single woman travel australia

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. ?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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

Pin it for later!

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 .

BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH THESE RESOURCES

Get Travel Insurance For Your Trip

Travel with peace of mind:  👉   Compare and Buy Travel Insurance . 

Book Accommodation WorldWide

Find the best deals for hotel, homes, villas with  👉   booking.com .

Join Small Group Tours Of Italy For Over 50

Explore Italy with our 👉  Small Group Tours Of Italy .

Find The Best Tours Deals For Australia

Scout for the best guided trips and tours with our  👉   Australian Tours Guide .

Plan & Book Your Australian Adventure

Create the perfect Australia Trip Itinerary with  👉  Your Australia Itinerary eBook  and/or   Book A Trip Planning Call .

Plan Any Trip With These Resources

Check out our 👉   Travel Planning Bible .

Want to receive updates via email about our Rocky Travel Tours? Fill in this form!

We respect your privacy, deliver only valuable content. No spam ever.

Go Back to The Rocky Travel Home Page

Privacy Overview

Solo Female Travel To Australia: A Guide To Oz For The First-Timer

Travel to Australia is my preferred solo travel escapade. It all started with a two-month backpacking trip on a gap year in 2004 and it was love at first sight!

That experience has hooked me ever since. With a total of 23 months spread over 12 years of trips to Australia, I haven’t yet seen it all. 

Down Under is a remote country that I highly recommend to the adventurous solo traveler. It is twice the size of Europe and has a population of only 24 million people, but more than 50 million kangaroos, 75 million sheep, cattle stations the size of Belgium and national parks that are as big as half of Switzerland. You’ll soon get the picture of how big the country is.

A few random facts you might want to know about Australia

– It is HUGE, as large as the continental USA. The 6th largest in the world, in fact.  – Australia has more than 10,000 beaches and you’ll need some serious sunblock. – Don’t be fooled. It can be hot – but also very cold in some parts, especially at night. – Australian English can be hard to understand as it has plenty of slang. – 75% of local species are still unknown (and the 10 deadliest snakes live in Australia). – Most animals aren’t deadly. But if you need to, dial 000 for emergency services. – Australia is not cheap. On the other hand, you don’t tip. – Wifi is slow and expensive. Enjoy going offline.

The major draw for the  solo traveler  is its amazing nature, along with the abundance of outdoor and off-the-beaten path adventures. It’s a country that offers  endless possibilities for road trippers  across a vast, fascinating landscape.

Australia is a safe and woman-friendly country. As a woman you can safely travel at night on buses, trains and public transportation with no fear.

First, travel at night is quite common in Australia, and second, people are easygoing and respectful. I have traveled alone to different countries and visiting Australia, I never felt safer.

Heading to Australia solo? The perfect travel guide to Australia

Your Australia Itinerary , by Michela Fantinel, is hands-down the best guidebook for Australia travel itineraries on the market. It’s packed with valuable first-hand information and rock solid advice from the author, who has traveled through Australia for more than 15 years. From how to allocate time and advanced planning tricks to choosing the right destinations to see and activities to do, this book is the perfect tool for creating your own trip itinerary around Australia.

Traveling to Australia solo? The perfect travel guide to Australia

The locals are welcoming towards solo travelers and generously offer help (even when you don’t to ask for it) by giving advice, tips and also offering to host you at their homes. At the same time, this is a country of extremes, with huge contrasts and challenges too. So you definitely need to know what you can and can’t do while traveling around Australia on your own.

How to get around: organizing your trip around Australia

Travel within Australia is probably the biggest challenge all travelers face when touring the country.

To cover long distances, flying is the most cost-effective. However, domestic flights are not cheap and you must book ahead of time. If you have enough time, train travel can also be a great way to see the country.

While you can travel safely anywhere and with a wide range of transportation, the best way to explore the country is by going on a road trip, either with a car or a campervan.

Most remote areas have only limited public transportation, so there are two main options for solo travel in Australia: either joining a tour or self-driving.

For a solo woman,  driving around the country  on her own may sound daunting. Yes, it can be quite challenging. It took me a while to get familiar with self-driving and I can tell you that it’s easier than I thought. You will not need to hire a 4WD car. The majority of road trips are on sealed roads. Certainly any road trip requires good preparation and the awareness that you will be  alone on the road  for a long time. I always recommend you combine as many ways of transportation as possible. 

Best Australian destinations for first-time solo travel to Australia: bucket list

If you are embarking on a trip, these are the best destinations in Australia, from both ease and safety standpoints, and the ones I would recommend for the first-time solo traveler to Australia.

Melbourne and its surroundings offer an insight into the great Aussie food and coffee culture plus the opportunity to discover Melbourne’s surroundings with easy day-trips. You can see striking coastal landmarks, ancient fern tree gully and eucalyptus forest, go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors in Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula . Take stroll or bike along the beach from Melbourne to Brighton . You can taste the local specialties and great variety of wines, see native animals at Wilson Promontory , one of the top locations for nature and wildlife in the region.

North Tropical Queensland  is known for its fabulous beaches and heaven for aquatic sports from snorkeling to surfing and scuba-diving . Although it’s a bit touristy you will love the variety of things to do and see, which go beyond the Great Barrier Reef. The rich vegetation of the Daintree Forest (the most ancient rainforest in the world) north of Cairns is a striking landscape with unique native animals. The inland wetlands with heritage sites offers great food tours (organic tropical fruits and veggie, dairy products and more), picturesque landscape with lakes, hills, vast coffee and tea plantations. You can easily tour the region by car and everything is within 250 km of Cairns.

Central Australia

Uluru and The Red Centre  must be on your list, even though climbing it is now banned. This is one of the seven wonders of the world and thinking of Uluru gives me shivers. The huge red rock can be experienced at sunrise and sunset and by walking around the 9 km base walk. Moreover, aboriginal guides offer free guided tours and an insight into the significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal population. To visit, you can also take a day trip from Alice Springs .

Sydney is a must-see destination, what so many call “London in the Sun”. Sydney Harbour is one of the city’s highlights but the city, next to the famous city beaches of Bondi and Manly, is also a gateway to many more destinations like Royal National Parks and the Blue Mountains . You can also start a once-in-a-lifetime train journey across the country aboard the Indian Pacific, and go west.

Tasmania is a paradise for hiking adventures .  Australia’s heart-shaped largest island boasts a wealth of beautiful spots and varied landscapes. From deep forests, waterfalls and mountains of the South and Western regions, to coastal national parks and smaller pristine islands. An easy itinerary route is to start from Hobart, explore the surroundings with Mount Wellington and then go on a road trip along the East Coast through the Freycinet National Park , Bicheno, Darby, Scottsdale, to Launceston .

Beyond Tasmania’s outdoor attractions, you’ll discover excellent premium wines and an array of local produce. If you are interested in history, then plan in a visit to Port Arthur to learn about convicts and Australia’s colonial past. 

Off-the-beaten-path adventures in Australia

If you are looking for more adventurous experiences, the country offers plenty – but there are more challenges, too.

Driving on your own in remote areas can a be challenge if you are not used to it. You may find yourself driving for hours and rarely meet any cars or humans. There are many Outback destinations worth visiting if you are prepared to embark on a solo trip adventure, such as the Kimberley in Western Australia, with the Purnululu National Parks.

Kangaroo Island and Flinders Ranges are among the best places to visit in South Australia: they have some of the most striking outback landscapes and top places to see native Australian wildlife in the wild.

What to pack for Australia

Australia is a sunny country and sun is one the main hazards for your travel health. Unfortunately, too many travelers don’t know or simply forget about this and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of choosing your clothing wisely in Australia.

My best tips: pack +50°C sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts and hiking trousers to avoid sunburn in Oz. Prefer  good quality functional travel wear  and only pack casual clothes: Australia is not really a country for formal or fancy dresses.  Good walking shoes  or lightweight hiking boots are a must if you plan outdoor adventures.

What to eat in Australia

Not many people know that Australia has  some of the finest local produce  you can imagine. The best food areas are from South Australia and Western Australia to the Yarra Valley in Victoria to North Tropical Queensland. The best local produce can be found at the farmers’ market in any city, town and village and tested in food tours or local restaurants.

I don’t have a typical dish, but love fish and Australia boasts some excellent fish. You can try the Tasmanian salmon, the huge blue crabs from South Australia and the famous oysters, Barramundi in Northern Australia, prawns from Queensland. And of course, the best fish and chips I have ever had are from Australia! 

What to buy in Australia

One thing I would recommend is  a boriginal art . Alice Springs is the top place to buy all types of indigenous art forms: from paintings, wooden and glass art, clothes, gadgets and accessories. The UGG boots made of sheep wool are another Australian shopping icon. Australian essential oils like Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus, as well as merino wool products are worth buying.

If money is no object, then head straight for the Broome South-Sea pearls and the pink and brown diamonds of the Kimberley, for which Western Australia is a top world producer of the finest quality.

Guest Contribution by Michela Fantinel . Michela is the founder of  Rocky Travel Guide , a website and a blog for the smart, independent and solo traveler in Australia.  She is also the author of  Your Australia Itinerary , the most comprehensive guide to help you create your solo trip to Australia. Join one of Michela’s  guided walking tours  for small groups of women.

Additional Australia travel resources

• The  Melbourne Visitor Centre  (previously at Federation Square) is treasure trove of local tourist information and more
• Check out  flights to Australia  
• Rent a car in Australia
• Compare campervan rentals  in Australia
• Organize  your trip by train  across Australia – and here are the schedules for the  Indian Pacific
• Consider Greyhound’s  Hop On-Hop Off buses
• Australia has plenty of accommodations opportunities:  Airbnb ,  housesitting ,  Youth Hostels  or a  wide range of hotels  
• Try a few  food tours  during your visit – and you might get to taste one of  THESE foods ! (or not…)
• Shop for aboriginal art but in case you can’t, here’s a great  online art shop .

Please don’t forget your travel insurance! Women on the Road recommends  World Nomads  if you’re under 66 (70 in some countries). If that birthday has come and gone,  click here  for travel insurance recommendations that cover you at any age.

PIN THESE PICTURES AND SAVE FOR LATER!

If you liked this post, please share it!

• PR & Marketing
• Privacy Policy

Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Australia

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

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

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

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

• Working & Volunteering in Australia
• Places to Visit in Australia

Tours in Australia

Accommodation in australia.

• Best Experiences in Australia For Solos

Travelling Around Australia

• Australia Itinerary

Best Backpacks For Australia

Travel accessories for australia.

• Best Time to Go To Australia

Travel Insurance For Australia

• From Australia Airports

How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Australia

Frequently asked questions about australia, map of australia, plan a trip to australia, related posts.

Australia is known for its kangaroos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteering & Working in Australia

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

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

The sun sets over Cairns

Places To Visit in Australia

East coast australia.

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

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

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

Cape Tribulation (photo @ Petrina Wong)

Things To Do in Queensland

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

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

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

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

Fraser Island

Magnetic Island

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

The stunning Whitsundays

Fraser Island & The Whitsundays

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

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

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

Surfers Paradise

Brisbane & The Gold Coast

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

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

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

Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay

Visit Noosa, Byron Bay, and Nimbin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Read: Things To Do in Melbourne Solo

The Great Ocean Road (photo @ Petrina Wong)

The Great Ocean Road

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

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

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

New South Wales

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

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

Sydney Opera House

Places To Visit in Sydney

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

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

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

Famous Bondi Beach

Sydney's Beaches

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

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

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

Blue Mountains (photo @ Lindsay Deutsch)

South Australia

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

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

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

The Adelaide Hills

Kangaroo Island

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

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

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

Perth City (photo @ Shannon Lane)

Things To Do in Perth

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

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

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

The Breakaways near Coober Pedy

Northern Territory

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

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

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

Uluru, an Aboriginal sacred site

Uluru (Ayres Rock) 

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

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

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

Things To Do in Darwin

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

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

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

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

Nambung National Park

Western Australia

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

Finally…

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

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

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

Best Tours to Australia For Solos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australian Day Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adelaide –  Adelaide Central YHA ($)

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

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

Cairns – Cascade Gardens ($$)

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

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

Melbourne – Selina Central Melbourne ($)

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

Melbourne – Citadines on Bourke Melbourne ($$)

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

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

Sydney – Rydges Sydney Harbour ($$)

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

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

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

Experiences in Australia For Solos

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

1. The Sydney Opera House

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

2. Sail The Whitsunday Islands

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

3. Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

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

4. Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation

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

5. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

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

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

6. Go Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

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

7. Wine Tasting in Barossa Valley

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

8. Cycle Rottnest Island

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

9. Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef

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

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

10. Climb Sand Dunes on Fraser Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Click here for all our recommended backpacks for solos 

Caribee Jet Pack 65

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

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

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

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

Gandys Flip-Flops

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

* Discover all Gandys Flip-Flops here

Best Time To Go To Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

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

From Australia Airports 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling onwards (check visas before you travel)

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

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

Where can I go from here?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Impact Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* To book, check prices or availability for Daintree Ecolodge  

Volunteering Australia

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

* Discover all conservation placements in Australia  

Vulnerable Girls in Australia

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

Here are the most asked questions about Australia.

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

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

Budget – £70+ a day

Current Time in Canberra

Capital City – Canberra

Population – 22.4 million

Language spoken – English

Currency in Australia – Australian Dollar

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

Vaccinations Required For Australia

Useful Info

Airlines to Australia

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

Which Plug Do I Need?

UNESCO Sites in Australia

Australian Festivals and Events

Living Cost in Australia

Australia Customs & Etiquette 

Aboriginal Customs & Culture

Mind Body & Soul

Relax at Yasodhara Ashram

Stay at a Meditation Retreat

Unwind at an Eco Spa

Get rebalanced at a Lifestyle Retreat

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

57 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Australia ”

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

Thanks Claudia. I have changed this now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Melanie,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Jade. I’ll look into this x

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Solo Travel Journey….

Most popular post, g adventures review, join our gatg facebook community, contact us....

[email protected]

Search the site...

The small print....

Girl about the Globe Copyright © 2012-2024

Web by Eldo Web Design Ltd

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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.

5 Things to Do in Australia When Traveling Solo

5 best solo destinations in australia, the best travel apps for solo travel in australia, safety tips for solo travel australia, tips for solo traveling in australia, how to meet people when solo traveling in australia, final thoughts for your solo trip to australia.

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…

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Solo Female Travel in Australia — Is it Safe?

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

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

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

But it’s worth it. SO worth it.

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

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

Table of Contents

Why Travel Solo to Australia?

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

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

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

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

Is Australia Good for First-Time Solo Female Travelers?

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

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

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

Group Tours to Australia

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

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

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

Is Australia Good for Experienced Solo Female Travelers?

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

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

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

Is Australia Safe?

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

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

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

Travel and Safety Tips for Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

How to Get Around Australia Solo

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Meet People in Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melbourne: The Coolest City on the Planet

Best Things to Do in Australia on a Solo Trip

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

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

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

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

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

My Favorite Experiences in Western Australia

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

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

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

The Glorious Beaches of Sydney, Australia

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

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

Where to Stay in Australia on a Solo Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance for Australia

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

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

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

My #1 Australia Travel Tip

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

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

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

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

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

Australia is waiting for you!

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

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

Is Australia a Value Destination?

Have you traveled solo to Australia? Share your tips!

• Join The Tribe
• Renew Your Membership
• Roller Store
• Get In Touch

Great to see you. Already a Member?    LOGIN

For women who love to get

Outside and discover australia..

We are Australia’s Largest Women’s camping, adventure and roadtripping group & online  community.

Come & Join Us and you’ll have more friends than tent pegs to go camping, glamping and having outdoor fun with!

For women who love to get outside and discover Australia.

We are Australia’s Largest Women’s camping, adventure and roadtripping group & online community.

Come & Join Us and you’ll have more friends than tent pegs to go camping, glamping and having outdoor fun with!

talked about by

our next adventure

Let's get stuck.

together in …..

11 – 16 november 2024

Who are we.

Rolling Solo Australia is a super-duper Aussie women’s community that thrives online, offline, and in real time!

We’re all about providing support, friendship, and oodles of info for independent and solo female roadtrippers who are passionate about camping, outdoor adventures, and exploring the Land Down Under!

Our very essence revolves around events, social catch-ups, tagalong trips, and get-togethers for our members.

Think of us as the “sisterhood of the traveling vans” – and you’re invited to be a part of it!

inspired to travel on your own

Wouldn’t it be great to be part of a community of solo travelling women just like you, located all around Australia that you can meet up, have a coffee, go road tripping & camping with, or chat with anytime in a secure online environment.  You don’t have to have a motorhome, caravan or campervan to join Rolling Solo – many Roller’s join in with just a tent and car.  Being single is not a pre-requisite either!

Just a passion for adventure, camping, getting out and about and making new friends is all you need!

Waiting for you are thousands of new camping friends are already out there in every town in Australia, you just haven’t met them yet!

Wouldn’t it be great to be part of a community of women just like you, located all around Australia that you can meet up, have a coffee, go roadtripping & camping with, or chat with anytime in a secure online environment. 

You don’t have to have a motorhome, caravan or campervan to join Rolling Solo – many Rollers join in with just a tent and car.  Being single is not a pre-requisite either!  

Love Roadtrips

Camping & travel.

So do we! Actually it’s how Rolling Solo was started. Members are creating camping meetups, weekends and tagalong trips all the time.

Find something near you, far from you or create your own and invite other members to join you.

Interested in going on a road trip but don’t want to travel alone? Organise a tagalong road trip  with other solo female travellers and travel together in a group.

social get-togethers

Say goodbye to the home alone blues!

Fancy a coffee chat or keen to plan a lunch, picnic, BBQ, outdoor concert, festival, or market excursion? You dream it up, and we’re ready to roll!

With Rolling Solo, the possibilities for fun and adventure are endless! Let’s get together and create some unforgettable moments

You can check the member map and see who’s around, create a social event, invite others & get a group together.

No need to be home alone. There’s alway’s a Roller somewhere!

connect in our app

Looking to connect with other fabulous Rolling Solo ladies on the go?  We’ve got you covered with a super safe and secure online space where you can access all our events, info, posts, photos, members, articles, and resources! 

Our community app is super versatile – use it on your computer, laptop, tablet, iPad, or smartphone!  With up-to-date info on everything happening in our vibrant community, you’ll never miss a beat!  So, buckle up and let’s get the adventure started, wherever the road takes us!

Time of my life!

   I went on my first trip with Rolling Solo to the Red Centre in August 2017.  I had never travelled that far before with my van let alone on my own.  Had the time of my life and made so many new friends.

It’s lovely to feel a part of something again.  Can’t wait for the next adventure.  Recommend to any woman travelling on her own.. the support and comraderie in the community amongst the women makes me feel like I have sisters all over Australia if I ever need them..

Good on you for starting this wonderful group!

  I have a new VW multivan sitting in my garage with 15000 ks on the clock still smells new ! Was contemplating selling it but saw your show on Sunday Night and it gave me some inspiration that maybe I can do it alone.  

So empowering!

  Thanks so much for putting this together. I dreamt of a group of women to go away with. But this looks even better connections everywhere. Just knowing all the girls are out there is soooo empowering for me.   Thanks for giving me my mojo back and dreams,  I had nearly given up on  . 

Just what I needed to get motivated!

  Have been stalking your facebook page and saw the bit on telly the other night. I love the community you have created here and very pleased to be a part of it.   I’m 55 and my only child just turned 18 so I’m still in the thinking and planning mode.   

GET ROLLER NEWS TO YOUR GLOVEBOX (INBOX)

Are you daydreaming about rolling solo down the open road someday, but not quite ready to jump into the Rolling Solo community just yet?

No worries! You can still sign up for our Roller news to stay in the loop on all our adventures, pick up handy tips, and be prepped and ready for when you’re ready to hit the road Rolling Solo style! So go ahead, sign up and let the inspiration flow as you prepare for your own amazing journey!

My Rolling Style My Rolling Style Motorhome Campervan Caravan Camper Trailer Slide On Camper Tent Camper Cabins No Set Up Yet- I'm in Planning Stage

What stage of your Rolling Solo journey are you at What stage of your Rolling Solo journey are you at Dreaming, Planning, Organising and Preparing to Roll Solo I'm searching for the perfect Rolling Solo vehicle for me I've just bought my Rolling Solo abode and ready to go on some adventures I've been Rolling Solo for a while and would like to know what you're all about.

I’m most interested in I’m most interested in Hints and Tips for Traveling Solo Learning about amazing places to go Your tagalongs, camping and social events Interested in technical information on how things work.. eg solar power, batteries

Sign up now!

Fantastic Places for Solo Female Travel Series – Australia

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy  here .

My Top 10 Places For Solo Travel Series – Australia

Solo travel for women has become more and more accessible and affordable over the last decade, but especially the last 5 years. You now see some of the larger group tour companies offering affordable single upgrades, or no extra charge at all for solo travelers. Whether you are after a quick month away or a longer stay to be more immersive in a particular destination, traveling alone in a lot of countries, regions and cities is much easier and safer today.

Table of Contents

As a quick suggestion to start, if you aren't super confident about your ability to feel comfortable and safe on your own, consider opting for a small group tour or start doing some solo trips in your own region or country. Being comfortable is key to enjoying your trip and making the most of it.

Traveling solo is also something that gets easier as you do it AND you get better at instantly assessing a situation that might not have the best outcome. I honestly feel that now I know almost instantly when I'm either concerned about my safety or simply concerned that I won't enjoy a particular adventure.

Traveling as a single woman (yes I am married but I'm meaning traveling on my own with the single woman statement) is so much fun, but a lack of confidence can mean you make decisions that result in you spending money you don't necessarily have to. Experience allows you to say no with no regrets and that is as important as saying yes when you travel.

Spending money you don't need to spend because you are nervous to do something on your own can really break the bank and limit your trip. Paying for a flight because you are too scared to take the bus might be the best safety decision you make, but if you do that 10 times in 6 months that's probably that same amount of money that would give you another month or two on the road. I

t is 1000% worth it if it is necessary however only experience will allow you to make those decisions based on facts and not fear .

Traveling In Australia

Yes I'm going to start with my home country as one of the best places to travel if you are a woman traveling solo. Before I start I must tell you though that Australia is not cheap. Not even affordable at times. If you have traveled in the US or Canada you will find everything expensive in Australia. The key to traveling in Australia however is to know when it is worth paying for a better room to offset food costs for example.

