach the country and the potential layover destinations.

There’s no secret; flying to Australia can cost a lot, with the biggest expense of an Aussie trip being the transport to and from the country. The flights are also known for being notoriously long. This is something I like, as I find it gives me time to sit back on the plane, journal about my imminent adventure, and visualise my solo trip coming to life. To cut back on costs, it’s worth looking into routes with more than one layover. In some ways, layovers seem inconvenient, but if you have several hours to wait, layovers are a bonus for a spontaneous adventure!

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Australia

The ability to find cheap flights to Australia is a game-changer, cutting down initial costs as much as possible so you have the maximum budget left for in-country experiences. After extensive solo travelling over the last few years, I’ve compiled my tips for finding cheap flights so you can cut down travel costs and reach Australia with plenty of dollars still to hand.

Be Flexible 

I know what it’s like when you have a goal destination, arrival and departure dates, and exact ideas about what you’ll do when you reach your desired country of travel. This isn’t the wrong way to travel, as different things work for different people! Over time, however, I’ve found remaining as flexible as possible to be a great way of keeping costs down. Being open to various destinations and travel dates will help comparison sites give you the best range of deals. 

Fly Off-Peak

Travelling during holiday periods is a big no for me as I’m usually exploring on a budget, and these are the times companies hike their prices up. Instead of journeying across the water at popular times, I always travel off-peak, and usually early in the morning as long as I’ve got a coffee in hand! Early morning flights tend to be cheaper and generally quieter than busier times of the day, so it’s worth setting your alarm clock and saving some pennies. 

Compare Prices

I always turn to Skyscanner when I’m looking for flights, as they take the hard work out of price comparison for me. The website is easy to use and details the cheapest flights along with airlines, layover details, and total flight time. Flight comparison is a must when you’re looking to keep costs down. You’d be surprised how much prices can fluctuate depending on the airline and company you book through!

I always think it’s wise to pack light as it means there’s less to worry about during your travels and you can have a little space to bring some special items home with you. It’s also a good move for avoiding surprise baggage fees which are commonplace with budget airlines. Weigh your bag before travelling to the airport and double-check the size you can bring on the plane without additional charges. 

Sign Up For Flight Deals

Along with searching for flight prices on comparison websites, you can also find amazing deals by signing up to websites and online memberships to access more deals. Collecting air miles is something I would highly recommend to anyone travelling regularly. The miles you accumulate while travelling can be used towards a flight in the future; maybe even on your solo trip to Australia.

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Australia?  

It doesn’t matter if your goal is to spend a few days, weeks, or months in Australia; it’s essential to obtain a valid Australian visa. This will allow you to enter and stay in the country legally, whether you’re going for a short holiday, planning on working abroad, or studying. For my trip, I needed to work to afford everything I wanted to do in Australia, so I applied for a working holiday visa. This gave me 12 months to explore the country, and I could then apply for a second working holiday visa once my 12 months were coming to an end.

If you don’t plan on working during your solo travel Australia adventure, you can apply for an eVisitor visa which allows up to 3 months travel. Unlike the working holiday visa which costs a few hundred Aus dollars, the eVisitor visa is free and allows you to visit Australia as much as you like during 12 months, as long as each visit is less than 3 months long.

Working Holiday Visa in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular locations for Brits to head to on a working holiday visa. I actually spent 2 years living Down Under and loved it – what an experience! It allowed me to travel Australia extensively while experiencing work and travel alongside each other and I highly recommend for anyone who is 18-35 and considering backpacking or a move abroad.  Finding a job in Australia on a working holiday visa isn’t hard as there are so many different roles available! Think of everything from fruit picking and waitressing to sales jobs and temporary admin positions. My biggest tip would be to head into potential workplaces such as hotels, hostels, and bars, and hand in your CV. You can read more of my backpacker tips for finding jobs in Australia in my guide here . 

For those who would like extra help with arranging their working holiday visa in Australia , why not book a package with Global Work and Travel? They’ll help you with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications and even job hunting. Plus you can get support 24- hours a day Mon-Fri from your own Trip Coordinator and make friends before you land using their app.

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Australia?

There are many ways to book a solo trip to Australia, and whether you’re planning to map out your entire solo trip, create a group trip to meet other solo travellers, or only want to book a flight and first night’s accommodation, there’s an Aus adventure to suit you! 

Entire Planned Trip:

Booking an entire planned trip is feasible, but I find planning every aspect of a trip to be quite stressful when I arrive, as I’m always checking the time to make sure I’m not late for an activity or hotel check-in. Suppose this is your preferred way to travel. In that case, it’s worth looking at comparison websites that pair flights and hotels together as these can save money and time searching for booking availability.

A Group Trip:

Booking a group trip with close friends is a great way to kick off your Australian adventure, and if you all head in different directions and meet up in a few months, just think how exciting it will be to tell each other everything you’ve gotten up to! If you’re taking a solo trip to Australia, joining a group tour is a great way to meet other backpackers and solo adventurers where you can make friends, share tips, and potentially split costs on excursions, in-country transport, and hostels.

Flight and 1 Night Accommodation:

Simply booking a flight and your first night’s accommodation is an exciting way to kick off your trip. I always think it’s wise to have at least your first night’s accommodation planned, as after a long flight you’ll likely want to freshen up and get some rest before heading out into the city. 

How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Australia

Booking hostels and hotels in Australia has never been easier thanks to websites such as booking.com and Hostelworld . These websites display accommodation within the parameters set by the user, such as price, rating, location, etc. This means you can source the best accommodation at the most affordable price, offering exactly what you want! I particularly pay attention to the reviews from other travellers about the hotel or hostel as I find this gives me more of an accurate indication of what it will be like when I arrive. 

Currency, Language, Plugs, and the Best Ways To Get Around Australia When You’re There

Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar, so it’s best to have some cash to hand, along with a travel card or similar so you can spend money hassle-free. As for plugs, at first Australian plugs may look the same as UK plugs, but they aren’t! Australia uses plug type 1 which has 2 flat pins and 1 ground pin in a close triangle shape. 

The national language of Australia is English, but the country is also home to 250 Indigenous languages including 800 dialects . With English being the predominant language spoken, it makes things easier for English speakers to navigate around the country. It’s vital to still be aware of the Indigenous population in Australia, and recognise their history and importance in the country, especially when travelling to areas such as the Northern Territory. 

I’ve already touched upon how big Australia is, and to give you a better indication, the best way to get around is by flying! Travelling from city to city or throughout the various regions and territories can entail miles, and the quickest way to reach destinations is by flying. To cover shorter distances, you can jump on a bus, train, tram, or even rent a car and go on an epic road trip. Be sure to check out my girls’ packing guide for Asia and Australia so you bring all the essentials along and pack light for your solo Australia trip.

SIM Cards in Australia

Stay connected during your solo trip to Australia with an eSIM from Airalo – they’re my favourite company and offer digital data packs for over 200 countries worldwide. Save yourself the hassle of trying to find wifi everywhere you go and set it up before you fly so that when you land you have instant connection to mobile networks when you arrive. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to navigating to your hotel or hostel, or figuring out public transport when you’ve been travelling for two days. Pick up an Airalo eSIM data package for Australia and save yourself from getting caught out by expensive roaming fees.

What travel medical insurance do I need for a trip to Australia?

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, it’s likely you’ll be travelling for a month or more and naturally when you travel for longer, there is more opportunity to get sick or require medical attention. One of my teachers at school always preached “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” and I took it to heart so I never leave home without a good insurance policy which fits my specific needs for a trip. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is a travel medical insurance that starts from just a few dollars a day and is one of the most affordable options on the market – perfect for you backpackers and long-term travellers! Three things I love about SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance:

• It takes 5 minutes to purchase and you’re still eligible if your trip has already started (great if you’re forgetful!)
• You’re covered for even the smallest of claims – $0 deductible
• It offers a pay-as-you-go subscription and you can cancel anytime

If you’re planning a multi-destination trip, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance also covers you in up to 180 countries worldwide. Although pricing is in $$$ – SafetyWing offers policies to travellers from all over (including the UK). So head to their website to find out more now and book insurance for your next trip. 

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Australia 

Having travel insurance is something I didn’t always prioritise, but a decade of solo travel experience has taught me that being prepared for any situation is a good thing. I’ve tried and tested different insurance from various companies and found these three travel insurances to be the best options.

Safety Wing

There are a few key reasons why I trust Safety Wing for travel insurance while adventuring abroad. Safety Wing offers Nomad Insurance which is ideal for those exploring various destinations during a trip. Conveniently, travellers can sign up for this insurance either before setting off on their trip, or at any point while they are away, with coverage in over 180 countries. 

Find out more about Safety Wing

With 24-hour, 365-day emergency assistance, Outbacker Insurance understands the needs of travellers abroad, with coverage of 230 activities and sports, and instant online policy delivery, so there are no days or weeks spent waiting for an insurance letter in the post. Medical expenses are covered up to £15 million outside of the UK, which reassures travellers that they are in safe hands, with a reliable security blanket to fall on as and when needed.

Find out more about Outbacker insurance

World Nomads

The spectrum of coverage available with World Nomads Insurance is outstanding, ranging from baggage insurance and overseas medical, to coronavirus-related cover, pregnancy, travel accidents, and more. The scope of coverage and 24/7 support make World Nomads a great choice for any solo trip. There’s the option to also give a micro-donation to one of their chosen charities when you take out a plan, so you can help others while World Nomads helps you.

Find out more about World Nomads  

Should I Go To Australia On My First Solo Trip?

I’ve been travelling solo for nearly a decade and I stand by Australia as one of my favourite destinations to date. The continent’s land mass is simply EPIC, and it’s hard to describe until you’ve touched down. The diversity of culture, landscape, and cuisine across Australia makes it a wonderful place for solo travelling. 

Backpackers from all over the globe head to Australia seeking adventure, a hot climate, and to experience everything the country offers. You’ll undoubtedly stumble across other solo travellers in hostels, hotels, bars, and activity tours. This will make you feel less like you’re travelling solo and more like part of a wide community of people soul-searching just like you!

As the main language spoken is English, this makes it easy to explore during a solo trip to Australia, as English speakers can read road signs, speak with locals, and ask for help without dealing with a language barrier. This can be especially helpful if you lose your bearings when returning to your hostel, or want to find a tasty but affordable place to eat. You can find out more about my time in Australia by checking out my ultimate Australia travel guide with tips for all budgets .

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Australia Cost?

After many years of solo female travelling, I’ve found flights and accommodation to take the biggest chunk out of my budget. For Australia, this is what I found to be most expensive, but I saved in other ways by using public transport, refraining from eating out too often and choosing budget accommodation such as shared hostel rooms. You can check out more of my top money-saving travel tips here .

1 Month in Australia:

This is an estimate for what one month in Australia can look like in terms of budget. This can vary greatly depending on location, time of travel, and the activities you choose to do. To help plan your trip, check out my ultimate budget guide for a month on the East Coast which will provide you with a better indication of the expenses you’ll be faced with when travelling down under.

Saving money while travelling doesn’t have to feel impossible, and with some small changes, you’d be surprised how much of your budget can remain intact for longer! Especially when planning a gap year , keeping costs down is often at the forefront of the mind, and when travelling to a destination such as Australia which is notorious for being on the pricey side, it’s easy to see why!

Is Australia Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

With nearly 10 years of solo female travelling experience, I’ve gained such confidence to keep adventuring around the globe. Safety is something I always prioritise when travelling, and something I’ve learned over time is to trust my gut above anything. As Australia is predominantly an English-speaking country, I found this helpful as I knew I could communicate with anyone if I needed help or advice. 

There are also so many backpackers flocking to experience a solo Australia travel adventure, and this means there’s a high chance of meeting other travellers during your trip. In terms of safety, I find this comforting as travelling in a group brings a layer of security and comfort that’s not always there when travelling alone. 

Regardless of the location I’m adventuring to, there are a few things I always do to make sure I’m putting my safety first. You can read these tips in my resources for solo female travel and be sure to bookmark the tap to keep the details fresh in your mind before you set off for your trip.

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Australia?

Narrowing down the best places for solo travel in Australia is tough, but a few locations stick in my mind as though I were there yesterday. You can find such different vibes depending on where you travel to in Australia. Cities such as Melbourne are bursting with life and provide the perfect setting for socialising, while the East Coast is the ideal place for crossing paths with other backpackers.

The city of Sydney doesn’t need an introduction. It’s an iconic location in Australia, and home to some of the country’s well-known landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is so much to see and do in the city, it also provides the perfect foundation for finding work if you have a working holiday visa. Sydney is ideal for meeting other backpackers also in the area, and staying in one of the city’s popular hostels.

Best Budget Hotel: The Ultimo Sydney

Best Hostel: WakeUp Sydney

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, and when I reflect back to my time in the city, I’m transported to the heart of the cultural capital, surrounded by independent bars, coffee shops, and excitement in the air. The city is a backpacker’s oasis, offering food stalls, vintage shops, and hostels to rest weary feet after a long day of discovering the city’s streets.

Best Budget Hotel: The Victoria Hotel

Best Hostel: Flinders Backpackers Melbourne

Cairns is a special place in Australia, home to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree and Wet Tropics Rainforest. If you’ve pictured scuba diving through clear waters and vibrant coral, Cairns will satisfy your imagination with its stunning natural beauty. The best way to enjoy Cairns is to venture through the city’s unique natural environment, invigorating all of the senses with the offerings of the rainforest.

Best Budget Hotel: Oaks Cairns Hotel

Best Hostel: Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

East Coast 

All across Australia’s East Coast, you’ll find plenty to fill your days and meet backpackers along the way! There’s a variety of environments from sandy beaches and lively high streets to rainforests and dramatic landscapes. Taking part in activities is one of the best ways to get a feel for what the East Coast is all about, so get ready to have some fun and make memories!

Best Budget Hotel: The Waterloo Bay Hotel, Brisbane

Best Hostel: Summer House Backpackers, Brisbane

Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Australia?

There are simply so many different places to travel and explore across Australia. From the epic pink lakes in Western Australia to the tranquil shores of the Gold Coast, you won’t be short of things to do! I loved visiting various locations in Australia, and I’ve picked a few that I feel are must-visits for a solo trip to Aus.

A visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Expect to see the wild ocean in all its glory while you drive alongside rugged cliffs, with some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve seen in my recent years travelling solo. Wilson’s Promontory National Park is also worthwhile for its abundance of beautiful trails and swimming opportunities in pristine clear waters.

Best Budget Hotel: Mantra 100 Exhibition

Best Hostel: Bev and Mick’s International Backpackers

The East Coast is so full of sights and activities that I could have spent my whole visa time slowly travelling along it! Both Fraser Island and Magnetic Island are two standout locations for me as they both offer such diverse natural scenery; imagine clear lakes, enormous rainforests, and the everlasting sounds of wildlife. Byron Bay is a coastal town that’s also worth investing some time in as it’s such a bustling place of energy with plenty of travellers too! 

If you love to surf or would like to learn, look no further than Noosa. This surf-lovers destination is stunning and globally recognised for its vast beaches and impressive waves. With such proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, a trip to the Whitsundays has also got to be on your list for Australia. Think of everything from sailing and diving to snorkelling with underwater wildlife in some of the most breathtaking waters the world can offer.

Best Budget Hotel: Glen River Resort, Byron Bay

Best Hostel: Vali by Village, Byron Bay

Northern Territory 

When I think back to exploring the Northern Territory, my mind instantly travels back to the Litchfield and Kakadu National Park. Magical cascading waterfalls, palm trees, and expansive wetlands make this park a wonder for the eyes and soul of anyone travelling through. 

Best Budget Hotel: Desert Palms, Alice Springs

Best Hostel: YHA Alice Springs

Western Australia  

The port city of Fremantle is the perfect location for a relaxed vibe, where you can sit back and enjoy treating yourself to dinner in a seafood eatery, heritage pub, or independent cafe. Save some of your budget for a couple of days in Fremantle where you can snag something special from a boutique to take home and remember your adventure. 

Ningaloo Reef is similar to the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s a far more affordable and accessible way of interacting with all the magic beneath the water. Snorkelling here is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the country’s wildest and most breathtaking scenery. Another hot spot in Western Australia, providing glistening golden sand and convenient amenities such as toilets and snack bars for an all-day visit.

Hotel: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle

Hostel: YHA Fremantle Prison

Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s iconic beaches, offering impressive surfing opportunities for those eager for an adrenaline rush! For a more relaxing, quieter trip, take a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Explore the dramatic sights of Bondi Beach and the immediate coast for 6 km, basking in the sun and dreamy blue skies.

Hotel: Park Regis City Centre

Hostel: Nate’s Place Backpackers

What Are The Best Road Trips In Australia?

It’s hard to fathom the grand size of Australia until you’re standing in a city, planning a route to several destinations and realise just how long it takes to get there! This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as a slow road trip around Aus gives you the time to take in every bit of scenery and chat with newfound friends along the way. 

Taking a road trip along the coast can start and end anywhere, but I think there’s no better route for a few days on the road than Sydney to Brisbane. The total driving time is around 10 – 11 hours, so this is a perfect split across 3 days, stopping along the way to explore Newcastle, Guy Fawkes River National Park, and the Gold Coast before arriving in Brisbane. This is a drive full of epic coastal scenery following stints of the Brunswick River, Jinangong Nature Reserve, and Cudgera Creek Nature Reserve.

I found the hardest part about my road trip around the West Coast of Australia to be choosing the start and finish points! Depending on the types of roads you’re planning on exploring, you may need a 4WD, so keep this in mind when looking at car rentals. My time driving along the West Coast was full of great memories, from making it all the way from Fremantle to Darwin, to ending up with a 10-person convoy at the end of the trip!

Great Ocean Road  

The Great Ocean Road is a popular route to take for travellers looking to fill their souls with endless views and experience quaint coastal towns like a local. This was an unforgettable part of my solo trip to Australia and ending our journey in Port Fairy was the best possible way to round off the adventure and talk in awe of the incredible sights we saw along the way. 

During my time in Australia, I spent nearly a whole month exploring Tasmania, partly because the delicious local produce tasted so good, and partly because it was one of the most enjoyable places I have ever taken a road trip! My time road-tripping around Tasmania instantly fills me with memories of tent camping on pure white sand and venturing to 11 national parks. 

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Australia? 