Pros for traveling Australia as a single woman:

• If you are an English speaker, of course booking flights, accommodation and tours will be very easy. If you are Chinese or Japanese there are services that cater to Chinese and Japanese speaking tourists for most of the well known destinations.
• Most travel services can be booked instantly online in Australia. Hostels, hotels, motels, tours, day trips & transportation are all easily booked online.That will enable you to compare costs quickly and easily. Australia have great interstate transport options. Flights, trains and buses are all readily available, however you should be aware that trains in particular are available to and from cities and larger regional areas only. Our trains and buses are incredibly safe and any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Australia has some good cheap flights however they won't be at convenient times to maximise your days. Often our cheap flights are in the middle of the day as a lot of our business travel is early morning and evenings. This means the airlines will often offer cheaper flights at 11:30 in the morning for example. I love these time frames but if you only have 3 weeks and you chew up 4 days with middle of the day flights that might not be as attractive to you. JetStar and Virgin are our low cost airlines. As a single traveler, you can often get one off fares easily because the airlines are just trying to sell last minute seats. There is also the added advantage of not having to pay for seat choice. When you are on your own it doesn't matter where you sit.
• All transport including bus, train, ferry
• Fun, local Stray guide
• Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
• Visit to koala hospital
• Canoeing experience at River Retreat
• Angourie Blue Pools, Yamba
• Byron Bay orientation drive
• Carlo Sand Blow Walk, Rainbow Beach
• Guided Walks, Magnetic Island
• Airlie Orientation and guided rainforest walk
• You can almost always find good weather in Australia. Yes we do get hot in the summer so you probably wouldn't book a walking trip around Uluru in February, however Melbourne or Adelaide can be amazing weather at that time. Beware however – Adelaide in particular can have stinking hot summer days. South doesn't always mean cooler for Australia. Melbourne can have 4 seasons in one day however as a rule of thumb, if you stay between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast in Summer you should get better weather than anything north of Hervey Bay for example.
• While motel rooms are generally not affordable as a single traveler in Australia, last minute prices can be great. If you aren't tied down to a set schedule, check out the last minute deals for specials. I usually use booking.com simply because the price you see is the total amount of your stay which just makes it easier for me. The larger booking websites do have different properties too. I've found booking.com to have lots more options in the budget range, however Agoda seems to have a lot of hostels.
• We have a massive amount of hostels so if you are happy to bunk in with everyone else, you can get some great bed prices for hostels in Australia . Almost every town has at least one and if you are visiting a smaller town (less than 3000 people) check out the hotels on Google maps and call them. I have stayed in local hotels for as little at $40 a night in the last 6 months (2020). Some of them have communal bathrooms but I don't care about that stuff as long as its clean.
• To get on a day tour last minute will be easier being a solo traveler, however it will probably require a phone call. A lot of the booking engines have a 2 person minimum to book, but as a single traveler if you call the provider they can often squeeze you in.
• The longer small group tours such as those from Intrepid or G Adventures will often have single spots available for solo travelers. Trying to get on a last minute tour if there is 3 of you is often a challenge, however when you are only 1 person you have a much better chance of getting on a heavily discounted last minute trip.

Cons for traveling Australia on your own:

• If you are European or from Central or South America, there aren't many language tours that cater for Spanish or Portuguese speakers. I'm just using these two languages as an example and we are seeing more and more pop up every month, however our tours are mostly geared toward English speakers, or some particular Asian languages. We are starting to see some more German tours but you would be well advised to do some thorough research as typically we don't have wide spread services that cater to European or South American languages.
• Be very aware about traveling during December and January in Australia. It is a stunning time to be in the country, however it is our domestic summer school holidays during that period and everything is more expensive and heavily booked. If you could do November that would be ideal. The weather will be great and traditionally accommodation options are more affordable and much more readily available. It's hard to get affordable accommodation as a single person outside of hostels, however it is almost impossible in peak seasons.
• Australia is HUGE! Everything takes time to get to. For example to get a train from Sydney to Cairns will take you 2 days. Sure about 10 hours of that is connection time but it is still a 2-3 day journey. I would seriously consider condensing your trip into one coast or region if you have limited time.
• Australia has some good cheap flights however during any period where there are school holidays (4 times a year in Australia) or public holidays (Easter, long weekends etc) they will be expensive and/or booked out. I've heard of people getting flights from Brisbane to Perth for $249 but I have never paid less than around $700 one way! Flights are not cheap usually however Brisbane to Perth is over 4300 km so if you put that in perspective, they aren't terrible. Be aware though that the cheap flights traditionally don't have baggage included and our airlines are very strict with carry on. If you have to pay for a bag at the airport it could be more than your flight cost. Most of our airlines do allow you to add a bag for a extra cost either at checkout or after you've booked it but once you hit the airport all best are off!
• Our most popular icons and destinations will be busy at most times of the year. People that come to Australia try to pack as much in as they can because it is so expensive to get here. You will probably do the same thing so you should be aware that most day tours or destinations will be busy.
• Unlike so many Asian destinations that cater for solo travelers, Australia doesn't tend to do that. You will find yourself having to spend more nights that you would like in hostels to maximise your money and typically, Australian hostels aren't always wonderful. There are some great ones out there for sure, however it is very hard to rent in Australia if you aren't a citizen so lots of working backpackers live in the hostels. Nothing against them, I've done that also, however once people have income, typically they are more likely to spend it, which turns into a bit more partying than you might like as an over 40 female traveler. Check out more affordable motels on Booking.com . You can sort by price, location and possibly find something that suits you more than a hostel if that is what you prefer.
• It pays to be very aware of our seasons to get the best from your trip to Australia. While we don't have many places that get snow or are routinely freezing for months on end, it can really ruin your trip if you end up in Alice Springs in March not realising that the hottest Australian summer months are typically February and March. We aren't like Europe where the off peak months before and after our actual summer period get warmer in the lead up and cooler after the fact. The north can get hotter in February and March and once you add in the rain, it can really spoil your trip. As long as you are prepared for it you will be fine, however don't assume that the end of summer will be cooler. It probably won't.
• Our internet services aren't cheap or fantastic. They aren't terrible but WiFi in cafe's for example is usually rubbish so you will have to splurge on a sim card to get the most affordable internet access.
• Hire cars are very expensive in Australia and the insurance even more so. No matter what you do, never take the excess reduction insurance (we call the deductible the “excess” in Australia) without researching it. It is wildly expensive! Check out Rental Cover for a price for the period you want to travel to compare the price first. Insurance is included in rental car costs in Australia but it often leaves you with an excess (or deductible) of $5000 or over. At the counter they will try to sell you the extra cover to reduce this to zero, but the counter options are crazy money compared to what you can get with Rental Cover. Be sure to check that your Rental Cover quote is a zero excess policy though as they do have different options. As an example, I hired a car in Perth last year for a week and it would have been $38/ day for the extra cover ($266 AUD) at the counter and I paid $77 through Rental Cover.
• The availability of longer group tours does seem to book out pretty quickly. I guess if people are planning a trip to Australia that is a pretty big commitment so they are less likely to book and cancel tours of any length. Being a solo traveler can give you a lot more luck with joining something last minute but from what I see a lot of our best trips do sell out particularly in the best months.

Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She's always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.

My Recommendations For Australia

I know Australia very well. We spent 5 years traveling around Australia in our mid twenties and have done countless trips all over the country since then. Brad, my husband has family in Western Australia, we lived in Cairns for 12 years before moving to the Gold Coast and I also have friends and family all over the country. This has enabled us to see so much of the country across 3 decades!

These are my recommendations for visiting Australia, whether you are a solo traveler or a group.

• If you have the time and the money Western Australia is amazing. The south coast is beautiful with some stunning beaches and forests and if you search for the South West cost of Australia you will find heaps to see and do. Allow 3 weeks to get the best experience, which includes a few days in Perth.
• The coastline above Geraldton all the way up to Broome in WA is really incredible. Ningaloo Reef is some of the best grounds you might ever snorkel. It's not the vibrant colored coral of the Great Barrier Reef but the fish life is amazing. You will need a 4wd to see the best of it but they are available for rent. Britz Campers have 4wd's for hire from Perth as do Red Dirt 4wd Rentals . Red Dirts 4wd's are all automatic and diesel which is important if you aren't experienced. Driving in auto and letting the car do the work for you are low speed is so much easier than driving a manual. Diesel vehicles are also usually way more fuel efficient than petrol which will add up over 5000 kms! I see that Wicked Campers have a Wicked 4×4 category now as well so that gives you some options to start with. Check out my top 10 recommendations for WA , why you should visit Rottnest Island and my all time favorite whale experience which happened right off Dunsborough in WA.
• Some of our most well known icons are incredibly busy but that doesn't mean they aren't worth seeing. Don't get so focused on the :”real Australia” that you miss some of our best assets.
• Sydney is a must and one of my favorite cities in the world however can be extremely busy. My biggest recommendation is to avoid the city and Bondi for accommodation and head out the “insular peninsular” as the locals call it for more affordable options at Dee Why , Collaroy or Narabeen . These suburbs are beautiful beach locations which are very close to the main access road up and down the northern beaches. This will mean you have quicker access into the city to link up with tours or for sightseeing and not be paying the top city accommodation prices. The buses run often and while it is more time to get in and out of the city is a very nice ride. Wait until you go over The Spit bridge on the way out. It's about 20 mins out on the bus and you come around a bend and down to the bridge with the most beautiful outlook over the marina and waterways. It's gorgeous.
• Great Ocean Road in Victoria is amazing and really worth seeing. To make the most of it I would take a tour though. You can be super relaxed, see everything without being concerned about crashing the car and not have to worry about the traffic in and out of Melbourne. I've done the Viator one I've linked to and had a great day.
• If you are a hiker like me, The Blue Mountains are amazing. I would plan for maybe 3-4 days if you want to do a few hikes, however try to do it mid week. The Blue Mountains gets a lot of weekend traffic from Sydney so mid week is cheaper and with way less people. If you do only have one day and want to get your hiking boots on, this day trip from Sydney has got some great reviews. These websites: https://www.bluemts.com.au/ , https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains or https://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/ will show you what is available in each season.
• If you would like to spend some time beaching, the Gold Coast is worth a stop. We have so many amazing beaches in Australia but I would consider the Gold Coast to be the best collection of beaches in one 100km strip. Burleigh beach is at the end of a smaller bay and is a great place to relax. Coffee is just a few steps off the sand which is amazeballs in my book. Surfers Paradise is not my scene but it is a great place to lay on the beach and people watch. You will see someone do something extremely stupid over the course of a day (or even a few hours) and someone is always being rescued off Surfers. The swell doesn't look that big until you get out into it so anywhere on the Gold Coast please be aware that there are always some serious rips. This link will help you to see and understand rips. PLEASE don't swim anywhere you are supremely confident. Swell can make you very hard to see from the beach so be especially careful in area's where there is surf or swell. We have way more than parties and beaches on the Gold Coast. Destination Gold Coast will assist you in finding out everything there is to do on the Gold Coast.
• Fraser Island is a must but unless you are an accomplished 4×4 driver, a tour is essential. This 2 night, 3 day trip stays at Kingfisher Resort so very comfortable but also allows you to see everything you need to. This would be used by more upmarket or older travelers as it isn't camping like so many Fraser Island tours. It also goes from Hervey Bay and not Brisbane or Skip Point. Klook is often a great source of discounted tours. They have a list of options available for Fraser Island . Just beware however that the cheaper tours are mostly camping, and while I love that style of travel it does usually mean younger people.
• The Daintree is worth visiting,
• the outer reef is a must do,
• the tablelands is a nice road trip for smaller towns and the waterfall run (you might even see a platypus at the viewing platform at Yungaburra if you are lucky),
• Port Douglas is a great place for a few days RnR,
• however: Cairns isn't known for it's beaches. It does have a few nice beaches like Trinity Beach and Palm Cove but they aren't wonderful compared to the rest of Australia. Summer sees marine stingers arrive which can mean you have to swim in stinger suits and Cairns is far enough north to be very tidal. This means you need to check there is actually going to be water when you want to swim!
• Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are the highlights of central Australia. While you can do overnight tours from Alice Springs, it would be more time effective to stay at Uluru for at least one night and then Kings Canyon for another. Options include: Kings Canyon Resort , Kings Canyon Station for Kings Canyon or Sails In The Desert (being Top of the range) or Lost Camel Hotel (more affordable but still at least $350 per night) for Uluru. I have done this great 3 day tour from Alice Springs which was way more affordable than doing it via hire car and accommodation myself. It is a camping tour however while you are in tents you have a camp bed. You aren't sleeping on the ground.

Why you should visit Australia as a solo woman

Honestly I could go on for days on what to see in Australia but if you are considering it I'm assuming you've already started researching it.

Overall Australia is easy to travel for anyone but particularly for solo travellers. Be sure to make sure you know our emergency number is 000 and not 911 like the US and use your usual travel head to assess risk on any activity.

More Australia Posts

12 things to do in Australia in Winter Hike the Overland Track: Australia's Premiere hike

Share With Your Friends

Fantastic places for solo female travel series – costa rica, fantastic places for solo female travel series – canada, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Solo Female Traveller's Guide to Australia

With its excellent internal transport links, modern amenities and attractions galore, Australia is the perfect place to embark on a solo travel adventure.

A backpacking trip down under is a rite of passage for many 20-somethings worldwide. If you decide to do said trip solo, don’t fret — Australia is a fantastic country to explore alone. Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including what to pack, safety tips and best destinations.

What to pack

It’s not news that Australia is a large country, so your packing list may vary greatly depending on which parts you explore. For example, Cairns or Airlie Beach on the Great Barrier Reef enjoy a warm climate year-round, so shorts, swimwear and sundresses are suitcase essentials. However, further south in Melbourne, which does experience all four seasons and has a more stylish vibe, a winter coat and layers are necessary in cooler months.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

1 jacket for cooler mornings and evenings

1 smart casual dress for city nights out

1-2 casual dresses

2 pairs of pants (jeans are great for cities, while loose-fitting cotton pants/joggers are better for the east coast).

3 pairs of shorts/skirts

1-2 jumpers/sweaters (not necessary if visiting in summer).

At least 6 tops, which can include singlets/tank tops, blouses for city exploring and plain t-shirts that go with all bottoms.

1 pair of thongs/flip flops

1 pair of sneakers

1 pair of dressier shoes. If sticking to Queensland, choose sandals. For Sydney and Melbourne, this could include boots or flats, depending on the season.

Underwear and socks

Sunglasses and hat for sun protection

1 umbrella, as Melbourne’s weather is unpredictable and north Queensland’s summer is defined as the wet season.

Staying safe

Australia is a safe country to visit as a solo female traveller. Generally speaking, Australians are very friendly and helpful; particularly when it comes to small town hospitality. Here are some safety tips for travelling around Australia alone.

Travelling between destinations

If you have an extended amount of time in Australia and want to take your time travelling up the east coast for example, look at Greyhound. One of the world’s most reputable bus companies, Greyhound is the main bus service in Australia as well. Oz Experience offers hop on/hop off travel pass packages with Greyhound, which may be more cost-effective if you’re travelling from Sydney to Cairns. Sometimes night buses are unavoidable, especially when covering great distances, which is the norm in Australia. If sleep is on the agenda, lock your bag to avoid theft.

Otherwise, flying is usually the most cost-effective and efficient method to get from A to B in Australia. Look at budget airlines Jetstar and Tigerair , which regularly offer amazing flight deals. Train travel is not as popular or extensive in Australia as it is in Europe or North America. The same can be said about hitchhiking, which isn’t common. Read our guide for information on how to navigate public transport throughout Australia, as its major cities have great networks. You can also easily purchase most transport cards at 7-Elevens or local convenience stores.

General safety tips

Australia is known for its deadly animals. When visiting northern Australia, be aware that stinger (jellyfish) season lasts from approximately October to March. Several major beaches fortunately have stinger nets installed for safe ocean swimming. It’s also recommended to keep eyes peeled for warning signs for crocodiles, in both the sea and in freshwater swimming holes.

As a suggestion, avoid walking around quiet city streets alone at night.

Although pickpocketing isn’t known to be as common in Australia as it is in Europe, it’s still worth keeping an eye on your belongings at all times.

Areas to avoid

Each of the three major cities on Australia’s east coast have a specific area that locals don’t recommend walking around alone at night. In Melbourne, it’s Flinders Street and Swanston Street in the CBD. Sydney’s King Cross can attract over 20,000 revellers on Friday and Saturday nights, where drinking can regrettably lead to aggressive behaviour. Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s smaller version of Kings Cross.

How to meet others

Staying in hostels is a fantastic way to meet other travellers in Australia. YHA is a hostelling organisation that owns some of the country’s best hostels. In Fremantle, you can sleep in former prison cells at Fremantle Prison YHA. Meanwhile, the Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks has the most impressive rooftop views. Stay in a dorm room and talk with your bunk mates, hang out in the common areas and get involved with the nightly events held at some YHA hostels.

There are also several organised tour companies operating around Australia. Group tours are a great way to travel around the country, as you are guaranteed to meet people, and you will get to see a host of incredible sights. Popular options include Contiki , which organises adventure tours like Cairns to Sydney, and across the Northern Territory from Alice Springs to Darwin. Adventure Tours is an alternative, which has a Broome to Perth option, if exploring wild Western Australia takes your fancy.

The best destinations for solo female travellers in Australia

Let’s start with Melbourne , which is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Firstly, the city is very easy to navigate via public transport . There are also plenty of attractions in the city to keep you busy. You could spend a day simply café hopping or visiting world-class art galleries and museums. Melbourne is also a perfect base for incredible day trips. Do an organised tour to Phillip Island to see the penguins, visit the Great Ocean Road or wine and dine in the Yarra Valley.

Next up is Sydney , which effortlessly combines city and surf. Spend your time in Australia’s biggest city checking out the main attractions around Sydney Harbour, before heading to beautiful Bondi Beach. A worthwhile day trip from Sydney is to the Blue Mountains, which offer a totally different experience from Sydney’s hustle and bustle.

Located in northern Queensland, Cairns is a laid back tropical city that acts as a gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. There are several local tour companies offering day trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Definitely visit either Fitzroy or Green Islands (or both). Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island has been named one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, which is a big accolade. A trip on the Skyrail or Scenic Railway to Kuranda is also mandatory when visiting Cairns.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is south of Cairns and another destination to visit to get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef. But wait, there’s more. Airlie Beach is also home to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach, spend the weekend on luxe Hamilton Island or splash some cash and do a scenic flight over Heart Reef. The best part is, all of these activities are perfectly suitable for solo travellers.

An often overlooked destination in Australia, Perth is worth the long flight. Get a selfie with a quokka on Rottnest Island, check out the wineries and beaches of Margaret River, and see the skyline view from Kings Park. A visit to Perth isn’t complete without visiting its hipster next door neighbour, Fremantle either.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

How to make the most of your holiday time.

A Year Down Under: Why I'm Finally Heading to Australia

Places to Stay

6 once-in-a-lifetime luxury lodges in australia.

The Best Lodges to Book in Australia

The Best Motels to Book in Orange, New South Wales

The Best Holiday Cottages to Rent in Australia

The Best Accommodations to Book in Margaret River, Western Australia

The Best Holiday Homes and Vacation Rentals to Book in Australia

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book on the Gold Coast, Australia

The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Australia

The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Surfers Paradise, Queensland

The Best Resorts to Book in Australia

• Post ID: 1000382821
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

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

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

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

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

The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers

1. melbourne.

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

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

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

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

2. Magnetic Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more : Fun things to do in Sydney

Bondi, baby

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

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

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

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

Views from Hobart’s Mount Wellington

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

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

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

Taking in Fitzroy Island.

6. Adelaide

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

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

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

Henley Beach sunset in Adelaide

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

7. brisbane.

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

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

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

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

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

Cottesloe Beach // Source

9. Whitsundays

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

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

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

Airlie Beach

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

10. byron bay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POSTS

How to Have a Merry Melbourne Christmas

My Favourite Things To Do in Hobart, Tasmania

30+ Free Things To Do in Sydney

Reader interactions.

September 11, 2022 at 10:19 pm

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

September 29, 2022 at 3:54 pm

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

March 3, 2022 at 10:40 am

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

March 8, 2022 at 9:53 am

Thanks so much – happy travels 😊.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Solo Woman’s Guide to Outback Road Trips

Outback road trip!! You’d really like to do one.

Visit Coober Pedy, Uluru, Alice Springs.

See those vast open spaces…

Find some real time to contemplate yourself, life and everything against the stunning blue skies and spirited red dunes…

But you’re female. And you’re on your own…

(Cue images of the movie, Wolf Creek, and the Peter Falconio story).

Should you even be thinking about this? Are you mad?

The answer is NO, you’re not mad – and YES you can do an outback road trip if you’re female and travelling solo.

I’ll share my tips, advice, how to prepare your vehicle and yourself, and even what to do if you break down (I’ve had this experience twice ) on ANY outback road trip.

Lastly, I want to assure that you CAN do this as a woman travelling alone.

It’s not scary, it’s not dangerous and you don’t need any special driving skills.

About the Journey

The outback road trip I’m going to use an example is the iconic Adelaide to Alice Springs trip, travelling along the Stuart Highway.

It’s a GREAT trip for any beginner traveller to try.

However, the preparation and advice I’ll share apply to ALL outback road trips done on bitumen or good gravel roads like the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks.

The Stuart Highway journey is a long way even by outback standards: it’s just over 1500km (932mi).

Whilst it’s not much compared to a Big Lap (that’s what Aussies call driving right around Australia), it’s still a trip that’s going to take you at least 2 days of travelling.

There are plenty of rest, fuel /food and accommodation stops along the way –so you needn’t worry about running out of fuel or food or where you’re going to sleep.

On average, there’s roadhouse about every 120km (there’s one BIG gap, which I’ll talk about below).

Fuel is available at Port Augusta, Pimba, Glendambo, Coober Pedy, Cadney Park, Marla, Kulgera, Erldunda, Mt Ebenezer, Yulara, Stuart’s Well and Alice Springs.

Also, you MUST read these other posts in conjunction with this one to prepare for your Stuart Highway adventure:

• Driving from Adelaide to Alice Springs – the Ultimate Guide
• Driving from Alice Springs to Uluru (complete costs & itinerary if you’re going to Uluru BEFORE Alice Springs)
• 6 Lessons I Learned When I Broke Down Alone in the Outback

Preparing Your Vehicle

A lot of what I’m about to tell you will sound like common sense, but believe me, doing these things will save you from breaking down, unnecessary delays and spending more money.

(If you’re hiring a car, ask the hire car company whether they’ve done these things).

• Get your vehicle serviced by a mechanic two weeks before you go. I’m saying two weeks, to allow for anything that might need to done to your car, like spare parts that need to be ordered in.
• Insist that your mechanic checks the hoses, fanbelts, brakes, and radiator, fuel and water pumps. These are the simple things that can go wrong with your car on a long journey when it’s under strain.
• Make sure your tyres are in reasonable condition, too. I don’t mean that they need to brand new, I just mean that they shouldn’t be at the stage where you almost need to replace them. I’m telling you this because travelling in the heat of summer on these roads heats up tyres to incredible temperatures.

If your tyres are too worn and you’re travelling in summer, EXPECT a blow-out.

It’s happened to me –I blew two tyres within an HOUR because I was driving on worn rubber on a very hot day. Learn from my mistakes.

• If you’re driving in the warmer months, make sure your air conditioning has been re-gassed and is working. You’ll need it! I’ve driven in temperatures of 47 and 48 degrees Celsius on the Stuart Highway – I adore my air conditioning when it’s this hot.

Here’s my list of essential spare parts and tools for any long roadtrip:

• Radiator hoses
• Spare tyre/s that are road worthy
• Tyre jack & wheel brace
• Tools: adjustable spanner, screwdriver with interchangeable head

The one and only repair that I recommend you know back-to- front is how to change a tyre.

If you don’t know how to do it, learn before you go. It’s not hard. The worst thing about a tyre change is unpacking the luggage from your car to get to your spare/jack!

Other repairs (like changing a fan belt) can be done if needed by a mechanic – and believe me it REALLY helps if you have the spare part on hand (more on this below).

Consider joining an automobile association, too .

Joining the RAA, AAA, NRMA or other Australian automobile associations gives you access to roadside repairs and recovery assistance, reductions in accommodation costs (and sometimes, covers the complete cost) if you break down and have to stay overnight.

Being in the AANT reduced the cost of having our 4WD trailered from Marla to Alice Springs (600km) from $2000 to $400. I think this more than justifies the $95 cost of the annual standard membership.

What happens if you break down?

Yes, this has happened to me twice on the Stuart Highway, doing this roadtrip.

I have broken down alone and I’ve written an extensive and definitive guide to what to do if you’re female, alone and break down in the outback.

Please read my advice on what to do if you break down alone here.

It may save your life!

Preparing Yourself

If you’ve never done anything like this before, you’ll need to prepare yourself as well as your vehicle.

Firstly, it’s a long, long time to spend in the car on your own. Have you considered how you as a person cope with your own company for hours on end?

Also, driving for long periods of time is very tiring. You must take regular breaks from driving –every 2 hours- to keep yourself fresh.

It’s also normal to feel quite tired at the end of each day if you’re driving big distances – I usually find driving more than 800km in one day on my own very tiring!

How will you look after yourself whilst you’re on the road? Food in outback roadhouses can be very ordinary –sometimes even wholemeal bread can be rare.

Spending long hours sitting down whilst you’re driving isn’t the best for our backs, or general fitness. If you’ve got any back or sciatica problems, you’ll need a strategy to make sure you’re not hurting yourself when you drive.

How I Prepare For an Outback Road Trip:

I’ve developed a few strategies to deal with the long periods of time in the car and to amuse myself along the way:

Get Some Audiobooks

Load some audiobooks onto your smartphone/iPod/mP3 player. I’ve listened to audiobooks so engrossing, 300km have slipped past and I’ve barely noticed them.

I really recommend checking out Audible before you go.

There’s thousands of books to pick from. Some of my favourites have been action series, like Matthew Reilly, or travel adventures, like Bill Bryson and Robyn Davis.

Two average sized (8 hour) audiobooks are usually enough to get you from Adelaide to Uluru or Alice Springs.

I love podcasts. No matter what you’re into, you can guarantee there’s a podcast about it. Load up you iPod or favourite mp3 player and off you go!

Go Geocaching

What? You’ve never heard of Geocaching ? Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt that you play on your smartphone or GPS. This is the PERFECT way to add some real anticipation to your adventure and schedule little breaks along the way.

There’s over 2 million geocaches hidden all over the world, of – they’re usually small clip lock containers that have a logbook inside of them, which you sign and then log online.

The hunt to find them is all part of the fun – however, geocaching will take you to unexpected, little known outback places – and you’ll learn a lot about history, culture, and even the geology of the place you’re visiting.

It’s free to create an account and play – but it’s much, much better if you get the proper geocaching app (around $10 in the iTunes store).

Be warned – Geocaching is addictive fun!

Plan Photo Stops

I know not everyone keeps a blog or has an Instagram account, but stopping and taking some photos of your drive/landscape will give you a much-needed stretch from the car.

It will also help build fabulous memories of your trip for future years.

Want to improve you photography skills? I love this little ebook for travel photography.

What about a pre-planned ‘shot list’? Try this neat little iPhone app.

Plan Overnight Stops:

Most people can do this drive with either one or two overnight stops. I’ve done it both ways. Think about where you’re likely to stop before you go and always book ahead in the busy seasons (May-October, and over the December-January NT school holidays).

If I was doing this drive alone and wanted to do it comfortably, I’d stop in Port Augusta and spend a half day here, and then again in Coober Pedy. You can easily fill up a whole day in and around Coober Pedy – so I’d plan two nights here.

If you’re camping, then you’ve got much more freedom, of course. This is one part of the world where roadside rest stops that you can camp in abound.

Use this VERY cheap app to find free campsites . We LOVE it!

A Word About Accommodation

Every single roadhouse along the Stuart Highway has accommodation and camping facilities. The accommodation is usually a standard motel room or backpacker’s ‘dongas’ (this post will explain what a ‘donga’ is if you don’t know).

Campsites at roadhouses vary from grassed sites with power, to dirt sites without power. Showers, toilets and camp kitchens are available at all roadhouses.

However, you can camp for FREE all the way along the Stuart Highway at roadside rest stops. Our secret to finding the best free campsites is the extremely cheap Wikicamps app . Just get it!

If you’re uncertain about camping on your own in the outback at roadside rest stops, then I’ve got this vital tip for you: to stay safe, I recommend camping wherever you see Grey Nomads stopped.

Grey Nomads are older Australians, generally husband and wife, travelling long term around our wonderful country in their caravans, camper trailers or mobile homes (RVs if you’re American).

During the cooler months in particular, you’ll see large groups of Grey Nomads camping at free roadside campsites. They’re always friendly and full of wisdom and hospitality – I’ve spent many nights chatting to people from all over Australia when I’ve been travelling the outback on my own. Some have even become good friends.

If you see them, stop and camp. You will be safe.

What to Take:

These are the absolute must-have things for this trip:

Mobile Phone:

Get a Telstra SIM card!!! As much as most Australians like to complain about Telstra, if you’re doing this trip Telstra is the ONLY real option for mobile phone coverage (where it’s available) out here.

There is almost continuous Telstra mobile coverage now from Adelaide to Coober Pedy (800km), along with coverage at Marla, Erldunda and Yulara.

Satphone? Yes or No?

It’s YOUR call on this one. If you’ll feel safe with a satphone, then by all means, take one.

I personally do not take a satphone on this trip. This is one section of the outback where there’s a lot of passing traffic, there are emergency phones every so often and there’s an ever-increasing amount of Telstra mobile coverage.

Please don’t buy bottled water.

You’re not only wasting money and creating unnecessary landfill, you’re contributing profits to a totally unnecessary industry in a First World nation like Australia.

The tap water is safe to drink EVERYWHERE in Australia, including outback roadhouses.

Get yourself a 10 litre water container and keep it full. Stash a couple of 1.5 litre bottles under your seats, as well.

Don’t be an idiot: don’t buy bottled water.

Comfortable clothing is the main priority for when you’re driving and exploring – along with some good walking shoes.

MUST READ: What to Pack for the Australian Outback – we share everything you’ll need based on actually living and working in the outback.

Remember, the outback gets FREEZING (below zero Celsius) temperatures during winter nights, and over 40 degrees Celsius through the day in summer. Choose appropriate clothing for the season.

If you need to change a tyre, wearing thongs (flip flops), fancy sandals or other girly shoes will make your task 1000 times harder than it should be. Get some boots, hiking shoes or bring your runners.

A hat… this should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: bring a hat and wear it when outside.

Every roadhouse along the way has an ATM and EFTPOS nowadays, so you should be able to access your accounts. There are banks in Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Yulara and Alice Springs.

Your Favourite Food/Coffee/Snacks

Roadhouse food can be pretty damn ordinary, so if you’ve got some special food or coffee that you can’t live without, make sure you bring it along.

This is especially true for fresh fruit and vegetables, quinoa and wrap-style breads.

You can expect to pay about $20-30 (and upwards) for a meal, which is why I always go for freshly made burgers. You’ll get them for about $15-$18 at most roadhouses.

I ditch the buns and then I’ve got a healthy, Paleo-type meal of meat and salad.

I eat a low-starchy carb diet (I don’t eat bread, pasta, potatoes or rice), and having lots of protein in my diet gives me LOTS of energy to without the sugar highs for trips like this.

If you do forget to pack something, you can get just about everything you need in Port Augusta or Alice Springs, so there’s no excuse to go without.

There are also two well-stocked supermarkets at Coober Pedy and one at Yulara. Most roadhouses have a small selection of grocery items – but be warned: convenience comes at a price!

Personal Safety Alarm/EPIRB

If you’ve watched Wolf Creek one too many times, and you’re feeling really nervous about doing this trip alone, get yourself a SPOT navigator.

You can send text message to people back home to let them know you’re safe, and raise the alarm if something happens. These tiny little devices will fit in your handbag or backpack – so they’re a good alternative to lugging a satphone about.

They can be either hired or purchased here.

Driving Itinerary

Yes, this is the part you’ve been waiting for – the Stuart Highway driving itinerary from Adelaide to Uluru and Alice Springs.

Before we set off, however, I want to have a word about outback driving conditions and what you MUST do to drive safely.

Whilst the roads you’ll be driving on are excellent world-class highways, you’re driving in the Australian outback for most of this journey. You need to do a few simple things to stay safe:

• Rest Frequently. PLEASE stop and get out of your car every 2 hours. Rest for at least 15 minutes before you start driving again. Take some photos. Have a loo break. Find a geocache
• Beware of animals on the road – kangaroos, camels, emus and cattle. You will see them on this drive. Take note: the most common cause of tourist fatalities after heat exhaustion in the outback is hitting large animals.
• Do not drive at night. EVER. There are too many animals on these roads.

The FULL, DETAILED Stuart Highway driving itinerary from Adelaide to Alice Springs – Uluru is here.

Below is an excerpt.

Quick Facts:

Total distance: 1503km

Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours – at least ONE overnight stop is recommended

Estimated Fuel Cost: $367 calculated at 11 litres per 100km, and a cost of $2.20 per litre for fuel.

Fuel, food, accommodation: Port Augusta, Pimba, Glendambo, Coober Pedy, Cadney, Marla, Kulgera, Erldunda, Stuart’s Well

Longest Stretch without fuel: 254km between Glendambo & Coober Pedy

Mobile Phone coverage: Partial Telstra only coverage – see detailed itinerary below.

Suitable for caravans/camper trailers: Yes

Adelaide to Port Augusta

Distance : 306km

Fuel Available : Everywhere in Adelaide, then a number of places along the Port Wakefield Road/Princes Highway.

Travel time : 3.5 hours (allow more if the traffic getting out of Adelaide is bad)

Mobile phone coverage: Telstra reception is available all the way

Port Augusta to Pimba

Distance : 174km

Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)

Fuel available: Port Augusta & Pimba

Mobile phone coverage: Telstra reception is available all the way.

Free roadside campsites: North Tent Hill, Range View, Monalena Lagoon, Island Lagoon – find MORE free campsites here

Pimba to Glendambo

Distance: 112km

Travelling Time: 45-50min (approx.)

Fuel & food available : Pimba & Glendambo

Mobile phone coverage : Telstra 3G reception is available all the way

Free roadside campsites : Use Wikicamps to find ALL of the free campsites

Glendambo to Coober Pedy

Distance: 254km

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30min (approx.)

Fuel & food available : Glendambo & Coober Pedy

Mobile phone coverage : Telstra 3G for approximately 30km either side of Glendambo and then again coming into Coober Pedy.

Free roadside campsites: Check them out on Wikicamps

This is the longest stretch on the entire journey. You may wish to fill up your car at Glendambo if your vehicle has a small tank.

Coober Pedy to Cadney Park

Distance: 155km

Travelling Time: 1 hr 30min (approx.)

Fuel & food available: Coober Pedy & Cadney Park

Mobile phone coverage : Telstra 3G reception is only available until approx. 30km north of Coober Pedy, then there is NOTHING.

Free roadside campsites: Free campsites and reviews on Wikicamps

Cadney Park to Marla

Distance: 80km

Travelling Time: 45min (approx.)

Fuel & food available : Cadney Park & Marla

Mobile phone coverage: Telstra 3G reception is available for approx. 20km radius around Marla.

Free roadside campsites: Find free campsites using this very inexpensive app

Marla to Kulgera

Distance: 192km

Travelling Time: 2 hrs 10min (approx.)

Fuel & food available: Marla and Kulgera.

Mobile phone coverage: Telstra 3G reception is only available until approx. 20km north of Marla, then there is NOTHING until Erldunda.

Kulgera to Erldunda

Distance : 85km

Travelling Time: 45 min (approx.)

Fuel & food available: Kulgera & Erldunda

Mobile phone coverage : Telstra 3G reception is only available for approx. 20km radius around Erldunda.

Erldunda to Alice Springs

Distance : 199km

Travelling Time : 2 hrs 10min (approx.)

Fuel & food available : Erldunda, Stuart’s Well, Alice Springs

Free campsites: Check out Wikicamps for all free campsites

Mobile phone coverage: Telstra 3G reception is only available until approx. 20km north of Erldunda, then there is NOTHING until about 40km south of Alice Springs

Please Read This

I really hope you’ve enjoyed and found this page useful. It took me several months to write, edit and then publish here for you, for FREE.

So, I’d really appreciate it if you SHARED this post on Facebook, Twitter and especially on Google Plus and Pinterest if you’ve found it useful. That way, other women who are thinking about doing this trip -but not too sure about it- will be able to find it.

Also, if YOU’VE driven this iconic route, I’d LOVE to publish your story. Get in touch with me here for details.

A special Hello!! to web spammers & product review commenters. 

If your commenting name is ‘lipopro product review’, ‘Nevada car sales’ or ‘Rino Lawyers’ or similar, guess what?

Your comment will be marked as spam and your IP blocked.

• Latest Posts

Amanda is an adventurer, archaeologist & anthropologist. She is a runner, insatiable reader & believes a bushwalk is not a real walk unless it’s over 10km.

• 5 Outback Books You Won’t Put Down
• Madigan Line Trip Report 2018
• 5 Outback Travel Mistakes To Avoid

You may also like

Rescue Swag

Zoleo Satellite Communicator

Me and My Cooper Tires, Road Tripping During Summer

19 comments.

Excellent list with great detail! Thanks very much, Amanda. Definitely a few things here I hadn’t though of

I did a trip as a solo female traveller in Oct 2013 that included the Oodnadatta Track, Uluru, Laraparinta as well as outback Qld, NSW etc etc. You’ve covered everything I would suggest too, great info you have here. Having SPOT was most comforting being on your own to me and my family and friends back home. It’s safe if youre smart and take simple precautions as you have listed here to give yourself confidence to do the trip. Having top NRMA AAA etc coverage helps if you get in to trouble too, I have a indentical photo of a blown tyre when I hit Coober Pedy off the Oodnadatta Track. I would also suggest you contact the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta as they can give you up to date information on the Track. They were really helpful and even ensured that they had my CB callsign and I checked in with them when I arrived as they said they would keep an ear of for me on the CB as they knew I was travelling alone. I would suggest to anyone considering a trip solo, even if you’re female then do it. You would be surprised at the amount of people that take you under their wing knowing you are travelling alone.

Great site – thanks,

Hi Gary & Amanda

I really enjoy this post so much and will definitely be using this as a reference for my upcoming (solo) road trip in Alice Springs. Just wondering…have you done a roadtrip up north from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek? If so, I’d like to know of your opinion about the journey up there.

I am a female and will be travelling alone. This is also going to be the first time I actually will be driving the furthest and longest in a vast and isolated area. And hence, my main worries are:

1) Safety issue. Is the road safe enough? 2) Car breakdown. Because I am going to hire a 2wd car from Alice Springs, I wouldn’t know what kind of car I would be getting til I get there. Hence I won’t be able to supply myself with the spare parts or tools as suggested above. Will this be a problem? And what do I do if I had a breakdown halfway with no phone coverage to call for help? 3) Which towns that I can stop by for refuel? 4) Lastly, I really want to see the sunset and the night sky and stars at Devils Marbles. Do you recommend me staying overnight at Waucophe (which means I will be driving at night time when heading back) or should I just camp at Devils Marbles?

I look forward to your reply. And THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Regards Yenny

Thanks for your comments, and we’re glad you’ve found this article useful. I’ll answer your questions below.

1. The road is SAFE SAFE SAFE as long as you take the safety tips into account. Our daughters (24 & 25) have driven this road solo. I have driven this road solo. Female friends who live here in Alice have driven this road solo. It is a super easy road to drive because it’s nearly all straight. Much easier than city driving.

2. A hire car should be fully serviced and ready to go – so you shouldn’t have to worry about spares, other than the spare tyre – and you should know how to change it.

3. Please read our Driving from Adelaide to Alice Springs guide for fuel stops along the way. Then, there are roadhouses north of Alice at Aileron, Ti Tree, Barrow Creek, Wycliffe Well, Wauchope and then Tennant Creek (the BP in Tennant at the north end of town is usually the cheapest fuel).

4. For what you are intending, I would camp at the Devils Marbles (although I am NOT a fan of the campground or the idiots who use generators there).

Hope this helps, and have a wonderful trip!

Thank you so much for writing this. I want to travel Australia alone and everyone I know thinks I’m crazy. But you make me believe it is possible and that I can actually live out this dream of mine.

Marcelle I am a solo female traveller and have worked as a contract midwife/registered nurse Australia wide since my marriage breakdown in 1998. I,m 63 years old now and retired and I still drive all over the country alone. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. You will be truly surprised by the number of single female travellers on our roads. I chose to drive a Toyota Hiace so that I could park and drive most places with a reliable vehicle. My bed is in the back. Go for it girl ….. You won’t be sorry.

I’m so happy to have stumbled upon your blog. Thanks for such a great article. I’m a 61 yo female and want to drive around the outback with my two little dogs for company. I have a small hatchback, but am looking at some second-hand motorhomes (Mazda Geckoes, and other small vans) that are quite cheap on Gumtree. I figured I could sleep in the back. Much easier than putting a tent up. If my dream comes true and I end up doing this trip, I’ll let you know how I go. Very inspiring to read the responses from the women here who have done it alone. Thanks everyone.

Hi Noela, may I ask do you think it’s possible to do a road trip from Brisbane to Darwin with a very small car like Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 model? Thank you very much.

Sorry not Noela, it’s Amanda, my apologies.

Thank you so much for this great piece. I can’t wait to embark on my trip!

Thank you for your insight! I’ve travelled overseas alone, but camping in the outback alone was a bigger concern, so the suggestion of looking for grey nomads was wonderful! I tried to find tours around the Flinders Ranges that include the Ediacara Hills and it was impossible to find without spending hundreds to thousands of dollars, and I’d prefer to be on my own time schedule. Glad I found this!

This was so informative and raised points that I had not thought about I have now though. Am hoping to travel Sydney (March) then Melbourne, Adelaide up the Stuart highway so will take all your recommendations on board. Thank you for a very informative paper. I drive s 1994 coaster bus which is diesel so will have to download fuel prices and work out costs etc

Hi Amanda, it is SO good to see your site. I am a female hankering for outback adventures and it seems the only way I’m going to get them is on my own. Your article has really inspired me to overcome my sense of feeling stuck and missing out. I am going to read the details of all the trips you (and Gary) have posted and I hope I am not making you repeat yourself, but what’s the situation re lighting campfires in the outback areas? Right at the top of my list along with enjoying wide open spaces and gorgeous starry nights is having fires. Thank you, Liz.

You can light fires in most places provided you clear an area around your fire, or you use the fireplaces provided and follow the guidelines. This is especially applicable in National Parks. In the Northern Territory, cooking fires may be lit at any time of the year (including periods of high fire danger), however, in other states the regulations during Total Fire Bans mean you can’t have a fire on those days.

As we prefer bush camping (we don’t like staying in campgrounds near other people), we almost always have a campfire as we cook on it. The only time we haven’t had a campfire is when it’s been too windy.

Probably the biggest issue for me camping alone has been that you need something to keep you occupied in the evenings around the campfire when you’d normally be talking to friends or your partner. I am a voracious reader, so my Kindle/or a novel and my headlight go everywhere with me.

Hope this helps.

hi Amanda about to head off to Alice in August. My Toyota coaster is lpg/unleaded. Do you know if LPG is readily available ?

LPG is available in Alice Springs, at Yulara (Ayers Rock), Coober Pedy and several of the larger roadhouses. However, I would call the roadhouses along the Stuart Highway and check with them as things can change quickly.

Hi Amanda, I’ve read your article many times and want to say that it has been very helpful. I was going to do the drive to Uluru on my own but unfortunately I don’t think I can fit it in. It’s still been a great read to preapare me for my drive from Sydney-Great ocean road-Adelaide-Mungo National Park-Broken Hill and back home to Sydney. Your advice is great for any solo road trip, it is a little scary been a female. I will be camping most of it…my first trip and very excited. In May 2018 I will be driving to Uluru. Thanks for sharing your advice and experience

Thanks for your post! I’m an American and I’d love to do Darwin to Uluru. Do you have any tips for this drive?

Thanks for this post – so informative. I’m currently writing a more general article on a visit to Uluru and Kata Tjuta and as its been about 4 years since i’ve been out there I was keen to read a few articles to see what else to consider as a female solo traveler. Thanks again, Kim – travegram.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Wandering Women

Wandering Women was founded in 2012 by me (Carole Medcalf) after a lifetime of travel. I started travelling when I was 16 and I haven’t stopped (except for Covid). When I travelled I often bought Around -The -World tickets. That meant I got to explore more places and to experience many different cultures and it was a great introduction to the next ‘destination’ trip.

Our partnerships with a wide variety of accommodation, excursion and transport providers globally enable you to experience some of the best parts of each destination – meals, accommodation and experiences chosen for the sole purpose of providing you with the most enjoyable experience possible in each destination. Visit Tours Now With a background and qualifications in Sociology, tour guiding and travel, I have crafted tours to enable other women to join in the best journeys I’ve experienced, combined with new adventures on each tour. My idea was to provide older women travelling solo with the opportunity to have safe travel adventures, to meet other women who wanted to do similar things and to take the hard work out of travelling, thus making it just a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I know a number of women who don’t have a travelling companion but who really want to travel. I’m a mature woman who has travelled solo for many years and I understand how difficult it might seem. I can make it easy and enjoyable for you.

Wandering Women is for women who are 45+ and:

who are on their own but want to explore – just not alone

“Now more than ever do I realise I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.”

What To Expect On A Wandering Women Tour

• Maximum of 10 on each tour
• Your own ensuite room on every tour
• We include al those ‘hidden’ extras
• Timing allows us to have local experiences as well as take excursions
• Comfortable travel as well as local travel experiences
• Great boutique accommodation that we know you will enjoy
• Exciting activities as well as time to wander
• High quality meals with a focus on local food…..and wine
• Great guides – we have amazing local partners wherever we travel
• NO single supplements

Taking The Worry Out Of Travel

Are you ready...