One of my most commonly asked questions is how I make friends when I’m travelling solo. I’ve written a full guide about this topic that you can read here to learn in-depth about some of the key ways I meet people when I’m out on the road alone. During my time in Australia, I found it easy to make friends, maybe because there were backpackers and tourists seemingly at every corner! When I first land in a country and I don’t know anyone, there are a few fundamental things I do each time.

Be Confident

Even if I feel butterflies in my stomach and sweat beading in my hands, I try to convey confidence when I’m meeting new people. I know what it’s like to want to crawl back into your shell, but this won’t help you bond with other solo travellers on your Aussie adventure! Smile, take a deep breath, and approach the group of backpackers sitting at the bar – they could be the gateway to learning more about Australia and even the perfect group for a road trip.

Initiate Conversation

I always have a handful of questions in my back pocket to initiate conversations with new people. Topics around travel always get backpackers talking, so think about questions such as “is it your first time here?”, “what are your plans for your time in Australia?”, or “how long are you staying at this hostel?” to help push past any initial awkwardness you may be feeling about talking to someone new.

Suggest A Group Activity

There are so many possible activities to do in Australia, from sailing, surfing, and snorkelling, to attending festivals or taking a boat trip. Doing an activity together is a great way for people to gel and get to know one another in a friendly, open environment. This is one of the best ways I’ve found for meeting people when I’m travelling solo, as anyone who’s up for a spontaneous group activity, is likely someone who is also up for a chat too!

Australia has such a place in my heart, and the moments I captured during my time in the country are some I will never forget. Where are you thinking of heading to in Australia? I’d love to know!

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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…

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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Australia Solo Travel Guide and Adventure Itinerary (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 Ozzie adventure of a lifetime.

All the advice is tailored to people who will be travelling alone in Australia, including: the best destinations, things to do and see, accommodation, transport, costs, a packing list, safety tips and much more. 

After Australia, why don’t you continue on to solo travel New Zealand !

• Solo Travel in Australia
• 6 Best Places to Travel Alone
• 10 Best Things to Do and See
• Accommodation
• Best Time to Visit Australia
• Where to Start
• How Long to Spend Travelling
• Costs and Budgeting
• Packing List
• Visas and Entry Requirements
• More guides and tips

Overview of Solo T ravel in Australia

Australia is one of the best solo travel destinations for both first-timers and experienced travellers. 

People love to travel solo in Australia because it is safe, easy to navigate and has an array of famous sites such as Sydney, Bondi Beach, Melbourne, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road and Kakadu. You will enjoy the relaxed environment and find it easy to make friends with the locals and other solo travellers. 

The most popular solo travel route in Australia is the East Coast (Melbourne – Sydney – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Cairns). However, if you have enough time, you may also want to travel into The Outback (Uluru, Kakadu, Broome, etc.)

Solo travel around Australia is particularly popular amongst young people (aged 18-30) (both male and female) thanks to its party atmosphere and visa options. However, it is also popular amongst older solo travellers (50+), sometimes referred to as ‘Grey Nomads’ in Australia (famous for travelling around in campervans and motorhomes).

It is easy to find accommodation all over Australia, with hostels and hotels found in every major town and city. It is also easy to arrange transport, with coaches travelling around most of the country and airports in major cities and large regional towns. 

Many people choose to solo travel in Australia during summer (December – February), because they think that the beaches will be more enjoyable in the heat. However, the cooler seasons are a great time to solo travel around Australia because the Northern Tropics are more accessible and it snows in the alpine regions of south-east Australia.

Note that Australia can be an expensive country to solo travel in. It is also a large place and you will need at least 1-3 months if you want to see most of the highlights. 

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary (1-6 Months) : 4 Best Places to Travel Alone

East Coast of Australia (1-3 Months)

Victoria (1 week to 1 month).

Victoria is the second most populous state and is located in the southeast of the country. It is famous for its buzzing metropolitan lifestyle, wine regions, natural wonders and sporting events.

The capital of Victoria is Melbourne. You can fly to Melbourne from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Sydney, Adelaide or Brisbane. Many people start their solo travel in Australia here.

Melbourne is famous for being a cultural hub of Australia and one of the most liveable cities in the world. Wander the laneways and admire the street art before stopping for a coffee (voted the best in the world). Then at night, enjoy a craft beer at a local brewery before hitting the nightclubs or catching a sporting event.

To the west of Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road, one of the most renowned coastal drives in the world. Along the way, stand in awe and admire geological wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. You’ll also get to explore rainforests, waterfalls and Bell’s Beach (the home of surfing in Australia). 

Throughout the Victorian Countryside and the Mornington Peninsula, you will find vineyards responsible for producing some of the world’s best Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. And when you’re not wining and dining, you can soak away the afternoon in mineral hot baths or cast a line on the Murray River. 

New South Wales (1 Week to 1 Month)

New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia and is located on the East Coast. It is famous for its iconic beaches, monumental landmarks and mountain ranges.

The capital of New South Wales is Sydney. You can fly to Sydney from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Melbourne or Brisbane. 

Sydney is known for its famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It is also home to the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. To the west of Sydney are the Blue Mountains, where you can see towering waterfalls and steep cliffs amongst the blue haze of the eucalyptus forests.

The northern coastline of NSW is lined with long, sandy beaches. The most famous of these is the celebrity hotspot Byron Bay, a hippy community that has become a playground for backpackers and wealthy travellers alike. When you’re not learning to surf, just kick back and relax or hit one of the nightclubs. 

In southern NSW are the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park, home to the highest peak in Australia and bush legends such as the Man From the Snowy River. Visit in the winter and you can ski or snowboard at large resorts such as Perisher and Thredbo. 

Queensland (2 Weeks – 1 Month)

Queensland is the most popular destination for solo travel in Australia. This tropical paradise is famous for its sandy beaches, tropical rainforest, vibrant reef and party cities.

The capital of Queensland is Brisbane. You can fly to Brisbane from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Sydney or Melbourne. It is another great starting point for solo travel in Australia.

Brisbane is famous for its sub-tropical climate, riverside walkways, alfresco dining and annual Cockroach Races. It is also close to Stradbroke Island, a whale-watching paradise!

An hour from Brisbane is the Gold Coast, where solo travellers like to party by night and then recover on the beach by day. Here, you will find strips of nightclubs, bars and theme parks filled with young people looking for a good time. Some of the famous surf beaches include Surfer’s Paradise and Burleigh Heads.

A few hours further north is the Sunshine Coast, a more-upmarket beach destination with luxurious hotels and popular hostels. Visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, where you can hand feed kangaroos, pat a koala and watch the croc feeding show. Then catch a ferry to Fraser Island (K’Gari), where vivid blue lakes, rainforests and sand dunes adorn the world’s largest sand island.

In the Tropical North of Queensland, you will find cities such as Townsville and Cairns – both gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel with turtles and visit heavenly spots such as Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island. Then, delve deep into the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest.

Tasmania (2 Weeks)

Tasmania is an island state to the south of Australia. Whilst it may not be the most popular place to solo travel in Australia, it is perhaps the most underrated. Tasmania is famous for its spectacular scenery, convict and Aboriginal history, unique wildlife and cultural attractions.

The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. You can fly to Hobart from all of the major airports in Australia. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry to Tasmania from Melbourne.

Hobart is famous for its cultural attractions, such as the Salamanca Markets, which hosts over 300 artisan stalls every Saturday. You should also ride the ferry to the MONA Art Museum, the largest privately-funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

The East Coast of Tasmania is spoiled with amazing seafood and scenery, including sights such as Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires. You can also visit Port Arthur, which was once a brutal convict settlement but is today one of the best museums in Australia.

The West Coast of Tasmania is wild and rugged but beautiful. Climb Cradle Mountain and look out of vast swathes of remote Australian bushland before circling the crystal clear waters of Lake St Clair. And don’t miss out on the Tasmanian Devil sanctuary!

Western Australia (1-2 Months)

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia (about 3.5 times the size of Texas). It is less popular than the East Coast but is remarkable in its own right. It is famous for its rugged coastline, coral reefs and desert interior.

The capital of Western Australia is Perth. You can fly to Perth from all of the major airports in Australia. Otherwise, it is several days’ drive from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney.

Perth is famous for Cottesloe Beach and is a gateway to Rottnest Island, home of the Instagram-famous Quokka (a cute little kangaroo). To the south of Perth is the historic city of Fremantle and the Margaret River surf region. To the north is the Pinnacles Desert, where strange limestone pillars that are 30,000 years old rise out of the sands.

The Western Australian Coastline is vast and takes weeks to travel, but it is host to internationally-renowned marine attractions. Feed dolphins on the shore in Monkey Mia, swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park and ride a camel along Cable Beach in Broome.

The Western Australian Outback is even more vast but is equally remarkable. Explore the red soils, ginormous gorges and hidden swimming holes around Kalbarri National Park, Karijini National Park and the Kimberley. Then see Wave Rock before crossing the desert via the Nullarbor Plain, the longest straight road on the planet (147km/91mi).

The Outback (1 Month)

The Australian Outback may seem dry and deserted but it is one of the most popular destinations for solo travel in Australia. Known as the Red Centre, it is famous for its amber sands, Aboriginal culture, natural wonders and wildlife. 

Most people start their Outback journey in the city of Adelaide, which is surrounded by internationally-renowned wine regions such as the Barossa Valley. Nature lovers will want to see the wildlife on Kangaroo Island or cage dive with Great White Sharks off of Port Lincoln. 

In the centre of Australia is the country’s most iconic landmark, Uluru, which stands 348m tall. Not far away are the equally impressive Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. And you can’t visit the Outback without stopping in the quirky town of Coober Pedy, where the people live underground to escape the heat.

In the north of Australia is Darwin, where you can watch jumping crocodiles on the nearby Adelaide River. And don’t miss Kakadu National Park, where you can see ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim amongst breathtaking gorges, cruise around billabongs and soak in thermal hot springs.

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Australia Solo Travel Itinerary : 10 Best Things to Do and See

1. The Daintree Rainforest

Explore the world’s oldest tropical rainforest (180 million years old) and the place that Sir David Attenborough once called “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”

Delve into the shadowy depths of the Daintree Rainforest, following the boardwalks as they twist and turn underneath the lush canopy and dangling vines. Listen to the sounds of nature and keep an eye out for prehistoric wildlife – including the giant cassowary and crunching saltwater crocodiles. 

After all of that adventure, solo travellers can soak the day away in the trickling waters of Mossman Gorge or Masons Swimming Hole.

2. The Great Barrier Reef

Dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, which spans over 2,300km of Australia’s eastern coastline and is the largest living organism on Earth. 

Swim between vibrant corals that are 20 million years old and submerge yourself amongst the 1,600 species of fish, turtles, whales and dolphins that call this place home. Then dry yourself off on the soft and sandy shores of havens like Hamilton Island and Green Island.

Just be aware that summer is stinger season on the Great Barrier Reef and temperatures are scorching. It is best for solo travellers to visit during the winter when temperatures are still warm but pleasant and there are no stingers in the water.

3. Byron Bay

Chill out in Australia’s most famous beach town – Byron Bay. This slice of coastal bliss has become internationally renowned for its stunning beaches, laidback lifestyle and fun nightlife. 

Throw yourself into the hippy lifestyle and spend time doing yoga and pilates on the beach with the locals and other solo travellers. Pick up a board and learn to surf on the beautiful stretch of sand that is Main Beach. 

Take a sunset walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse on mainland Australia’s most easterly point. And then party the night away at local pubs and nightclubs like Stone & Wood or Cheeky Monkeys!

Sydney is the largest and most famous city in Australia thanks to its iconic attractions. Most solo travellers spend at least a week here seeing all the sights.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a guided tour before catching a gig at the Opera House next door. Kick back on Bondi Beach before following the coastal walk around to Coogee Beach. Then ride the ferry to Taronga Zoo, where you can snap photos of exotic and native wildlife with the city skyline in the background.

Catch the train for a day trip to the UNESCO World-Heritage Blue Mountains, an hour west of Sydney. Take the walking trails to sights such as the 230m tall Katoomba Falls and The Three Sisters rock formation before visiting quaint villages such as Leura.

5. Rottnest Island

Enjoy a quick ferry ride from Perth to Rottnest Island, a slice of paradise with pristine beaches, abundant marine life and a famous little breed of wallaby known as the Quokka.

There are no cars allowed on Rottnest Island, so hire a bike and enjoy the freedom of peddling around the island. As you go, stop on one of the 63 white sand beaches and snorkel amongst the bright coral reefs – home to over 400 species of fish and fur seals.

Uncover the history of the island at Wadjemup Museum, where you can learn about the local Aboriginal heritage and how over 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys were imprisoned on the island from 1838 to 1931.

Finally, finish your visit by taking a selfie with a Quokka. You won’t find a cuter or friendlier creature when solo travelling around Australia!

6. Melbourne

Meander around Melbourne, a cultural hub for coffee, art, fashion, food and sport. Many people start their solo travel in Australia here and make their way north along the Eastern Coast.

Find your way through the maze of laneways, each lined with its own array of al fresco restaurants, trendy cafes and vibrant street art. Get buzzed on the world’s best coffee, drink with other solo travellers in pubs around Fitzroy or Carlton and dance the night away at one of the famous nightclubs such as Revolver.

Need some rest? Relax amongst the peaceful grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which hosts over 8,500 plant species. Then watch the sunset on St Kilda Beach or grab a photo of the colourful beach huts on Brighton Beach.

7. The Great Ocean Road

Cruise along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world and a must-visit on any Australia solo travel itinerary. At 244km, it can be driven in as little as one day.

Start in the beach town of Torquay (an hour west of Melbourne), the surfing capital of Australia and host to the Australian National Surfing Museum. Then explore the fern gullies and waterfalls around Lorne, such as the 30m cascade that is Erskine Falls. And wander amongst the koalas in the treetops of Great Otway National Park.

Trace the craggy cliff tops as you wind your way around the edge of the mighty Southern Ocean. Stop at the many panoramic lookouts along the way and take in iconic sights such as Loch Ard Gorge, the London Bridge, the Grotto and the Twelve Apostles – a series of 45m (150ft) tall limestone pillars that rise out of waves below.

8. Kakadu National Park

Take a solo outback adventure into the Top End and discover the ancient wonders of World Heritage-listed Kakadu – Australia’s largest national park.

Walk amongst towering ochre bluffs, drive through tropical rainforests, cool off in swimming holes and admire the thundering waterfalls around Nitmiluk National Park. 

Admire ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries (up to 20,000 years old), cruise the Yellow Water Billabong and soak in the thermal hot springs around Katherine. 

But take note, the best time to visit Kakadu National Park is in the Dry Season (May – October) when it doesn’t rain as much and the roads are more accessible. However, the waterfalls can be amazing during the Wet Season (November – April).

The middle of Australia is known as The Red Centre, where you will find the heart of the country and its culture – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If you have enough time, this is a must-visit on your Australia solo travel itinerary.

At 348 metres tall and 550 million years old, it’s no wonder why the monolithic Uluru is revered as a place of cultural and spiritual significance. Wake up early for some special sunrise photos before joining an Aboriginal guided tour and hearing their Dreamtime stories.

Don’t want to walk the full 9.4km around the base of the rock? Take a break and ride a camel around the red sands instead. And don’t miss nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), massive rock domes that glow bright red at sunrise and sunset.

10. Ningaloo Reef

The Western Australia coastline is 12,895km long and adorned with remarkable attractions. One of the gems that you must add to your Australia solo travel itinerary is Ningaloo Reef. 

You will find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef where the red soil of the outback runs into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Swim, snorkel and kayak through the calm waters and admire the manta rays, turtles and humpback whales that call this place home.

Ningaloo is also one of the best places in the world to see Whale Sharks each year (between March and July). Join a guided tour and watch as these gentle giants glide past you in the big blue.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Accommodation

Solo travellers have four main accommodation options in Australia: camping, hostels, motels/hotels and Airbnb. 

Most people generally stay in hostels and motels when they solo travel in Australia.

Solo travellers can find designated camping spots all around Australia. The best and most scenic campsites tend to be in National Parks and holiday parks.

National Park campsites can cost anywhere from $0 – $20 per person per night. Holiday park campsites can cost anywhere from $20 – $75 per person per night. 

The cheaper the campsite, the more basic the facilities provided. A standard campsite should provide toilets, showers, water and picnic tables.

Camping is a fun option for adventurous solo travellers who want to be amongst nature and save money on accommodation. However, you will need to carry a tent or travel in a campervan. 

Some of Australia’s best camping spots include: 

• Booderee National Park – Jervis Bay, NSW
• Great Sandy National Park – Fraser Island, QLD
• Ayers Rock Resort – Petermann, NT
• Riba’s Underground Camping – Coober Pedy, SA
• Bay of Fires – East Coast, Tasmania

The majority of solo travellers and backpackers in Australia stay at hostels. You can find hostels in most tourist destinations around the country.

The cost of a bed in a hostel dorm room ranges from about $25 – $70 per night. The cost of a private room in a hostel ranges from about $70 – $175 per night.

The cost of hostel accommodation increases in popular destinations (particularly cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast). Generally, dorm rooms with fewer beds also cost more.

Hostel accommodation is best for most solo travellers because it is affordable and a good way to make new friends. Women can also stay in female-only dorm rooms. However, hostels are not always as comfortable as motels or hotels.

Some of the most popular hostels for solo travel in Australia include:

• Gilligan’s Hostel – Cairns, QLD
• Bounce – Sydney, NSW
• The Mansion – Melbourne, VIC
• Nomads Hostel – Byron Bay, NSW
• Kimberley Travellers Lodge YHA – Broome, WA

Motels and hotels

Many solo travellers in Australia stay in motels or hotels. You can find motels and hotels in almost every city and town around the country.

The cost of an average motel or hotel room (3-4 stars) ranges from about $50 to $150 per night. However, luxurious hotel rooms can cost more than $250+ per night.

Motel and hotel accommodation is best for solo travellers who are willing to pay more for privacy and comfort. You may also have to use this option when visiting regional towns that don’t have hostels. However, it is harder to befriend fellow travellers in a motel or hotel compared to a hostel.

Popular motel and hotel chains in Australia include:

• Holiday Inn

Some solo travellers in Australia may choose to use Airbnb. You can find Airbnb accommodation in every city and most towns around the country.

The average cost of an apartment or home on Airbnb ranges from $150 – $250 per night. However, some rentals can cost up to $500+ per night.