To meet like - minded women and make new and lifelong friends.

Your Award Winning Women's Tour Company. Interesting Itineraries Since 2005.

We want to share our passion for travel

Join like minded women

Book our willing to share tours and save $200

New friends for company

Rediscover the thrill of adventure!

Create lasting friendships

Small Groups, Personal Service

Book your next adventure today

Upcoming Tours

Aussie Outback Adventure

5 days  |  Departs: Friday 3 May 2024

Senoritas in Spain and Portugal

24 days  |  Departs: Saturday 4 May 2024

Free & Easy Bali

11 days  |  Departs: Friday 10 May 2024

Italy for First Timers

22 days  |  Departs: Saturday 11 May 2024

Castles, Gardens & Palaces of the United Kingdom

22 days  |  Departs: Monday 20 May 2024

The Soul of South Korea

16 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 21 May 2024

Cook Island Delight

10 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 11 Jun 2024

Spectacular European River Cruise

24 days  |  Departs: Monday 17 Jun 2024

South Australia, Ghan and the Top End

12 days  |  Departs: Sunday 23 Jun 2024

Gems of Ireland and Scotland

21 days  |  Departs: Thursday 1 Aug 2024

Fabulous Free & Easy Fiji

7 days  |  Departs: Monday 5 Aug 2024

Singapore Fling

7 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 13 Aug 2024

Gorgeous Greek Islands with Dubai Stopover - 1 x willing to share available

19 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 27 Aug 2024

Canada & Alaska Rail Cruise Adventure

20 days  |  Departs: Saturday 31 Aug 2024

Stunning Scandinavia

18 days  |  Departs: Sunday 1 Sep 2024

Small Group Jewels of Southern Italy

22 days  |  Departs: Monday 2 Sep 2024

Southern Africa Safari Splendour - 1 x willing to share available

16 days  |  Departs: Saturday 7 Sep 2024

Medieval Magic of Bulgaria and Romania

20 days  |  Departs: Sunday 8 Sep 2024

Camino Trail Adventure - 1 x willing to share place available

19 days  |  Departs: Sunday 8 Sep 2024

Small Group Jewels of Southern Italy - Max 12

22 days  |  Departs: Monday 9 Sep 2024

Natural Wonders of Iceland

18 days  |  Departs: Thursday 12 Sep 2024

Lord Howe Island Escape

7 days  |  Departs: Saturday 21 Sep 2024

Be Inspired!

Our fortnightly 'Friday Hot Flush' newsletter has trip previews, photos & stories plus SPECIAL DEALS !

• 1300 55 45 01 (AUS)
• 0800 895 145 (NZ)

We’re a multiple award-winning tour company exclusively dedicated to making travel easy and affordable for solos everywhere. So you can spread your wings and share amazing experiences with like-minded people. No couples and no families. Plus when you travel with us, you’ll always have your own room or cabin. Check out our group tours and get in touch to find out more.

GROUP Tours

Why choose us.

Solos Only Small Group Tours

Your own room - no sharing

Unique itineraries

Value for Money

All Tours Hosted

Exclusive Small Ship Solo Charters

What Our Clients Say

20 out of 10.

The trip was just great - I can't really think of any negatives. Diane will back me up when I say I usually give 10/10s - I gave her 20/10. Trish, Canada/Alaska

Excellent trip

I found the overall trip excellent. I believe Diane's professionalism, inclusive personality and ability to relate to all contributed to this. She worked to ensure the group was cohesive without individuals impinging on the personal space of others etc. a good skill to have and one she applied effectively. Kate, Canada/Alaska

Fantastic value for money

Fantastic value for money paid. Russell our guide is an asset to your company... he was fantastic! Overall the trip was magical from start to finish. Well done Two's a Crowd ... the best trip ever. Barbara, Canada/Alaska

Fantastic first solo trip

I had a fantastic trip. Absolutely loved Canada and Alaska. It's the first time I have travelled solo and was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of people that all got on so well. Diane our host was great. She did a good job of getting us altogether for meals, excursions, shopping trips etc. I liked that she quietly got things done without being loud or "in-your-face". She was good at being one of us as well as our leader. Wendy, Canada/Alaska

Good balance of activities and spare time

Had a great time. Good mixture of organised activities and spare time. Diane was an excellent tour host. Russell the tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and personable with his insights into growing up and living in Canada. Sharon, Canada/Alaska

Well organised trip with an excellent host

The trip was well organised, with a good mix of activity and free time. The scenery was spectacular and fellow travellers were a great bunch. Diane is a excellent host - helpful, courteous and above all a pleasure to know. I found her bubbly personality a bonus and can only speak highly of her. Gary, Canada/Alaska

I had a fabulous time

I had a fabulous time. Lake Louise and the hotel were magnificent. The cruise was excellent. Diane made sure that she was available for group meals and sightseeing, and was alway in good humour and great fun. I would recommend your company to everyone and am very interested in the Scandinavia  tour at the end of 2017.

Cathy, Adelaide - Canada/Alaska May 2016

Great holiday

What a great trip! I experienced so much and participated in all that was offered. I had read and reviewed as much as time allowed me but was not prepared for what the trip gave me and that is a better understanding of the beautiful people of both countries. - Lesley on Vietnam/Cambodia

In good company

I thought the suggestions for optional things to do, in the "free" time were very good. So good, we really ended up with very little free time. So much to do! - Mary on Vietnam

Great time together

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together. - Anonymous on Vietnam/Cambodia

Fantastic first experience!

Extremely well organised with fabulous guides throughout - especially in Vietnam! First holiday with your company and certainly not the last. - Glenys on Vietnam

Great group to travel with

Having a small group meant that the days were more relaxed and flexible and I really felt spoilt and looked after. Melinda on Borneo

Thoroughly enjoyed Uganda

Thoroughly enjoyed my trip especially Uganda. There was so much variety of things to do on this trip. Jaros & Julius were great. Thought in Kenya the Maasai Mara were beautiful people, so easy to get along with. Judy

Can’t stop talking about my experience

I just feel so privileged to have shared with the Maasai the most awe-inspiring majestic sights and sounds of Africa. The fantastic memories will be with me forever. Maureen

Absolutely enjoyable

Gillian was a fantastic host. She was there for us from the moment we reached Hotel Troy. Heather on Africa

Best holiday I’ve been on!

One of the best holidays that I have been on - really well organised. I would never have travelled to Vietnam or Cambodia on my own. Bronwyn

Well organised

Fun, well organised and a really great group. Barbara on Vietnam/Cambodia

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together.

Great value

Well done. No complaints. Very pleased with this trip. Great value for my hard earned dollars! Really enjoyed the [Vietnam/Cambodia] tour. 

Fabulous rapport filled with much humour!

A great bunch of people & I can't believe how we all had such a fabulous rapport filled with much humour!!!

I couldn’t fault anything.

The (Uniworld River) cruise was great, I met up with some wonderful people who treated me like part of the family ! The ship & crew were fantastic & the excursions were very good, I couldn't fault anything. I'd recommend this cruise to anyone.  Peter

Informative and educational

The entire trip was one of the most enjoyable and exciting. Also so informative and educational. I was so pleased to make the trip. Wish I was over there in that magical place.  Marjorie

I’ve just returned from the wonderful Kimberley trip.  It was my first experience with Two’s a Crowd and I was delighted.  Kay

Opportunity to experience

I have had the opportunity to experience things I would never had done by myself.  Solo travellers is a fantastic concept and use of social media has been a great way to share and keep in touch with friends and family. Judi

I need not have worried

Being my first tour and a senior member, I admit I was apprehensive but I need not have worried. It was great and I was very well looked after.  Can’t wait to go to Kenya with Two’s a Crowd.  Maureen

Smooth and seamless

A memorable trip of a lifetime, a wish fulfilled.  A fascinating cultural country steeped in history which I found totally enthralling.  Two’s a Crowd service was smooth and seamless.  Pam

A wonderful experience

It was a wonderful experience visiting Cambodia and Vietnam and gave me a better understanding of these countries. I had a great time with new friends, we had a good bunch and Leonie was the perfect host. Eric

Value for money

Value for money and outstanding co-operation from your staff and tour operators. Joan

Safe and secure and totally looked after

An awesome adventure for my first time overseas alone.  Leonie was excellent and both guides were also fantastic.  At all times I felt safe and secure and totally looked after.  Melinda

Well done Two’s a Crowd.

Leonie was an excellent host, the ideal person. I never felt any pressure to  be involved in every activity so I could explore alone during free time. Having 2 or 3 nights in most places was great – you could rest up or party. Well done Two’s a Crowd. Jenny

A completely different experience

It was a nice surprise holiday, a completely different experience from all my other holidays. Thanks. Piroska

I’ve had at least 10 travel agents.

In my travelling life, I’ve had at least 10 travel agents.  Two’s a Crowd is the first one where I haven’t had to correct anything in my travel documents.   Piroska

I’m so excited to have found you Two’s a Crowd.

“Finally. A travel company is recognising the needs of people like me”

This is perfect for me.

“I’ve been to Burma but can you please send me some information about other destinations. This is perfect for me.”

I really wanted to meet the people behind it

“I saw your ad in the local paper and could have phoned but I wanted to come in and congratulate you on starting this great business. I really wanted to meet the people behind it.”

Two’s a Crowd on the internet was definitely meant to be!

I’m really enthusiastic about the niche you are determined to cover in the market, and have the feeling stumbling on Two’s a Crowd on the internet was definitely meant to be.

I find them inspirational

Thanks for sending these emails as I find them inspirational and will sit dreaming for the next hour or so.

Thank you for providing a service for people like me

“I am very excited to read about your area of speciality, and look forward to devouring all information that might come my way. Thank you for providing a service for people like me.”

Excellent throughout.

The entire 14 days ran so smoothly from Two's a Crowd booking my flights to  airport transfers and then the 12 days camping in the Kimberley. Excellent throughout. Congratulations. Marjorie

As Featured In

Our Latest Blogs

5 foods you should try in myanmar, how to choose a wildlife safari that’s right for you, nine things not to miss in myanmar.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Australia Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

Filters applied, 250+ australia tours for singles / solo travelers with 581 reviews.

• Wine tasting

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

Just to let you know how much we enjoyed our Great Ocean Road trip with Michael our tour guide and driver. He was excellent and everything you could wish for in a director of operations. The scenery on the trip was stunning and we also thoroughly enjoyed the included stops that were not part of the main event.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Australia

Excellent tour! Dax, our CEO, went above and beyond. Hotels are 3 stars and clean. Will check on G Adventure for future trips. Highly recommended this tour.

6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster (One Way)

I had a wonderful time with fantastic people! Saw mostly everything we could up the coast, meals were good, accomodations (shared room option for me) were reasonable. The bus was comfortable, however I'm a small person & activities on offer were enjoyable. Massive shout-out to our Awesome Tour Guide Rhett, who was asked to fill in for the usual guy. It was Rhett's first Perth to Exmouth tour after driving 6 days from Gold Coast to Perth to then drive 23 people up to Exmouth, giving us really interesting information, and managing to entertain also. Not to mention the brilliant driving! To make it even more difficult for Rhett, we all had different iteneries (from booking through different companies) & some changes were made, so we wouldn't miss any of the highlights. All round, I would recommend this trip for people traveling on their own, that don't want to do the drive themselves. It does work out cheaper for us solo traveling.

• Hiking & Trekking

Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania

This 5 day tour was a fantastic taster of Tassie and I’m so pleased I booked it. We had Justin as our tour guide - he really could not have done more for the group during the trip. Incredibly knowledgeable, fun and patient.

• €65 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure (8 Days) (14 destinations)

City to Surf (8 Days)

Great way to see Sydney and tick off some Australian bucket list items!

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

Learn To Dive (5 Days)

Great dive instructors.

• Coach / Bus

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.

Sydney to Brisbane Adventure (7 Days) (from Byron Bay to Tweed Heads)

Explorer Six - 6 Day Tour of Tasmania

We had a great time and seen lots of tasmanias most wonderful places and delicious food. Tour guide and bus driving have been amazing, got lots of information. Management of accomodation and telling us where to go next and what time could be better. At some places could calculate more time for the hikes and the lookouts. Surprised the first day has been different people because you could book it as a day trip as well.

• Mountain Hikes
• Desert Hikes

Kakadu's Ancient Secrets (5 Days)

We had a fantastic experience touring with our group. Wonderfully led by our guide Toni, and always feeling safe with Ollie behind the wheel. Accommodation was great and some delightful meals along the way. Unforgettable memories of a beautiful part of our country. Highly recommend this trip

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

Eli was a huge help to me when I was in Tasmania. She constantly responded to my messages and kept me informed about what was coming up on my schedule. Those who are traveling alone or don't want to complete the itinerary themselves should take this tour. Highly recommended!

Untamed Kimberley (11 Days)

Great tour, fantastic tour guide and driver in Carolyn and Reece nothing to much trouble and very knowledgeable. A few long days on the coach but you don't realise how big the Kimberly area is. We were looked after really well , would definitely recommend just do it!!

Eyre Peninsula Adventure

Excellent tour apart from ScotDesco experience which was a great disappointment. Virtually no activities and accommodation poor. Gawler Mountains tour with Geoff was excellent, great scenery and knowledgeable commentary. Arid Gardens and sculptures very educational. Head of the Bight and Nullarbor touring very interesting. The Big Farmer sculpture at Wudinna is without doubt the best big thing in Australia. Murphy’s Haystacks were exceptional unique rock formations. Our driver guide Simon went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our adventure.

Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania

Brilliant guide ( Tom)…..great itinerary to see a lot of Tasmania in a short period. Smooth and well organised.

What people love about Australia Solo Tours

I did this 4-day tour and I really enjoyed it. Jens, the guide, as well as all participants were very nice and warmhearted. I felt like I travelled with new friends. There were only 5 people in our group. I totally recommend this tour that includes amazing spots and sceneries. We were also lucky to see many animals (koalas, kangaroos, emus, fox, etc.).

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

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

More Tours in Australia for Singles and Solo Travellers

• East Australia tours (97)
• Western Australia tours (58)
• Great Barrier Reef tours (55)
• Australian Outback tours (50)
• Australia Northern Territory tours (47)
• Tasmania tours (41)
• South East Queensland tours (36)
• Australia West Coast tours (29)
• Australia East Coast tours (28)
• South Australia tours (22)
• Red Centre tours (22)
• Central Australia tours (21)
• Victoria tours (19)
• Ningaloo Reef tours (12)
• Great Ocean Road tours (11)
• Far North Queensland tours (11)
• New South Wales tours (9)
• Kimberley tours (8)
• Queensland tours (43)
• Kakadu National Park tours (29)
• Uluru / Ayers Rock tours (22)
• Blue Mountains tours (5)
• Seniors tours (242)
• Young Adults tours (28)
• Australia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 4 Week Australia Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Travel Styles

• Budget (88)
• Luxury (36)
• Singles and Solo (277)
• For Couples (164)
• Young Adults (28)
• Seniors (242)

Home > Nomad News

Solo women grey nomads hit road in record numbers

The joys of life on the open road

It will come as no surprise to grey nomads who are used to coming across female solo travellers in our caravan parks and camping grounds to learn that Australian women have been found to be among the most independent in the world.

The global Women’s Travel Survey commissioned by TripAdvisor revealed that a massive 81% of Aussie females were planning to travel solo this year. That number is almost 20% higher than women from the US.

The survey polled over 1,800 Australian women and found a 10% increase in those who planned to travel alone this year when compared to last. Some 47% of Australian women  are planning two to four solo trips this year.

Although the survey went across all age groups, there is no doubt that solo grey nomads are well represented out on the road.

“Baby boomer women are an adventurous generation – and gender roles changed dramati­cally over their lifetime,” Professor Jo Lindsay, said the President of The Australian Sociological Association.  “I find it quite inspiring that older women are taking these opportunities to travel and meet people.”

Women who may have been widowed or divorced are among those hitting the open road.

“What we find is that often people will pack up and leave after a tremendous upheaval in their life,” said university sociology lecturer, Dr Nick Osbaldiston. “It’s like a quest to find something else, to pursue a new challenge, and to follow that romantic dream.”

Jennie M is in her 70s but had no reserva­tions setting off on the Big Lap alone, and says that if solos are friendly and outgoing, most travellers will respond in the same way.

“The only thing I miss is someone to share some of the journeys and sights with,” she said. “But they’d have to be in their own rig as I have no intention of sharing mine … I enjoy ‘me time’ too much to share!”

The TripAdvisor survey found that the main reason Australian women travelled alone was because it gave them the freedom of doing whatever they want, with 35% liking the independence and challenge of travelling on their own.

* Have you noticed more solo women on the road? Are you a solo woman traveller? Comment below.

I believe there are more solo women doing it than men. I have been on the road for 18months and love it. My experience in meeting other solos, the women tend to be more adventurous also. Not in all cases, but in most. Have not encountered any problems, have had a ball, and met the most wonderful people and made so many new life long friends.

Your a legend shekon., Be proud of what you have achieved., I’m a Nomad in training., Have done one trial run from Vic across Nullabor and climbed up to 26th parallel, loved W.A. saw amazing sites, vivid colors, eagles, emu’s, camels, roos., dolphins n whales., next trip Uluru n Lake Eyre. All I can say is “We are woman hear us roar”

Yay to Helen Reddy.! Her song inspired us all

Im with you Sharon. Im only 56 and have been travelling since August with my beloved greyhound Josie and have so enjoyed the independence and not having to ask someone else where you would like to go. I go wherever I please in my wee van and have become more adventurous as I go. I do the occasional house sit in between. But I have to say, I think its time for me to settle soon so I can build up a menagerie of animals. Finding that ideal spot is the big decision though. I love so many areas.Its difficult. Have to go where the heart is I guess

I just turned 52. Kids are no longer home…….Have a few bucks stashed away……How did you start out?

Hi, am very interested in the solo female travelers comments. I recently purchased my second van and traveled to NT in it. It’s a 210 VW fitted out with double bed, fridge, water and good storage. I am getting better at it as I have found you don’t need to take as much as when you first start out. I am also better organised as now when using anything I make sure it goes back in the same place. I have been in free camps and they vary. Some have toilets, some showers and some nothing except perfect scenery and bird sounds (JOY). Ladies, just do it and honestly it’s not as expensive as you may think. I am on a low budget and still manage. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke so it’s just my food and fuel. If any ladies want to form a group for traveling message me. I am on the forum under the name of ‘adreamer’. Also I live in SA. Helen

Hi Helen……wouldn’t it be great to form a ??? Whatever to connect us all I am 62 got my own van and great new Toyota I’m retired and fit and well Have done a few trips and love the solo life but would love to perhaps travel in convoy????? Even for just a trip???? Something that gives us some company but without compromising our independence and freedom to do what we want

Hi Heather, I’m 65 and now thinking of getting a ? To travel in around Australia, not sure I would be experienced enough with a caravan but do you have any suggestions how I can start out, Are there groups of women? Etc could travel with where will u find the contacts…

I would love to have a talk with you Helen as I have an avan aliner and would really love go go travelling. My kids keep saying you can’t go on your own. I am 74 but have no serious illnesses but bad knees.

Of course we need to consider that we are physically capable of setting up alone. I don’t want to have to set up.a bed every night.

Hi Helen, I’m heading off soon in my little camper, just me and my dear aged doggie. I love time alone to read and just be. I’ll be heading South Australia way later in August.

Hi, I am 56 years and travelling has been a fantasy of mine since I was 17 years. I will be getting things organised in about 4-6 months and now the reality is coming closer I am freaking out a little. I am not great with directions but hopefully navigating systems have improved since my last GPS. It would be nice to meet up with other solo travellers along the way as I have read that couples can sometimes avoid single females.

Hi, Solo people, truly love to travel around Australia, don’t know where to start. Leaving Perth, not sure to go through Gorges to NT, Qunsland,NSW,Melbourne,Hobart and South Australia. What do you think, have You a better way, please help if you can. With Thanks Dianna Ps. My children don’t want me to go alone, but I would rather go solo.

I travelled with another female friend fromm geelong to Ayres rock and back in April 2016 woud love to part of a group, I realy want to do more trips aroud Australia but with other like minded females, I hopw we get a group up and tripping off some where soon

I have just purchased my first motorhome and would love to know any solo women travellers that are travelling in convoy, did you form you’re group, I live in Gympie qld and would love to join in with other likeminded women and would appreciate any help to do this

Hi Helen my name is Rhonda I am looking at Motorhomes at the moment with a view to travelling around Australia and the idea of being in a convoy appeals to me as I am not brave enough to do it solo. I live in Victoria and would be pleased if you could contact me with any information you feel like sharing.

Hi Helen my name is Rhonda, I am wanting to get in touch with you with regards to travelling in a group I am in Victoria and have not travelled before.

Hi Helen I have just purchased a motorhome and I am 71 but want to join up with those adventurers out there I am going to rent my home and go for it for 2 years any hints for me please thank you Joy

A woman’s forum for solo women sounds great. I am living with my kids and am contemplating selling house and getting a van. Its a bit scarey to do by yourself but I guess you get more confident as you go. Is there ant tag a long vanners out there?

Hi Helen, I am 50, and single, I am having a camper trailer built by my son and would love to meet up with a convoy of women also enjoying my independence and ME time but company to chat about adventures. Meeting up at different places and time and chatting online would be wonderful. I have not set off yet but I am so close to just packing up and going, knowing there is a group of like-minded women out there to join up with will make the move so much easier for me. July would be my set off time as my rent al home contract finishes. I have just lost my mum and just feel I need to go, I have no idea and quite frankly I don’t care at the moment. I will be travelling with two small dogs and feel like being free.

Hi Helen, juust found this site, not much chop on the computer but i long to travel around oz., haven’t got my campervan yet but I’m looking. I would like to perhaps go in convoy with likeminded women. Do you know of any groups that dothis. My name is Moya and I’m 75 yrs. young.