Airbnb is best for solo travellers who want to enjoy luxury, privacy and comfort. It can also be a good option if you plan to stay at your destination long-term. You may even choose to split the cost between a group of friends or fellow travellers.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Transport

Australia is a large place and it can take days or even weeks to travel the long distances between major cities. Even the cities tend to be large in scale and you will often have to rely on public transport to get around.

It is best to break long journeys up into smaller parts by stopping in regional tourist destinations along the way. 

Public Transport

You will find reliable and affordable public transport in all Australian cities and major towns. This includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. 

The cost of using public transport in Australia ranges from about $4 – $8 per return trip. 

When you solo travel in Australia, you can use public transport as an affordable way to get around the city and see local attractions. It tends to be comfortable and safe, with security cameras and guards.

Most of the major cities have their own card system for public transport. You can buy these cards at news agencies and top them up with credit via an app or online. You can then use the card to tap on/off when using buses, trains and ferries:

• Sydney – Opal card (alternatively, just use contactless payment).
• Melbourne – Myki card .
• Brisbane – Go Card (alternatively, just use contactless payment).
• Perth – SmartRider Card .

Uber and Taxi

Ubers and taxis are available in all major cities and many regional cities around Australia, including the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Byron Bay and Alice Springs. 

Ubers are more affordable than taxis in Australia and charge about $1.50 per km. Taxis charge about $2.50 per km.

When you solo travel in Australia, you may want to use Uber or taxis as a convenient but more costly alternative to public transport when commuting around the city. 

Uber and taxis tend to be comfortable and safe. Check that your Uber driver has a good rating and familiarise yourself with the safety features on the app. 

There are a few long-distance coach services that solo travellers can use to travel between destinations in Australia.

The largest and most popular coach service for solo travel in Australia is Greyhound Buses. They can transport you all over the East Coast (including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra) and the Outback (including Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide and Broome). Along the way, you can hop on and hop off to visit the smaller regional cities and towns.

You can buy a travel pass, which lasts for a limited amount of time and allows you to travel in any direction and get off at any stop. The East Coast Pass costs $249 and lasts for 30 days. The National Pass costs $349 and lasts for 120 days.

Coaches are one of the most popular and affordable ways to solo travel around Australia. However, it is slower and less comfortable than taking the train or a domestic flight.

There are limited long-distance train services that solo travellers can use to travel between destinations in Australia. 

The most popular train services run along the East Coast (between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns). These are relatively affordable for a solo traveller, with economy tickets costing:

• Melbourne – Sydney: $110 – $130
• Sydney – Brisbane: $110 – $130
• Brisbane – Cairns: $275 – $370

These trains also offer sleeper coaches for about an extra $100-$150 per person.

There are also a few famous train services that run through the Outback, such as The Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin). However, these are expensive and luxurious journeys that most people consider once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A full journey can cost anywhere from $2150 – $4,200 per person.

Trains are a comfortable and easy way to solo travel around the East Coast of Australia. However, they are slightly more expensive than catching a coach.

The most popular way to solo travel in Australia is via domestic flight.

The average cost of a domestic flight for a solo traveller in Australia depends on the destination, distance and season: 

• Shorter flights along the East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns) may only cost around $100 – $250 per person one way (economy class).
• Longer flights and regional destinations (Perth, Broome, Alice Springs) may cost more, at around $300-$500 per person one way (economy class).

You also have to consider the cost of baggage. Most domestic airlines in Australia do not include baggage in the ticket price and you will have to pay an extra fee of about $25 – $50 per flight. 

The most popular domestic airlines in Australia include:

• Jetstar (most affordable)
• Virgin Australia (second most affordable)
• Qantas (most reliable)
• Rex (best for regional flights)

Domestic flights are the fastest and most comfortable way to solo travel in Australia. However, flying is more expensive than some other options and you won’t get to see as much of the countryside.

Car and campervan rental

Car rental is another popular way to solo travel in Australia.

The cost of hiring a car in Australia depends on the type of car you hire, your age and any extras:

• Aged 18-21: Most car rental agencies won’t let people younger than 21 hire a car.
• It costs an average of $75 per day to hire a small car such as a Hyundai i30 or a Toyota Yaris. 
• It costs an average of $100 per day to hire a medium or large car such as a Toyota Camry or Kia Cerato. 
• It costs an average of $50 per day to hire a small car such as a Hyundai i30 or a Toyota Yaris. 
• It costs an average of $75 per day to hire a medium or large car such as a Toyota Camry or Kia Cerato. 

The most popular car rental companies include Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Budget and Avis.

Car and campervan rental is the most flexible way to solo travel in Australia. You can adjust your Australia solo travel itinerary to your liking and see more of the country. However, it is more costly than other transport options.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Best Time to Visit Australia

The best time to solo travel in Australia is between Autumn and Spring because temperatures are reasonable, tourist crowds are minimal and the Tropical North (i.e. Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef) is more accessible. 

The worst time to solo travel in Australia is summer because temperatures can be scorching, tourist crowds are peaking and parts of the country are inaccessible due to the wet season.

Summer in Australia lasts from December – February. 

During summer, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 18℃ (64℉) to more than 45℃ (113℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during summer, try to stick to the southern parts of the country where the climate is cooler. Avoid the Outback and the wet season in the Northern Tropics.

Good solo travel destinations in summer include the Great Ocean Road, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Many tourists travel to Australia during summer, so expect large crowds.

Autumn in Australia lasts from March – May. 

During Autumn, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 12℃ (53℉) to 35℃ (95℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during autumn, try to see the changing foliage and cultural events (food, wine, comedy and sports) in the southern parts of the country. 

Good solo travel destinations in autumn include Tasmania, Melbourne, the Grampians, Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during autumn, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel during the Easter holidays.

Winter in Australia lasts from June – August. 

During winter, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 0℃ (32℉) to 25℃ (77℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during winter, try to make the most of the dry season and visit the Outback and the Northern Tropics. You could also experience the alpine regions in the southeast. 

Good solo travel destinations in winter include Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Snowy Mountains and the Humpback Highway on the east coast.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during winter, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel to the snow fields during the holidays.

Spring in Australia lasts from September – November.

During spring, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 6℃ (43℉) to 33℃ (91℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during winter, try to make the most of the end of the dry season in the Northern Tropics. It is also a great time to see wildflowers in the Outback and visit wineries.

Good solo travel destinations in spring include Uluru, Wave Rock, Adelaide, the Coral Coast, the Mornington Peninsula and the Hunter Valley.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during spring, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel during the holidays.

Wet Season and Dry Season

In the north of Australia, there are two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

The wet season lasts from November – April. It is characterised by very hot days, high humidity and monsoonal storms. Much of Kakadu is inaccessible at this time of year due to flooding. It is also best to avoid the Great Barrier Reef as it is stinger season.

The dry season lasts from May – October. It is characterised by clear skies, warm days and cool nights. Visit Kakadu at the start of the dry season to see it whilst it is still lush. It is also a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef because it is still warm but there are no stingers.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Where to Start

The best place to start your solo travel in Australia is in Melbourne. You can fly directly to Melbourne from many of the major international airports around the world. Once you arrive, you can adjust to the welcoming metropolitan environment. Then, you can travel north along Australia’s Eastern Coast.

Alternatively, you could fly into Brisbane and catch a connecting flight to Cairns. From Cairns, you could then travel south along the Eastern Coast.

If you wanted to solo travel New Zealand after touring Australia, it is also preferable to finish your trip on the East Coast. From Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, it is only about a 4-hour flight to Auckland.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: How Long to Spend Travelling Australia

The amount of time that you need to solo travel around Australia depends on which route you take. 

The East Coast of Australia can take anywhere from 1-3 months to travel. Whilst it can be done in as little as 1 month, you will only get to see the highlights and have to travel via flight. It is best to spend about 2-3 months and stop at smaller destinations along the way.

If you want to travel the East Coast of Australia and also see The Outback (e.g. Darwin, Kakadu and Uluru), you would need about 3-4 months.

If you wanted to see all of Australia, including the East Coast, The Outback and Western Australia, you would need about 4-6 months.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Costs and Budgeting

On a backpacker budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $115 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in hostel dorm rooms, preparing most of your own meals, enjoying up to three alcoholic drinks per night, visiting mostly free or cheap attractions and travelling via public transport and coaches.

On a standard budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $275 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in private hostel or motel rooms, eating out once or twice a day, enjoying up to five alcoholic drinks per night, visiting one paid attraction per day and travelling via public transport and domestic flights.

On a luxury budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $550 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in hotels or Airbnb rentals, eating all of your meals out, enjoying a bottle of wine or two per night, visiting two or more paid attractions per day and travelling via Uber, car rental, train or flight.

The average daily costs in the table below are in AUD.

In Australia, the currency used is the Australian dollar ($ AUD). 

Solo travellers can use the following rates (based on a 5-year average) when performing rough conversions:

• $1 AUD = $0.70 USD
• $1 AUD = £0.50 GBP
• $1 AUD = €0.60 EUR
• $1 AUD = $0.90 CAD
• $1 AUD = ¥0.90 JPY

For the most recent conversion rate, use an online currency converter .

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Packing List

There are ten essential items that you must add to your solo travel packing list for Australia:

• Flip-flops: The staple footwear of most Australians. Flip flops will prevent you from burning your feet on the scorching hot pavements and beaches in summer.
• Swimsuit: You’ll spend the majority of your solo travel in Australia swimming on coastal beaches or in Outback swimming holes. Bring a good pair of swimmers.
• Beach towel: In summer, the sand on the beach in Australia can reach temperatures of over 50℃ (122℉) and cause burns. Protect your skin with a beach towel.
• Mosquito repellent: Mosquitos are a problem all over Australia, particularly in the tropical north where they can transmit diseases. Prevent bites with repellent.
• Hydrocortisone anti-scratch cream: You will inevitably be bitten by mosquitos in Australia. Calm the itching with hydrocortisone cream.
• Australian adapter: You have to use a plug-type I adaptor to power your appliances when you solo travel in Australia and New Zealand . 
• Plastic bags: After a trip to the beach, carry your wet clothes around in a plastic bag until you can dry them off that night.
• Sunscreen: In Australia, you can suffer from sunburn in as little as ten minutes. Always slip, slop and slap before enjoying the sun.
• Hat: Sunscreen alone is not always enough to protect your skin from the harsh sun in Australia. Protect your face and neck with a hat.
• Pullover: It’s not always scorching hot in Australia. Temperatures often dip below 0℃ (32℉) in the southern states during winter. Wrap up, particularly at night.

Don’t leave anything behind. Before travelling Australia alone, use my solo travel packing list for males or solo travel packing list for females .

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Safety

Is Australia safe to travel alone?

Solo travel in Australia is very safe for both females and males. Scams, theft and assault are rare. 

Call 000 if you ever need emergency assistance. Cities and towns are patrolled by police and ambulance services are fast to respond.

However, solo travellers should still remain cautious of the following dangers.

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 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 or places where spiders may live.

In the north of Australia, you need to be aware of crocodiles and jellyfish. Never swim at the beach or in fresh water sources unless there is signage indicating that it is safe to do so. Avoid approaching the edge of the water and keep your distance from crocodile slide marks. Crocodiles are stealth predators and very fast runners over short distances.

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 are a health risk and can spread disease in Australia (particularly in northern Queensland). Protect yourself when solo travelling by covering up with long-sleeve tops and pants when outside. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Mosquitoes are worst at dusk and dawn. 

Heat and sun

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 solo travel.

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. 

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 be deadly. 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.

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

If you plan on driving whilst you solo travel 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.

Solo female safety

Solo female travellers in Australia should generally feel safe throughout their trip. However, as per usual, you should follow these solo travel safety tips .

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 as a demographic tend to suffer the most harassment.

See this article on solo travel safety in Australia for more information.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Visas and Entry Requirements

International tourists will need a valid visa to enter Australia. You must apply for a visa before leaving your home country. You’ll also need to meet the designated financial and medical requirements and maintain health insurance for the duration of your trip.

There are several different types of Australian tourist visas. The visa that you apply for will depend on the length of your solo travel in Australia, your passport, your age and whether or not you want to work whilst you travel:

• Visitor visa (600): Visit Australia for tourism for up to three months (or up to 12 months in certain circumstances). Open to all nationalities.
• Electronic Travel Authority visa (601): Visit Australia as often as you want in a 12-month period. You can stay up to 3 months each time you enter Australia. Only available to certain nationalities.
• Working Holiday Visa (417): People aged 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) can visit Australia for up to 12 months and do short-term work to fund their trip. Can only be used once but you can apply for a second Working Holiday visa if you do three months of specified work. Only available to certain nationalities.

Related Posts

Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone? 15 Dangers to Beware

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

New Zealand Solo Trip Cost (2023)

More solo travel guides and tips on nomadic yak.

You now know almost everything you need to know about travelling solo to Australia!

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

Every article is written by me, Harry Dale. 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.

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.

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Is Traveling Alone in Australia a Good Idea? 10 Compelling Reasons for Solo Travel

Is traveling alone in Australia a good idea? For many, the thought of setting off solo on an adventure to the land Down Under can be both exhilarating and daunting. However, Australia, with its welcoming culture, diverse landscapes, and well-established backpacker trail, presents an ideal setting for solo travelers. The country is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Its political stability, low crime rate, and robust healthcare system mean that solo travelers can feel secure exploring this vast land. Here are 10 compelling reasons why embarking on a solo journey to Australia could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Table of Contents

Independence

Traveling solo allows you to revel in complete independence and freedom . Solo travel in Australia means you have the freedom to make spontaneous decisions without having to compromise. Want to spend an extra day exploring a hidden beach or take a detour to a secluded national park? The choice is yours. Traveling solo eliminates the conflicts that can arise when traveling with companions and frees you from making compromises on your travel wishlist. After all, Australia beckons with the promise of freedom, right? While a bit of company and assistance can be beneficial, you can still enjoy the advantages of independence, especially when taking road trips in your own vehicle while maintaining the flexibility to connect with fellow travelers along the way.

Traveling alone challenges you in the best way possible. It fosters independence, boosts confidence, and offers ample time for personal reflection.

Find a job easily

Securing employment in Australia can be challenging, especially when multiple people are job hunting simultaneously. Employers are typically less inclined to hire multiple candidates simultaneously, with few exceptions on large farms. When traveling with friends or as a couple, some individuals in the group may find jobs more quickly than others, leading to discrepancies in spending and lifestyle pacing. On the contrary, solo job seekers have a higher likelihood of landing a job and commencing work promptly. This translates into longer, well-compensated working hours and more opportunities for saving. If you plan to complete your 88 days of regional work to extend your Working Holiday Visa (WHV), consider undertaking this endeavor solo, as it provides ample time to forge connections in your new workplace.

Be more flexible

Solo travel inherently offers greater flexibility. You can make impromptu decisions with ease. Have an opportunity to work 1,000 kilometers away? No problem, you can be there the next day. Just met people who invite you on a spontaneous road trip? You’re in! Flexibility is a crucial asset when traveling or working for extended periods, allowing you to spontaneously choose your path. You can set off on a whim or change your mind just five minutes later, and no one will judge you. Embrace the fluidity of travel!

Resilience and Self-Sufficiency

A year-long journey to Australia is an adventure that often necessitates mastering a range of day-to-day responsibilities and more “adult” tasks. As a solo traveler, you’ll confront and conquer challenges as they arise on your journey, which significantly boosts your self-confidence. Finding a job, securing accommodations, opening a bank account, filing tax declarations—these essential tasks make you fully independent. You’ll discover that achieving these feats on the other side of the world will make similar tasks back home seem remarkably easy. For female travelers, there’s no need to fear solo travel in Australia; it’s a safe environment that fosters newfound independence.

Self-Discovery

Traveling alone is not only a physical journey but also an inner one. It forces you to come face-to-face with yourself, facilitating a deeper understanding of your desires, strengths, and weaknesses. A year in Australia offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on your personal, professional, and even romantic aspirations. Your decision to move to the other side of the world often stems from deeper motivations, such as disappointments in love, family, or work. The quest to find oneself or someone else may require time to comprehend and acknowledge. Embrace this journey as it contributes to personal development and self-discovery.

Meeting new friends

Australia’s well-trodden backpacker route means you’re never far from fellow solo adventurers . Hostels, guided tours, and social events specifically catered to solo travelers make it easy to meet new friends. Upon arriving in Australia, you’re likely to stay at hostels, where meeting fellow travelers is effortless. As you seek share housing or commence jobs, you’ll continually make new friends. Traveling inherently piques people’s curiosity, sparking conversations and facilitating interactions, often unintentionally. You’re never truly alone in the world of solo travel.

The potential for Love and Partnerships

Sometimes, traveling alone leads to unexpected partnerships . Many couples meet while exploring Australia, and their journeys can culminate in various ways. Some return home together, others venture to new countries, and some decide to make Australia their permanent home. Through shared experiences, work opportunities, settling down, or common life goals, travelers often find common ground and life takes surprising turns.

Book a ticket, get a tan, fall in love, never return 

Assimilate into local society

Travelling solo makes it easier to meet locals and, eventually, assimilate better . Those who work as “Au Pairs” are a good example. They live with a local family, share house chores or look after children, while learning about the culture and the way of life, slowly becoming real Australians themselves! It’s a great chance to understand the young Australian daily culture. Having local contacts also makes it possible to make good plans for trips, work tips, cultural insights etc.

Avoiding incompatibility issues

Traveling to Australia as a couple or with friends can stress the bonds that bind you together and may lead to unexpected incompatibilities. The journey may confront you with uncomfortable situations , challenging decisions, and the need to either assert your preferences or accept the choices of others. Living together 24/7, especially in a small space like a van or 4WD, can strain relationships. Some friendships and romances may not withstand the rigors of long-term travel, as the lifestyle drastically differs from the comforts of daily life in your home country.

Inspire others

Travelling solo across Australia or other countries will definitely inspire your friends or the people you meet along your journey! It can also be a great opportunities for your friends to join you for a small part of a trip! They might even take their own journey once they see how much fun you are having.

Bonus Reason: Get a taste for adventure

Leaving behind routines and stability can be challenging, particularly after settling into a secure job, a comfortable home, and familial ties. However, the allure of adventure beckons! Traveling solo in Australia promises a voyage filled with novel experiences —discovering new cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. You’ll learn to fend for yourself, traverse vast distances, encounter kangaroos and koalas, build campfires in the heart of the desert, connect with people from various nationalities, repair your own 4×4, construct a solar shower, and much more. Adventure awaits you in the vast expanses of Australia, where you’ll navigate diverse and exhilarating situations, cultivating your taste for novelty, exploration, and adrenaline.

How do I prepare to travel to Australia alone?

If you’re planning to embark on a solo journey to Australia, meticulous preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival:

• Research and familiarize yourself with the necessary administrative formalities before departure and upon arrival in Australia.
• Ensure that all your identity documents , particularly your passport and driving license, are up-to-date.
• Book accommodations , such as hostels, hotels, or Airbnb, for your first week in Australia to help you adjust to jetlag. Hostels are great for meeting fellow travelers, and homestays allow you to experience local life.
• Join online self-help Facebook groups and explore various travel blogs to gather information and insights.
• Take the time to gain an overall understanding of your upcoming adventure.

To learn more, read our article:  Things to know before going to Australia – Prepare for your work & travel

While solo travel anywhere comes with its challenges, Australia’s welcoming culture, diverse landscapes, and safe environment make it an ideal destination for those looking to venture on their own. Whether it’s your first solo trip or you’re a seasoned solo adventurer, Australia promises an unforgettable experience.

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Solo Travel in Australia | How to Travel Solo Safely and on a Budget!

by Ashleigh Page Last Updated: Jun 25, 2023 Australia , Solo Travel

Page Contents

How to Travel Solo in Australia Safely and on a Budget

Solo travelling in australia .

Australia is a destination recognised across the world, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs, sweeping outback landscapes and bustling metropolitan centres, which is why it’s one of the most visited backpacking destinations in the world.

Despite travel restrictions, around   half a million backpackers visited Australia   in 2020 alone, and with backpackers accounting for around  1 3% of tourism spending in the country , the country is primed for those travelling solo in Australia.

With thousands of exceptional sites, dozens of sandy-beached cities and countless unique hostels to meet other like-minded travellers at, solo travel through Australia can be a life-changing experience.

• Adventure Travel Destinations in Australia

Travelling Solo in Australia Safely

Undertaking any travelling experience can often be a daunting prospect for many, let alone travelling on your own, which is why we have put together some of the best advice on travelling solo in Australia safely.

Is Australia Safe to Travel on Your Own?

Australia in general is a very safe country, with a stable political system and a low crime rate , with 2020  seeing a decrease in general crime . 

The country is perfect for backpackers with well-established travel hostels that provide useful information on tours and more.

Australia’s highly regulated hostel system and strongly inter-connected transport network make it easy for travellers to reach the many beautiful sites and cities.

To help you get the most out of exploring the land down under we have provided some of the best tips and tricks for travelling solo safely in Australia

Our Top Safety Tips when Travelling Solo in Australia

1) swimming at beaches.

Australia is well known for its many fantastic beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach and the lesser known Misery beach which was voted “ Australia’s Best Beach” in 2022.

A day spent lounging on the country’s sandy shores is a must for most travellers. But, there are some rare dangers found under the waters of Australia’s ocean that you would do well to keep in mind.

To stay safe, you should remember to practice good beach safety by  avoiding swimming at beaches that are known for dangerous rips (rip-tides) or overpowering waves.

It is also recommended that you never swim alone at night or at beaches that don’t have lifeguards.

2) Marine Wildlife

Marine animals, such as jellyfish ( also known locally as “stingers” ), are common in Australian waters and can cause pain or reactions when touched.

Sharks, including bull and tiger sharks, are also sighted in the waters. Although they can be encountered at any time of the year, their peak season is between November and April.

Don’t let this scare you though.

I’ve lived in Australia for over 30 years and have never seen a shark in the ocean, or been stung by a blue bottle jelly fish.

*Touch wood*

And as you travel around, you will usually spot signs at the beach that alert you of any dangers – whether it be wildlife, rips or other things to consider when swimming in the area.

• What to do if you get stung by a blue bottle jellyfish

One of the most common stingers found washed up on Australian beaches is the bluebottle jellyfish, a type of invertebrate which is easily identified by its long blue tentacles and blue balloon bag.

While less dangerous than the rarer box jellyfish , if the tentacles of a blue bottle touch your skin, they can cause pain, irritation and sometimes a skin rash on the contact point.

If you are stung by a blue bottle, ensure to brush the tentacles off first and flush the area with hot but not boiling water. After that, you may find some relief by applying a cortisone cream.

If the pain is not relieved, or there are signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek medical assistance at the lifeguard booth (if there is one), a pharmacy or local medical clinic.

3) Other Wildlife

Yes, Australia is renowned globally for its diversity of wildlife – from enormous spiders, snakes and crocodiles to adorable wallabies, koalas and echidnas.

Australia does tend to have the reputation of containing all the animals that want to kill you. But as a local, I swear it’s not that bad!

Like anywhere in the world, wild animals should always be respected and in many cases, observed from a distance.

For example, kangaroos and wombats can often be quite aggressive of their territory, and their claws can create a lot of damage.

If you’re exploring the waterways of Queensland or the Northern Territory, you should be very careful of crocodile-infested waters and always keep an eye out for informative “Beware” signs in these areas.

4) Driving Solo in Australia

In Australia, driving is pretty straightforward.

In most areas, we have well-maintained roads, strict driving laws and enforced speed limits.

You will want to ensure that you stay on the left side of the road and keep aware of speed signs. Given the maximum speed limits change regularly, it can be easy to get a speeding fine, especially in the cities.

If you’re adventuring on a long road trip, ensure to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

On most regional and country roads, there are zones where you can stop for a quick power nap if you need it.It’s always better to have a quick nap as opposed to running off the road due to being over-tired.

You’d think this one is obvious, but it happens a lot. So, please be careful!

It’s also wise to keep an eye out for crossing wildlife when driving in rural areas, especially at dawn, dusk or late at night. Especially due to the reduced visibility and increase in the number of animals crossing the road.

Related articles:

• Tasmania Road Trip: What to See in Tasmania in 10 Days (Easy Self-Drive Itinerary)
• Esperance Great Ocean Drive Guide | The Top 10 Sites to Explore!
• How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Tasmania? (An Easy Guide for First-Timers)

5) Summer Months

Summer months in Australia can often reach extreme temperatures, especially when you head further inland. The strength of the UV rays can also be dynamite.

There are some smart safety tips you can follow to ensure you don’t come away from your solo travel adventure sunburnt to a crisp.

Firstly, in the hotter regions, make sure to wear sunscreen and always stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

It’s also wise to carry some hydrating sachets in your first aid travel pack to help keep your electrolytes well topped up when the sun is blazing down.

Try to avoid spending too much time in direct sun during the hottest time of the day, usually mid and early afternoon.

How to Save Money When Travelling Australia on a Budget

Solo travel in Australia can often be expensive, especially when compared other nearby destinations like South-East Asia.

But, solo travellers can still get to see a large chunk of Australia’s landscape, even when on the tightest of budgets.

To help you get the best bang for your Aussie buck, we’ve provided some of our top tips and advice for saving money when travel solo in Australia.

Related Articles:

• How to Create a Travel Budget

Cheap Accommodation

The best way by far to save money when solo travelling in Australia is to use alternate accommodation, with a focus on hostels and Airbnb.

Thanks to the plethora of apps now available, you can easily find affordable accommodation from the moment you touch down in Australia.

Couch-surfing can also be a fantastic way to solo travel in Australia.

It not only helps to cut costs, but also allows you to experience the nation from the perspective of a local and make some friends along the way.

Another way to save money, especially when heading out of the city, is to stay at one of Australia’s many camping spots.

Campsites in Australis can provide a memorable space to stay, for a fraction of the cost.

•   Accommodation in Tasmania Hobart | 17 Epic Places to Stay in Hobart CBD!
• 11 Stunning Farm Stays & Farm Accommodation with Animals in Victoria 

Cheap Flights 

Due to the significant distance between cities in Australia, domestic flights are frequent and relatively cheap, especially when booked in advance.

You can use apps like  Google Flights, Skyscanner  and  Hopper  to find budget flights to your solo travel destinations for the best prices possible.

Also make sure to practice smart booking choices, like taking flights on off-peak days such as Wednesdays or Saturdays.

Cheap Adventures / Experiences

Discovering some of Australia’s most impressive sites and cities is easy thanks to a variety of tourism-focused initiatives, including free walking tours in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

You can also easily learn about the history of Australia by taking advantage of free entry to a variety of museums, including Sydney’s historic Australian Museum or Melbourne’s National Gallery.

You can also easily find a lot of discounted experiences online by visiting coupon sites , which allow you to experience wine valley trips, boat tours and more for a fraction of the price!

Some of these include:

• Tripadvisor
• Get Your Guide

Finally, you can enjoy countless city parks, hiking routes and more for absolutely nothing, as well as explore dozens of national parks that cover thousands of miles of Australia.

• Indoor Activities in Melbourne | 10 Best Things to Do When It’s a Rainy Day 
• 10 Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains in One Day

Food and Drinks

Dining out in Australia can be pretty expensive, but you can often find some cheaper alternatives. However it does depend on the places you visit, with most basic meals costing between $15 and $20 AUD.

An easy way to save money on food is to enjoy more home-cooked meals, rather than eating out all the time. Even buying food from local markets can help you to save some coin.

Best Ways to Get Around Australia

Due to its size, travelling in Australia can sometimes be a challenge for solo travellers, with a lot of choices involved.

To help you travel smarter, we’ve listed some of the best options below.

Self-drive vs Group Tours

Due to the vastness of the Australian outback and the distance between its cities, many solo travellers chose to self-drive or take a group tour out to sites l ike the famous Uluru.

Group tours are often considered the more expensive option but often come with benefits like lunch included in the price.

While self-driving gives you the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, it is important to be aware of the distances between destinations and ensure enough time to get between them (within daylight hours).

Also, keep in mind the cost of fuel and budget accordingly.

If driving in a remote or rural area, it can be a good idea to pack an additional carton / bottle of fuel, just in case. Especially given the likelihood of limited petrol stations on remote routes.

It is also wise to pack lots of water, food and car part supplies (eg. spare tyres) when you travel alone in Australia’s outback regions, due to the remoteness of any other settlements.

Public Transport

The public transport network of Australia is well developed, clean and affordable in coastal regions.

If travelling solo, you can usually access train, tram, bus and ferry connections between most cities, and make use of pre-paid travel cards.

You can also take advantage of city-specific public transport apps that provide live tracking information on transport links throughout the cities.

For example:

• Public Transport VIctoria 
• Public Transport NSW
• Public Transport Adelaide
• Public Transport Perth
• Public Transport Queensland
• Public Transport Tasmania

Budget Airlines 

Due to the immense distances between cities like Melbourne and Perth, budget airlines are one of the best options to save time when travelling in Australia, with airlines like  JetStar  offering trips for as little as $250 AUD.

While this is much more expensive than taking a bus route, solo travellers can save days at a time by using budget airlines.

Best Places to Travel Solo in Australia

Every state in  Australia  offers a unique plethora of sights, activities and experiences for solo travellers to encounter.

To help you maximise your solo travel in Australia, we have put together a list of the top 3 sites for each of Australia’s states.

1) Queensland

Australia’s North-Eastern state is one of its most visited destinations thanks to the plethora of sites on offer for solo travellers.

Consisting of 7000km of coastline, idyllic beaches and marine parks, Queensland a must-see destination for anyone visiting Australia.

Here are some of the top attractions in Queensland to check out:

• The Great Barrier Reef  – The world’s largest coral reef is a UNESCO heritage site consisting of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Home to hundreds of marine species, it is one of the most breath-taking marine locations in the entire world.
• Brisbane   – Brisbane is a capital of art and culture, with a thriving nightlife scene to match. Make sure to visit the beautiful Brisbane Botanical Gardens which overlooks the city on the towering Mount Coot-tha.
• The Sunshine Coast  – The Sunshine Coast stretches along the coast and encompasses beach resorts, surf spots and rural hinterland. Here you can explore colourful beach towns, sand dunes, mangrove forests, and idyllic lakes.

Click here to learn more about Queensland

2) Victoria

Australia’s most southern mainland state is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Here you can enjoy truly magnificent natural landscapes. It is also known for its superior food and wine culture.

Here are some of the top attractions in Victoria to check out:

• The Great Ocean Road  – Stretching along winding cliff fronts, past towering ocean-carved monoliths, the Great Ocean Road is considered a national heritage sight. A 240-kilometre stretch of road along the south eastern coast of Australia, connecting the picturesque cities of Torquay and Allansford.
• Melbourne CBD   – A cosmopolitan metropolis, Melbourne is a vibrant city with beautiful greenways, colourful graffitied alleyways and enthusiastic cafe culture. It is also known for its quality wine, dining and entertainment precincts. You will never be bored in Melbourne.
• The Twelve Apostles   – A collection of limestone stacks found off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles cut a dramatic scene on the Australian coastline.

Click here to learn more about Victoria

3) New South Wales

By far the most iconic state in all of Australia, New South Wales is home to the impressive city of Sydney, sandy beaches and dramatic rows of vineyards.

Here are some of the top attractions in New South Wales to check out:

• Sydney Opera House –  An iconic symbol of Australia, the Sydney Opera House sits dramatically on the harbour front and is a must-see for any visitor to Australia.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region   –  Explore acres of beautiful vineyards and savour some of Australia’s finest wines while discovering the breath-taking beauty of the Hunter Valley region.
• Blue Mountain State Park   –  A landscaped defined by towering misted peaks, lined with dense forests of eucalyptus trees. Visiting this region will have you standing in awe of untold lockouts, waterfalls and more.
• Oh, and you can’t forget the infamous Bondi Beach.

Click here to learn more about New South Wales

4) South Australia 

South Australia is a state defined by true parallels, with striking outback landscapes to its north and lush coastal valleys to its south.

Here are some of the top attractions in South Australia to check out:

• Adelaide  –  A scenic city with stunning architecture, historic art culture and one of the best indoor food markets in the world. Exploring Adelaide is a must for all solo travellers in Australia.
• Kangaroo Island  –  A beautiful island set off the coast of Australia. Much of Kangaroo Island is a nature reserve dedicated to the protection of native wilderness like sea lions, koalas and of course, the kangaroo!
• Barossa Valley  –  Another of Australia’s iconic wine valleys, solo travellers can spend hours exploring the countless wineries, vineyards and towns that this idyllic landscape has to offer.

Click here to learn more about South Australia

4) Western Australia

For those travelling solo in Australia, the western half of the country is a natural haven unlike any other.

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state and consists mostly of wild outback, incredible coastlines, unique rock formations and of course, the city of Perth – which is a metropolitan beacon in the west.

Here are some of the top attractions in Western Australia to check out:

• Ningaloo Reef   – Australia’s second barrier reef, this marine wonder offers travellers the chance to swim with the mighty whale shark amongst a colourful coral forest. You can even swim with manta rays in some areas which is pretty cool.
• Perth   –   An adventure lover’s paradise, Perth offers countless activities for solo travellers including island hopping, dune riding and more. Perth is a super chill city – it feels like a big beach town.
• Explore Coral Bay  –  By far one of Australia’s most picturesque coastal towns, here you can relax on pristine beaches or indulge with some freshly caught seafood.

Click here to learn more about Western Australia

5) Tasmania

Australia’s largest island, Tasmania is a trip unlike any other, with 40% of the island consisting of protected landscapes and national parks.

Tasmania is an incredible destination for adventure travellers and outdoor enthusiasts, with such a wide range of adventure sports and hiking opportunities available.

Here are some of the top attractions in Tasmania to check out:

• Explore Australia’s wild side –  With countless miles of rainforest, scenic lakes and unlimited vistas, Tasmania is by far one of the most diverse natural landscapes in Australia.
• Tamar Valley Wine Region –  A unique wine region, Tamar Valley is filled with pristine hiking trails, set amongst acres of winding grape vines. And, you can stop for a cheeky wine while you’re at it.
• Hobart –  Tasmania’s capital, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest settlement and is filled with colonial buildings, historic sites and boutique market squares.

This is a must visit destination if planning a trip to Tasmania.

Click here to learn more about Tasmania

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary

Given the vast size of the country and the incredible amount things to do, those travelling solo in Australia can often find planning an itinerary daunting.

And with so much distance to cover and every destination holding a countless list of unique activities, covering it all can seem impossible. That’s why we think the best way to travel Australia is to break it down into sections.

Plot your route first, list out your must-see sites and break them down by state. This will allow you to plan your itinerary accordingly.

If you’re struggling to narrow down your itinerary choices for each state, don’t worry.

Below we have included some of our top tips for first-time travellers in Australia when road tripping around Australia.

Solo Road Trips in Australia for People on a Budget

Given the breath-taking scenery along the coastline, people travelling solo in Australia often chose to explore this breath-taking country on the road by hiring a car.

To help you find the most iconic stretches of highway in all of Australia, we have put together a list of some of Australia’s best road-trip routes.

1) Victoria

• The Great Ocean Road  – Stretching over 243 kilometres along Victoria’s southern coast, on this route, you’ll get to explore the impressive surf and shipwreck coast while also discovering some of Australia’s most notable landmarks.

2) Tasmania

• 10-day Tasmania Self-drive   – On this easy-to-do 10-day self-drive, you will be able to easily explore stunning national parks, historic penal towns and various attractions of Tasmania.

3) Western Australia

• Perth to Broome Road Trip  – Western Australia’s immense and winding coastline provides some of the world’s best coastal views. This is definitely something you can look forward to when driving Perth to Broome route. You will have the chance to explore scenic coastal towns, beautiful outback scenery and more during this unforgettable journey.
• Perth to Esperance – Travel along an adventure-studded route on this fantastic road-trip that takes you from the state’s bustling capital to the hidden paradise of Bremer Bay and beyond!
• Esperance Great Ocean Drive  – With sparkling white sand beaches splashed by turquoise oceans, the Esperance great ocean drive provides you with access to some of the most pristine swaths of coastal beauty.

Solo Travel in Australia | How to Travel Solo in Australia Safely and on a Budget

Australia is truly a land like no other.

It provides solo travellers with access to life-changing views, vibrant cities and countless activities.

Thanks to its unique sites, diverse range of hostels, extensive public transport network and some of the best natural wonders in the world, Australia is the perfect solo destination.

With a tourism industry primed for solo travel in Australia, you will be able to make friends, discover wonders and explore the land down under no matter your budget or itinerary.

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Party of One: How to Plan a Solo Trip in Australia

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Travelling solo in Australia is an excellent way to learn more about yourself while having the adventure of a lifetime. See Australia’s breathtaking sights, embrace your independence and make memories that will last you a lifetime – sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Of course, getting the most out of your solo travel experience takes some planning. Use these handy tips to learn how to plan a solo trip in Australia with ease.