Hi, I am interested in connecting with you please as I am about to embark on a trip on my own after years of heartache and grief….I hope you will connect with me to share and teach me a few of the ups and lessons you experienced. Thank you

Hi Helen Just going through the blogs for women travelling and would love to know more. I’m 60 with van kids are all busy, have dogs not much in $$ and haven’t left Cairns yet. Cheers Di

I feel the exact same way as you. I need to see this place I was born in. I don’t drink or smoke. Would love to do something out of my comfort zone. Its quite scary but I’m willing to try. I think about travel but nothing ever happens mainly I have no one to share with I’ve been 20yrs on my own, & I like you, I like my own company. It would be good to meet you. Regards Rosita.m

I live in Adelaide and have done some extensive travel throughout SA. Solo and some mother daughter trips. Two daughters. I’m keen to join an SA group for weekend getaways. Currently not a van owner but hiring custom made vans to get an idea of what works for me. Van or tow/camper/caravan?

i am 66 this year always wanted to travel around Australia . I have 4 grown up sons and 11 grand kids. just retired and i live in a relocatable home in Newcastle really not wanting to sit here and die do not a thing. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO START to go on my bucket list

hello rosemary I have been traveling in my motorhome mostly trips to avoid winter for years i love it but am looking for someone with similar rig to travel with this year.I am in my late 60 s now.very experienced traveler. please contact me.Pam

Hi Lana have recently bought a van and thinking of going to WA

HI, I AM A 64 YR OLD WA GIRL LOOKING TO JOIN WITH OTHER SOLO TRAVELLERS OR GROUPS. I HAVE DONE A FEW TRIPS IN MY 16 FT POPTOP BUT DO FIND IT A BIT LONELY AT TIMES. HOPE TO FIND LIKE MINDED PEOPLE IN PERTH OR SURROUNDS. CHEERS CHERYL

Yep, thats what i want to know. 64, any tips?

Helen – what type of vehicle did you go with? I’m thinking about it but need to investigate vehicles and costs first. Grateful for advice.

Hi Helen, I’ve had 3 motorhomes and they have all been Fiats. Great to drive and I have liked them very much.

Hi Helen. I’d live to know how you find travelling with a dog. I’m thinking of buying a camper van and doing it next year. I know I won’t be able to go to national parks etc. also worried about times you need to leave them alone in the van. I know it’s illegal, but would never leave her without top windows open, and parked in shade. Any other tips?

Hi Judy I am looking to buy a campervan at the moment. I have a small dog who I want to travel with. Around Australia is not out of the question but would try to dodge the hot months. I hope to meet other solo travellers – female and male. I am also looking for solo groups to do small trips with.

hi, i am just starting to think about solo travel in the oz outback..i am working out the practicalities; is having a dog a barrier, i have a small size dog and wondered if this would be a problem in my travels.

Are you in a caravan or motorhome?

Hi I am now 62 and hopefully will hit the road in 3 year. I plan to purchase a motorhome and travel Australia….perhaps a bit of work nursing if I can get it. Can’t wait! Would love to hear from other single nomads (not grey yet) Leonie

LEONIE good on you for taking the next step in lifes journey Australia is such a beautiful place in this world

Hi there, I am a nurse and just about to set off from Cairns with a camping trailer pulled by my trusty Mazda 2. I am taking 2 months to Criss cross Queensland. This is a trial run for me before I change to a 4 wheel drive next year and head right around Australia. I am a nurse too but at 65 may work or may not. I do like a beer or one glass of wine a night so will factor that into my expenses! Interested in other single women travelling around Queensland. Taking my beaglier Toby so won’t be able to see national parks this time round.

Hi to all that are doing it. I am 65y now, but over the last 4 years I have been camping with my box trailer with ever think in it. I have sold my box trailer in the last 6 months with all my camping things. In the last 5 months I have got my self a small caravan call the Little Nipper. Will be going away after the school hoildays now down the NSW Coast. Nice to hear other woman are doing it too. Would love to meet up with others like me. Well done girls.

This is something that I have always wanted to do.Am looking forward to it and meeting new people on the go.

Hi my name is judy i am 74 and healthy excepy for crook knees i have an a van a liner and have done 1 trip in it with my granddaughter but would like to meet other people interested in travelling australia dont have 4×4 butgood car to pull the van

Hi Judy Where do you live – I am also interested in maybe travelling in convoy at times – I am 68 yo

I wouldn’t be starting out until at least mid December.. are some convoys organized?

I am 73 & have been widowed for 10 years. I live in Brisbane & do a road trip to Patcgewollock in ME Victoria each year. I have a 20 y.o. Toyota Land cruiser & have a portable bed set up in the back. Interested in reading all these comments.

Hi Jenny Still in Cairns thinking of taking off in van as first run. Be good to catch up when your back. Cheers Di

Hi Leonie, I’m a nurse and looking at purchasing a motor home to explore Oz on my own terms in the near future. You sound so similar to me. It’s comforting to know there are other single brave women out there wanting to spread their wings and travel Oz too. I would feel safer travelling with other like minded women, I would not ever travel on my own. So looking forward to the day when I can just take off and be spontaneous. I am 60 years old and love where I’m at in my life . Love this forum. Alex

Hi. I’m just wondering did it take you long to be able to drive with a caravan? Or would you recommend a motor home.? I’ve just been thinking of traveling but I done have a partner to go with. Thankyou

I am constantly amazed at the number of people in couples who tell me I am “so brave” to be travelling on my own. “What if you sprain your ankle while you are out walking alone?” By this logic solos would never do anything and its a wonder we even survive on our own at home. Seriously, do it while you still can ! Take sensible precautions by all means but don’t let fear stop you.

I agree with you , some people think females are not capable to travel solo . Do not be afraid . Once you try it you will not stop . Itchy feet for dsure

Hi Sharon. Thanks for the comment! I just sold my Jayco Outback expanda due to a separation and I am heart broken as I LOVED the travel. Then I had a thought…..maybe I can do this myself with my kids!!! My husband did all the mechanical stuff and I haven’t a clue but I’m willing to learn. Could you tell me what caravans you have seen the solo ladies pulling? I don’t want anything as big as an Expanda as I seriously have no skills. Are there any more female friendly caravans on the market that you have noticed in your travels. I appreciate any thoughts or comments. With kindness, Jane

I am a newby,62 years old, getting geared up to travel Australia in 2016, travelling alone but hoping to meet like-minded girls! A bit nervous, but what the heck!

Dont be scared Rachel. There is always help out there if something does goe skewiff but my attitude is positive and dont expect anything to go wrong and it hasnt really. Be excited. After a few months, you will start to feel like your a part of nature again and belong there.

Hi Rachel, I am 60 in April. Thinking of pulling the pin on work using some super to get organised. Any Tips.

Rachel and all the females out there. Just do it,travell.see what a great place we have here.I plan on selling up next year, and travel abit myself, me and Rex my dog. Hope to see all the girls on the road somewhere some time.

Has anyone travelled with a cat? I am so happy I found this site . It is so inspirational reading all of the comments. I am 66 and became a widow Christmas 2015 and had to return to work. I pay a ridiculous amount of rent and lately have been yearning to sell everything and travel. My Pajero is 10 years old but I don’t have a van although the 4WD is wired for a van. It seems as though when a woman loses a partner or parent they want to travel , be independent and have the freedom to do what they want. That is exactly how I have been feeling as well. I admire all of you wonderful adventurous ladies. Thank you

yep I am planning for a longterm trip when I turn 65 (am 62)…I can’t wait but would love to hear all the stories..we need to get together and chat

I have been travelling solo with van in tow for about 5 years and love the flexability.There are times it would be nice to share however I do make the most of any opportunities that come my way

I am going to travel in my Jayco Hawk this year. Just need a little more practice on setting up, towing not a problem . I will be one own and in my 70s also . Nothing to lose ,but lots to gain . Loved caravanning with my husband , so will take “baby steps” first . I know he would have approved .

Good on you Maureen, how’s the travelling ?

I am just about to join the single grey head nomad women and really looking forward to the adventure. The most daunting part is crossing the Nullabour on my own, but I am sure I can do it.

Ladies I congratulate you all as I think it is a wonderful achievement.

Go girls, why not make a club and hitch together to go to certainmplaces, great idea.

yes I am starting to think about this-but I want to latch onto a group somewhere too. How does one go about doing that?

love going solo, do what you want to do ..go where you want to go..see what you want to see..for how long you want to do it for..not having to look AFTER ANYONE.

I’am thinking of buying a motorhome and do some travelling solo. Any advice from motorhome owners would be greatly appreciated.

Iam looking to buy a motorhome in a few weeks and travel I may ,I have travelled australia with my husband for 10 years but he passed away 3yrs

Yes ..I travel in a Motorhome ..not too big .21ft ..a caravan is good too …but if you are looking in the long term ..a motorhome is easier ..when you get to a ‘certain age’ …!!!no hooking /unhooking ..reversing …just stop …and start enjoying …good luck …

I think this is to be the life for me!

Hi am solo just 70 do

Hi am solo just 70 do a lot of travelling and fishing in n,.z and would like to do more in australia, Ill be brave and join you girls, have sante fe and expander small van. See you on the road.

I have done many trips on my own. Spent 4 months doing part of the lap. Have just done the Outback Way. What a trip. To anyone contemplating a trip – just do it. Be friendly. Be open but maintain a distance if you are not comfortable. Love free camps.

Have always travelled with hubby, but now alone at 57. I was assuming travelling in a motorhome would be easier by myself, but I see some of you are towing. How do you hook up alone? Do you have very light vans? Full of admiration and you are inspiring me to get away.

Hi Christina and the other grey nomad women out ther I am planning a trip around this great land of ours next year my husband passed 5 years ago I have set off many times to do the block but I chicken out but this time I am determined I do it this time. I am planning to set off next year from qld I have a 16ft pop top about end of February early March so hopefully I will be on the road and not chicken out. I have done quite a few trips on my own Longreach,Winton ,Melbourne but the big one is a bit frighting (even though I am woman Lol) but I am determined to do it next year regards Sue

Susan how are your plans going. I have also bought a 16ft pop top , hoping to venture out alone….feeling a bit anxious about it all but determined also to try…first trip gold coast to broome may 2016

Hi Sandra, did you do your trip to Broome?? How was it?? I am hoping to drive to Broome from Brisbane later this year or next year. Would be interested to hear how you went…..

Hi Susan, I also an going to start my first solo trip around march I have a caravan I see you are from qld I am from Bribie Island hope to hear from you

You will do it………yes you can, if you need a bit of company on the road, rent or buy Talking Books. One wonderful title is Jack and Harry,. You will find your travel miles fly by, and you will have a smile on your face

I am also contemplating doing a solo trip around Australia. I am 60, anxious and a bit freaked out, but hopefully by April will have a small caravan and off I go. I live in Brisbane, and plan to stay at free camping sites and do volunteer work along the way. Love to meet up with other solo female travellers.

Hi Raye I am 60 this year and planning to buy a small 4 wheel drive and a camper trailer with a view to initially small trips from Brisbane and expanding from that. Would love to hear how your plans and experiences are going. Cheers Wendy

You ladies give me hope for the future

Pleasantly surprised to hear quite so many women going solo around Australia. I plan to do it 2016, sleeping in my station wagon, with a tent ‘sleeve’ over the tail gate. A cheap set-up, with no towing. For company, I would be interested in joining a club, anywhere, which has camping as one of its activities. Any suggestions out there? Have considered four wheel drive clubs, but that means buying a new car.

I’m going the same way, Colleen–station wagon and tailgate tent for a bit of extra space. Plan to wander at will and perhaps an occasional house sit. I have a little dog who’ll be coming with me, and just some basic camping gear. I’ll probably leave soon after Christmas–from WA. Might see you out there depending on where you’ll be leaving from? If not, all the best. To you and all the other travellers wandering around Australia. Can’t wait to join you all

Hi Fran..just wondering how you are going living out your dream in your station wagon..I am trying to get up courage to go alone..are you confortable living in your wagon? It would be much cheaper for me to use my dmax than buy a motorhome. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Safe travels..Marlene P

To all you lady’s. Yes it would be great to set up a club. Our just get together some were and have fun in our travels around Australia I am in Camden NSW 2570

Hi Christine – has anything come of setting up a club – I would be interested in this also – I live Woodcroft Sydney

Hi Christine, Just noticed you live in Camden. I live nearby in Tahmoor and have been researching motorhomes for some time. Moving house soon and intend travelling in the next few months. Any news on convoy trips with ladies? I love driving up and down the east coast in my car on my own as my husband prefers to stay around home. I have family and friends along the way for company and to stay with but will soon be independent when I have the motorhome.

I am a Widow of nearly 4 years now and at 56 thinking of selling up in 2016 and do some travelling myself but not sure on what sort of van to buy thinking of a pop top. Don’t mind the idea of going on my own but is there any groups available for us for the odd bit of company or convey. This site has given me inspiration to do it. PS I can’t reverse a van for peanuts but have heard there are a lot of caravan parks that will do it for you?

Hi Sharmaine, I cannot advise you on what kind of van to get, I have a 16ft caravan and not good at backing just hoping some one is there to help me, this is my first trip alone,what state are you from? I am going free camping, hope to catch up one day

I live in Queensland, Wamuran. I still work part-time and have nine days off in row. Looking at trips around airports to quickly fly back to Brissy for my five days work then head off again. I am going to go and get a book on Free Camps. Hope to catch up with other like minded travelers also.

Me again Sharmaine. you may have seen a little further up I am from Bribie you can download Wiki Camp on your phone it only cost about $7.95 also the Camp book from RACQ about $60.00 at any sports shop I have found Wiki the best, keep in touch nita

Hi sharmaine….rene here…had coaster…caravan…etc…but a toyota hiace is great…you have a bed…can drive easily…turn and park at ease…have an extra 4 man…easy to pop up tent for chairs…cloth dryer or changing room or set up kitchen…i found…either i lay in the van to read…sleep or rest…or am out and about…and tent gives extra room and shelter…make your mind up as you go…otherwise you spend too much money…and bigger means more costs…toyota hiace is great to start of with…cheers

Thankyou for your comments Rene. This week I made up my mind to retire in 22 months. And then travel Australia. I was thinking a Hiace would be best for me as I’m a clumsy parker on a good day. reading your comment reassures me. I’m going to start looking for the Hiace, I’ll have to turn it in to a ‘home’ myself as motor homes are too expensive on my budget. But YAY I can’t wait!

To any of you ladies wanting to travel alone, good on ya and my advice is GO FOR IT! I promise you won’t regret it. Ive got a lovely comfortable 2 berth motorhome which is perfect for a solo traveller. Sadly Ive got to sell it so if any of you want to think about buying it ………… !?

Hi Zanadoodah, I’m contemplating buying a two berth motorhome but wondered how you found not having a separate vehicle to get around in?

I am after a 2 berth motorhome. Am checking out a few, please send me details of yours or direct me to where it is listed. Cheers Lorri e

Hi Lorraine I am 67 and travel /live in a 20 foot Horizon Melaluka motorhome it’s easy to drive cheap to run I use it like a car I bought it brand new with 5 year full warranty and road side assist. I chose a motorhome because I can just climb into the drivers seat and drive off if I need to. By the way I only free camp

I have recently purchased a Mitsubishi Triton ute and a 24 ft caravan and expect to head off around Australia in late March. Not sure yet if I go clockwise or anti-clockwise. I will have my dog Ruby with me and expect some visitors to fly in at certain parts of the trip. I look forward to meeting likeminded singles. BTW I’m 64.

I am female, 64 and a retired teacher. I am thinking about travelling around Australia but have no experience with caravanning/camping yet. Ideally would like to share with another female who needs a companion. I have a small dog too. Any advice would be appreciated.

Marion, I am thinking of doing the same thing as am retired now. How did you go, did you decide to purchase any type of vehicle yet? It’s a big step but I think that we have to be brave. Let me know

You ladies give me so much inspiration. At 45 I am taking off alone shortly. Looking at a motorhome or van as I have never towed and with a bad back and security feel its a betrer way than a van for me. Living in North Brissy and cant wait to find some peace and to live a little 30 years of being a mum has taken its till. Now I am single I dont want to hold back and wait on someone else anymore.

I am in the same situation Deb. Going to pack up and go for 6 months. Kids can take a toll. I am north Gold Coast and 46

Im 42 and heading on the road next month with my van and ute and my cat

So many women planning on travelling Oz. I’m so blown away from all of your stories. I’m buying a motor home in the near future because I know once I start travelling I won’t want to stop. It wouldn’t be hard to form a group. It sounds like there are hundreds of women wanting other woman to travel with . Good on you ladies. Live your dream because we are not here for a long time.

Sounds great for the Aussie single women Having a go because unfortunately l haven’t seen any out there Being an Aussie single male Darn it Lol Kevin

Probably lots of Kevins on the road. Not sure if ive met you.The Kevin I met was at Mossman QLD under a bridge.Have you a white landcruiser? Because Ive been on the road ever since. Bumped into you again at Daintree.Talking about 2yrs ago approx.Anyway just wondering. Cheers.

Hello, I’m Steve, I know that bridge, Mossman river underneath ? It’s one of my favorite places on the planet !!

It’s wonderful to read all your comments. I am 65 and recently widowed and intend hitting the road in the not too distant future. My main quandry is – do I go the more expensive mobile home route or go for a caravan. It’s just the hooking and unhooking of the caravan that concerns me. Any comments from others would be gratefully received.

Gael, I was in same situation always had caravans but now single at 65 I thought it best to buy Motorhome. I also thought the hooking & unhooking would be too difficult. I have had it 6 months & love it. I want to go on trip down south to Great Ocean Road but still a bit chicken.

Val if you have a motor home you can also travel. Where you want

Hi Geoffrey I liked your comment if you have a motor home you can go where you like. I am looking to purchase some kind of RV vehicle but being a women not that confident, does NRMA come and help if needed?

I bought a older caravan 3 years ago spent money on it and found I couldn’t do what a male can do so it has sat for nearly 3 years. I now have made a decision to use my last bit of savings and trade it in and buy a mobile home and again pluck up the courage to travel alone. Thanks for all the encouraging comments on going it alone

I did the same – bought a small caravan but not confident with the towing etc, now trying to figure out what type of motorhome or camper to get – need to sell the van then off I go – have you decided what to get yet? good luck

Hi Pam Are you on the road? I hope your travelling safe & happy Im about to join happy travellers, am purchasing a Motor home as I do not want to be hitching a van, planning on doing short trips with friends first, Just to see what I can’t go without. II worked at a big service station and asked several travellers about their trips, one lady said the only thing she couldn’t go without was her coffee mug……it did make me laugh

I sold our caravan and bought a campervan 2 years ago after my husband decided he did not want to travel any more. I have always wanted to travel Australia so I continue on my own to make a couple of trips a year. I have just returned from Tasmania and hope to make a trip to Cairns in the winter. I am 73 and will do this for as long as I can. It is good to hear all your stories and I hope I meet some of you.

I have a 30 year old Toyota Camper, stay in free camps whenever I can and have done several solo long trips (6 – 8 months). It was a bit scarey when I first started and every noise woke me up but you soon get used to it. I’ve met some wonderful people and seen so much. JUST DO IT

It’s so inspiring to read about all you adventurous women! I’m 52 and just looking for my first vehicle to go off adventuring! I’m tempted by a Landcruiser Troopy campervan which will give me the freedom to go offroad freecamping as I love – more adventure but less space and comfort. Or should I go for a slightly bigger motorhome, eg VW Transporter, with a permanent bed and toilet/shower, more comfort but less off road capability? What do others think? Thank you!

WOW! I’m inspired ladies!! Ive just turned 50 and my daughter is graduating high school this year and heading off to the defence gap year. I’m thinking….maybe a change is in order and after reading your posts I think this may be it! keep blogging please!

Hi ladies I’m seriously considering selling my unit and buying a campervan to live in permanently. I have fallen in love with a new two berth Fiat Ducato $105,000! It would be built to my specs. I would be totally independent with solar and gas powered everything. I have a couple of concerns – security and social isolation. Any thoughts?

That sounds great, I’m looking to buy some sort of vehicle to travel in, am also single. Need something reliable, lot’s of questions, out of comfort zone as well.

You will be fine. You will love Mother Nature and how she communicates in many voices. You feel alive and awake, clear and confident . Being away from a house, subheards, and cities, and normal every day to day living is such s blessing . I got my camper van 2 months ago and am 63 and I will be out in nature for as long as I can. It’s life changing . Women deserve its nurturing and beauty .

Hi Salana – good on you. What type of campervan did you get? I am so undecided and that is holding me back……thanks for any help!

Hi Salana Thanks for your inspiration. I do,work long hours, shift work and have had enough. I’m only 56, married, but hubby doesn’t want to travel. I’ve got 4 months long service coming up and looking at a Toyota Camper van to do my solo travelling in. Would love to head off into the Wild, so to speak but feel a bit daunted by all the planning. Where do you get all your travel tips, info from? I have travelled solo before, so that doesn’t bother me.

Travel with other like minded ladies. You will soon gain confidence. Go do it Julie. Women can do anything. I’m selling my home too. Buying a motor home. Can’t wait to be free.

Hi Ladies ,I have a Toyota pop top campervan and have short trips away with friends but would love to have a few longer trips with some female company and support.I am 59 employed on a casual basis and recently single.I am very active love to walk swim and ride my bike.Keen to do a trip around Tasmania and walk a few National Parks and also a visit to Ayres Rock. Would there be any ladies out there with similar interests,cheers Linda

Hi Linda, I too have a Toyota campervan and just completed my first trip around Tassie. Amazing and I didnt want to return after 5 weeks. I’m in SA, 52, single and work crazy hours in high stress job.. Have long service from October this year and contemplating a year without pay to head off while I have the opportunity and health on my side. Would love to meet up or convoy with other solo women at times.

hi all, just joined, enjoy reading your comments, am solo male and love traveling in my van,[will never stop] enjoy fishing, reading ,play cards, but yes it does get lonely on your own,,, keep up your comments …

Hi Fellow travellers,

Im looking for contact with a group of travellers to meet up with. I have a caravan which I learnt to hitch back and travel with. Im a widow 57 years old. The children have their own lives now. Time to explore this beautiful country. I mostly want to free camp. Im really over maintaining a home and property. Been there done that!

Hi Carol I have just retired and need to purchase some type of a home on wheels not sure what type. I would like to travel around oz as well, am at south Lake Macquarie

have just bought a hilux matilda and it is fantastic.My dogs and I are free camping every 2nd weekend and hope to catch up with some of you soon.Jude from SA

Hi Jude – I am keen on getting a Matilda Hilux too – but a bit nervous about making that final big decision. Is it your only vehicle or are you permanently on the road? I don’t like the idea of towing and would like a bit of space. sounds and looks like my way to go………thanks for any info.

Sick of the Mother in law taking my husband and two lads for a holiday twice a year, I never get an invite. This January I plan to stick an esky and mattress in the back of the SUV and drive and explore. I don’t know if I will head North or South from Brisbane yet. Any ideas.

Gee you are brave. I have just retired am on my own and want to travel oz. I have never been anywhere on my own am worried about leaving all my plants and house alone. I need a vehicle to purchase a vehicle to live in as well, boy it’s confusing.

Helena. Head north for winter. South for summer. Or you could spin s coin heads north. Tails south lol

I’m 42 and buying my first caravan. I’m a solo travelller as well. Was nervous buying a van without a bathroom being on my own and having to leave my van at night to use amenities or equivalent. Any advice would be great.

All you ladies are so inspiring!!