Is Australia safe to travel alone? 

As far as solo travel destinations go, Australia is high on the list. Known for its friendly residents and laid-back lifestyle, Australia is absolutely a safe country to travel in alone. However, the safest solo trips in Australia are the ones where safety precautions are top of mind. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your solo travel experience as safe as possible: 

• Ensure somebody always knows where you are – Whether a friend or family member, have a contact person you regularly check in with at an agreed-upon time. Make sure this person knows your travel itinerary. That way, if you don’t get in touch when you said you would, they can take steps to check in on you.
• Travel during the day – This tip is particularly important for those embarking on solo road trips in Australia . Don’t travel on your own at night if you can avoid it.
• Be water safe – Australian beaches are home to unpredictable conditions. Swim at patrolled beaches and stay between the flags. Read more about safety practices on Australian beaches and swimming safety in general.
• Have a well-planned itinerary – When travelling solo in Australia, you don’t want to get somewhere on your own in the middle of the night. Make sure you plan how you’ll get from one place to another well in advance.
• Make two copies of your most important documents – This includes documents like your passport, visa and health insurance. Leave one with a trusted friend or family member and take one with you (along with the original). Keep them in separate areas of your luggage and always take your valuables with you.

Best places to travel solo in Australia   

So, what are some of the best solo travel destinations in Australia? The answer will depend on your interests, budget, location, safety concerns, and how much time you have available for your holiday. 

From a safety perspective, Australian major cities are typically well-connected and well surveilled, making them relatively safe destinations. Some of Australia’s most popular cities include Sydney , Melbourne , Perth and Adelaide . Australia is also home to a number of smaller coastal cities that are generally very safe for solo travellers, including the Gold Coast and Cairns .

If it’s a more rural experience you’re after, it may be worth joining a tour group, so you’re not entirely alone in remote parts of the country. You may also need more time to explore these regions as they are quite isolated. Some examples of attractive (and safe) regional areas include Newcastle , Toowoomba and Mildura .

Accommodation 

What kind of accommodation you’ll feel most comfortable in is primarily a question of budget. Solo trip costs can add up quickly, so if you’re on a tight budget , you might want to consider a bed in a shared hostel room. While these rooms offer minimal privacy, they tend to be pretty cheap. Shared rooms are also an excellent option for those looking to socialise. There are often communal kitchen facilities and living rooms where you can sit and chat with fellow travellers.

If you want more room to yourself, check out private rooms in hostels or hotel rooms. These will be more expensive, but the price may well be worth the reward of sinking into a soft bed and sleeping soundly after a long travel day. 

Socialising as a solo traveller 

Travelling solo in Australia can get a bit lonely at times, so you may be keen to meet new people. Aside from meeting fellow travellers in your accommodation, you can also check out sites like Meetup for events near you. Meetups are often targeted at people with similar interests, so be sure to download the app and take a look.

If you’re after a more personal relationship, check out Bumble BFF . Based on the popular Bumble dating app, this platform allows you to find platonic friends.

Another option is to check out local Facebook groups and events once you arrive at your destination. To refine your search, filter by interests or area; from there, you can browse the listings to see if there’s anything of interest. 

Be kind to yourself

If you’re trying to figure out how to plan a solo trip, remember that self-compassion is key. Travelling by yourself is a learning experience and it can bring many different emotions. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel lonely, scared or bored – these are normal feelings that all solo travellers encounter. But the prize of travelling by yourself is the personal growth that comes with it – and it’s well worth any feelings of discomfort along the way.

Janina Waldmann

Janina is a freelance content and copywriter based in Sydney, Australia. A lover of all things language and culture, she graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a communications degree in writing and cultural studies. Recent years have seen her delve headfirst into the international student experience while living and studying in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Janina lives in Sydney’s inner west and enjoys sharing her love for this part of the world with the Insider Guides audience.

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Solo Travel in Australia: The Best Tips, Tricks and Trips

Australia is full of amazing experiences for solo travellers and has long been a favourite destination for backpackers, students taking gap years and first-time solo travellers. From big cities to the great outdoors, you can find the perfect way to plan your solo travel while here in Australia with our comprehensive guide.

Find flights to Australia

Is Australia safe for solo travellers

Australia is a very safe country for solo travellers, including female solo travellers and those backpacking Australia alone. The country has robust and easy-to-navigate tourism and transport infrastructures with plenty of excellent destinations for both experienced and beginner solo travellers. Of course, you should always practise due diligence when it comes to keeping your belongings safe and weighing the risks of any activities (and remember, the emergency number in Australia is 000). One risk to bear in mind if you’re travelling in summer is bushfires, which can occur during heat waves. So make sure you keep an eye on local warnings and follow any advice about when to evacuate an area.

Tips for solo travelling in Australia

Australian solo travel is super easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

What to bring

The exact guidelines for what you should bring will change depending on where and when you’re going, but there are a few standard things to keep in mind that are particularly good to have. Solid walking shoes are crucial no matter what time of year you’re travelling, and if you’re buying a pair specifically for your trip, make sure you spend some time breaking them in before you leave to help avoid blisters.

Swimwear is crucial for summer travel, and you should remember that the southern beaches are often still a bit chilly, even during summer when the sun isn’t shining bright, so if you can fit a wetsuit, you might appreciate it. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are two summer essentials that you can easily find at supermarkets and chemists in Australia. However, it’s helpful to have one of each on hand before you go; that way, you only need to worry about stocking up while you’re there.

While much of the southeastern parts of the country roughly follow traditional seasons, elsewhere in the northern parts of Australia, there are two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts between roughly December and March and the dry season lasts between roughly May and October. You’ll most likely prefer visiting the southern parts of the country between October and March (with the hottest temperatures usually occurring in February and March). If you want to travel around the whole country, then October is a great month to choose as it overlaps with spring in the south of the country and the dry season in the north.

Booking in advance

Booking accommodation and any activities you’ve got your heart set on in advance can help you save money and ensure your trip runs smoothly. It’s a good idea to build at least a loose itinerary about which cities you want to visit and when, so that you can start to get a sense of what sort of budget you’ll need, even if you don’t book right away.

But, of course, Australia is a country full of surprises, and if you’re travelling on your own, there’s a good chance you don’t want to be too tied down to one plan or itinerary. So, if spontaneity is important to you, try to build flexibility into your schedule by booking accommodation with flexible cancellation policies and not planning your days so much that you don’t have room to make changes or add things.

Get to know the public transport

Australia has a robust public transportation system, particularly in its major cities, which is super useful for solo travellers who want to get around without taxis or rideshare apps. Many capital cities have smartcard ticket systems for trains, buses and trams and sometimes these are the only way to pay, so make sure you know where to get one when you arrive (for example, you can buy Sydney’s Opal Cards as soon as you arrive at the airport). Greyhound buses are a great way to move around the country, to major cities and more rural areas, particularly along the east coast. You can get a Greyhound Hop On Hop Off Pass that gives you flexibility.

Consider group activities

Solo travel is an amazing experience where you get to enjoy your adventure on your terms, but you might also be looking to socialise and get to know some fellow travellers. That’s when Australian tours for singles can be a great idea. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, you can often find free group tours run by local volunteers. You can also consider group activities like classes or workshops, such as surfing classes in Sydney or scuba diving tours in the Great Barrier Reef.

Where to go and what to do

Australia is jam-packed with fantastic, tourist-friendly locations that are amazing to explore as a solo traveller. We’ve listed just a few below, but it’s by no means an exhaustive list. Check out our guide to The Best Places to Visit in Australia to get even more inspiration for where to go and what to do.

Get to know Sydney

Sydney is one of Australia’s most popular cities, with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Consider heading to Bondi Beach, one of the world’s best surfing locations where you can ride the waves or relax on the beach (never surfed before? Bondi has plenty of surf schools where total beginners can learn the basics). Sydney also has a number of beautiful green spaces, like the Royal Botanic Garden and Lane Cove National Park. Foodies will love Sydney for its wide range of great eateries, boasting both authentic and innovative offerings from all around the world.

Explore Booderee National Park

Booderee is a beautiful national park on the Pacific Ocean, where lush forests meet soft sand beaches and clear blue water. Discover unique native wildlife and get stunning views from the dramatic cliffs that line the shores before spending the night at one of the park’s camping grounds. There are multiple beach options, including Murray’s and Whiting, some of which you can reach via scenic hikes. In addition, you should visit Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden in Australia.

Experience the best of Melbourne

Melbourne and its surrounding areas are a great way to begin solo travel in Australia, with delicious food, excellent coffee and plenty of fun experiences. You’ll find cosy laneway cafes, incredible street art and unique boutiques in the city. Melbourne is home to some excellent galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks. St Kilda and Brighton are where you can find great beachside experiences and the Brighton Bathing Boxes are an adorable, picture-perfect sight.

Discover the Great Outdoors in and around Cairns

Cairns is one of Australia’s best locations for solo travellers who love to get outdoors and do lots of fun activities. Cairns makes an excellent base for two of Australia’s most incredible natural wonders: the Daintree Forest and the Great Barrier Reef. Take a river cruise through the Daintree and a diving tour of the Great Barrier Reef to see the region’s wildlife up close, including rare birds, goannas, manta rays and turtles. The Kuku Yalanji people have inhabited the Daintree forest region for at least 50,000 years, and you can get to know the area with a local Kuku Yalanji guide.

Swim with Dolphins and Seals at Baird Bay, South Australia

Here’s an utterly unforgettable experience you can have while travelling Australia alone: swimming with dolphins and sea lions. At Baird Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, you can get to know these gorgeous, totally wild sea creatures in their natural habitat. You can choose between non-swimming tours, where you stay on board (and mostly dry), and swimming tours, where you don a wetsuit and snorkelling gear to get up close and personal with the sea lions and dolphins. It’s a combined tour, so you don’t have to choose which animals to meet, and tours run from September to May. Make sure you book in advance, especially between December and February.

Where to stay in Australia

You’ll have plenty of options for places to stay when you’re travelling around Australia, with options to suit a range of budgets. We’ve listed some of the best hotels and hostels below but don’t forget that many areas have excellent camping grounds where you can sleep under the stars.

Hostels in Australia

Hostels are an excellent option for solo travellers as they provide both budget accommodation and a hub where you can meet up with fellow travellers (who are often likely to be solo travellers too). ‘Base’ is one of the most common hostel chains in the country, and their St Kilda location in Melbourne is particularly excellent; it’s close to the beach with a bar and barbecue. ‘Wake Up!’ in Sydney and ‘Gilligan’s Backpacker and Hostel Resort’ in Cairns are two excellent, slightly more upscale options that offer both dorm beds and private rooms. If you’re staying in any remotely popular tourist location in Australia, you’re sure to find a comfortable hostel where you can lay your head at night.

Hotels in Australia

If you have a bit more room in your budget for accommodation, you can find great hotels in any of Australia’s major cities with a range of prices on offer. For example, in Melbourne, the PARKROYAL is a high-quality option close to Melbourne Airport, and the Quincy Hotel provides comfortable luxury in the CBD. In Sydney, the Shangri-La is one of the best luxury hotels in Australia, while the Great Southern is an excellent, more budget-friendly option. You can find Great Southern hotels all throughout Australia.

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10 helpful tips for travelling solo in Australia

Amanda Woods

Travel Journalist

16 February 2023

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.

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.   

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.    

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. 

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.   

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.

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. 

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.

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.   

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 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.

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. 

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.   

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.

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.   

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.   

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.

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.  

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.   

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.  

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. 

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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Turners Beach, Yamba, NSW © Destination NSW

11 tips for solo travel

With friendly locals, stunning scenery and endless places to discover, Australia is the perfect destination for solo holidays. Use these tips to start planning your solo travel adventure.

Be flexible

Wake Up! Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales © Amy Whitfield

While booking early is a good idea to guarantee a spot for your bucket list experiences , it's also smart to leave some wiggle room in your travel plans. Whether you decide to explore a city with newfound friends, experience a slower pace on one of Australia's stunning islands or take off on a spontaneous road trip , you'll find that unexpected adventures Down Under are often the most memorable.

Stay in hostels

Pacific House Hostel, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales © Conrad Taylor

Hostel-hopping between Australia's vibrant cities and quirky towns is by far the best way to spend your nights when solo travelling. Hostels are not only an affordable option, but are also a great way to meet fellow travellers. Most hostels are centrally located and they sometimes offer free or discounted activities to join such as wellness classes and walking tours.

Travel like the locals

In some states you may need to use pre-paid travel cards, like the  Myki card  in Melbourne and the  Opal card  in Sydney.

Bonza Bike Tours, The Rocks, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Living like a local in any major Australian city means using public transportation. Whether you're riding the tram through Melbourne  or catching a ferry across Sydney Harbour , it’s usually the easiest and cheapest way to move around. If you feel like getting active, walking or hiring a bike are great options, perfect for impromptu stops along your journey.

Take a class

Pixies Garden, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Trying a new activity is a great way to soak in the Australian way of life and meet people with similar interests. Whether you're learning to swim among the corals at Australia's best diving spots , trying an outdoor yoga class, catching a wave  or painting a masterpiece, the class you sign up for may just be one of the highlights of your trip.

Wander new cities

Flamboyance Tours, Adelaide, South Australia © NV Photography

Walking tours are a great way to find your bearings in a new city and learn insider tips and tricks from a local. You can also opt for specialist walking tours that bring a little extra flare. Sip your way through a tour of Perth's hidden bars and street art , explore the graffiti-lined laneways of Melbourne or book a spooky ghost tour of Sydney's historic Rocks precinct.

Join a group

OzSail, Whitsundays, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

The remote regions of Australia are breathtaking and incredibly unique, but they can also be a challenge to tackle on your own. A group tour takes care of the logistics for you and makes sure you have the best experience in every location. Whether it’s a  live-aboard boat in the Great Barrier Reef  or an  Aboriginal rock art tour in the Northern Territory , you’ll gain valuable insight into Australia’s nature and culture.

Feast on cheap eats

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Victoria © Ewen Bell

In Australia, good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Melbourne is brimming with great dining options, such as the bustling  Queen Victoria Market  and Adelaide’s food scene  boasts a delicious array of affordable cuisines. Most local pubs have daily food specials, and many restaurants offer BYO – which means you can bring your own beer or wine to drink with your meal.

Find some freebies

Vivid, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Travellers on a budget will be delighted by the number of things you can do in Australia for free. Many of the country's best museums do not charge admission fees, including Melbourne's  National Gallery of Victoria . For no cost at all, you can also explore Sydney's vibrant Vivid light show during winter, and you'll often catch free live music at local pubs on the weekends.

Travelling Australia on a budget

Experience Aboriginal history

Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Exploring Aboriginal cultures is a meaningful way to delve into the history of a region when travelling alone, and you can join a cultural experience almost anywhere in Australia. From city walking tours that will transport you through history, to bush tucker tours that will have you foraging for native ingredients, there are incredible Aboriginal experiences in all major cities.

Pack a selfie stick

Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania

You'll usually find a friendly Aussie nearby who is happy to take a photo for you, but selfie sticks are an essential item to pack as a back-up plan. Avoid missing any instagrammable snaps on your solo adventure by keeping yours handy for moments when you find yourself in the perfect pose next to one of Australia's cutest animals , or all alone exploring magical national parks .

Fund your travels

Anyone serving alcohol in Australia must complete Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training and receive an RSA certificate.

Grandad Jacks, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast

If you’ve come to Australia on a  Work and Holiday Visa  (Subclass 462) or  Working Holiday visa  (Subclass 417), you might want to find work along your travels. 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.

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The Best Solo Trips In Australia To Take This Year

By Anna May

26th May 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Travel in Australia

A complete guide to solo travel in australia.

Solo Travel in Australia is safe and fun. I know something about it. 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 . Since then, I’ve taken solo trips around Australia for more than 15 years, covering more than 100,000 kilometres by foot, on land, and by sea. If you want to travel solo to Australia , use the advice, tips, and suggestions in this Australia solo travel guide .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Why Travel Australia
• Accommodation for Solos
• Backpacking Australia
• Best Destinations To Visit
• Australia Solo Travel Itinerary
• Plan Your Solo Trip
• Solo Road Tripping
• Australia Travel Book
• Solo Tours in Australia
• Websites and Resources

Is It Safe To Travel Alone In Australia?

If you are wondering if it is safe to travel solo to Australia, as a woman, I say yes, it’s the perfect country for solos. Thanks to the low crime rate and the stable economy, Australia is the first-choice destination for venturing into solo escapes.

You get out of your comfort zone and see how to get by; on the other hand, you learn many little practical things that are hard to experiment with elsewhere. Australia is a top country for developing self-awareness and growing your confidence to do things yourself.

Solo Travel Around Australia Pros and Cons

Why Australia in the first place? Australia is such a big country; you may think you don’t know what to do when travelling alone . and that isolation and vastness would make solos feel lonely. Based on my experience, I can tell you that it’s super easy to get around, meet people and feel comfortable. Here are some of the benefits:

• The natural beauty of Australia will hook up the curious traveller. Australia will amaze you if you love nature, the wilderness, and animals.
• Australians’ friendliness will make it easy for you to socialise, from striking up a conversation to making new friends and getting help.
• The easiness of the country. It’s easy to get around, and you will be safe and home.

Besides the many advantages, some disadvantages are worth mentioning here.

• Long distances As a single traveller, you should constantly evaluate the case, consider what you can and can’t do alone, and assess your endurance when driving long distances.
• Limitations on activities Solo travel tours in Australia and Australia are offered with a minimum of two participants, but there are plenty of other exciting things and options.
• The Cost Most people ask: how much does it cost to travel solo? Australia is expensive, and travelling alone may cost more if you are only open to classic travel options. In most hotels, you will pay for a single-room supplement. Fortunately, there are ways to travel to Australia on a budget

BONUS TIP : I recommend starting with easy and short trip itineraries and then scaling up to longer trips. Try out more challenging ways to travel around Australia by yourself. Don’t try to do too much on your first visit. Make thoughtful decisions on the destinations, and get around.

Where To Travel Solo in Australia

There are many exciting destinations for travelling solo in Australia.  I highly recommend starting any solo journey from a city or a town and making all further arrangements.

The Australian Cities

If you are new to solo travel, building your itinerary with one or two getaways from Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, etc., is good. These are the capital cities of each state in Australia and the best place to start any “solo travel in Australia” adventure.

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is a spectacular city that also offers a lot of things to do solo. Ideally, I would combine Sydney and Melbourne on your first Australia Solo Trip.

From Sydney, most travellers choose the most travelled path, the North East Coast.  I recommend travelling from Sydney to Melbourne. You can do it by bus or self-drive to discover more inland and coastal places. This is a great way to see Australia’s southeast coast sights .

Melbourne Victoria

Melbourne is a fantastic city if you love food, culture, and bushwalking. It’s probably the best destination with shorter driving distances and great outdoor experiences. Melbourne offers a variety of things to do alone that are hard to beat. You can also e xplore Victoria with short day trips from Melbourne within 100-300 kilometres, including the GOR and Wilsons Prom.

 Adelaide South Australia

Perth western australia,  brisbane queensland.

A Complete Guide to Where To Travel Solo in Australia

Create Your Australia Solo Itinerary

Here are the best tips for creating the perfect Solo Itinerary Trip around Australia.

East Coast from Sydney to Cairns

If you love to spend time on the East Coast of Australia , you have 4.000 km of coast to stop along your way. The easiest way to travel is to get a bus pass from Greyhound and go on a hop-on-hop-off ride, but fly and driving is the best way to go if you feel more adventurous.

Plan in 3-5 stop-over cities and main towns where to start your further explorations. Be prepared for crowds. This is, in fact, the busiest coastal stretch in Australia, where most backpackers gather.

Let’s take a deeper look at each segment and itinerary ideas for your solo getaways:

• Queensland’s coastline stretches from Brisbane to Cairns to Cape York, home to many Northern Australian attractions. It is also the most visited state by locals and international travellers alike; for women who love to travel solo, probably the best destination among all places in Australia. If you don’t fancy travelling to isolated areas and enjoying more of the vibe, Queensland is the place.
• Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef . I recommend spending some time in Cairns, hiring a car, and touring the region of North Tropical Queensland. It’s easy to get around and offers excellent escapes in the national parks and the Atherton Tablelands .
• Snorkelling and diving are the main activities you can try on the Great Barrier Reef , but you can try plenty of fun water sports and outdoor activities
• Gold Coast , from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, is not only for families with kids and a great place for single women. There are excellent spots for beach and walking holidays.
• Fraser Island is also great but for more adventurous experiences like dunes and 4WD adventures. I’d recommend going on a tour when visiting Fraser Island, as 4WD on the island is challenging.

Bonus Tip : If you only have one week or ten days, I’d pick these solo destinations: Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown and the far north destinations in Queensland, including the Atherton Tablelands, Townsville, and Magnetic Island.

Bonus Tip : If you have 3-4 weeks, I will try to focus on 3-4 destinations as well, including the Gold Coast with Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast with Noosa, Fraser Island on a 2-day guided Tour and Cairns with North Tropical Queensland.

Explore the Outback by yourself or in a group

• You don’t have to venture out on challenging road trips across the country to see some of Australia’s Outback . You can go from Sydney to Broken Hill by train to uncover offbeat towns.
• All the major Outback attractions are also doable on easy road trips like Uluru and Kings Canyon.  You can fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Alice Springs and hire a car to visit Uluru.
• Broome is another great place for female solo travellers in North Western Australia .  Starting from Perth and heading up the West Coast. There is a wealth of fun things to do in Broome, including walking, biking, swimming, beach driving, wellness activities, shopping, and 4WD beach driving.
• The Top End Region is full of fantastic national parks, such as the Kakadu National Park . If you are adventurous, you can keep going on a round-trip and traverse the Kimberley to see more Outback towns. If you don’t fancy a demanding 4WD,  join a Kakadu tour in Darwin.
• Darwin is the northernmost Australian City, and because of its isolation, it’s not likely to be on everyone’s itinerary, especially if you are alone. But a trip up to the Top End of Australia is worth it.

Bonus Tip 1 : I suggest flying from Sydney or Melbourne or Adelaide, and if you want to experience something unique, take a train ride on board the Ghan (I loved that train ride). If you are on a budget, travelling by bus from Kununurra to Darwin is also viable.

Bonus Tip 2. : If you are on long-term travel, I’d include the Red Centre that you can visit by flying to Alice Springs can add a train ride north to Darwin and take the bus to Kununurra in the East Kimberley.

Hiking Solo in Tasmania

Tasmania feels very different from the rest of the country, and it’s a paradise for hiking and camping. I loved exploring Tasmania Solo on my backpacking trip. I joined a 5-day guided tour and recently went on a road trip and hiking the Three Capes Track.

Tip: The best way to explore Tasmania is to go on a  Solo Road trip to Tasmania’s East Coast.

Backpacking Solo in Australia

There aren’t many warnings that come to mind when I think of Australia as a backpacker and travelling solo. Australia and New Zealand are top destinations for backpackers, and thousands travel alone, mainly on a hop-on-hop-off bus pass.

Backpacking is the way to go if you want to travel to Australia on a budget .

In Australia, once you are in remote areas, you are cut off from civilisation and often, there is no internet or phone coverage. I have put together a guide for women who want to travel on a budget and Australia to get started with their solo backpacking adventure.

Check out our Guide to Backpacking in Australia

Solo Road Trips in Australia

I cannot stop emphasizing that Australia is all about Road Tripping. But I’m also aware that it’s easier to use public transportation or join a tour rather than hire a car and hit the road completely alone when you are on your own. I have gone on +10 solo road trips around Australia and loved them.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) from Alice Springs

Albany, wa, from perth.

You can plan it as a long weekend getaway or an extended itinerary when including Margaret River. It’s easy to drive, and there are many stop-overs along your way. I have done one of the loveliest drives in Western Australia. This is the place if you love beautiful beaches, forests, hiking, national parks, and excellent food. Here is our guide about what to see and do in Albany, WA .

Cairns to Cape Tribulation and Atherton Tableland

Below, you can read more about all the road trips of Australia I recommend to solos.

Check out all 14 Best Solo Road Trips in Australia

How To Solo Travel In Australia

If you plan a trip to Australia , the most important thing when creating your Australia Itinerary is to make sure you choose transportation you feel comfortable with but at the same time fits well with your time frame and schedule.

Here below my best tips for travelling alone around Australia :

Flying within Australia

Planning a trip to Australia implies a few internal flights . If you plan to hit up more destinations across the country, you may have to put up with 4-5 flights. Once you get to your destination, the best way to explore places is by renting a car, going on a tour or gon on a hop-on-off by bus.

Bus Experiences For Solos in Australia

Train journeys.

Travelling by train in Australia isn’t expected. Although the train network is perfect within cities and suburban areas, there are also long-distance rail journeys that are more of a holiday than just a transportation mode. It is expensive to travel on these trains, though.

Driving Alone Around Australia

Here are my tips for solo women who want to go on road trips: driving solo in Australia :

Accommodation For Solo Women Travelling in Australia

Australia is a friendly destination offering many options for staying overnight and for women who travel alone. There are suitable types of accommodation in cities and suburban regions. I recommend a list of accommodation options for women travelling alone around Australia.

Hostels and Backpackers

I would start by staying in Australian hostels , regardless of your budget and whether you intend to go backpacking. You can choose from a private room with a shared bathroom (some hostels offer en-suite bathrooms), female dorms (4-8 beds) to twin rooms if you want to share with another female.  I recommend using YHA in Australia .

Find the best Hostel Deals in Australia

Airbnb in Australia

Airbnb in Australia is very popular and not only among solos. Through Airbnb, you can find unique places in beautiful houses with a special ambience that you will not get in any hotels. Furthermore, in remote regions, there are only fewer types of accommodation available.

If you haven’t tried it out yet, here is a complete guide on using Airbnb .

Camping Solo in Australia

Camping is not something for everyone, but if you love adventure and want to discover more of the lesser-known sites, you will enjoy camping in Australia. Having tried it myself, I know what it’s like camping in the middle of nowhere and soaking in a place’s pure isolation and peacefulness. Camping isn’t always as relaxing as you may imagine, though. I found it quite demanding, and you must be well prepared.

Check out my Australia Solo Camping Tips

Housesitting in Australia

Housesitting is suitable for those wanting to travel long-term. I will first consider a house sit in Australia if you plan a vacation from 6 weeks to 3 or more months.

Housesitting is the best way to reduce accommodation costs and support long-term travel. I have done that over the past five years and loved it. I wouldn’t have been able to solo travel long-term and spend between 3-6 months in Australia without these housesitting tips for Australia .

Hotels for Solos

Hotels are notoriously famous for being expensive when you travel alone. Paying for the so-called “ invisible person ” isn’t fun and can drain your budget. Hotels in Australia aren’t cheap.

I prefer a smaller family-run B&B or a small boutique hotel if you don’t fancy hostels or private accommodation. They offer a cosy ambience, a more personal approach and many facilities. It’s always worth browsing through booking.com ; sometimes, you may also find a good deal from big hotel chains.

Find the best Hotel Deals for Solos

How To Plan Female Solo Travel in Australia

If you think you can visit Australia on a 2 or 3 weeks itinerary, you will not see it all even if you have six or ten months. In 15 years of travel, I have probably seen 75% of the country. So you get a picture of how big Australia is. And planning a trip to Australia isn’t easy.

Australia Itinerary Guide Book For Solo Travellers

What if you could have a step-by-step guide to help create your Australia Itinerary?

From choosing the right places and allocating the right time to each destination to crafting your solo adventures in all segments and variations, my Australia travel guidebook will take you through all the essential steps to create the perfect solo trip. I’m the author of this guide book which has helped many solo travellers plan their adventures in Australia. This guidebook is the outcome of my solo traveller experience. If you want to purchase the book, click the link or image below.

The perfect guide book to Create your Solo Travel Itinerary around Australia

Tips for Solo Travel Itineraries of Australia

Here are my best travelling tips for women planning to travel solo to Australia:

Make a distance-proof travel plan.

Consider alternatives to flying., go road tripping, allocate the right time to each trip leg, don’t travel solo to join groups then all the time., go on tours when it makes sense, match the itinerary to the purpose of your solo trip, travel australia at the best time of year, group tours for solos.

Many women plan to travel alone but join a Tour of Australia . It’s easy to opt for a guided tour and not take the time and effort to craft your adventure and go alone. Some parts of Australia are challenging to explore solo. Then, it is better to choose designated tours that fulfil the purpose, i.e. they allow you to explore remote regions or do special activities in Australia that you wouldn’t otherwise see or do alone.

Here are crucial things that you should consider when selecting tours in Australia :

Group Tours in Australia vs Solo Travel

Be clear about the primary purpose and reason for joining a group tour. Is it the destination, the activities, or the fear of travelling alone ? In the beginning, it’s easier to go on guided tours; it takes off much work, like researching and planning. But there are reasons to refrain from joining tours.

What type of Australia Tours to choose

Cost of tours in australia.

Australia Tours are known to be expensive. But depending on the destination and the type of transportation, a tour may turn out cheaper than the entire cost of travelling solo. If you travel solo, you will have to choose guided trips that are a good alternative to exploring the places you have in mind and saving money on transportation in Australia.

Here is an article about how to Weigh up all the pros and cons of solo vs groups .

Walking Tours in Australia

Check out all Tours of Australia from City to City

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More Inspiration for Solo Travelling In Australia

On RockyTravel, you will also find hundreds of articles where you can learn about all the top places to visit, with tons of Australia Travel Planning Tips .

Click on the links below to read more about how to travel alone as a woman to Australia.

All Posts about Solo Travel in Australia

Why I love Australia

Best ways to travel alone at +50

How to start travelling alone

How to travel around Australia with your pet .

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Perth Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Perth , Australia? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The capital city of Western Australia, with a population of 2.1 million .
• Centred on the Swan River and bounded by the Indian Ocean in the west.
• One of the most isolated cities in the world, Perth is also one of the sunniest – with an average of 8 hours of sunshine every day of the year.
• The cosmopolitan city is home to a wide variety of cultures thanks to its proximity to Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Nicknames: City of Light, City of Black Swans.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  Australian Dollar  (AUD)
• Spoken languages:  Australian English .
• Best time to visit: from  September to March to make the most of the pleasant spring weather and the hot summer climate.
• Arriving via airport:  Perth Airport (PER) operates four terminals for domestic and international travel. Connections to the city centre are made with Connect shuttles for $15 one-way (25 minutes) or by taxis with fixed fare at $35 for the Central Business District (20 minutes).

WHERE TO STAY

• Best hostel for solo travelers in Perth: Spinner’s Backpackers . Located in Northbridge (close to all the action), this hostel is a true “home away from home.” Friendly staff, modern facilities, and clean all around. Large kitchen/communal area for socializing. No downsides–just make sure to book ahead of time.
• The CBD is home to the widest selection of accommodation, although most hostels and budget hotels are found in Northbridge (can get rowdy on weekend nights with drunks).
• Freemantle (Freo) is a great place to stay: there’s always something going on, and the area has no shortage of great restaurants and bars.
• The well-heeled choose the attractive suburb of Subiaco for its trendy concoction of restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
• Those looking to make the most of Perth’s unending coastline might want to head to Cottlesloe , a quiet and pleasant retreat outside the city centre.

GETTING AROUND

• TransPerth operates the public transportation network in the city, which extends to bus, train and ferry services. The ticketing system uses cash tickets or the SmartRider Card, which stores value for payment of fares. Tickets are purchased based on travel between zones.
• CAT buses are a high frequency free public service offered within the free transit zone. Routes are colour coded and do not require the purchase of a ticket.
• Taxis operate on a meter system that charges $4.01 at flagfall and $1.66 per succeeding kilometre plus applicable surcharges such as weekend and public holiday tariff. Call 13 13 30 or 13 10 08 to book.
• Uber is available in Perth (check prices in-app before splurging on a taxi).

PERTH NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is  18 ,   and last call is  3 AM .
• Northbridge is home to nightclubs, pubs and drinking establishments that cater to every taste.
• Fremantle hosts an alternative scene favoured by pub goers.
• Mount Lawley attracts the hip crowd with extensive cocktail bars and lounges.
• Great bars for solo travelers ( CBD ): Badlands Bar (live music), Ruinbar, The Claisebrook Bar, Alabama Song Bar, and Bobeche (cocktails).
• Great bars in Freemantle : Mojo’s Bar (North Freo), Freo.Social, and Percy Flint.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• The Art Gallery of Western Australia hosts exciting exhibits on Western Australian art and craft dating back to 1829.
• The Aviation Heritage Museum is run by the Royal Australian Air Force Association and documents the history of Australian aviation history (exhibits include 30 aircraft).
• Perth Mint opened in 1899 with the discovery of the gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie and remains one of the world’s most trusted mints of pure gold, silver and platinum bullion .
• The Western Australian Museum runs six sites across Greater Perth and functions as the state’s premier cultural organization. Features extensive exhibits, including Aboriginal art.

INTERESTING WALKS

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner city parks, a remarkable expanse of bushland and parkland that highlights the diverse range of Western Australia’s flora.
• Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from the city, a playground of over 60 stunning beaches and world-class surf breaks, coral reefs and shipwrecks.
• Riverwalk Trail starts at the Goodwood Boat Ramp in Belmont and winds along the banks of the Swan River with a highly scenic route that includes the special wildflowers of spring.
• Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park is the most environmentally responsible cemetery in Australia and a natural environment for many native species such as kangaroos.

LOCAL WISDOM

• Perth boasts some of the country’s best and most isolated beaches – no visit to the city is complete without a trip to Cottlesloe Beach .
• The area of Perth is known to be home to the Redback spider , a poisonous and dangerous spider easily recognizable by the red mark on its back. While not fatal, a bite is very painful.
• Sunscreen is essential during the daytime even if only walking around the city, while insect repellent is recommended for use in the evening especially if planning to be outdoors.
• Swan Valley is well-known for its wineries and micro-breweries (among the oldest in Australia).
• Where to find good cheap eats : Highgate and Victoria Park offer low-key dining with unbeatable prices.
• Dangerous areas : the most trouble is seen over the weekend outside the busy nightclubs, although police is quick to respond.

Recommended trip duration:  1-2 days

• Melbourne, Australia
• Sydney, Australia
• Adelaide, Australia
• Brisbane, Australia
• Gold Coast, Australia

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• Travel tips

Solo Travel Melbourne Australia: How to Spend 5 Days in Melbourne Alone

Are you planning a solo trip to Melbourne Australia ? Located in southern Australia, Melbourne is the sports capital of Australia. It is known for Australian Football League, hosting the annual Australian Grand Prix and Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most famous annual thoroughbred horse racing.

But if you follow my blog, you may know that I am into art, cultural experiences, food, and more food. Ha! What attracted me to Melbourne immediately was the graffiti laneways, exploring vintage and retro shops and the famed coffee culture .

After spending a few weeks in the city, I can honestly say Melbourne is one of the best cities for solo female travellers . The city is safe and most attractions are accessible on foot and by public transportation.

In this post, I will show you how to spend 5 days in Melbourne by yourself. My comprehensive five-day Melbourne itinerary covers all the best highlights in the city and includes a side trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the  disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before spending 5 days in Melbourne alone

Before you start your solo trip to Melbourne, take a look at my list of 17 things you need to know before travelling to Australia . I included information about Australia including applying for ETA, transportation, money and accommodation.

Here are additional travel tips that you may find useful when you are spending 5 days in Melbourne by yourself:

• Australia  is rated as the  13th safest place in the world which makes Australia one of the best solo female travel destinations for first-timers .
• Melbourne is rated in the top ten of the most expensive cities in the world . But it shouldn’t discourage you at all. I included many budget tips in my Melbourne itinerary so you can spend five days in the city on a relatively good budget.
• Get a Myki card to take public transportation and take advantage of the Free Tram Zone .

How to get to Melbourne Australia

Most solo travellers will arrive at Melbourne Airport . The easiest way of getting into the city is by taking the Skybus.

Skybus has six routes that will take you to different parts of the city. Purchase a ticket at the kiosk at the Skybus stop with your credit card and hop on the next scheduled bus. For more information about Skybus and different routes, check the Skybus timetables .

Long distance bus

Greyhound Australia is Australia’s only long-distance bus operator. The bus system has many routes connecting different parts of the country to Melbourne.

The bus is comfortable, has USB chargers, and free wifi. And the easiest way to purchase a ticket is online on the Greyhound Australia website . First, select your route, select your seat and pay with a credit card. You don’t need to print your e-ticket for your bus ride. Just tell the bus driver your name or your ticket number.