My first solo trip was in 2008 at 29 years of age, I had decided to attend “The Border Run” where each year on the 1st Saturday night in August motorcyclists from all over Australia meet at Border Village (on the Eyre Highway at the SA/WA border). After much gazing at the map, I decided to turn left at Port Augusta on the way back (I lived in Canberra at the time), visit Uluru then turn east at Three Ways and back through outback QLD. I camped most of the way at roadhouses with free camping, I met so many grey nomads on my way and everyone was really friendly. I loved travelling solo, always on my own schedule, it was so great. I did a ‘lap’ with a girlfriend in 2010 and I much prefer travelling solo.

For the 2008 trip I bought a “SPOT” tracker, which sends a GPS message and plots your location on a map, I got it so my mum could watch it and see that I was okay. I remember in the lead up to the trip so many people were negative about me travelling out to the centre of Australia on my own, I’m so glad I didn’t listen to them.

In 2012, at a lookout on the Bunda Cliffs I met a lady called Barb. Barb was in her 70’s, lived in WA and was returning from QLD. She always travelled alone and just slept in her car. I was so amazed by her, and inspired.

Well now it’s 2016, I was injured in an accident in 2013 and haven’t been able to work since. I have seriously been considering selling up my house and buying a campervan (Hiace, etc). I currently have a Subaru Outback and just discovered today about tents that go on the back of station wagons, actually it was that Google search that brought me here. So now I’m weighing that option up against a van. I do like my Outback, it is reasonably good on my back.

The biggest advice I’d give to anyone heading out on their own would be to listen to your gut instinct! If you feel uneasy about a place, move on.

I’d also love to hear from anyone who has gone travelling in a station wagon or a van about your experiences and set up.

Hi all, my name is Ken and I live on the central Coast of NSW I am impressed there are so many of you out there doing great things, I have been widowed for five and a half years, had a great marriage for 34 years ,kids are all married and I have four grand kids. Just turned 60 , retired from work and bought a new Lotus Freelander and am fit and ready to travel the country. I must say I am a bit nervous about it also , the loneliness for me is the big issue as I do like company as much as being alone at times. Where do I start.?

Hi Ken, you could join our group if you wish. It’s called Solo Campers. The next one is at Iluka 17-21 November – you may not live far from there. If you want you could come and meet those of us who are there. We are a mixed gourd and there will be several men at this camp. Do call in if you are not far away, we would love to meet you.

Helen I have a widowed friend that lives on the East Coast. I would like to tell him about your group, because he tells me that no one talks to a man who is alone. Can you give me the details. He will be up that way around the time of your camp, but he is shy so I am not sure he will come along. He loves his caravan so it would be good if he did.

Hi Ken. I’m also on Central Coast. I’m also in a solo camping group. Just missed out on going to my first event due to ill health after buying the whole tent set up but hope to use it on another camp soon. Have you camped before? Maytry a free camp close to home as a solo before venturing further afield on my own.

A friend and I have just started a solos group in South East Qld. We have 26 of us “on the books” and usually get quite a good roll up at each of our monthly camps. I would like to do the lap but would not consider this alone although I know some who have.

Do you know of any Solo Campers group in WA? I am married but lonely and love meeting people and travelling, but don’t have Van or Motorhome so will have to tent for the time being. Does anyone need a companion?

Hi Helen I have just purchased my first motorhome and would like to meet some other solos with view to making friends and maybe travelling the loop with others I am 68, retired bus driver , widowed and I live in Gympie I would love to hear from your group

My name is sam….i am 66 solo lady …..about to retire…and move in to my pop to travel for a couple of years…would really like to be part of a solo group … i am scared, anxious, worried ..and have a thousand questions…what is your group called….would love to meet you all…

I have just found this site. I started travelling solo, towing a 13ft van in 2010 aged 65. I loved it. Backing is a problem for me so I ask the nearest male to help me. No one has yet refused. I too was very nervous about security, but honestly I have never had an issue. I free camp, but only where there are toilets and I never stop if there is no one there. Boredom while driving is my biggest problem, but not now that I have talking books. I am a golfer so stop everywhere for a game. I join the ladies/men on their comp days and that way I have wonderful company. Plus I always sit outside to have a “happy hour ” wine and usually someone joins me or I go join others. Sometimes it’s hard to make that move, but is well worthwhile. Travelling has been the best thing I have done – and you can all do it too.

Hello. I’m 69 and travelled on my own in a Toyota Campervan 5 years ago. I’ve now got the urge to travel again but would like to do it with a small camper trailer as the van is no more. Has any female about this age tried it with a camper trailer? how easy is it to erect and pack away? thanks for any advice

Colleen, please learn to back up and hitch. My husband “wouldn’t” let me out otherwise. WE need to be able to do everything the guys do, including changing a wheel. You may be in a position one day when there is no male around. Jo, do you mean a tent trailer? or a Jayco type camper trailer. Both require some physical effort. I think a small pop top might be the best idea. 12 to 15 foot.

Save this space for me. I am going to retire in about two years and on my bucket list is to do a solo journey, in ? Something, Any tips and advice gladly received. I would prefer something smaller but don’t want too small. Would like to do some casual work on the way round too.

I travelled over most of Austrlia with my husband. He passed away this year and his last wish we to keep travelling. I have traveled on my own recently on my own but it was lonely. I would like to travel with others.. I am on the Gold Coast.

Hi i am 64 and have just purchased a small teardrop caravan and want to start with short trips until i get the hang of doing it solo. I live in the south west of WA and would love to meet like minded women wanting to do the same thing

I would suggest Kalbarri as a good place to head. Good roads , plenty of people who help . I normally stop at Jurien as I to come from the south west . Then onto Kalbarri. I travel solo and have for the last two years … There are some amazing people out there. Being solo does not hinder socialisation ..

Hi Jennifer, I live at Lake Clifton. I have purchased a Mercedes Sprinter Motor home and am looking at doing a small trip or two before Christmas then taking off after the school holidays. If you or any other ladies want to tag along contact me and we ould have a meet up. Best wishes All Jane

Hi Jennifer I live in SW WA also and am trying to work out what sort of ban would be a good option for travelling. My first thought is a Toyota camper van but there don’t seem to be lots for sale. I have traveled on my own up north after working.

Opinions please on travelling the Nullabor in Jan/ Feb. solo of course . Are there sufficient stop overs and amenities for caravans . In my late seventies,but very fit …

Hi everyone, I am a single 60 yr I have 5mt pop top camper, just back from a weeks trip down east coast of Victoria & find at times bit lonely! Also went on trip to SA far as Robe last March. Would be interested in local meet up group for long weekends away in Victoria. I’m from Geelong/Bellerine area. Jewel

I just took possession of my new 20′ caravan – never towed before…but hoping to learn fast. My first trip (leaving Brisbane Oxley on the 9th Jan) down to Parkes in NSW for the Elvis Presley Festival and then Katoomba and then back through Tamworth for the Music Festival. 18 days in total. Anyone experienced female caravanners out there interested in doing trip with me? I am 56 – enjoy a wine at night. Should be a fun time. Is anyone heading that way? I wasn’t able to get a caravan site at Parkes or Tamworth but staying at nearby towns – apparently they run shuttle buses to these events from these towns. Cheers Donna

Hello Donna, I live reasonably close to Oxley and am looking to travel with company some time. I drive a Mercedes Sprinter moterhome and have been doing some travel solo for the past few years. It would be nice to have some company to do things

I have got so much out of this blog and feel empowered. I’m 56 and recently single. I have been looking for a way I can safely travel solo as I have a troublesome back so can’t lift much weight. I am thinking I will struggle with a towbar but maybe I could manage something like a teardrop. If I was to buy a small motor home I would have to pay two regos and insurances as I still travel 30 min to work as a nurse and have another car. I would love to join a support group of solo travellers for advice and hopefully meet up on travels.

Hi there i have a teardrop which i love , did 4months on the roaded and love it , would have liked a travelling companion, I like free camping as caravan parks are far too expensive for me , i am in karratha WA visiting my son and have decided to make a trip over here next year maybe july austust when it is cooler. I live in Yamba NSW so if anyone would like to travel evan if it is a short trip contact me please . PS i am very easy going and do like a wine . Cheers

Hi everyone. I just found this article. I hope you are all getting closer to your dreams. It is a fabulous life and I wouldn’t let anything or anybody hold you back. I’ve travelled alone towing a 25ft van for the last 5 years. I’m only half way around too. I’m 51 now and I intend continuing until I can’t or cark . To those reluctant to be caravanning due to hitching and unhitching, it isn’t so bad and there’s a few tricks that make it easier and not ‘heavy’. I like the van because I can always ditch it and go off and shop or camp or anything else I want to do. Helen up there is trying to organise a bit of a solos get together in SA which I am attempting to point to. It will be great to meet some other people. I actually rarely see anyone on the road, but I do tend to stick to the bush and non inhabitated areas too. I mainly free camp and am well set up to do so comfortably. I hope you all take the leap. Life is great and our country is awesome.

Hi Robin What set up/van do you have to freecamp? I have a dog and don’t want to pay for campsites on the pension. I have a Toyota 4WD thats been good for camping in the remote Indigenous communities I have worked in but I think I need something with a fridge etc. Any thoughts please?

Good to see the spirit of adventure is alive & well with all you Aussie girls, for those of you a little hesitant to take the plunge,…..do it anyway !!, it’s such a beautiful country, get out there & enjoy it while you can !

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

1800 002 007

Womens Only Travel Tours

Women's only tour inspiration

Celebrate women through travel with our women only trips

Are you dreaming of breaking out of your daily routine? Whether you want to see the fairy-tale façades of Barcelona or the rose-red walls of Petra, our women only journeys are the perfect way to get a big dose of adventure with the support of an all-female group.

Explore the world with like-minded women

Want to see the world, but no one to do it with? Our women only tours let you share your experiences with female travellers from all over the world. As we take you on incredible journeys from the fjords of Norway to the islands of Greece, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich atmosphere of support, encouragement, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re a female solo traveller or a group of friends wanting to connect with like-minded women, our women only travel groups are all about making new friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

Travel with ease with women-led teams

Our women only tours are led by women, for women. You’ll have an expert team of female Travel Directors and Wellbeing Directors by your side, every step of the way. From the ancient temples of Egypt to the lush vineyards of Tuscany, our dedicated team of women will take you to the real heart of every destination you visit. They’ll also take the stress out of travel by planning all the logistics, so you can enjoy those pinch-me moments without worrying about a thing.

Connect with inspiring local women

On most of our women’s only tours, we go beyond the highlights and connect with local women. With visits to inspiring female artisans, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers across the world. Learn about Umbrian weaving in Italy with Marta Cucchia, the woman keeping this ancient tradition alive, visit the village of Demircidere and bake traditional bread with the most liberated women in Turkey, or share a meal with the women of the Iraq al-Amir Women's Association in Jordan.

Trafalgar Talks: Women in travel

Hear from Sarah, Catrin and Bridget, who between them have 88 years of Travel Director experience, discussing all things female travel.

Get in Touch Today

All you need to know about Women's Only Tours

What are the benefits of travelling on a women's only tour.

There are dozens of benefits from connecting with other women and forming friendships, to travelling with greater ease, confidence, and support. Many women feel free to be themselves and simply have more fun when travelling on women only tours. And forget about being the third wheel! Many solo women travellers prefer trips for women only, as it’s easier to meet like-minded women, share rooms, and avoid single supplements.

How do I plan a solo trip as a woman?

The easiest way to plan a solo trip as a woman is to first pick out your dream destinations and travel goals. Check out our women’s only tours and speak to our friendly team for inspiration. Then, all you have to do is book your favourite Trafalgar women’s only trip, pick your flights, pack a bag, and you’re on your way to exploring the world with a bunch of incredible women.

What are the best solo travel destinations for women?

There are dozens of destinations around the world that make for great solo trips for women. Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway and Sweden consistently rank as some of the world’s safest countries for solo women travellers, while our women only trips take you to more amazing destinations like the UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan… The hardest part is choosing just one trip.

What to pack for a women's only travel adventure?

Every woman’s packing list will be different, but the essentials remain the same. Always bring versatile, comfortable clothing, including a sarong or scarf for extra warmth or when modest dress is appropriate. Other essentials include a small first aid kit and refillable bottles for toiletries. You should also bring security items like a lock for your luggage and portable chargers, so you’re never stuck with a dead battery on your devices.

View All Ways To Go

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Gold Seal Protection

Zip Financing

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023

We’re all for women-only travel groups and tours, especially those who support women. This is why we are the leading travel company for women travel.

As a for profit company with a social impact mission to empower women through travel , our trips are not just for women, they are also led and focused on women at the destinations we visit. We want to have a positive impact in the travel industry by amplifying the efforts of amazing women.

We employ women, support women-owned businesses and are all for bringing women from all backgrounds together. Magic always happens.

Our guests often come from our Solo Female Travelers community on Facebook which counts more than 272,000 members. Sometimes they like to travel solo independently and other times they prefer to come on a women only tour to meet others or access harder to reach or more expensive destinations.

We’re convinced traveling solo in a group has many benefits and you should try it at least once in your life. This is where solo female travel packages come in. You leave the planning to the pros in women group travel and enjoy the trip!

In this article, you will find an extensive list of women travel groups and companies offering women only tours or specific departures for women traveling together. This list is always changing and updating so come back again before you book your next trip.

• 1 Solo Female Travelers Tours (Our tours!)
• 2 Surf Getaways
• 3 El Camino
• 4 Woander Tours
• 5 Purposeful Nomad
• 6 WanderTours
• 7 Adventures in Good Company
• 8 The Girls’ Guide to Paris
• 10 WHOA – Women High on Adventure
• 11 Wild Women Expeditions
• 12 The Women’s Travel Group
• 13 AdventureWomen
• 14 Explorer Chick
• 15 Sights and Soul Travel
• 16 Femscape Sojourns
• 17 Fit & Fly
• 18 SmarTours
• 19 Road scholar women
• 20 Other women travel groups to look out for
• 21 Why you should join a women travel group

Solo Female Travelers Tours (Our tours!)

Bucket list experiences and unusual places for life changing connections with local women and fellow travelers, great food & wine, fabulous company, culture, nature, wildlife and so much more! Our trips are designed by women, for women and are led by women.

We offer a range of luxury, personally curated experiences that have all the ingredients of a well-deserved vacation and adventure expeditions to unheard of places.

What makes us unique:

• We support local female owned businesses that make a difference and we amplify their efforts at equality. We believe in the power of putting our money where our mouths are and we aim for 100% female powered tours. Other women-only tour companies hire male guides or support businesses fully staffed by men.
• All our tours are female led , without a local female guide, there is no tour. We are not in it for the money, we want to shape the travel industry and provide more employment opportunities to women. We don’t fly in guides from overseas, we 100% trust our local guides.
• Many of our female travel tours are accompanied by a professional photographer to capture unforgettable moments and candid instants that will stay with you. We want you to be in the moment and not experience a trip through your camera.
• No single supplements: Come solo and we’ll pair you with another traveler.

Our destinations

+Hand picked curated experiences where every moment is special and unique. No buses and ticking off boxes, only meaningful connections and moments that will stay with you. Destinations nobody else goes to. Designed by women, for women and led by women. Photographer onboard several trips. Support women at the destinations.

-Limited available as we do not aim to become a massive tour company and keep our groups to a maximum of 10-14 guests only.

Have a look at the highlight videos of some of our trips:

Surf Getaways

As the name of this women travel company indicates, Surf Getaways is an Australian-based company offering surf holidays in various locations around the world.

Founded by a surf instructor with years of experience teaching at a fixed surf school and a surf lover, the company now offers getaways where both newbies and experienced surfers can enjoy a sports-holiday with lots of vitamin C.

Tours are for all levels and some of them allow non-surfing companions to join too.

+Small group, premium and unique experiences all about surfing with very experienced teachers.

-Trip geared towards surfing and less appealing for non-surfers. Destinations are still very Asia-Pacific focused.

Well-established Condé Nast is the publisher of several popular magazines among which Vogue, GQ and Condé Nast Traveler. They also launched a high-end line of women-only tours called Women Who Travel for women traveling together to appreciate the finer things in life.

These tours have a food and cultural focus and are organized by El Camino , curated by the Condé Nast Editors who also run a podcast on female travel and a large Facebook group.

Almost all tours include lots of evening music and dancing, cooking classes and real exposure to the local culture. There is also a trip photographer to take all those candid shots.

El Camino tours are quite different from the majority of other tour companies. They are bold and immersive in the real sense of the word. They feature artists in all areas, from food to crafts to music, and none of the usual touring. No checklist, no museums, no monuments.

+Small group, premium and unique experiences that are just not easy to find on your own. Installment plan. Lots of food and drinks, music and art. In-house photographer taking shots for you.

-Prices are on the high-end of the scale, in fact these are the most expensive of the trips on this list averaging about $300-$600 per day.

Woander Tours

Woander Tours is a great option for when you want to explore on a guided tour, on your own. They offer self-guided audio tours in cities like Edinburgh and Dublin, and give you the tools you need to explore your destination by yourself, but never alone.

In taking one of these tours, you will connect with your destination through the stories you’ll hear, the places you will see, and the people you will meet along the way.

These tours are carefully created to give you a local, unique and authentic experience; they work with local historians, small business owners, guides and travel bloggers to create the best possible itineraries.

The best part? You are in control of your own experience. They simply guide you to their favourite spots, landmarks and hidden gems at your destination. Each tour comes with a printable PDF-guide with directions as well as the audio.

+Connect with local people and experiences, and support local economies. No need to travel with a group or guide if you want to explore on your own time.

-There are limited destinations right now, so we look forward to more guides being released soon. Make sure you remain conscious of your surroundings with headphones in.

Purposeful Nomad

Purposeful Nomad focuses on what the name indicates, making sure that their trips have a positive impact, as they say “responsible, rewarding, safe, sustainable and ethical travel for women, by women”.

Their focus is on women-only, intimate and small group trips that go deeper and do not focus on the main tourist sites but on responsible tourism. Instead, you will learn something new like how to shear an alpaca or cook using traditional methods.

Days are spent at farms, beaches or at local foundations and charities fighting for women’s rights; there are yoga sessions and slow days by the sea. The emphasis of Purposeful Nomad is on slow travel.

+Get exposed to (mostly) women-owned charities and organisations from around the world and relax with lots of free time to simply take it all in. The purpose is to return recharged.

-Experiences tend to shy away from major tourist sites (not bad per se) and may not cover the key tourist attractions. Prices are on the high side.

WanderTours

Started, and almost always led, by Beth in 2008 as a means for her to take other women on some of the places she loves, WanderTours offers a small list of tours for women only (with some exceptions) that feel more like a group of friends getting together than a group tour company.

Beth encourages future guests to friend her on Facebook and get to know her better to decide if they would enjoy going on a trip.

She also hosts the She’s Bold Podcast , in which she shares stories of extraordinary women who inspire in many areas like travel, music, fitness, and more.

+The only women’s adventure travel company that organizes trips to Papua New Guinea giving you a unique opportunity (if pricey). Cozy and friendly, as if you were traveling with a friend.

-On the pricey side but this also includes a portion of the cost devoted to a local charity that usually works with women or children. Group tours are a bit larger than others (up to 16 guests).

Adventures in Good Company

Founded in 1999 by Marian Marbury, Adventures in Good Company focuses on adventure travel for women with emphasis on women of all ages.

Their trips have an outdoor focus and involve various level of activity depending on your choice. There is hiking across Greenland or the villages of Cinque Terre, kayaking in the sea, exploration in the Amazon or multi-sport trips with a bit of everything. Birders can marvel at Guyana and seafarers can sail in Turkey.

Because of the focus on nature, Adventures in Good Company has a strong responsible tourism charter and follows the leave no trace principles. Traveling slowly and being a fully remote team also helps contribute to sustainable travel.

In 2020 Kelly Kimple assumed ownership of the company, bringing fresh energy and a commitment to the vision and philosophy of guiding on which Adventures in Good Company was founded.

+A true outdoor tour company giving you the unique chance to explore the world on foot. Long years of experience. Wide portfolio of trips in the US. Clear audience of older women.

-The website feels a bit 2000s and is clunky and time consuming to navigate and filter due to the amount of trips (calendar view works best). Very US-focused in audience.

The Girls’ Guide to Paris

Founded by Doni, an American living in France, primarily with a focus on the country, The Girls’ Guide to Paris now offers 50+ different trips to destinations around the world with a touch of luxury, a welcome glass of champagne and a default no sharing policy.

You will find holidays ideal for mature women like wine trips, writing retreats, artist-themed itineraries and a wide range of destinations and curated trips to satisfy any craving. All solo travel female packages are mid to high end and prices are offered per room, but you can get a discount if you book with a friend.

Special SFT perk: Mention you heard about them from us and you will receive $100 OFF from any booking.

+Very strong culture, food & wine focus with a long tradition and track record delivering fabulous experiences for mature women.

-Trips are on the expensive side since the positioning is high end. No option for pairing guests to save on accommodation.

Damesly goes beyond typical group tours and focuses on travel, writing and photography workshops and trips of self-discovery where there are elements of coaching, mentorship and business brought together to help you find clarity or direction.

The company is the travel arm of Go Girl Guides and Women’s Travel Fest and has a strong bond in the creative community appealing to women who may work in the field, although open to everyone.

Trips are mid to high end and have a focus on culture and beautiful sites. Destinations are photogenic and perfect for those who love to photograph.

+Like-minded creative community of women with similar passion means you will be among your own. Workshop trips have a skill-building element. Reasonably priced for the mid-high end range of accommodations.

-Prices are on the high side. Guides are most likely foreign and not local. While guests are female, the businesses supported are often not.

WHOA – Women High on Adventure

WHOA is a boutique adventure-focused women travel company founded by Allison and Danielle in 2013 to offer active holidays such as hiking to Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro with a sustainable and responsible twist.

Their trips put travelers in touch with local women to facilitate cultural interaction and they are all about empowerment. The company works with small local female-owned businesses instead of bigger ones.

WHOA is all about inclusion and has even launched trips for plus sized women. As they put it “WHOA women find comfort in the uncomfortable. We bask in the sun and dirt. Never afraid to break a nail, a sweat or a stereotype. Adventure is an outlook and it’s how we choose to live.”

There are two types of trips on offer, adventures and expeditions and WHOA can also organise your own private group trip. The majority of the trips have a maximum of 12 to 18 participants.

+Fun and unapologetic with a strong responsible and sustainable tourism focus and women empowerment.

– Small tour company so limited list of tours and all very hardcore active (except for the Oktoberfest which may be tougher on the liver than the legs!). Some trips can be quite large (18 pax for Kilimanjaro). Although guests are female, guides aren’t always female or local.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions has been around for over 30 years and focuses on adventure and active trips for women of all ages.

They have wide portfolio of trips to many countries in the world all under the same active common denominator. They also have yoga retreats and safari expeditions.