Alternatively, you could travel to Melbourne by Interstate Trains from Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney , Brisbane , etc.

The railway connects most cities in Australia but it is the slowest way of travelling within Australia . However, the train ride is comfortable, and a restaurant onboard. The interstate trains go through Southern Cross Station and Station Pier (Port Melbourne) . For more information about interstate train travel, check out the Australian Rail Maps website .

How to get around Melbourne

It is pretty easy to get around in Melbourne. Walking is the best way to see a city . But in between neighbourhoods, it might be wise to take public transportation. First, you will need to purchase a Myki Card .

A Myki Card is a rechargeable card that you can use for transportation in the state of Victoria . You can use it to take any public transport including tram, bus and trains . Just tap on and off on the Myki reader when you travel and the system will deduct the lowest fare.

It costs $6AUD to purchase the Myki Card. They can be purchased at Metro stations, Myki kiosks, 7-Eleven and other participating retailers . The card is not refundable. Simply top up your card before you take public transportation.

Each ride costs $4.60AUD and you can ride any public transportation for the next two hours . And if you take multiple rides on the same day, the system will cap it at $9.20AUD as per the daily maximum .

Free Tram Zone

The Free Tram Zone is one of the best things about travelling within CBD. The zone is east of Docklands, north of Flinders Street, west of Spring Spring and south of Victoria Street . If you are travelling only in the free zone, you don’t need to tap your Myki Card at all. Check the Free Tram Zone Map for the exact zone.

5 days in Melbourne: things to do alone in Melbourne

Melbourne is a big city and has many interesting neighbourhoods. And because it is quite expensive to travel in Melbourne, I put together a jam-packed 5-day Melbourne itinerary.

The best way to see Melbourne is by touring through different neighbourhoods. Here is a summary of what you will see during my Melbourne 5-day itinerary:

• Day 1: CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy
• Day 2: South Yarra, St Kilda, Brighton Beach, Richmond
• Day 3: Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, Southbank
• Day 4: Great Ocean Road
• Day 5: Great Ocean Road

Day 1 in Melbourne: CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy

Day one is all about seeing the Central Business District (CBD) and getting familiar with the center of the city. During the evening, have dinner in Carlton and a drink in Fitzroy .

Central Business District (CBD)

The Central Business District (CBD) is the center of Melbourne. High-rises, high-end retail stores, shopping malls, markets and educational centres are all within the city centre.

Touring around some of Melbourne’s best laneways is a must! The city is known for its graffiti street art , particularly in the CBD alleys. Hosier Lane is the most famous graffiti alley in Melbourne. You can also find graffiti at Centre Place , AC/DC Lane , and Croft Alley.

While meandering through the graffiti alleys, look for Melbourne’s iconic laneway, Degraves Street . The short pedestrian street has many al fresco restaurants and coffee shops.

And if you want to do some shopping, hop on over to  Bourke Street , the main avenue in CBD with lots of retail stores. And shop at Block Arcade and marvel at the Victorian interior that resembles Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

The State Library of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest public libraries and a cultural icon. Visit The Dome inside the library and take photos of the octagonal space. There is a free gallery inside, and you can even join a free library tour.

Across the street from the State Library is the  Old Melbourne Gaol . It held Melbourne’s most dangerous criminals from 1845 to 1924. Today, you can still see the original cells on all three levels.

If you have a chance, visit Federation Square , an open space for art and culture and other public events. And the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is right next door.

Or you can hop on a scenic 2-hour river cruise along the Yarra River and see CBD from another perspective.

Where to eat in CBD

Melbourne has some of the best brunch places, coffee shops and other food venues. I’ve tried many places and I narrowed it down to a few favourites in CBD.

Market & Restaurants in CBD

• Queen Victoria Market – a historical landmark in the city and a market that sells fresh produce and has a variety of restaurants covering all types of cuisine. The market opens on Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday.  And there’s a night market every Wednesday during the summer months.
• Higher Ground – one of the most popular brunch places in Melbourne. Come early and order one of the prettiest dishes like the ricotta hotcake.
• Rustica – considered Melbourne’s iconic bakery-cafe, Rustica has fresh baked goods, pastries and delicious brunch. There are several locations in Melbourne.
• The Cypriot Kitchen – is part of different food events like the night market at Queen Victoria and the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival. If you ever come across one, you must try their traditional Cypriot food like halloumi chips with red beet sauce. Oh yum!
• Stalactites Restaurant – Melbourne has the biggest Greek community in Australia. That means there is a lot of excellent Greek food in the city. Stalactites Restaurant has been around since 1978 and is still going strong.

Coffee & Beer in CBD

• Tulip Coffee – Melburnians love their coffee! Try their flat white, Melbourne’s signature coffee.
• Industry Beans  – also serves a solid flat white. And they have good pastries too.
• Lune Croissanterie  – try the almond croissant; the pastry looks like it should be displayed in a museum. It was a bit crumbly, but every bit tastes like heaven.
• Boilermaker House – the microbrewery bar serves craft beer and malt whisky. The bar is quite fancy. But if you are going for a proper drink, this is the place to be!

One of the best things to do at night in Melbourne is to visit the neighbourhood of Carlton , aka Little Italy .

Many people have dinner and drinks at one of the alfresco restaurants along Lygon Street . Both sides of the main street are full of Italian eateries, old-school bars, gelaterias, dessert shops and coffee shops .

Besides food, Carlton is known for the theatre scene and some of the best historic buildings, including the Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building , both in Carlton Gardens .

Where to eat in Carlton

• Cafe Cavallino – a popular restaurant on Lygon Street. Really good authentic pasta and pizza. I particularly like the casual atmosphere as it reminded me of Italy.
• Brunetti – save room for dessert if you want to try at least one item at the popular cafe. There is so much to choose from!
• Pidapipo Gelateria – a favourite gelateria in Melbourne! Try the Nutella gelato. Actual Nutella is injected right into your gelato.

Just east of Carlton, Fitzroy is a bohemian suburb best known for street art, music and vintage stores.

Along Brunswick Street are vintage clothing stores, second-hand bookstores, restaurants and bars, etc. Lost and Found Market is an excellent shop for vintage and second-hand clothing, furniture, books, and other knick-knacks.

On the weekends, the Rose Street Artists’ Market has up to 120 stalls selling handmade crafts by local artists and designers. It is one of Melbourne’s best art and design markets.

But for this Melbourne itinerary, visiting Fitzroy in the evening means getting a yummy bevie after dinner. Or you can opt for (another) gelato.

Where to eat in Fitzroy

• The Everleigh – have a drink at one of the best bars in Fitzroy . The Everleigh has some of the best cocktails in the area.
• Gelato Messina Fitzroy – is one of the best gelato places and there are shops all over the country. Sample a few flavours before you commit to a big scoop of ice cream.

Day 2 in Melbourne: South Yarra, St Kilda, Brighton Beach, Richmond

Day two of your Melbourne solo trip is about visiting other suburbs outside of CBD. Bring your walking shoes and Myki card as the day will be a combination of walking and taking the tram and visiting South Yarra, St Kilda, Brighton Beach and Richmond .

South Yarra

Located southeast of CBD, South Yarra is a high-end neighbourhood full of boutique retail stores, and trendy restaurants. You will find all the interesting shops and cafes along Chapel Street , the main road in South Yarra.

And when you stroll through the neighbourhood, you will find many colourful art murals along the smaller streets in South Yarra.

The best way to start the day in South Yarra is by taking the train or tram to South Yarra and starting the day with a proper brekkie.

Where to eat in South Yarra & Prahran

• Abacus Bar & Kitchen – a popular brunch spot in South Yarra serves the prettiest dishes! Everything that comes out of the kitchen is like a piece of art. And the flat white is excellent!
• Prahran Market – find many different types of produce at Prahran Market. They have a lot of stores selling organic products and also beautiful flower shops selling the most unique flowers I have ever seen!

St Kilda is the seaside suburb in Melbourne where you will find a pedestrian street full of stores and restaurants, a popular city beach, an amusement park and a quiet pier where penguins live.

First, visit St Kilda Pier . Stroll around the pier, and if you are lucky, you might even find penguins sleeping behind the rocks.

Continue walking to St Kilda Beach , one of the city beaches in Melbourne. And if you want to be a kid again, visit Luna Park nearby. It is an amusement park with a roller coaster ride right in the heart of the city.

Then return to  Fitzroy Street where you can find many great restaurants and cafes. A perfect place for lunch!

And if you are in St Kilda on a Sunday, check out the  St Kilda Esplanade Market for stalls selling local arts and crafts.

Brighton Beach

The colourful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach were built over a century ago for seaside bathing. Each of the 82 bathing boxes is constructed from a timber frame and iron roof and is painted in bright colours. The myriad of colours against the yellow sand and blue water makes Brighton Beach one of the most photographed (and Instagram) beaches in Melbourne.

If you want to take a dip in the water, make sure to bring your bathing suit and beach towel . And hopefully, you can catch a gorgeous sunset.

After a full day of touring around Melbourne, visit Richmond for an authentic Vietnamese meal in Little Saigon . And end the night with a drink or two on the rooftop patio at Corner Hotel , one of the best venues for live music.

Where to eat in Richmond

• Thanh Ha 2 – a bustling Vietnamese restaurant serving some of the most authentic Vietnamese food I’ve tasted (outside of Vietnam). Try their bánh cuốn (steamed rice paper cake) and bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake).
• Corner Hotel – I asked several friends where I should listen to live music while in Melbourne, and they all collectively said Corner Hotel! They have a really lively and cool rooftop and another area for live music. I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I quite liked it!

Day 3 in Melbourne: Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, and Southbank

On day three, visit all the best sites and attractions south of Yarra River , starting in Port Melbourne . Then visit a food market and try more of Melbourne’s best cuisine in South Melbourne . And finish the day in Southbank .

Port Melbourne

Two things would pique your interest in Port Melbourne: Pink Lake and Princess Pier .

Also known by the official name,  Salt Water Lake at Westgate Park , the Pink Lake is not chemically engineered at all. Due to its high temperature, concentrated salt levels, and sunlight, which allow algae to grow in the salty water and thus, produce a red pigment. And that’s why the lake stays a deep pink during the summer months.

Then walk in the southeast direction until you find Princess Pier . The pier was once a major pier at Port Melbourne for passenger and cargo terminals. But today, many locals come here to fish. The area has bicycle paths and trails which makes the pier quite accessible. And visitors like to come here to take photos of the numerous old wooden pylons in the water.

South Melbourne

After some site seeing in Port Melbourne, visit South Melbourne Market in South Melbourne for lunch and souvenir shopping. The market has some of the best food in the city and is a place where you can find ethnic food, fresh seafood, and little knick-knacks that you might want to bring home.

Where to eat in South Melbourne

• South Melbourne Market  – you can find all kinds of produce and ethnic food inside the market. The perimeter of the market is full of gourmet restaurants, and cozy coffee shops. And during the summer months, there is a night market with live music every Thursday.
• Simply Spanish – dine-in or take away their delicious Spanish tapas. But don’t miss their award-winning big pan paella. They won the title of Best Paella (outside of Spain) at a food competition.
• Proper & Son  – the little restaurant inside South Melbourne Market serves good brunch and delicious salad.
• Padre Coffee – a busy coffee shop in South Melbourne Market that makes a superb flat white!
• Penang Road – for an authentic Malaysian meal, try the char kway teow (Malaysian stir-fried rice noodles). The flavour is pretty close to the ones I’ve tried in Penang, Malaysia. And you can BYOB.
• Hunky Dory Fish & Chips – you have to try fish & chips at least once in Australia! The portions at Hunky Dory are pretty substantial. Order the classic fish & chips and see for yourself!

Southbank is a neighbourhood south of CBD and Yarra River. The area is known for commercial high-rises, apartment towers, and also numerous art museums and green spaces.

First, check out the National Gallery of Victoria , Australia’s oldest gallery. There are free exhibits on contemporary artwork over several floors and also a paid exhibition on the top floor. Before you visit the museum, check the NGV website for upcoming exhibits.

Walk over to Buxton Contemporary which is not far away. The five galleries at Buxton Contemporary have the best contemporary art exhibits and one of Australia’s largest outdoor digital screens.

And finally, end the day by strolling through the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria which is just east of the museums.

Day 4 in Melbourne: Great Ocean Road

You really can’t miss the Great Ocean Road while you are visiting Melbourne. It is one of the best things to see outside of Melbourne.

And the best way to see the scenic road is by doing a self-drive over two days .

During the first day on the Great Ocean Road side trip, you will see 12 Apostles , Gibson Steps, Island Arch Lookout, Loch Ard Gorge, and other viewpoints in Port Campbell National Park . The day ends with eating seafood at Apollo Bay and sleeping overnight in Lorne .

Day 5 in Melbourne: Great Ocean Road

During the second day on the side trip to Great Ocean Road, you will see Erskine Falls, Fairhaven Beach, Split Point Lighthouse, Bells Beach, Winkipop and Torquay before returning to Melbourne in the late afternoon.

I included all the details for a 2-day self-drive itinerary in my Great Ocean Road post .

But if you travelling on your own and don’t want to bother with a rental car, join an organized 2-day tour to Great Ocean Road . The tour visit similar spots along the scenic road.

And finally, depending on when you return to Melbourne, you can still have an awesome dinner in the city and stroll around CBD , Richmond , or Fitzroy .

Other things to do in Melbourne alone

The 5 day itinerary in Melbourne includes many of the city’s best highlights. But if you have more time in the city and want to venture on a solo trip outside of Melbourne, here are some suggestions for you:

• Day trip to Yarra Valley – visit four wineries in Yarra Valley where the tour includes lunch and of course, wine tastings.
• Day trip to Phillip Island – visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation and see the nightly penguin parade at Summerland Beach
• Grampians National Park – see kangaroos, rock formations and waterfalls in the national park by hiking through the canyons.

Where to stay in Melbourne as a solo traveller

The bad news is Melbourne is not a budget destination. But the good news is there are excellent hostels and a handful of inexpensive hotels around the city.

I recommend staying in the CBD area for this 5 day Melbourne itinerary so you can be close to everything. Here are some options for solo travellers:

• Check prices & reviews: Agoda

Are you ready to solo travel to Melbourne?

I hope you enjoyed reading my Melbourne itinerary. There are so many things to do in Melbourne solo that you can easily pack five days with lots of activities.

And it is safe to take a solo Melbourne trip even if you visit the city for the first time. Even though Melbourne is a safe city, you should always practice your regular safety precautions.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about my solo Melbourne 5 days itinerary or if you have additional questions.

Thank you for reading my Melbourne solo trip post

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Australia:

• 17 things to know before travelling to Australia
• Great Ocean Road 2-day self-drive itinerary
• How to spend 3 days in Sydney by yourself
• One day in Byron Bay
• Top 10 things to do alone in Gold Coast
• 36 things to do alone in Brisbane
• Best things to do in Noosa in one day
• Searching for fairy pools in Noosa
• 10 days in Australia: best of East Coast Australia
• Australia 4 week itinerary for a solo traveller

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Solo Travel Sydney: How to spend 3 days in Sydney Australia

Australia Itinerary 4 Weeks on East Coast Australia for Solo Travellers

Solo Travel Australia: 17 Things to Know Before Travelling to Australia

Don Schuldes

I can visit Melbourne whenever I want to because I actually live in Victoria for me it’s just one bus trip and one train trip and then I’m there

I am so jealous!! Melbourne is such a lovely city!!

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Best Things to Do in Loule Portugal: Day Trip Itinerary from Albufeira or Faro in Portugal

Ms travel solo.

Australia Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ australia tours for singles / solo travelers with 378 reviews.

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7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer Loop

Great tour itinerary, reasonable group size and good organization. Laura was the best host ever! Even when we had to get up very early she made it enjoyable. She put in a lot of effort and was available for questions at all times. We all had a great time! The accommodations are budget based backpacker hostels. So you should not expect anything fancy. Even though the tour was quite intense, I am glad that I made this amazing experience.

6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster (One Way)

During the booking process I had a few problems with payment, but the team was super sweet to fix it for me and even called me to keep me appraised of the process. The tour in itself was so incredible, I was sad when it was over.

Sydney to Brisbane Adventure

• Christmas & New Year

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure

• In-depth Cultural

Best of Australia

fantasitc trip seeing lots of the highlights of the east coast. great tour guide

• Wine tasting

The Great Ocean Road Melbourne - Adelaide 4 day 3 night Tour

We had a very good trip. Excellent driver/tour guides. Will highly recommended

Australia: North Queensland Adventure (9 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Australia: North Queensland Adventure (Sailing, 9 Days)

Mark was excellent 5/5 to him.

Australia’s West Coast & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Comfort Tour

• Hiking & Trekking

Premium Red Centre & Uluru

Tasmania Hobart & Launceston All-Inclusive Grand 10 Days Touring Package

Absolutely enjoyed the tours. A big thank you to Eli who was very helpful with the logistics.

South Australia, Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Premium Tasmania

Tassie's East Coast Highlights (5 Days)

The tour was great due to the efforts of our bus driver, Tom, and Gary out tour leader/commentator. I felt that it was a bit misleading that the tour said 5 days when it was in fact only 4 days with a drink the night before. The content of the trip was great and I will be back to do the East Coast highlights. Loved Launceston, Bicheno, Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. Not so keen on Port Arthur but I guess it's a must see.

• Walking Adventure

Tassie's Wilderness Icons (6 Days)

Overall it was a good experience.However meal options for vegeterian food were very limited and dinner in Tall Timbers and breakfast in Launceston were particularly disappointing.

What people love about Australia Solo Tours

I loved every aspect of this tour. Geoff was an AMAZING tour guide!!

A great tour with an excellent driver/guide, Carlos, full of information, well organized and sensitive to our needs. Lots of wonderful places to see and experience from sunrise to sunset. Long bus rides at times and a full bus so little room to stretch out. But worth traveling the distances. Highly recommend the one way tour and fly out from Exmouth

Cool group, great guide, some long drives. Would need a driver and a guide A flight from Byron Bay to avoid 2 long drives on the bus

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How to Travel Solo in Sydney, Australia: A Detailed Free Guide

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Travelling solo has its allure. It is the magic of exploring places in your own style that captivates the most.

The biggest city in Australia, Sydney is a top-rated travel destination and receives approximately 4 million international visitors every year. This city offers an array of options of travel spots- from pristine beaches, and lush greenery to vineyards and alluring waterfalls.

Travelling solo in Sydney was the best travel decision I had ever taken. So, here, I will share my tour details with you- the places I visited, where I stayed and ate, and so on.

So, please stick with me to learn more!

Why solo travel to Sydney?

Before I jump to the nitty-gritty of my solo trip to Sydney, I would want to discuss why one should travel solo in this city.

There is no doubt that the concept of solo travelling is gaining popularity, mainly because it offers flexibility, independence, and convenience. Since 2016 this trend has grabbed global attention with its growing popularity. In 2019, it accounted for 11% of the worldwide travel market as per the solotravelerworld.com statistics.  

So why Sydney? The answer is simple- it is one of the safest cities that offers friendly locals, great hospitality, cosmopolitan culture, and endless places to discover. All these reasons made me put Sydney on my travel bucket list.

Things to consider before travelling solo to Sydney

Before you start to dig deeper for your solo Sydney itinerary, let’s take a look at the list of things to consider when travelling to this city.

Although Sydney is safe for male and female solo travellers, you should pick up suitable sightseeing destinations, accommodation options, etc. Always check the internet for the reviews of the places you are targeting to visit. Also, make sure to list the emergency contact details of the local area, which is 000 for police, ambulance, and fire brigade.

Here is the link for the NSW Government website to all emergency contacts – https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/emergency-contacts

Travel insurance is also a good idea to opt for. You can share your location back home via GPS.

Check the weather before buying the tickets! We say so because lousy weather can mar your entire trip experience. Use online apps or weather forecasting websites to check the upcoming forecasts.

Australia uses its national currency, the Australian Dollars (AUD). It comes in the denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Whereas coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. You can find one- and two-dollar denominations as well.

Transportation

To travel by Sydney’s well-structured public transportation system, you must get yourself an Opal Card. You can use this rechargeable card can be used in NSW’s train, bus, ferry, light rail, and metro. My suggestion is to download the Opal Travel app from the app store. Click here

Sightseeing tour

On my solo trip to Sydney, I booked a Sydney private tour which made my daily itinerary easier. I shared my travel plans and destinations with them, and their associate helped me get everything sorted. I also advised hiring a bike for myself for local day trips from Sydney .  

Solo travel apps

Travelling solo doesn’t mean you have to go alone. Technology can be your best friend. Install travel apps like TripWhistle Global, AnyTour, Travello, and Triplt to stay connected with like-minded travellers, save your bookings, and so on.

Best things to do on your solo trip to Sydney

So, what can you do in Sydney when you are alone? Well, almost everything! The city has so many destinations and activities to offer that you can keep yourself busy and excited all the time.

Go for a day trip on foot

The most exciting and economical way to explore Sydney is on foot. Taking experience from my solo trip, I suggest you explore the city’s streets and lanes walking. If you have a couple of days, you can break your day trip itinerary accordingly and visit attractions like

• The Harbour Bridge
• The Opera House
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
• Darling Harbour
• The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Coastal Walk

Since Sydney is famous for its scintillating beaches, you can book coastal walks for yourself. Some of the popular coastal walks you can undertake are

• Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
• Many to Spit Bridge walk
• Federation Cliff Walk
• Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay Walk
• The Museum of Contemporary Arts

Hike to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains have their charm and allure. This World Heritage Site has much to offer, from towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, scenic beauty, Aboriginal rock arts, and hiking spots. If you are an adventure lover and want to take a break from the downtown, plan a hike to the Blue Mountains. Visit the Blue Mountains Tours from Sydney to learn more.

Go for a wine trip to the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia. Here you can find the world’s best Semillon wines along with other wine varieties. This region also offers loads of different activities, including cheese tasting , hot air ballooning, garden walks, and so on.

Koala watching

Since I am an animal lover, I could not help but respond to my wish to visit the Australian native animal- koalas. So, I visited the Taronga Zoo, which is only 12 minutes ferry from the Circular Quay. You can spend a whole day exploring this zoo or exclusively book a Koala encounter if solely interested in these animals.

The best solo dining options in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the melting pot of multi-cultural cuisines. I had my best food experiences in the following eating spots:

• Sydney Opera Bar – Best for wine tasting and the view of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge
• Sydney Fish Market – If you love freshly caught Sydney Rock Oysters and other seafood
• Chinatown – Known for flavours of Asia
• Harry’s Cafe de Wheels – For meat pies
• The Australian Heritage Hotel – If you want to try the kangaroos

Low on budget? Go your own way

Sharing housing or couch surfing.

Before booking my tickets to Sydney, I hunted down some good options for house-share in the city. It is one of the best ways to cut down on your travel expenses and go economical. I found a sharing flat and a friendly flatmate who helped me plan my local itinerary upon my arrival. Other cheap stay options in Sydney include hostels, Airbnb, and couch surfing.

Rent a car or bike

As I had mentioned earlier, I had hired a bike for my local day trip. It cost me less, and I was able to explore the city without anybody’s interference. I was all my own with my bike, GPS, and backpack.

Related articles

• Sydney Travel Guide | Tips and Info for a first-time traveler
• Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney | Off the Beaten Track
• Hunter Valley | A traveler’s guide to Hunter Valley day trip
• Blue Mountains Tours Sydney
• Private Tour Guide in Sydney

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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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

For example, you could do a birding tour, which can be very interesting.

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 .

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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• A Solo Travellers Guide To...

A Solo Traveller's Guide To Melbourne

Arriving in a new city can be exhilarating and a little daunting at the same time, even for seasoned solo travelers. But as instinct and experience take hold, you know that each new place brings with it a unique culture and an altered perspective. Notorious for its arty vibe and widespread adoration of coffee, Melbourne is a great place for a solo traveller to delve deeper into culture and music. As well as some great coffee.

Find somewhere to stay.

First thing’s first, you need somewhere to dump that heavy backpack. Melbourne offers a wide array of backpacker friendly hostels, whether its in the CBD ( United Backpackers , Urban Central ) or slightly further afield ( Habitat , Base St Kilda ). On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere a little different, The Nunnery in Fitzroy is a unique and pleasant alternative. With its historic looking wooden interior, friendly staff and location only a stone’s throw from Brunswick Street, it offers a more relaxed and altogether intimate hostel experience — ideal for a solo traveller.

United Backpackers, 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC, (03) 9654 2616

Urban Central, 334 City Road, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC, 1800 631 288

Habitat HQ, 333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC, 1800 202 500

Base St Kilda, 17 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC, +61 3 8598 6200

The Nunnery, 116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 1800 032 635

Get On A Tour

A vital activity for any solo traveller is to go on at least one tour — it’s fun and a great way of meeting like-minded people who are likely to also be staying in Melbourne. Whether it is to see the Twelve Apostles via The Great Ocean Road, to walk in the Grampians National Park, to visit the penguins of Phillip Island or to drink some locally made wines in the Yarra Valley, it’ll be worth it. Last Minute Day Tours have all these options and many more for the Melbourne area, however there are countless other tour companies offering the same options, so get searching! Hop on a tour bus or brave the roads with your new friends and hire your own camper-van with Wicked Campers — they’re easy to rent and pretty funky.

Last Minute Day Tours, Suite 1, 5 St Andrews Street, Brighton, Melbourne, VIC, 1300 24 24 88

Wicked Campers, 1800 24 68 69

Grab A Coffee

Coffee is a constant requirement for Melbournians, so visiting local coffee shops is a must for any newcomer. Degraves Street is probably one of the most famous streets for coffee in Melbourne’s busy CBD. Tucked down a little alley just a short walk from Flinders Station, this little Parisian style lane is known for its countless cafés, serving some of the best coffee in Melbourne. A little further away, other cafes such as Auction Rooms or Journeyman (formerly Dukes) are among some of Melbourne’s other serious coffee contenders. It is definitely worth testing out some of these with your new friends, or perhaps solo with a good book.

Auction Rooms, 103-107 Errol Street, North Melbourne, VIC, (03) 9326 7749

Journeyman, 169 Chapel Street, Windsor, Melbourne, VIC, (03) 9521 4884

Relax To Some Street Music

Not that you’d ever run short of things to do in Melbourne, but sometimes it’s the simplest things in life from which we derive the greatest pleasure. For example, heading over to the old General Post Office (the heritage-listed building now plays home to H&M) on the corner of Bourke Street and Elizabeth Street — no, not for some retail therapy — to sit on the steps outside and listen to the many street musicians perform. Firstly, because they are all supremely talented and the acoustics are brilliant, but secondly because there is something strangely peaceful about it. Lose minutes having a listen to some fabulous live music, and leave feeling just that little bit calmer.

H&M, GPO 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC

Leave the CBD – St Kilda, Brighton

Although Melbourne’s CBD has a lot to offer, so does its inner suburbs. St Kilda is perhaps one of the most popular of these, boasting a quirky hipster atmosphere and a beach that looks onto the cityscape. St Kilda also plays host to Luna Park, a uniquely small adventure park with fun rides and tasty treats. Just a little further on the train, and you will also reach Brighton beach. Infamous for its colourful beach huts, this sandy strip is a perfect for a pensive stroll and cheeky Instagram picture of ‘that hut with the Australian flag’.

Luna Park, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC, +61 3 9525 5033

Find The Best Art

Melbourne is known for its colorful graffiti emblazoned on countless hidden streets and dark alleys. Fluorescent words and powerful images stain the walls of sneaky side alleys, making them a perfect place for a leisurely walk as a solo traveller. Marvel at true local art as you meander through the hypnotizing lanes, it is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. The most infamous place to do this may be Hosier Lane, however don’t restrict yourself. Check out other locations such as Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy for art to buy or just admire, Yarra Street, Union Lane or Napier Street.

Hosier Lane, Melbourne, VIC

Yarra Street, South Melbourne, VIC

Union Lane, Melbourne, VIC

Napier Street, Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC

Rose Street Artists Market, 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, (03) 9419 5529 [jwplayer VWlQUrTQ-RnIdcM25]

Eat Food… Glorious Food

For a social alternative to the average restaurant, you may want to try Kinfolk. Serving only local and sustainable produce, Kinfolk is run by a team of volunteers, with its income given to its partner charities. So don your apron and get serving! It’s a great way to meet some locals and make some friends, as well as to try some good local food. If that doesn’t float your boat, perhaps try The Workers Club for some food and live music or Naughty Boy Café for a delicious array of milkshakes — be aware, you may leave in a self-induced sugar coma.

Naughty Boy Café, 499 Lygon Street, Princes Hill, Melbourne, VIC, +61 (03) 9041 7870

The Workers Club, 51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, +61 (03) 9415 6558

Kinfolk, 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, +61 423 229 953

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A Comprehensive Guide To Solo Female Travel In Australia

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

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?

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

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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Australia , Solo Travel

Solo travel melbourne: top things to do in melbourne alone.

The following is a guest post about Melbourne Solo Travel by Hayley Simpson from Hayley on Holiday . Based in Australia, she has visited over 40 countries and is a big advocate for solo travel. Her blog features solo guides to cities around the world, as well as budget travel tips and working abroad advice.

I lived in Melbourne for about three years, and it’s hands down one of my favourite cities. Fortunately, it’s also a fantastic city to visit as a solo traveller.

There are so many things to do in Melbourne alone, plus it has a great public transport network.

Here’s my solo travel guide to Melbourne.

Have a Coffee

No trip to Melbourne is complete without having a coffee or five. That is unless you’re like me and don’t enjoy coffee (I know, I’m crazy).

Anyway, the city is saturated with cafes – they’re literally everywhere. However, some of Melbourne’s most popular coffee spots include Industry Beans, Seven Seeds, Duke’s Coffee Roasters, St Ali and Patricia Coffee Brewers.

Go up the Eureka Tower

One of the best things to do in Melbourne around sunset is to head up the Eureka Tower to the Eureka Skydeck on its 88th floor. At 285 metres above sea level, from the observation deck you can see just how big Melbourne is on a clear day.

I visited just before sunset so that I could take photos of the city during the golden hour and once the sun had set, and it was the best decision.

Spend Time in Fitzroy

Fitzroy is one of my favourite Melbourne neighbourhoods. It’s often compared to Brooklyn in New York, thanks to its plethora of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and cafes and restaurants.

One of my favourite spots in Fitzroy is Rose Street, as it’s home to The Rose St. Artists’ Market and some awesome street art.

Here are my foodie recommendations: Gelato Messina for creative gelato flavours; Rustica Sourdough for brunch; Belles Hot Chicken for chicken and waffles on the weekend; Vegie Bar for vegan and vegetarian dishes; and Lune Croissanterie for the best croissants in Melbourne (and possibly Australia).

Visit the Melbourne Museum

So, I actually worked at the Melbourne Museum. It’s massive and includes an interesting combination of natural history, science, and Australian history exhibits. The museum has a really cool Melbourne gallery, an actual live forest and the biggest IMAX in the Southern Hemisphere as well.

Spend the Day in St Kilda

St Kilda is another one of my favourite Melbourne suburbs. You can easily get a tram directly to St Kilda from the CBD.

Some of the best things to do here include swimming at St Kilda Beach, dining along Acland Street, going on a ride or two at Luna Park, and walking along the St Kilda Pier.

You can take awesome skyline views from the pier. Plus, it’s home to a colony of penguins, who live in the rocks at the end.

At night you can stop by and see the penguins. I’ve visited multiple times and it’s seriously one of my favourite things to do in Melbourne.

Check out Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the biggest and most popular market in Melbourne. Hundreds of stalls sell baked goods, fresh produce, meat, clothing, and accessories.

For a cheap lunch, check out the Borek Shop.

Go Shopping

Melbourne is seriously overflowing with shops. In the city centre, multiple shopping centres and the shops lining Bourke Street Mall.

Then you have the fashion outlets at DFO South Wharf, Chadstone Shopping Centre (the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere), and Chapel Street. Basically, you could literally shop until you drop in Melbourne.

Take Photos At the Brighton Bathing Boxes

You may have seen a photo of the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes, as they’re iconic to both Melbourne and Australia.

I’ve visited by myself before, and once you get off the train, there are signposts directing you towards the beach. As I was taking photos, someone offered to take one for me, which was perfect!

The beach here is also really calm with clear water if you happen to visit on a sunny summer’s day.

Go to the Theatre

This may just be me, but I’ve been to the theatre by myself on quite a few occasions (including in London).

If you’re like me and don’t mind a solo theatre experience, Melbourne hosts the best theatre performances in Australia.

From Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to The Book of Mormon, check out TodayTix for affordable tickets and to see what is on during your visit.

Dine in Chinatown

If you haven’t already realised, Melbourne is most definitely a foodie city. I like to dine in Chinatown because it’s cheap and delicious, and there are always other people eating alone, so I never feel out of place.

My favourite places to eat in Chinatown include Shanghai Street, Shanghai Village and ShanDong MaMa.

Get Lost in Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne’s CBD is filled with small laneways, and many of them are covered in street art. This is a really good map highlighting the city’s best street art.

I recommend visiting both AC/DC Lane and Hosier Lane. Other laneways to visit include Degraves Street for food (Pidapipo ice cream is the best) and the historic Block Arcade, which is home to the best cakes at Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

NGV is the National Gallery of Victoria. It’s Australia’s largest and most visited art gallery. It’s also free to visit NGV, although there are always some paid exhibits. If you enjoy art, I highly recommend checking it out.

Solo Day Trip Recommendations

There are two day trips I recommend doing while visiting Melbourne. Firstly, there are several companies that organize day trips along the Great Ocean Road. I didn’t know if it was going to be worth the hype, but trust me, it is.

The road hugs the coastline and the beaches along the way are honestly breathtaking. The Twelve Apostles are an iconic Australian landmark, but I personally loved Loch Ard Gorge so much more.

My other day trip recommendation is Phillip Island. It’s well-known for two things: being the hometown of the Hemsworth brothers and its Penguin Parade.

The latter is amazing – you sit on a raised platform at sunset and watch penguins return home from the ocean. Who knew watching penguins is one of the cutest things you’ll ever see? Not me!

How to Get Around Melbourne Solo

To be honest, Melbourne’s public transport network is good, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors. You will need a Myki card (like London’s Oyster card) to use all public transport, which you can purchase at major train stations like Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations. Melbourne has trains, trams and buses.

Now, here’s the annoying part. You have to touch-on and touch-off your Myki card at the machines inside buses and at the train stations. However, you only touch-on when you enter a tram – you don’t need to touch-off.

Melbourne also has an awesome Free Tram Zone . This means all travel within the city centre and around Docklands is free, and you don’t have to touch-on your Myki card at all. Don’t worry, there are announcements on the tram as you leave the zone, asking you to touch-on your card.

I relied solely on public transport when I lived in Melbourne, and it’s the easiest way to get around as a solo traveller.

However, Melbourne also has several ridesharing services, including Uber, Bolt, DiDi and Ola. I personally used them to get home late at night, if I wasn’t near my tram line.

Finally, to get from the airport to the CBD, the most affordable option is to hop on the SkyBus, which will drop you at Southern Cross Station.

Where to Stay in Melbourne for Solo Travellers

Melbourne accommodation is frankly not the cheapest.

However, I personally recommend staying at Space Hotel. I’ve stayed there in both a single private room and a four-bed female dorm. It’s in a central location, it has an awesome rooftop area, and the rooms are really comfortable and modern.

I’ve also heard good things about United Backpackers, which is in the perfect location. They host regular events too, so this is a great option for social solo travellers.

Otherwise, an affordable hotel option is the Atlantis Hotel, which my friend tells me has the most comfortable beds ever.

You can also find quite a few reasonably-priced private rooms on Airbnb. I’d recommend looking for rooms in the CBD and Fitzroy.

I hope this post helps you plan your own solo trip to Melbourne.

But basically, the formula for a perfect Melbourne day is coffee + brunch + a cultural experience + street art spotting.

If you liked it, pin it!

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

3 thoughts on “ Solo Travel Melbourne: Top Things To Do in Melbourne Alone ”

Looks so great 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

Planning a solo trip to Melbourne later this year and Im glad I found your blog! Thanks

Hope it helps and you have a great trip!

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Traveling in Australia all by oneself can be daunting for some. So on a solo tour to Australia why not join like-minded travelers and explore this amazing country together. This way you will get more support on your trip to Australia and avoid that dreaded single supplement on your accommodation by being part of a group tour in Australia . You will also benefit from a local guide to help you navigate places like Melbourne’s coffee scene and the beaches of the Gold Coast. And if you are a wine lover, you can vibe with other enthusiasts in Australia's southern wine country. Check out the best solo trips to Australia below.

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