As they put it “We encourage you to let go and get wild! We value freedom of expression and want to give you the space to maybe see yourself in a new light, outside of your regular responsibilities and everyday roles.”

Wild Women Expeditions also organises private trips for groups and has a couple of trips for teenage girls.

The company focuses on being in the moment so all trips start with a discussion on photography and videography and recommends guests to be in the moment and void constant social media updates. Likewise, they encourage participants not to bring drones.

+Experienced women’s tour company. Wide portfolio with several departures for some of the trips means it is easier to find the right one for you. 7-day risk free cancellation policy and the ability to pay in instalments.

-Slow and clunky website that makes it hard and time-consuming to search and compare. If you are someone who likes to document everything or take lots of photography and videography you may find the trip philosophy to be against it.

The Women’s Travel Group

The Women’s Travel Group was established in 1992 and has a portfolio of women trips that usually include more than one country and cater to an older demographic interested in having a more in-depth conversation about the culture, the politics and the history of a place. As its President, Phyllis Stoller, put it to us, “Our guides are for smart women who bring complicated questions.”

You will find some of the popular destinations as well as more unusual ones like Albania, Georgia or Madagascar.

Accommodation tends to be on the higher end and meals better than average. Emphasis is on culture and food and the itinerary is closed. No shopping stops and no free time. Prices are mostly all inclusive and there are no surprises or hidden costs.

Phyllis continues, “We often have a speaker who talks about the dark side of a country. For example, a human rights worker in Chile under Pinochet; an economic development expert in Albania; a Fistula Doctor in Ethiopia. We like controversy to get the group to talk.”

+More in-depth conversation to truly get under the skin of a place, unique to The Women’s Travel Group. No extras that aren’t included. Packed itinerary gets a lot in.

-Closed itinerary means you need to love the whole (or you can skip some parts). The website is a bit clunky; Information is hard to locate and compare so it might be best to reach out to them directly for the trips you are interested in.

AdventureWomen

Founded in 1982, AdventureWomen runs one of the oldest female travel group trips with a focus on adventure travel for women over the age of 35 who want to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.

The company was purchased by the current owner Judi Wineland and her two daughters in 2016, and today runs trips to 65 countries. As the company says, they are not a travel company but a relationship one.

In an interview Wineland says, “We’re kind of a tribe of sorts, seeking other like-minded spirits to share our adventures with. So, if you want to make travel experiences really transformational  for  women, it’s probably best if women are driving the ship.”

AdventureWomen has one of the widest portfolios of destinations and a strong and well-established track-record with a guide-ambassador combo per trip, surveys and research into female travel and lots more.

Like most other women travel groups in this list the company is female-owned and works with female-owned businesses. AdventureWomen also organizes private trips for your female group.

+Company with long experience in the industry. Huge array of destinations and a focus on community and relationship.

-Prices are very high for some of the trips considering they are for shared accommodations. Age restriction is both a plus and a minus and you should expect a higher age representation.

Explorer Chick

Explorer Chick is another a female adventure travel company for women traveling together to conquer new heights, and we mean that literally as well as figuratively.

They shy away from luxury and premium tours and instead focus on getting you back in nature and staying in the purest accommodations; tents, yurts and huts.

As they say “We promise hysterical laughing, unladylike behavior, strings of cuss words, and happy exhaustive fatigue on all of our adventures”. Or, as the founder puts it, “we would do cool shit in cool places with cool chicks!”

I think you get the gist of the company’s philosohy!

Besides organizing women only adventure tours, Explorer Chick also offer day trips and long weekend getaways within the US which consist of adventures and hiking trips across the country. They can also organize private departures for any of their advertised tours where men are welcome to join.

+Strong focus on having fun and little tolerance for moaners and complainers who will be removed from the trips.

-Shorter trips are on the expensive side. Dietary needs may not be catered for (in which case you may have to bring your own food). No instalment plans.

Sights and Soul Travel

Sights and Soul Travel is a women travel package company that specializes in high-end women travel tours which include premium experiences and activities, wine and food and upscale hotels and hit the traditional tourist sites.

Expect wine tasting, spas, wellness elements and fine dining built into a more traditional and cultural trip.

Tours have a lot of activities and a packed itinerary so you will get to cover a lot. Because of the type of trip, they are appealing to mother-daughter getaways and the company states that their average guest is above the age of 55.

+Huge array of destinations with a more traditional travel style: buses, cities and main sites. Most of the trips are almost all inclusive.

-The itineraries are packed which can be a Pro and a Con. Prices are on the high-end for a shared accommodation. Groups can be a bit larger than other companies (up to 16 guests)

Femscape Sojourns

Femscape Sojourns was founded in 2018 and is a boutique mother-daughter small group travel company that organizes trips based on the traveler’s age. There are trips for women in their 20s and 30s and for women over 40. The company also has specific mother-daughter trips.

Founded by Tami and Latifah, Femscape Sojourns wants to empower women in the places they visit so they work and support local women-owned businesses. The idea is that travelers preferences change with age and that is why trips are tailored to various age groups.

In keeping with that, the mother-daughter duo escort the group in their age range.

+Small groups of 6-12 women. Unique mother-daughter trips for bonding. Cozy and personalised, hosted by the owners. Some trips have a free day you can customise.

-As the company is relatively new, the range of trips is very limited to Barcelona and Morocco.

Fit & Fly

Fit & Fly takes the idea of a fitness and wellness retreat to the next level with premium & luxury accommodation, local exploration and world class instructors.

Guests start the day with a fitness class and some evenings end with yoga, but the rest of the day is spent exploring the destination. Fitness is at the core of the trips.

+Premium accommodations and renowned fitness instructors flown in for the occasion.

-Very high price, especially for the single rooms. Limited options for solo travelers to share with other as many rooms are for single use or friends booking together.

SmarTours is a US company that specializes in creating exciting international tours at accessible prices. The company focuses and responsible and sustainable travel with groups an average of 23 guests.

SmarTours has an exclusive section of women-only tours, aimed at mature women who want to have a once in a lifetime experience. They inspire and empower women to travel and offer many immersive female-focused experiences in their trips.

Some of their top women-only tour destinations are Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. A few of their amazing female-focused experiences are: a modern Egyptian women lecture and connecting with Jordanian local women.

They also have a FB group where women can find a roommate or connect with fellow female guests before their trip.

+Immersing international trips at very affordable prices. Some trips have no single supplements at all. Exotic and fascinating destinations with mature women-focused experiences.

-Limited destinations for their women-only tours. Limited single room options. There is a single supplement in the majority of the tours. Large groups of up to 23 guests to keep costs down.

Road scholar women

Road scholar is known for its educational trips that are intensely focused on culture, learning and getting deep into the history of a place through lectures and sessions on various topics.

Besides their general trips that are open to anyone, the Road Scholar Women trips are exclusively for women. Some of their itineraries are exclusively women-only and designed with women in mind, whereas others are just women-only departures with the same general program.

+In-depth cultural and historical understanding with lectures led by specialists and experts on various cultural aspects of the country.

-Limited destinations for their women-only tours. Very large groups of 13 to 24 guests means the experience is different than that of a smaller group tour company.

Other women travel groups to look out for

Besides the above women’s tours there are a few other tours for women worth mentioning, as follows:

• Dare to detour offers retreats in the US that are more about self-discovery and taking a break from your daily life to pause, re-frame, rethink, and perhaps find yourself and your path again.
• Women traveling together offer solo traveler tours for women in the US. Trips are usually 6-7 days long and mostly culturally-focused.
• Living Big Travel is not an exclusive women travel group company but rather a custom-tour company that organizes trips for solo travelers so you can reach out to them if you wish to go on an adventure on your own.
• She Hit Refresh is a community which also organizes retreats in Spain and Morocco for women over the age of 30 who want to make a big change and pursue a life of travel. As the founder puts it “[the retreats are] a magical week of exploration, introspection, and inspiration!”
• Adventurous Women is an Australian company who offer tours, day trips, retreats and many memorable experiences throughout Australia. Most of the women who join them come solo and there’s a wide age range. Depending on the kind of adventure you’re into, you can find everything from hiking to water-based trips.
• Diva Destinations is a UK company that specializes in bringing together lesbian & queer women on group holidays. They have group tours in the UK, US, Norway and Portugal.

Why you should join a women travel group

Women want to travel and sometimes, they don’t have the right friend or travel companion to do so. While many choose to travel on their own ( watch our mini-documentary to find out more), many prefer to join a group. Both choices are amazing and rewarding, if you’re still thinking about it, get some inspiration from our solo travel quotes .

Although it sounds like an oxymoron, solo travel tours are a great alternative for inexperienced travelers who prefer the comfort of an organized tour where they can make new friends and gather the courage to go it alone in the future.

Several companies have sprung in recent years to facilitate women traveling together via group trips, hangouts or meet-up groups. Besides our own women only group trips, we also created a sub-group for solo female travelers wanting to swap homes, hangout or host other members of the community in a safe environment.

1 thought on “25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023”

Hi Abby, thanks for reaching out, we still have available places left on our Sudan tour in January. I have sent you an email from [email protected] with more information about both Sudan and Morocco, and look forward to continue chatting with you 🙂 (If the email doesn’t reach your inbox please check your ‘other’ folders too).

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Home » Blog » 25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023

Solo Travel Tour

Scandinavia explorer.

More Details >>

SOLO TRAVEL TOUR

SEPTEMBER 2024

ITALIAN SPLENDOUR

MORE DETAILS >>

Solo Travel

Awards winner.

SINCE 2006. 100% SOLO.

Selling Fast

Canadian rockies with alaska cruise 2020.

20 NIGHTS 'SOLOS ONLY ' SMALL GROUP 

Solo Travel Tours

Do you yearn to travel, but don’t want to travel alone? What if you knew that you could join a group just for solo travellers? Would this take the sting out of leaving home alone? Taking the first steps of planning a trip solo can feel daunting. But, join a ready-made trip, and you’re good to go. Enjoy the perks of group travel – hassle free travel when someone else does the planning for you. And even better, when you join a solo travel group, there’s new travel buddies waiting to share the journey. You’ve found us now. Get excited - starting searching .  Whether you are a first time solo traveller, or returning to solo travel that you know and love, find your fit from 7 travel styles , including Solo Luxe ® To travel alone is one thing. To travel solo, but not alone is something else. ©

DEPARTING SOON

Istanbul to the Aegean Coast including Gallipoli for ANZAC Day, with option to extend with a visit to Cappadocia

A small group tour exploring the highlights of Scandinavia including Copenhagen.

Superb small group touring visiting Ireland, England and Scotland

TRAVEL FOR LESS

Swoop up a saving when you book early.

A deluxe tour of the stunning South Island

BY TRAVEL STYLE

Because not all travellers are the same, choose from 6 styles - find your travel match! There's something for everyone - leisurely touring, walking and adventure trips, cruising the high seas and resort packages..

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Discover our own backyard - or across the waters, the contrasting lands of New Zealand, and the paradise of the islands of the South Pacific.

From the bustle of the cities, to serenity of the landscapes, the diversity is far and wide. Small group tours including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Singapore, Borneo Malaysia, and Japan.

Europe has something to offer every season of the year. Bursting with colour, culture, cuisine - first timers or well travelled; you'll want to come back.

Africa impresses like a place no other for it's animal kingdom, and its grandiose ancient history of the north.

From the north to the south, The Americas are an immense travel destination - from unspoiled landscapes to cosmopolitan cities.

TESTIMONIALS

"I felt comfortable travelling with a group of like-minded solos. It was great to have company for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. It was also great to have my own company at other times."

"Great cruise on Resilient Lady with a great group of Solos! The best way to cruise!"

'I thoroughly enjoyed my Encounter Travel holiday on Virgin Voyages maiden cruise from Melbourne to Tasmania.  That a group of strangers could meet up and all get on and enjoy themselves was amazing. Our tour guide Megan made sure everyone was included.  I highly recommend Encounter Travel and would definitely use them again.'

LATEST NEWS

There is so much to say about Virgin Voyages and what is special. There’s a twist to this one – a great twist too. Cruise fans should pay attention – especially if you’re loyal to another cruise company.

Morocco, a captivating display of colour, tradition, culture, delicious food and immense landscapes. Out now for 2023

We celebrated 17 years recently. Since 2006, leading the way for solo travellers.

MEET THE TEAM

Match a face with the name and meet the travel team taking care of solo travellers.

Encounter Travel

Two time award winner of the Global Solo Travel Awards, 2017 and 2018. Read more  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tasmanian Highlights, Australia

From Hobart to Launceston via the West Coast. Bay including a superb day cruise & rail journey.  Find out more.

Virgin Voyages Inaugural Season, Australia

Join our first group onboard Virgin Voyages departing Melbourne 11 December 2023. Find out more.

Danube River Cruise, Mega Savings

A 'Solos' group onboard a deluxe European River cruise.  Find out more.

Summer In New Zealand

A big favourite for touring New Zealand - The Ultimate NZ tour.  Find out more.

AUSTRALIA'S LEADING SOLO TRAVELLER SPECIALISTS

Australian owned.

100% Australian; we 'get' the Australian travel style. And, better still, our arms are open to welcome our friends from other countries around the world, who'd like to travel with friendly Aussies. ©

Solos 40 years+

Travel solo, not alone when you join one of our small group tours created with solo travellers 40 & over in mind.  Share your journey, without the drawbacks of big coach tours or the solitude of being alone. ©

We've been creating and delivering the best ever holidays for solo travellers since 2006. As a boutique tour operator, we delight in detail, delivering personal service and finding your next best memory. ©

Age-Matched

Our Solos Only trips are age-matched - it's more likely you will travel with other like-minded single travellers. Popular age groups include 40 to 59 years and 45 years & over.

Under 49's

A new addition to our line up; small groups Under 49's Trips are packed with all the essentials.  It's is for everyone 30 to 49. Solo, with or with a buddy  - it is for travellers looking to explore with their age group.

Solos Only or Solos Mix?

Take your pick! Join our 'Solos Only' groups, exclusively for solos travellers. Or, join 'Solos Mix' - tours we've hand picked, popular with solos but mixing it up couples also.  ©

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1800 001 778

Women-Only Tours

Women-Only Tours: Explore the World with Confidence and Curiosity

SEARCH ALL TOURS

WHY CHOOSE WOMEN-ONLY TOURS WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS?

Created with You in Mind

See the icons with our Insightful Encounters and meet inspiring women through MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.

Travel in Small Groups

Express yourself with confidence, with just 20 other female travellers and plenty of solo rooms available**.

'Business Class' Tours

Stylish, hand-picked hotels, top-rated dining and stress-free travel with your female Travel Director taking care of the details.

Celebrate Women of History in Egypt

Explore Valley of the Queens, a burial ground for the wives, daughters and sons of Kings from 1550 to 1080 BC.

Experience on: Splendours of Egypt >

Help Preserve Ancient Customs in Peru

Meet the Quechua weavers of Peru’s Sacred Valley, and learn about the cultural importance of this ancient craft.

Experience on: Peru with Machu Picchu >

Meet a Celebrated Chef in Morocco

Delve into Moroccan gastronomy as Chef Najat Kaanache presents her tasting menu, blurring art and cuisine.

Experience on: Best of Morocco >

WOMEN-ONLY HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES

See our women-only tours.

Join small, women-only groups on 11 expert-curated itineraries that span the world from North Africa to South America.

Save up to $639

Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour

5 Locations

8-day Women-Only Tour of Glasgow, Oban, Inverness and Edinburgh 

Standard price

Save up to $614

Northern Capitals, a Women-Only Tour

4 Locations

4 Countries

Embrace the spirit of the northern capitals on this 10-day Women-Only Tour

Save up to $674

New England's Fall Foliage, a Women-Only Tour

10 Locations

Celebrate the Beauty and Bounty of New England on a 8-Day Women-Only Tour in the U.S.

Save up to $585

Splendours of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour

7 Locations

Cruise the Nile River and See the Pyramids on a 12-Day Women-Only Tour of Egypt

VIEW ALL TOURS

"Women-only travel isn’t just about exploring new destinations. It’s about breaking down barriers, rewriting stories and redefining our place in the world while creating unforgettable memories with women who share an adventurous spirit."

- Ulla Hefel-Böhler, COO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your search for ""

What is solo female travel?

The term solo female travel generally refers to travelling alone, on a self-guided itinerary. But travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone, or indeed, under your own steam. Choosing small group travel offers you plenty of time and space to do your own thing, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded fellow travellers. Plus – the peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of by destination experts.

How to find female solo travel partners?

Our small group Women-Only Tours are the perfect way to find like-minded solo travel partners. Choose from 11 enriching and inspiring itineraries, where the experiences, destinations, ‘Business Class style’ transport and hand-picked 4- and 5-star hotels are all included. Get to know your fellow female travellers over dinners at top-rated restaurants, and through Insightful Encounters and meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. You can also join our Insight Vacations Facebook group and meet fellow female travellers there.

Where is the best place to travel solo female?

Where you choose to go really depends on what you want from your vacation. Do you want to try somewhere new, step out of your comfort zone or maybe rediscover a place you’ve been before in a whole new light? With our Women-Only tours, we offer a wide variety of options, including Europe, America, India and Morocco, so there's something for everyone.

What size are the groups on Women-Only tours?

All Women-Only tours are small groups. The maximum group size is 24 but the average group size is 20.

How can a senior woman travel alone?

The key is to do what feels comfortable. There are many options based on individual preferences. We’ve found that senior female travellers enjoy tours for the camaraderie and added sense of security, plus a premium level of hotel, dining and comfort, and our Women-Only Tours are curated with all this in mind.

What is the safest country for solo females?

Primarily, the countries that women feel most secure in tend to be the ones that they are most familiar with. North America and Europe are great starting points. Both destinations have mature tourism industries that provide plenty of support to visitors. For destinations less familiar or more adventurous (hiking Machu Picchu, for example), a tour can help women feel more secure and confident.

Which country is the safest for solo female travellers in Europe?

Europe encompasses many different countries with different experiences. Overall, as a collection of mostly wealthy Western democracies, crime is low and travellers can feel safe. Scotland and Ireland are especially warm and welcoming, as are Italy and Spain. It is always advisable to check government advisories for travel and to travel smart, wherever your destination.

Will there be an all-women on-the-road team?

Our Women-Only tours will always be led by a female Travel Director and Local Experts. Your driver will also be a woman, where possible.

How many single occupancy rooms are available?

Due to the small size of our Women-Only tour groups, there will be plenty of single-occupancy rooms available. The only exception is our Splendours of Egypt Women-Only tour, where cabins are limited on the Nile cruise.

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

Terms & Conditions

*Valid for new Insight Vacations guided land bookings part of the Women-Only Tours collection. Offer must be booked and deposited between 08 March and 31 May 2024 for travel in 2025. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards discount. Offer not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount, Last Minute Deals or any other discounts or general market promotions. Other conditions may apply. Ask your travel agent for details or contact Insight Vacations. 

**Solo rooms are available for guests choosing the solo supplement rather than a room share. Egypt has limited solo rooms due to cruise ship availability.

Back to Top

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

Latin America

North Africa

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Special Interest Tours

Enquire Now

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN WOMENS TRAVEL 

We specialise in small group tours for women, offering the opportunity to truly experience the local culture, history,

and food of two of the world's best destinations.

With 18 years of experience, we provide the confidence you need to sit back, relax and create lasting memories with like-minded women.

ALL TOURS FOR 2024 BOOKED OUT 

INDIA- RAJASTHAN PLUS 

MAXIMUM 10 TRAVEL PARTICIPANTS 22 Days | February 12- March 5 2025 

DELHI | AGRA | JAPUIR | MANDAWA | PUSHKAR|JODHPUR | RAVLAR KHEMPUR | UDAIPUR | BUNDI | PATAN RANTHANMBORE | ABHANERI  

TOUR ITALY - ANDIAMO ITALIA

MAXIMUM 10 TRAVEL PARTICPANTS  23 Days | May 9 - May 30 2025

ROME | POMPEII|SORRENTO|ORVIETO|ASSISI| SIENA|CHIANTI CLASSICO| TUSCANY|FLORENCE| PISA|

LUCCA|CINQUE TERRE| LAKE COMO |VERONA| VENICE

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

                THE AUSTRALIAN WOMENS TRAVEL DIFFERENCE                                SMALL GROUP TRAVEL : WOMEN ONLY TOURS 

With over 18 years experience, personally creating itineraries and running women's travel and tours , plus my own private travel experiences, I can escort you to many places that are never visited by mass market tour groups. Sit back, relax and let me do all the work, while you create your lasting memories.

SMALL GROUP

My small, friendly fully escorted women only tours, are about a fifth of the size of most tour groups. This is travel for women at its best. You are able to see, do and experience things that large tour groups would never be able to do .

PERSONALISED SERVICE

My tours are created exclusively for women, you travel with a maximum of 10 travellers ( plus one or two escorts ), this assures that your needs and questions can be addressed, this is you wonderful holiday and I will do my best to support you to make it a memorable experience.

PRIVATE TOURING AND TRANSFERS

Relax as you travel, your tour includes being picked up from all of our fights and all of our touring with private vans and drivers. 

During my tours I use smaller hotels, right n the heart of where we want to be, so there is no travelling in and out each day. This gives us the freedom and opportunity to really experience a place, to be able to watch the ever changing moods of an area, as the day progresses into night. Larger tour groups, because of their size ( often between 40 - 50 people ), often stay in larger characterless hotels, which require them to travel in and out of their destination each day.

PRE PURCHASED TICKETS

Zip past the queues !! On you tour ( where possible ), all tickets are pre -purchased, no waiting in long lines to visit sights and attractions. 

Being a small group tour, gives us the opportunity to eat in smaller local eateries, experiencing the joy that can bring, rather than large characterless smorgasbords meals, that all start to look the same after a while. Breakfast is included in all my women's travel, tours.

SIGHTSEEING

Whilst we have a daily itinerary as we travel, on my tours there is time for us to be flexible within the itinerary. 

CONTACT US 

Thanks for submitting!

Travelling solo? Three Australian women share their experiences and tips for going it alone

There can be many barriers getting in the way of travelling — the cost, getting time off and rearranging care commitments.

But for many women there can be an added barrier — having no one to go with.

There seems to be more of a stigma about women travelling alone than men. 

Because it's not just loneliness or the potential awkwardness of being alone that can put some women off travelling solo — it's also about safety.

'Geography of fear' creates a barrier for women

Catheryn Khoo, professor and researcher of hospitality and tourism at Torrens University, says safety is an issue for everyone, not just women.

"It is more the social discourse around safety that is a huge barrier for women wanting to travel solo," Dr Khoo told the ABC.

"The media perpetuates danger by reinforcing.

"It creates the geography of fear for women and incites self-doubt."

But Dr Khoo says there are many good reasons for women to travel on their own.

"Women find themselves tied to the responsibilities attached to their roles as women, mothers, daughters, wives, and partners.

"But when they go on a solo journey, they no longer have to fulfil these roles.

"They live only for themselves and only have themselves to take care of."

And when they share these experiences, it can also empower other women to break the stigma. 

"Women who have actually travelled solo are creating a social acceptance of doing so, which gives others courage to do the same," Dr Khoo says.

"For these women, the motivations are personal growth, self-discovery, empowerment, and independence."

We spoke to three women about their experiences travelling alone. 

'Yearning for adventure'

Eleea Navarro has climbed Mount Fuji, ridden bareback with Andalusian horses in Spain and braved the heat of the Sahara Desert. 

And she did it all on her own.

"I feel confident travelling by myself," Eleea tells the ABC.

"And the thing that still pushes me to travel is the thrill of the unknown, my yearning for adventure, wanting to connect with new people, and wanting to get to know myself better.

"The beauty of going solo is that the only person you have to convince is yourself."

'Liberating' and 'overwhelming'

Travelling abroad was never a possibility for Chelsea Golding's family when she was growing up.

But now she's in her 20s, things are different. 

So when the timing felt right in 2023 she decided it was "now or never" and went on a solo trip through South-East Asia for three months.

"Going off on my own for the first time was definitely a shock to the system," Chelsea tells the ABC.

"It went in waves where it was the most liberating feeling, to something that felt quite overwhelming.

"But I would absolutely do it again, it was an amazing experience."

Writing the next chapter

For Donna Manders, the catalyst for her solo adventure was a little different.

After her divorce a few years ago, she found herself experiencing a lack of identity, not knowing who she was or where she fitted in. Even though she had love and support from her children, family, friends and work colleagues.

"I felt like I still had so much to offer and that I was only halfway through my life story," Donna tells the ABC.

"The usual commentary around situations like this, a middle-aged, divorced woman with grown children, is 'just keep going as the best is behind you now'.

"But that didn't feel right to me."

So, with an unexplainable desire to push herself, Donna decided to take a leap of faith and write the next chapter of her life story.

She travelled for two and a half months through Italy, England, and Scotland solo.

"Although it was a journey of emotions along the way, I learnt how capable and resilient I actually am," she says.

"I learnt to trust my intuition, lean into the solitude and silence, so I could finally hear myself."

But it wasn't all sunshine

Eleea says being able to travel is an incredible privilege, but warns that it is romanticised online.

"Just like in real life, you're likely to get exhausted, ripped off, sick, injured, financially stressed, overwhelmed, lost, confused, or lonely.

"I've experienced everything from intense food poisoning while on a 10-hour bus commute, being scammed by a dilapidated half-built resort in Hoi An, and getting bitten by bed bugs from a cheap hostel in Budapest.

"I was also depressingly lonely for days on end on one of my first solo trips to Vietnam.

"I resorted to crossing my fingers as people walked past, hoping they'd talk to me."

Donna says that although she felt excitement and joy, there were times where she felt isolated, lonely and sad, but was able to navigate her way out of those feelings with a few tools.

"I repeated my favourite affirmations, listened to music — this is where your favourite playlist comes into the picture — wrote in a journal, and just learnt to trust myself."

Chelsea recalls times where she was shouted at and experienced catcalling in Malaysia.

"There's probably nothing I could have done in that situation to make it less confronting, as I was already dressing modestly to respect the customs."

What are their safety tips?

Eleea recommends walking with confidence and trying not to look like a tourist.

"If you're following directions on maps, try putting one headphone in your ear to listen to the audio cues, instead of constantly looking down at the map on your phone," she said.

"This helps you stay more aware of your surroundings and look more confident, like a local."

Eleea says she also wore a plain ring on her wedding finger as a deterrent from unwanted attention.

Here's some more tips from our three solo travellers:

• Learn the language and customs of your destination 
• Give friends and family members your full itinerary
• Never go overseas without travel insurance
• Dress simply and don't wear expensive jewellery to avoid unwanted attention
• Keep in touch with a good support network, even if they're back home
• Switch on a 'find my phone' setting on your smartphone
• Travel light with your luggage so you confidently carry everything without help
• Book accommodation near public transport
• Project a sense of being in control, especially in crowded places and public transport areas
• Be wary about giving out the address of your accommodation
• Get an e-SIM or local SIM card that allows you to make calls and access the internet
• Call family of friends while walking out at night on a quiet road
• Carry your valuables in bum bag strapped around your waist or a crossbody bag
• Wear a backpack on the front of your body when in crowded places or on public transport

How to overcome solo travel fears

Do your homework before you start booking.

" Join a supportive online community that supports women's travel," Dr Khoo says.

"This will mitigate perceived risks, and eliminate fear, doubt, and anxiety.

"You can also read the empowering literature on solo travel and be inspired by the stories."

This was something Donna couldn't recommend enough.

Chelsea and Eleea recommend staying in hostels as a way to meet fellow travellers and build a sense of community away from home.

"I would often meet friends in my hostel dorm or on free walking tours on my first day in a new destination," Eleea says.

"I usually opt for the largest mixed gender hostel dorm available, as it's typically the cheapest and the most likely place to meet new friends.

"And most importantly, don't be afraid to say hello to somebody and start a conversation."

Prepare yourself for a certain level of discomfort, Chelsea says. 

"You can plan as much as possible but there will always be an element that you can't predict or feels out of your control.

"So being willing to be uncomfortable is necessary."

But Eleea believes overcoming these minor discomforts can make you more confident and resilient person.

"Plus if nothing goes wrong, then you have no funny stories to tell when you get home."

'Best thing I've ever done'

Donna says travelling on your own takes confidence and courage.

It helps you gain perspective and can reveal strengths you never knew you had. 

This is why Donna says it's the "best thing I've ever done". 

"I highly recommend it to anyone, especially middle aged women who may think their story is over.

"Don't be put off by your age.

"If you want to do it, give it a go."

For Eleea, solo travel has altered the course of her life in the most positive light.

"I have never regretted a trip, even if things weren't perfect.

"I feel so lucky to have the passport and freedom to see the world, and I try to appreciate and immerse myself in every moment."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Solo female travellers hit the road, finding freedom and friendship in the outback.

Older women 'Rolling Solo' find confidence and support while travelling alone

They've been to every country on the planet. These are their favourites

• European Union
• Human Interest
• Travel Preparation and Advice
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

How a woman cop took out Sydney knifeman with 'single shot to his chest'

After the attacker went on a rampage inside the sydney mall, stabbing shoppers, a woman cop decided to take him on alone. .

Listen to Story

• Five dead, several injured in mass stabbing incident at shopping centre
• Heroic act by woman police officer prevents more casualties
• Eyewitness says woman cop handled situation 'calmly'

The casualties in the attack at a shopping centre in Bondi Junction in Sydney could have been higher but for a brave and sharp-witted woman police officer, who took on the knifeman alone and shot him dead. Six people have died and several injured in the mass stabbing incident in Westfield.

After the attacker went on a rampage inside the mall, stabbing shoppers, including a nine-month-old baby, the woman cop decided to take him on alone.

Even as panicked shoppers made a dash for the exit, the woman cop followed the attacker, wearing an Australian Rugby League team jersey, and killed him with a single shot to his chest, a report on news.au said.

An eyewitness said the police officer handled the situation calmly and asked the attacker to drop his knife. However, the attacker lunged at the cop with his knife before he was shot dead.

"She was put in a situation where she had to do it. She did it so calmly. She was amazing," Michael Dunkley, an owner of a cafe, told news.com.au.

Meanwhile, videos have flooded social media of local citizens throwing tables and chairs at the knifeman to take him down. Another footage emerged of one man taking him on with a bollard.

A man, wearing a white t-shirt, is also seen attempting to stop the attacker from getting up an escalator.

• International

6 killed in Sydney mall stabbing attack

By Sophie Tanno and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Early indications say attack was not terror related, police say

From CNN's Chris Liakos 

New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday that early indications suggest the Sydney mall stabbing attack is not terror related but cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing.

Webb told reporters that current elements do not point to a terror motive, adding however that the investigation will be ongoing "for many many days" and that it is "too early to say" what was behind the attack.

According to Webb, police believe that the suspect is a 40-year-old man but as background checks remain ongoing, she could not provide further identification details.

Webb said she was "confident" that there is no ongoing risk and that "we are dealing with one person who is now deceased."

The suspect was shot dead at the scene by a lone officer, police earlier said.

In pictures: Stabbing at Sydney shopping mall

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

Sydney has been left stunned after a mass stabbing at a shopping mall left at least six people dead. Here are some of the latest pictures from the scene.

"Do not go down there": Witnesses describe scenes of pandemonium in Sydney shopping mall

From CNN"s Sophie Tanno

Witnesses inside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack took place have described scenes of chaos.

CNN’s Australian affiliate, 9 News Sydney, spoke to an eyewitness who said people were running through the shopping center and falling over each other, describing the situation as “pandemonium.”

Two brothers who were there told 9 News they saw a baby and mother stabbed and tried to help.

“The baby got stabbed and the mum got stabbed," one of the brothers said. “We were holding the baby and trying to compress the baby. Same with the mother, trying to compress the blood from stopping.”

One man described seeing a man in a green shirt stabbing others "indiscriminately."

"[We just heard] screaming, screaming and it didn't seem that long before we heard 'boom boom boom' of the gunshot and we thought, 'We hope it's the police,'" the witness told Australia's state broadcaster ABC. "[A person] is dying 10 metres away … I grabbed towels and there were three people dying around me. "It was just carnage."

Another man who did not give his name told ABC that the attacker would have continued his deadly rampage if the police officer had not intervened.

"If she did not shoot him, he would have kept going, he was on the rampage," he said.

Woman hid at back of clothes shop for over an hour during attack

From CNN's Sophie Tanno

One eyewitness who was inside Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack unfolded described hiding in the back of a shop.

Crystal Wang explained how, after arriving at Westfield at around 3.20pm – just as the attack began – she walked into a clothes store where "the girls at the shop shut the door behind me and turned off lights."

She continued: "I was really confused, and they told me someone is stabbing people with a knife in the mall. I was hiding at the back of the shop, saw some people fleeing, and then heard [a] few gun shots.”

At first, Crystal thought there had been a power cut, before she realized the severity of the situation she had found herself in.

"A siren went on and not long after, I heard gun shots and started to panic, I was worried the attacker also had a gun," she said. "That's when the shop assistants asked everyone to hide in their storage room."

She added that management announcements probably made the situation worse.

“They were saying 'all the customers please evacuate immediately.' "We were obviously locked inside, just really confused if we should get out of the shop or stay in. "The lady who's making the announcement is obviously panicking as well, which just made us more anxious. She was even swearing at the end of her announcements."

Crystal and other shoppers stayed in hiding for an hour and half, until they were able to leave.

Mass casualty events are rare in Australia

By Sophie Tanno, CNN

The stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction that has left six people dead has sent shockwaves across Australia, a country where mass casualty events are rare.

The most recent comparable event happened in 2019, when at least four people were killed and one injured in a mass shooting in Darwin, northern Australia.

April 1996 saw a mass shooting which became known as the Port Arthur massacre – the deadliest in Australia’s modern history – when 35 people were killed in the tourist town in the state of Tasmania.

After that incident, gun control laws in Australia were significantly tightened.

Officer who confronted knife attacker "a hero" who saved lives, Australian prime minister says

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Sydney mall attack as a "horrific act of violence indiscriminately targeting innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday."

Albanese could not confirm the attacker's motive but commended the officer who confronted the offender and apprehended him. He said, "She is certainly a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action."

Albanese said that he had no information about the attacker's motive and that speculation would be unhelpful now. 

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said that the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organization were working on the investigation to ascertain the motive of the attacker. 

No motive given for Sydney mall attack, although nothing "ruled out"

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu and Teele Rebane 

No information has yet been given as to the attacker's identity or a possible motive.

However, New South Wales Police's Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said they are "not ruling anything out" at this stage, including terrorism.

In a news conference Saturday, Cooke said that he did not know who the offender was, and that the police were making attempts to identify him.

He added that the police are at the very early stages of the investigation. 

Death toll rises to six in Sydney mall attack

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu and Teele Rebane

A sixth person has been confirmed dead following the attack at the Sydney mall, a New South Wales Police spokesperson told CNN.

Five were killed at the shopping center, and one person has since died from stab wounds in the hospital. 

The attacker was also killed by a police officer at the scene.

Sydney mall attacker was confronted and killed by a single officer

A single unit police inspector killed the Sydney mall attacker on level five of the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center, according to New South Wales Police's Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke.

Cooke told reporters that the inspector was nearby and in the local area. She was a senior police inspector who was alone and engaged with the attacker when she was on the scene.

She shot the offender when he raised a knife at her.

“She discharged her firearm, and that person is now deceased,” Cooke said.

The same officer was also seen in videos on social media administering CPR to those who had been injured.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

• International

6 killed in Sydney mall stabbing attack

By Sophie Tanno and Tori B. Powell , CNN

"Do not go down there": Witnesses describe scenes of pandemonium in Sydney shopping mall

From CNN"s Sophie Tanno

Witnesses inside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack took place have described scenes of chaos.

CNN’s Australian affiliate, 9 News Sydney, spoke to an eyewitness who said people were running through the shopping center and falling over each other, describing the situation as “pandemonium.”

Two brothers who were there told 9 News they saw a baby and mother stabbed and tried to help.

“The baby got stabbed and the mum got stabbed," one of the brothers said. “We were holding the baby and trying to compress the baby. Same with the mother, trying to compress the blood from stopping.”

One man described seeing a man in a green shirt stabbing others "indiscriminately."

"[We just heard] screaming, screaming and it didn't seem that long before we heard 'boom boom boom' of the gunshot and we thought, 'We hope it's the police,'" the witness told Australia's state broadcaster ABC. "[A person] is dying 10 metres away … I grabbed towels and there were three people dying around me. "It was just carnage."

Another man who did not give his name told ABC that the attacker would have continued his deadly rampage if the police officer had not intervened.

"If she did not shoot him, he would have kept going, he was on the rampage," he said.

Woman hid at back of clothes shop for over an hour during attack

From CNN's Sophie Tanno

One eyewitness who was inside Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack unfolded described hiding in the back of a shop.

Crystal Wang explained how, after arriving at Westfield at around 3.20pm – just as the attack began – she walked into a clothes store where "the girls at the shop shut the door behind me and turned off lights."

She continued: "I was really confused, and they told me someone is stabbing people with a knife in the mall. I was hiding at the back of the shop, saw some people fleeing, and then heard [a] few gun shots.”

At first, Crystal thought there had been a power cut, before she realized the severity of the situation she had found herself in.

"A siren went on and not long after, I heard gun shots and started to panic, I was worried the attacker also had a gun," she said. "That's when the shop assistants asked everyone to hide in their storage room."

She added that management announcements probably made the situation worse.

“They were saying 'all the customers please evacuate immediately.' "We were obviously locked inside, just really confused if we should get out of the shop or stay in. "The lady who's making the announcement is obviously panicking as well, which just made us more anxious. She was even swearing at the end of her announcements."

Crystal and other shoppers stayed in hiding for an hour and half, until they were able to leave.

Mass casualty events are rare in Australia

By Sophie Tanno, CNN

The stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction that has left six people dead has sent shockwaves across Australia, a country where mass casualty events are rare.

The most recent comparable event happened in 2019, when at least four people were killed and one injured in a mass shooting in Darwin, northern Australia.

April 1996 saw a mass shooting which became known as the Port Arthur massacre – the deadliest in Australia’s modern history – when 35 people were killed in the tourist town in the state of Tasmania.

After that incident, gun control laws in Australia were significantly tightened.

Officer who confronted knife attacker "a hero" who saved lives, Australian prime minister says

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Sydney mall attack as a "horrific act of violence indiscriminately targeting innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday."

Albanese could not confirm the attacker's motive but commended the officer who confronted the offender and apprehended him. He said, "She is certainly a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action."

Albanese said that he had no information about the attacker's motive and that speculation would be unhelpful now. 

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said that the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organization were working on the investigation to ascertain the motive of the attacker. 

No motive given for Sydney mall attack, although nothing "ruled out"

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu and Teele Rebane 

No information has yet been given as to the attacker's identity or a possible motive.

However, New South Wales Police's Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said they are "not ruling anything out" at this stage, including terrorism.

In a news conference Saturday, Cooke said that he did not know who the offender was, and that the police were making attempts to identify him.

He added that the police are at the very early stages of the investigation. 

Death toll rises to six in Sydney mall attack

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu and Teele Rebane

A sixth person has been confirmed dead following the attack at the Sydney mall, a New South Wales Police spokesperson told CNN.

Five were killed at the shopping center, and one person has since died from stab wounds in the hospital. 

The attacker was also killed by a police officer at the scene.

Sydney mall attacker was confronted and killed by a single officer

A single unit police inspector killed the Sydney mall attacker on level five of the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center, according to New South Wales Police's Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke.

Cooke told reporters that the inspector was nearby and in the local area. She was a senior police inspector who was alone and engaged with the attacker when she was on the scene.

She shot the offender when he raised a knife at her.

“She discharged her firearm, and that person is now deceased,” Cooke said.

The same officer was also seen in videos on social media administering CPR to those who had been injured.

5 people have been killed in a mass stabbing in Sydney

Five people have been killed after a male armed with a knife went on a rampage at a busy shopping center in Sydney on Saturday, in an attack Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as "beyond words or understanding."

The suspect acted alone and was shot dead at the scene by an officer, police said.

Scores of other victims remain in a serious or critical condition in hospital, including a baby.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

latest in World News

Sydney mall attack madman 'focused on' women, police say:...

Ex-NATO leader rips 'timid' White House for not hitting harder at...

Teen terrorists planned Islamist-motivated attack on churches,...

Coast Guard intercepts US-bound migrants on shabby home-made...

Sydney mall attack madman's 6 victims include mom who died...

Iranian general whose assassination triggered weekend attack on...

Anti-Israel protester sobs during arraignment after 'murder you'...

Israelis flock to beaches, cafes after Iran attack: 'It's normal...

Breaking news, hero cop who single-handedly stopped crazed sydney mall stabber id’d as amy scott.

• View Author Archive
• Email the Author
• Follow on Twitter
• Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

The female cop who single-handedly confronted and stopped a knife-wielding madman who killed six people at a Sydney shopping mall has been identified as a veteran officer.

The officer – identified in local reports as Amy Scott, a high-ranking inspector at the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command – had been on the job for more than a decade prior to the harrowing attack at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre on Saturday.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Scott displayed “enormous courage and bravery” while responding to the incident that left six people dead, including a 38-year-old mother who desperately tried to protect her 9-month-old daughter, who remained in serious condition following surgery for her wounds.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke also praised Scott for her rapid response,  the Sydney Morning Herald reported .

Photos taken at the choatic stabbing scene showed the officer kneeling beside the 40-year-old suspect whom she had just shot – his knife visible near his hands and a pool of blood gathering around him.

Scott shot the suspect in the chest, witness Jason Dixon  told The Daily Telegraph .

“She had to shoot him because he just kept coming,” Dixon said. “He had a knife and he wasn’t going to stop. He was advancing at her and he was running, coming to get someone else. I’m glad she got him because if she didn’t, he would have stabbed her, too.”

The fearless female cop, who wasn’t injured, was “doing well under the circumstances,” Webb said.

“She showed enormous courage and bravery,” the police commissioner continued, adding Scott was alone when she confronted the suspect. “She will be interviewed tomorrow.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

Coachella 2024: Wildest outfits from festival’s first weekend

While there’s been divide over the line-up, the Coachella fashion has been “insane”, with many opting for a “basically naked” new look.

‘Global first’: Aussie star’s huge new role

Pip Edwards’ horrifying fashion prediction

‘Never been hotter’: Wild bum trend returns

This year’s Coachella is well and truly underway, and while there has been a mixed response to the line-up, there’s one thing that never disappoints: the fashion.

During the first weekend of the iconic annual event held in California, influencer attendees pulled out all the stops on their outfits, opting for an array of skimpy designs.

Madeleine White, a fashion model who has amassed a large TikTok following experimenting with outfits, turned heads at the crowded music event wearing a butterfly top adorned with body beads.

The turquoise design from Mermaid Lucia was tied to her body, leaving a trail of pearls and gems cascading across her shoulders, while flashing her bare skin.

She paired the tiny top with a matching ruffled skirt and white cowboy boots, proving Western trend is definitely going strong this year.

In one snap, the model’s bust had to be covered by a heart emoji on TikTok , as the outfit is too revealing for the social media platform often used by under 18s.

The platform takes a strict stance on “indecent” images, banning videos photos that can be viewed as sexual, as per its community guidelines.

White was able to share the uncensored snaps on Instagram.

Understandably, the star’s 2 million fans loved it, with one writing: “This look is everything, it’s giving fairy, it’s giving mermaid, princess, star, stunning. absolutely stunning. Jaw is on the FLOOR.”

“Queen behaviour,” another said, as one agreed: “This is the best look yet.”

Some pointed out the look was “very revealing”, with one even stating: “Thought you were naked for a second then.”

Others noted the “insane” outfit signalled the return of the butterfly bra top, an iconic look from the 90s and early Noughties, which was once loved by a long line of stars – including Mariah Carey.

“And the butterfly returns with FULL FORCE,” one commented.

“Don’t mind me, just off to buy a butterfly bra top,” agreed another.

White wasn’t the only influencer who turned up the heat with their Coachella outfit, TikTok megastar Charli D’Amelio also opted for a racy design, wearing a black G-string skirt to enjoy the festivities.

The influencer, who has almost 200 million followers on social media, wore a sheer ruffled number over a black G-string bikini which she paired with a single belly chain.

British reality star turned influencer, Chloe Burrows, also went for the “less is more” aesthetic, wearing a black bra which showed off her “underboob” worn with a pair of see-through lace pants.

Burrows, who appeared on UK Love Island , wore her blonde hair in loose waves and opted for comfy black boots.

US model Georgina Mazzeo posed in front of the instantly recognisable Coachella ferris wheel wearing a crochet dress with serious cut-outs.

The racy design, which is nude in colour, flashed her midriff, belly button and bust, and was also completely see-through.

Mazzeo paired the seriously revealing outfit with a cowboy hat, cowboy boots and a tassel bag.

More Coverage

“Woahhhh look at you,” one fan wrote after she posted a carousel of images wearing the daring Coachella look on Instagram.

“This outfit looks amazing on you,” another agreed.

As one surmised: “You’re basically naked.”

Jewellery brand Michael Hill has named Miranda Kerr as its first-ever global ambassador – a “momentous” step in its ongoing transformation.

The PE Nation founder has predicted the return of a style that will send shudders through women across the nation.

Red carpets and runway shows have embraced an often concealed body part – with some declaring the daring look has “never been hotter”.